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Best turntable for entry level audiophile?

bluenote79 said:
Well guys, I am now the proud owner of a Thorens TD 160 with a Shure M97xE cartridge. I have to say, I am very, very happy.
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Awesome. Good call.

bluenote79 said:
I had actually already ordered a Music Hall mmf 2.3 that was on sale from Amazon. That was just a few days before I found this Thorens locally. So, now I'll get to compare tables per @wushuliu 's suggestion. Chances are I'll end up returning the Music Hall unless I absolutely love it.
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Well, that's going to be fun. And it will leave you with the real-world experience of comparing two popular 'tables side by side. I'll be interested to hear what you find. Maybe start a new thread for that report?
 
Brett a said:
Awesome. Good call.


Well, that's going to be fun. And it will leave you with the real-world experience of comparing two popular 'tables side by side. I'll be interested to hear what you find. Maybe start a new thread for that report?
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That's a great idea. I will do that. It may be a while before I get to it as I want to have ample listening time, plus I have my first child on the way...so life is about to get interesting!
 
Brett a said:
Awesome. Good call.


Well, that's going to be fun. And it will leave you with the real-world experience of comparing two popular 'tables side by side. I'll be interested to hear what you find. Maybe start a new thread for that report?
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Hey, Brett! I was just wonderin' how life was treatin' you?!
Great to see a post from you!
Hope all's well!
 
Congrats Bluenote!
Was that Thorens one of the local ones I had mentioned? Either way I'm glad you got something you are happy with!
 
Hasn't everyone wanted a Thorens at some time in their life lol?

Here's mine, a bit newer version of your new deck, it has a NOS Pickering XV-15 1200E/D1200 mounted. The picture below is actually a stock photo, mine is currently out of rotation for the Kennys.

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Wolverine said:
Congrats Bluenote!
Was that Thorens one of the local ones I had mentioned? Either way I'm glad you got something you are happy with!
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Yes! It was. Thanks for bringing it up. I had seen the TD 165 posted locally, but this TD 160 is in even better shape, and with the brand new cartridge it was actually a really great deal. Very happy.
 
After seeing your pics I should have got it for myself.... :D

Just passing the karma on since I have had more than my share of great pickups over the years.

Enjoy it and if/when you are ready for another upgrade just let me know what you are looking for and I will keep my eyes open for you.
 
You already have best choices in your list and the Project Debut Carbon DC is a good choice for the new users. The ratings are also good and the product is budget friendly too. Another product that you can consider is Audio-Technica LP120BK, this model falls under $300. I think you can find many good options under $700 and for more models see this guide https://www.reviewpen.com/turntables-under-500/
 
Wolverine said:
After seeing your pics I should have got it for myself.... :D

Just passing the karma on since I have had more than my share of great pickups over the years.

Enjoy it and if/when you are ready for another upgrade just let me know what you are looking for and I will keep my eyes open for you.
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Thanks Wolverine! The karma is alive and well on Audio Karma and especially within our little corner of the world. Excited to be a part of this group and now hearing the music as it was intended.
 
bluenote79 said:
Thanks! I see you own an mmf 2.3. May I ask what cartridge you like with it?
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I'm currently using a vintage NOS Ortofon F15 MKII that I got from a seller in Europe. Very smooth, tracks well on a carbon arm and you can still get a new needle if you ever need one. The factory cartridge may be suitable for most listeners that don't utilize horns. My Birch Boxes are very picky.
 
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