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Budget turntable advice needed

  • 11-03-2025 10:41PM
    #1
    Beaker_2010
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 ✭


    Hi,

    I have bought some vinyl over the last few years to help support a DIY band Block 33 and a few others for either to frame the cover or get a signed insert etc. I am going to buy a LP storage box to keep them in.

    My question is what would a good budget turntable approx. £200 max to add to my current system of a Denon AVR-X2300W receiver and Monitor Audio Bronze 2 speakers.

    Do I need a pre amp I know some T/T's come with one built in - is it best to get an automatic T/T - some have Bluetooth for wireless speakers - all advice welcome as I honestly know nothing about this subject.

    Thanking you



Comments

  • #2
    Richersounds.ie: Kenny
    Company Representative Posts: 18,284 ✭✭✭✭Richersounds.ie: Kenny


    Hey Beaker-2010.

    Many thanks for the post.

    The Sony 310BT will tick all the boxes.
    It has a built in phono stage so can connect directly into your 2300 with no issue. (The 2300 does not have one built in).
    Priced at £199

    https://www.richersounds.ie/p-203989-sony-pslx310bt-bluetooth-turntable.aspx

    Also the Audio Technica LP60XUSB priced at a VIP price of £149

    https://www.richersounds.ie/p-203832-audio-technica-lp60xusb-black-usb-turntable.aspx

    If you could stretch your budget just a little there is the excellent Argon Audio MK2. It retails at £249. I can offer this one at £220. Also comes in a range of colours. (Walnut is currently out of stock).

    https://www.richersounds.ie/p-208956-argon-audio-mk2-black-6yr-turntable-inc-6-year-guarantee.aspx

    Let me know your thoughts.



  • #3
    Beaker_2010
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 ✭Beaker_2010


    Hi - thanks for the info Kenny - I like the look of the

    Audio Technica LP60XUSB Black or the AT-LP60X as I don't need the usb feature

    Just starting in vinyl - will probably be a few months before purchasing does it include insurance and would it be possible to get a demo as I am totally new to this - do I need phono leads as well - can the cartridge be changed at a later date?

    Thanks



  • #4
    Richersounds.ie: DavidS
    Company Representative Posts: 4,813 ✭✭✭Richersounds.ie: DavidS


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123258854#Comment_123258854

    Hi Beaker_2010,

    Thanks for getting back to us.

    We have an LP60 on display so we can certainly hook it up for a demo if you'd like to come to the store for a listen? The Audio Technicas come with a 2 year guarantee but you can extend it to 6 Years for 10% of the purchase price - this will cover parts and labour but not accidental damage.

    The turntable will also come with all the leads you need to hook it up.

    If you'd like a demo though we can explain the features and set up in store, just let us know when suits you!

    Kind regards

    David



  • #5
    Beaker_2010
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 ✭Beaker_2010


    Thanks David



  • #6
    Richersounds.ie: DavidS
    Company Representative Posts: 4,813 ✭✭✭Richersounds.ie: DavidS


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123261737#Comment_123261737

    No problem Beaker_2010!



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  • #7
    Beaker_2010
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 ✭Beaker_2010


    Hi,

    Was chatting in work would there be a lot of difference in sound quality if I considered the project primary E or project E1 - would the sony be better than than AT - prefer to get it right first time than have to upgrade in the near future - sorry just new to vinyl - the AT is in the price range I was thinking of originally - Ty



  • #8
    Richersounds.ie: DavidS
    Company Representative Posts: 4,813 ✭✭✭Richersounds.ie: DavidS


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123267633#Comment_123267633

    Thanks for getting back to us Beaker_2010.

    You wouldn't be able to go for the Primary E without adding a separate pre amp but you can add in the Project E1 phono as it has a built in pre amp. You'd definitely get a better sound out of the E1 as these are higher end turntables in terms of components so they have a better cartridge, tonearm and platter but there's a bit more set up on them, mainly when weighting the tonearm. It's pretty straightforward though and once you have it set you don't need to make any other changes.

    Just to throw a curve ball at you as well we also have the Argon Audio TT3 which have amazing build quality for the price and also come with the same cartridge as the Project.

    https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-208953-argon-audio-tt3-black-6yr-turntable-inc-ortofon-5e.aspx

    Please don't hesitate to drop me a post if you'd be interested in either of these.

    Kind regards

    David



  • #9
    Beaker_2010
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 ✭Beaker_2010


    Hi,

    which of the T/T's of the following I / you mentioned:-

    Sony PSLX310BT Audio Technica LP60XUSB Black Project E1 phono

    the AT has a mini plug to 2 phono - does this give as good sound as 2 phono to 2 phono - if so was thinking of getting a QED cable

    can the stylus/needle be changed in all above in the future

    is USB connectivity worth having?

    Any other advice / opinion welcome

    Sorry for so many questions



  • #10
    Richersounds.ie: DavidS
    Company Representative Posts: 4,813 ✭✭✭Richersounds.ie: DavidS


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123457905#Comment_123457905

    Thanks for getting back to us Beaker_2010.

    Out of the three I definitely think the Project E1 Phono is the one to go for. It's the one that's going to give you the best HiFi sound as it has a better tonearm which can be weighted, it has better platter dampening and the cartridge it comes with is a much better cartridge than the Sony and Audio Technica.

    The 2ph -2ph is also better than a 3.5mm to phono as it's a direct signal from the left and right channels and nothing is lost in switching from the two input types. You can change the stylus on the Sony and Audio Technica but not the cartridge. You can change both the stylus and the cartridge on the Project so can be upgraded a lot more readily.

    Please don't hesitate to drop me a post if you have any further queries.

    Kind regards

    David



  • #11
    Beaker_2010
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 ✭Beaker_2010


    Thanks for above.

    I have got mixed up between the Project E1 and Project E1 Phono models listed on your website at £219 and £279 respectively for some reason i thought both had an onboard phono stage but have got confused with the Primary E.

    As I would need the Project E1 Phono model to work with my current A/V amp this is considerably more than i was initially thinking of spending as originally thinking of one of the Audio Technica LP60X range.

    Does the Project E1 Phono have 2 phono outputs that any interconnect can be used or doe it have a pre fitted lead?

    What are the included and extended guarantees for the Project E1 Phono and Audio Technica LP60X?

    Sorry for so many questions just need to be sure before buying original idea or upgrading to start with as I said i'm completely new to vinyl.

    Ty



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  • #12
    Richersounds.ie: Kenny
    Company Representative Posts: 18,284 ✭✭✭✭Richersounds.ie: Kenny


    Hi Beaker 2010.

    The Pro-Ject E1 Phono comes with its phono cables in the box and they connect into the back of the turntable and then into you amplifier. If you wanted to could use any 2 phono to 2 phono with this turntable.

    The E1 phono comes with our VIP 6 year guarantee included The LP60X comes with the standard 2 year manufacturers warranty.

    Let me know your thoughts.



  • #13
    Beaker_2010
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 ✭Beaker_2010


    Hi,

    Getting close to making a purchase just a couple of more questions:-

    Is the Pro-Ject E1 Phono better than the other Project T/T's if I bought a separate MM Phono Pre Amp such as the Project Phonobox MM?

    Also given the Argon Audio TT3 Black (6Yr) is now reduced in price which would be the better of it or the above?

    Would it be possible to listen to them in store - i only have a few lp's lol

    Thanking you



  • #14
    Richersounds.ie: John
    Company Representative Posts: 9,539 ✭✭✭Richersounds.ie: John


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123962607#Comment_123962607

    Hi Beaker_2010

    Thanks for the post and we have the E1 Phono available in local stock in Black and Walnut at the moment - the E1 phono is a really super turntable but I do think that the Argon TT3 is quite a bit better, but it ought to be as even with teh reduction it is more expensive than the Project E1 - Again the TT3 is available in local stock in Black and White and Ash is also available from our main warehouse.

    On price ;) , the E1 is pretty on the bone already but we would have a little wriggle room for a Boardie discount on the TT3, we could get it down from 399€ to just 338€ - making you decision even more difficult ..

    I hope that is helpful but as ever, any queries?, just drop us a line and we will do our best to help,

    ATVB,

    John Mc & Crew

    John McDonald / Managing Director / Richer Sounds Ireland / www.richersounds.ie / johnmc@richersounds.ie



  • #15
    Beaker_2010
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 ✭Beaker_2010


    Thanks John,

    So the Project E1 Phono is £279 and the Argon Audio TT MK2 is £249 (£199 for VIP) online prices

    Boardie Price for the TT we could get it down from 399€ to just 338€ which is approx. £351 reduced to £297 is that correct?

    What is the TT's cartridge and stylus like - do these needed replaced often - sorry as i said before this is my first venture into turntables.

    Regards



  • #16
    Richersounds.ie: Kenny
    Company Representative Posts: 18,284 ✭✭✭✭Richersounds.ie: Kenny


    Hi Beaker-2010.

    The Argon TT MK2 is currently priced at a VIP price of £199.
    The TT3 has been offered on a deal at €338 which is roughly £294 depending on your banks exchange rate.

    The TT3 comes with the Ortofon OM 5E cartridge included which is very good. On this stylus you should get about 1000 hours before you need to replace it.

    The TT MK2 comes with an Audio Technica AT3600 cartridge. This is an entry level cartridge and stylus. On this stylus you will get about 300 - 500 hours.



  • #17
    Beaker_2010
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 ✭Beaker_2010


    Hi so I thought the TT's were the same model oops

    So between the Argon TT MK2 at a VIP price of £199 & the Project E1 Phono is £279 & the TT3 has been offered on a deal roughly £294

    Just to confuse things further I received an email Majority Bluetooth TT @ £149

    What cartridges and stylus are on the Project and Majority

    Quite a dilemma - want to get it right first time - I will be using this a lot less than my cd player as i only have a small number of lp's hence why hoping to keep the price down but still want good quality - will be looking for a new cd player soon as well

    Regards



  • #18
    Richersounds.ie: Kenny
    Company Representative Posts: 18,284 ✭✭✭✭Richersounds.ie: Kenny


    Hi Beaker_2010.

    The TT3 is definitely the better of the three. Its cartridge and stylus really make the difference, as well as over all built quality.
    I wouldn't rate the majority against the original 3.



  • #19
    Beaker_2010
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 ✭Beaker_2010


    Thanks Kenny - between the two Argon's then, although I was originally thinking of the Project

    Regards



  • #20
    Richersounds.ie: Kenny
    Company Representative Posts: 18,284 ✭✭✭✭Richersounds.ie: Kenny


    Argon have made some outstanding turntables.
    So much you would think they are using Pro-ject parts ;) Tone arms are very similar between their ranges.



  • #21
    Beaker_2010
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 ✭Beaker_2010


    Hi,

    Originally started looking at Audio Technica's then looked at the Project range which I heard good things about.

    Would it be ok to book an appointment sometime soon to listen to the Project E1 Phono (which I think I still favour but could change to th TT3) and the Argon TT MK2 which at its new price is more in my price range.

    I have a Denon AV amp and MA Bronze stand mounted speakers.

    I might need to buy a few lp's to audition as I only have a few.

    Thanks to all the team for your help so far.

    Regards



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  • #22
    Richersounds.ie: Kenny
    Company Representative Posts: 18,284 ✭✭✭✭Richersounds.ie: Kenny


    No problem at all Beaker_2010.

    Just drop me a post if you want to book a demo and we can get things sorted for you.



  • #23
    Beaker_2010
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 ✭Beaker_2010


    Thanks - are there any days or times better to book - might call in and have a look at the turntables to see what they look like and size wise - do you sell turntable wall brackets - regards



  • #24
    Richersounds.ie: Kenny
    Company Representative Posts: 18,284 ✭✭✭✭Richersounds.ie: Kenny


    Hi Beaker_2010.

    Not really at this time of year to be honest.

    Just whenever suits yourself as the store will be busy from now until after the boxing days sales.

    Regarding a wall bracket for turntable we can get out hands on the Norstone Esse WS

    https://en.norstone-design.com/product-page/esse-ws

    Call in and see us for a chat and we have a good selection of turntable on display.



  • #25
    Beaker_2010
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 ✭Beaker_2010


    Thanks Kenny appreciate all your teams help so far



  • #26
    Richersounds.ie: DavidS
    Company Representative Posts: 4,813 ✭✭✭Richersounds.ie: DavidS


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123967737#Comment_123967737

    No problem Beaker_2010, if you need anything else please let us know.

    Kind regards

    David



  • #27
    Beaker_2010
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 ✭Beaker_2010


    Hi hoping to call in this Saturday to have a look at your range of turntables currently leaning towards thre

    Argon TT MK2 at a VIP price of £199 as it is really a £250 T/T - I joined the VIP club last night how do I show I'm a member of this and being cheeky does that get another £10 off

    I would hope to get in on Friday 21st to audition a couple of the decks after I get a few more LP's lol would that be suitable. Do you sell any vinyl?

    Might need some advice on a longer 2 phono to 2 phono cable for a later date.

    Do you have any other wall brackets available also looking at the possibility of using a hi-fi stand

    Thanks for all your help so far its much appreciated



  • #28
    Richersounds.ie: Kenny
    Company Representative Posts: 18,284 ✭✭✭✭Richersounds.ie: Kenny


    Hi Beaker_2010.

    That would be the only turntable wall bracket that we could get our hands on.

    The Argon TT MK2 is a great deal and is a very good turntable at its price point of £249.
    The VIP club gets you it for £199 and then you get a further £10 VIP discount on your first order.
    This can all be done instore and we just need your email address for this.

    We have the TT MK2 on display so no issue in setting it up for you to have a listen.
    We also have about another 10 turntables on display which can be demoed.

    With the TT MK2 you can change the RCA cable for a longer one.

    For a 2 meter

    http://richersounds.ie/p-205359-audioquest-tower-phono-2m-analogue-rca-rca-interconnect.aspx

    For a 5 meter

    https://www.richersounds.ie/p-207065-audioquest-tower-phono-rca-5m-pair-analogue-rca-rca-interconnect.aspx

    Other brands are available in store.

    We do also sell a small selection of Vinyl.

    https://www.richersounds.ie/c-542-12inchlp.aspx#pgnum=&sort=

    Though it will depend what is in stock on the day you come to the store. All our vinyl is out on the shop floow and can easily be viewed.



  • #29
    Beaker_2010
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 ✭Beaker_2010


    Thanks I was in on Saturday morning and was chatting with Billy I have booked the listening room for this Friday at 11 am - do you have any of the Pink Floyd vinyl in stock - if not does it help the shop any if I order them instore Ty



  • #30
    Richersounds.ie: Kenny
    Company Representative Posts: 18,284 ✭✭✭✭Richersounds.ie: Kenny


    Hi Beaker_2010

    No Pink Floyd in stock at the moment unfortunately. We are unable to take orders on records.
    We do have a decent selection available to purchase instore, which you can browse when you call in.

    Please feel free to bring your own records for the demo if you wish.
    Friday is our main delivery day so the store may be packed out with boxes when you arrive but we will squeeze you into the demo room.

    Have a good day and see you tomorrow.



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