I apologize for making yet another one of these things but I have searched and read everything I can get my hands on for the past several months and I am more confused than ever.
I have a relatively modest budget for a Christmas present for my fiance. She has dozens of old albums that are just sitting in milk crates since her turntable broke several years ago and she never replaced it. I was originally in the $250-350 range but I am willing to look a little higher if it will get me a decent sounding table that will last.
Setup: I have a Denon AVR-988 with phono inputs that I use for our home theater. It is running a Polk 12" sub, Polk Monitor 65T front speakers, Polk Monitor 35B rear speakers, and Polk CS2 center speaker. I knowI do not need a pre-amp but would adding one in-line make the audio quality better? Also, is there a difference in having the receiver distribute the sound to the 5 speakers or should I leave it set to stereo?
Here are my options:
1. AT-LP120-USB - $249. The least expensive and the one I'm leaning towards. Is the AT95E this comes with going to be sufficient for a few months to a year or should I upgrade immediately? I was looking at the Shure M97xE, which still keeps me under $320. My concern here is longevity and quality control issues. These seem to be "hit and miss" in the Amazon reviews.
2. Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC) - $449. I can't seem to find any reviews on this updated model. I was originally turned off by the Carbon because of all the issues with motor noise but I'm thinking this has fixed that? But I can't find any reviews that confirm it. I also wouldn't have to mess with swapping the cartridge. Is there going to be a noticeable difference between this and the AT with an upgraded cartridge? The AT has been getting pretty rave reviews lately....
I've also looked at the entry level Regas and Music Halls and I wasn't impressed.
3. I know it's going to come out, so let's just throw a used Technics in here. I did find a couple on Craigslist in my area that are in my price range but in questionable condition. One is $350, missing a dust cover and no cartridge. The other didn't even have pictures. I don't really see these as options as I don't have the time or money to put into restoring one. Maybe down the line but not right now. Unless I can find one in pristine condition, with a cartridge, ready to go, under $450, I don't want to venture down this road.
Lastly, is there anything else I would need right away? Dust brush, cleaning supplies, track force gauge, etc.?
Thanks in advance for any help and advice!
I have a relatively modest budget for a Christmas present for my fiance. She has dozens of old albums that are just sitting in milk crates since her turntable broke several years ago and she never replaced it. I was originally in the $250-350 range but I am willing to look a little higher if it will get me a decent sounding table that will last.
Setup: I have a Denon AVR-988 with phono inputs that I use for our home theater. It is running a Polk 12" sub, Polk Monitor 65T front speakers, Polk Monitor 35B rear speakers, and Polk CS2 center speaker. I knowI do not need a pre-amp but would adding one in-line make the audio quality better? Also, is there a difference in having the receiver distribute the sound to the 5 speakers or should I leave it set to stereo?
Here are my options:
1. AT-LP120-USB - $249. The least expensive and the one I'm leaning towards. Is the AT95E this comes with going to be sufficient for a few months to a year or should I upgrade immediately? I was looking at the Shure M97xE, which still keeps me under $320. My concern here is longevity and quality control issues. These seem to be "hit and miss" in the Amazon reviews.
2. Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC) - $449. I can't seem to find any reviews on this updated model. I was originally turned off by the Carbon because of all the issues with motor noise but I'm thinking this has fixed that? But I can't find any reviews that confirm it. I also wouldn't have to mess with swapping the cartridge. Is there going to be a noticeable difference between this and the AT with an upgraded cartridge? The AT has been getting pretty rave reviews lately....
I've also looked at the entry level Regas and Music Halls and I wasn't impressed.
3. I know it's going to come out, so let's just throw a used Technics in here. I did find a couple on Craigslist in my area that are in my price range but in questionable condition. One is $350, missing a dust cover and no cartridge. The other didn't even have pictures. I don't really see these as options as I don't have the time or money to put into restoring one. Maybe down the line but not right now. Unless I can find one in pristine condition, with a cartridge, ready to go, under $450, I don't want to venture down this road.
Lastly, is there anything else I would need right away? Dust brush, cleaning supplies, track force gauge, etc.?
Thanks in advance for any help and advice!