Turntable suggestions for a friend?

[Todd Fredericks]

A friend of mine is interested in getting into vinyl (also playing records) and he wants to keep costs real, real down. I made some suggestions for used stuff (except cart) in the $1,000 range but he might be into a budget half that. So, what would you suggest "used" plus new cart for a $500 (ish) budget? His tastes of music are rock, jazz, african, Robert Ashley stuff (long story), etc. He has an Arcam A75, Audio Physics Tempo III's, cd player (can't remember which one), etc.

Thanks,
Todd

[Andy]

Does the $500 also include a phonostage?

[Todd Fredericks]

No phonostage. $500 = Turntable/arm/cart? I tried to explain what thing's cost but he put his hoof (foot) down...

Todd

[Andy]

My first thought was the MMF-5 http://www.hcmaudio.com has a demo unit on it's site for under $400. $400 for arm/table/cart combo seems like a good deal to me. On the used side of things you might look at a VPI 19 Jr. with a rega arm. That would most likely come in over $500 though.

[Todd Fredericks]

Thanks, Andy!

Todd

[mcow1]

Yeah, the MMF-5 almost everyone has that under 500 with arm and Goldring cartidge. Red Trumpet is $450 or less new.

[Todd Fredericks]

Thanks for the suggestions. My friend may go for the demo MMF-5 at hcmaudio.com.

Thanks again,

Todd

[Ben]

Heck - I''d go for a new one for around $450...all over the 'net...why buy a demo that might or might not have been kicked around? To save $50 bucks?


I have an MMF-5 - bought new off eBay - it rocks. $475 w/Goldring 1012 Cart and s/h.



Sweet!

[Todd Fredericks]

Thanks, Ben. Good timing because my friend sat on the fence too long with the demo MMF-5 (he was surprised it went quickly, I told him you need to pounce like a cat or chicken with this stuff). I sent him an e-mail today about Red Trumpet...

Todd