LM: turntable and associated audio equipment

Beer Baron said:

I will admit that a big part of why I'd go vintage on a receiver is just because I love the design and how tactile they are.

I love all the brushed aluminum, the heavy dials, and the switches that give satisfying clicks.

Yeah, there is new stereo equipment that gives a similar sort of experience, but it's all top end stuff that costs thousands and thousands of dollars. If I didn't have one anyway, I'd get a vintage receiver like this just to play with it.

That's a nice receiver, and I think a lot of names from that era are just as good or better for the dollar than the much hyped marantz receivers.... 

Stampie said:

In reply to dyintorace :

I remember seeing some audio stuff there but didn't look too much at it.  Might be able to find a basic receiver that suits your needs.

I'm going to scope it out once back from vacation.

Would you all recommend any of these refurb units?

Audio Technica outlet

In reply to dyintorace :

Sure. Audio Technica is a solid value brand. Not the top quality, but very respectable entry-level. The Honda Civic of turntables.

You would do fine with any of those that offers an adjustable weight on the tonearm and a manual cuing arm. Which is any of those that costs >$200. I would go with belt drive over direct drive (belt drive is smoother and quieter, but takes a second to spin up - direct drive is better for DJ'ing), and I'd pick the best head unit available.

This one would be my first choice.

This would be my second.

Both will work quite nicely with all the features you need and none you don't. Both have modular builds to replace and upgrade as necessary down the line.