Newbie needs help with Analog Front End

[MikeHerring]

Hello.
This is my first post. Please excuse my ignorance.
I am trying to find an affordable turntable/Tonearm/Cartridge.
My friend has an old VPI HW19 MK3, with Morch DP6 Tonearm and an Audio Technica MM Cartridge.
It sounds much better than my CD/Dac.
I have been looking at current turntables and arms and they are very expensive.
What would give me the same type of sound?
Would you purchase used?
I think the Michell is very techie looking. Is it recommended?
Here are a few others:
Marantz TT-15 Acrylic Turntable
AVID - DIVA II TURNTABLE
Michell Gyro SE Mk 2

Thanks,
Mike

[richidoo]

Welcome to AudioNervosa Mike!

If you like the sound of your friend's TT, make him an offer to buy it. He might like to upgrade, and he would be able to help you set  it up correctly. You get the friend discount, you know it works and you know you like the sound. New TTs are pricey when you are looking for a sound quality similar to your friend's rig.

Buying used is fine, but it is best to buy it in person to see the TT and avoid shipping. If shipping is necessary then talk to the seller on the phone to size up his vinyl knowledge, honesty and shipping experience. Follow your gut, never chase an audio deal. There are plenty good deals if you are patient and let it come to you. 

I use a Vista Audio Phono-1 preamp, sells for $300. It is very good for the price.
http://www.vista-audio.com/products/phono-1mkII/index.htm

Another that is excellent value is the Soundsmith MMP4 for $400.
http://www.sound-smith.com/preamp/

There is a lot to learn about high end vinyl. It will take some time to absorb it all and it takes time to fine tune your turntable rig. You are lucky to have a friend who can help you avoid mistakes. Budget extra money for tools and accessories. If you like fiddling and like vinyl sound, then it is fun.

[BobM]

Old VPI 19's come up all the time on Audiogon, and they are relatively inexpensive. Still one of the best used TT bargains ont he planet. The Morch DP6 is another story. I think their price has doubled since I bought mine, and Fremer is currently reviewing the new DP9, so they should be getting additional press in the next few months.

I truly believe buying a used TT will save you lots of $$$ over a new rig at retail cost. Cartridges can be a crap shoot though. If you buy used you are taking your chances.

Also, don't forget the phono stage. It is by far the weakest link in any analogue set up. Don't skimp here.

[sleepyguy24]

Hi Mike

Welcome to the forum. I joined here not too long ago and I really like it here.

Man I have to say for a vinyl set-up you are really starting with quality stuff.

I completely agree with BobM's advise on the phono stage. I tried going cheap (under $100) on phonostages and IME it really impacted the overall sound.

If you were to go used I would say just be careful on the condition and how much work would need to go into the TT. Often you can find lots of quality belt driven or direct drive TTs used. Used carts I would say no to. It is just too much of a gamble.

Enjoy the hunt and let us know what you ended up with.

[allenzachary]

Welcome +1, MikeHerring!

What record player is currently connected to your system?  

Most of the sound quality from records you hear comes from the phono cartridge and phono stage of the [preamp/ integrated/receiver]. What phono stage is your friend using?
How does your friend's system sound with digital sources?  If it sounds better than yours on CDs, he probably has a better system than yours and it won't sound as good regardless of the type of TT you choose. If it sounds similar with CDs, all you need is a quality record player and a good phono section and a quality cartridge.

[Bigfish8]

Hello.
This is my first post. Please excuse my ignorance.
I am trying to find an affordable turntable/Tonearm/Cartridge.
My friend has an old VPI HW19 MK3, with Morch DP6 Tonearm and an Audio Technica MM Cartridge.
It sounds much better than my CD/Dac.
I have been looking at current turntables and arms and they are very expensive.
What would give me the same type of sound?
Would you purchase used?
I think the Michell is very techie looking. Is it recommended?
Here are a few others:
Marantz TT-15 Acrylic Turntable
AVID - DIVA II TURNTABLE
Michell Gyro SE Mk 2

Thanks,
Mike

Mike:

Would you mind telling us the make-up of system? 

You are in for a fun journey!

Good luck,

Ken

[Carlman]

Welcome!!!! 
A few questions come to mind before i can recommend some gear.... Folks are asking about related gear which is important to know.
What is affordable and what do you need?
$500? $5,000?
Do you already have a preamp with a phono stage? Or do you need the big 3 (cart, TT, and phono pre).
Do you plan on keeping your system the same and add a vinyl source?