New turntable and cartridge for college bound freshman?

[ChrisAZ]

The Nomad was my first thought, but I already have the phono pre and headphone amp for him so Id rather spend the money on the turntable and cart. Plus the Nomad would also need a dust cover (which is key) - once you add that up you're at the cost of the RP3 and Elys 2. Plus the Rega is really easy to set up. Auto is out - he wants a manual TT. I thought about the Technics and Shure cartridge - that's what I had in college - but IMHO the Rega would sound much better. Given his tastes in music I don't think he'd scratch - if a friend does I can't help that. At some point he has to be responsible for his own stuff (perhaps this is a pipe dream). So with the RP3 and Elys 2 at about $1200 (my upper limit), any other recommendations under that price that meets the criteria and delivers better bang for the buck? Music Hall, Project, other?

[chessman]

Originally Posted by ChrisAZ

The Nomad was my first thought, but I already have the phono pre and headphone amp for him so Id rather spend the money on the turntable and cart. Plus the Nomad would also need a dust cover (which is key) - once you add that up you're at the cost of the RP3 and Elys 2. Plus the Rega is really easy to set up. Auto is out - he wants a manual TT. I thought about the Technics and Shure cartridge - that's what I had in college - but IMHO the Rega would sound much better. Given his tastes in music I don't think he'd scratch - if a friend does I can't help that. At some point he has to be responsible for his own stuff (perhaps this is a pipe dream). So with the RP3 and Elys 2 at about $1200 (my upper limit), any other recommendations under that price that meets the criteria and delivers better bang for the buck? Music Hall, Project, other?

Chris, you may as well budget for 3 phones, 2 fender-benders and 1 cartridge now, because it is gonna happen.

[ChrisAZ]

Originally Posted by chessman

Chris, you may as well budget for 3 phones, 2 fender-benders and 1 cartridge now, because it is gonna happen.

I know, I know.

[Capcom]

Originally Posted by Mikado463

one of the Classic Technics 1200 Mk(whatever) that I assume you could score used (saw one at my local record store a cpl weeks back), add a sturdy shure cartridge and your all set for 'dorm life' …….

+1
There built like a tank (way better than any Rega made)...and its adjustable...
but you can basically set it...and forget it. Should last way beyond his college years and it can be sold later to get something better.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by ChrisAZ

The Nomad was my first thought, but I already have the phono pre and headphone amp for him so Id rather spend the money on the turntable and cart. Plus the Nomad would also need a dust cover (which is key) - once you add that up you're at the cost of the RP3 and Elys 2. Plus the Rega is really easy to set up. Auto is out - he wants a manual TT. I thought about the Technics and Shure cartridge - that's what I had in college - but IMHO the Rega would sound much better. Given his tastes in music I don't think he'd scratch - if a friend does I can't help that. At some point he has to be responsible for his own stuff (perhaps this is a pipe dream). So with the RP3 and Elys 2 at about $1200 (my upper limit), any other recommendations under that price that meets the criteria and delivers better bang for the buck? Music Hall, Project, other?

I'd go with the Rega. They are also very durable. My Planar 3 is still going strong after 30 years.

[1KW]

Pioneer has a new turntable that is supposed to be a modern version of the technics sl1200

[miner]

I also agree with the Rega suggestion - maybe a used P5?

[ChrisAZ]

Thus far the recommendations I've been getting from this forum and elsewhere break down about like this:

New Rega RP1 - Used Rega P5 40%
VPI Nomad 40%
Technics SL1200 or clones 10%
Project 5%
Music Hall 5%

As I explained above, the Nomad (which includes a phono pre and headphone amp) duplicates equipment I already have for the set up for my son. Based on my memory of the Technics, and I know that there are many who love this TT, IMHO I don't feel the love in the same way. So right now, given the criteria I've outlined, I'm leaning towards a new Rega RP3 with an Elys 2 cartridge, unless someone talks me out of it.

[Antonmb]

And then throw in a Q UP tonearm lifter for those party nights when he and his friends will pass out with an album on the tablehttp://www.thequp.com/

[-E-]

I'd probably +1 the Technics 1200. Bullet-proof table.

Alternatively, how about starting him out on something fairly basic but nicely featured like the Orbit TT?