suggesting a table and phono stage. However, in taking that route compromises will be made on the turntable and cartridge, and you can always get a phono stage later if you don't like the sound of the Marantz.

With about $1,000 I'd call Needle Doctor and have them set up a Sota Moonbeam II w/dustcover and a Nagaoka MP-150 cartridge.

I think you have a nice system there.

I have the Music Hall 2.2 at one of my homes and the MMf-7 at the other.

They are both very good turntables.

I would recommend that you get the MMF-2.2 and the Musical Fidelity V-LPS phono stage, which is excellent and only about $150. That will run you about $600 total.

The phono stage in your amplifier is only fair, and the V-LPS is a LOT better-sounding.

I would then upgrade the cartridge. The one that comes with the turntable is fair, but with the V-LPS and a better cartridge, you will REALLY get very nice performance.

I suggest the Ortophon 2M Blue, which you can get for $225 from Needle Doctor, or the Clearaudio Aurum Classic for $325.

Be aware that you CAN NOT use Grado cartridges with the MMF-2.2! The Grado cartridges are unshielded and produce a very loud hum with the 2.2 (I made this mistake and had to return the cartridge).

subroc wrote:

I am happy with what I have so far so now I just want to add the turntable.  The amp already has a phono stage so I do not really need one but I do not know the quality of it.  I have about 1000.00 to spend on the turntable.  Would it be better to get a entry level turntable like a Rega RP1 or Music Hall 2.2 and a good phono stage/upgrade to the table?  Or just spend my budget on a Rega RP3 and live with the phono on the amp untill I get get the money for an upgrade?  Any advice is appreciated.

 

Thanks

They would use the appropriate protractor to get the cartridge properly aligned. So, I think about all you would have to do is level the surface you will put the turntable on and then level the turntable on that, put on the counterweight, zero it out and then set the tracking force (a stylus force gauge keeps one from guessing), and install and set the anti-skate. Should be ready to go. Needle Doctor also will give you credit for the Music Hall Tracker cartridge they replace or you can keep it as a spare.

What kind of music, sound do you prefer? Depending on your answer, you might want the Nagaoka MP-150 rather than the Ortofon 2M Blue.

The Nagaoka MP-150 might sound less edgy than the 2M Blue.

enjoy!