I'm looking to put together a budget vinyl record playing set-up for my stepfather who has a large vinyl collection. (249+50=299 out front cost but shorter chain and modern tech)Īm I missing anything in the calculation I should be factoring in? I've never really worked with vintage electronics before I have slight concerns on maintenance/reliability moving forward (though I don't really need modern features outside of possibly the preamp and any convenience/safety items) RT81> Schitt Sys -> (existing switch) -> (Schiit Valhalla|Speakers) LX-510 -> Schiit Mani -> Schitt Sys -> (existing switch) -> (Schiit Valhalla|Speakers)Ĭhecking costs I'd need to buy the Mani, Sys, + cartridge (129+50+50=229).Īlternatively, I could just buy a modern record player and skip the Mani i think, either AT-LP120 pr Fluance RT81 were what I was leaning toward. For the Sony, it looks like I'd need to get a Phono PreAmp + switch, chain looking like PC -> Schiit Bifrost -> (Existing Switch) ->(Schiit Valhalla|Speakers)Īnd I want to feed this setup alternatively with the records. Looking to get a small setup and my timetable was pushed up by a friends offer of a ~free Sony PS-LX510 in (pretty) good condition he thought it was in need of a new cartridge but otherwise in good shape. I have not tried out allot but I really like my Nitty Gritty 1.0, $300-400 new on ebay. I got all my carts new, grey market, from 2juki. I really wish AT would bring this cart back. I has a replaceable stylus and sounds a bit nicer to my ears than the dl-110. If you don't mind looking a bit I really like the at30he. Back when it was $100 it was pretty much untouchable. It is no joke.Ĭarts: There's always the favorite dl-110. Had I not gotten a massive discount used ($500) on my avid pellar I'd still have my Bugle. I have heard allot of so called giant killers and usually was not that impressed. Phono pre: Haggerman Bugle 2: $189, This phono pre is a literal giant killer. Stax believe it or not would probably be my second pick (most likely micro seiki arms) There are allot of good arms out there but fr is my fav. Tone arm: If you have the option I highly recommend fidelity research. It is not really worth the expensive shipping and transformer till you hit around $1k. Other worthy mentions are dp59l, ps8750, sl-1025, pl71, most of these will be 100v so use a transformer from JVC/Victor made some really nice automatics as well. TT recommendations: Kenwood kp-9010: $1k, Yamaha gt2000: $2k, Micro Seiki bl-91: $2k. There is also a stereo technician or two in most big metro area's. I hate to say it but Japan is miles ahead of the US in terms of packaging a TT which is critical imo. The vintage Japan TT's might be older but were built to last a lifetime, especially Technics. Massively recommend vintage Japan TT's as well as buying TT's from Japan. My personal recommendation is what I own and it ends up being around $2k. New, vintage, direct, idler and belt drive.