Best turntable for $500 and under

[Derek G]

Hello all, i am fairly new to the audiophile world (all the way from Canada), I have learned a great deal about bass management and a good overall system thanks to Gene and Hugo's youtube videos. So my question is this I am running the Yamaha rxv1081, Polk TSX250C center, Polk RtI A9,s for fronts, RTI A1,s for surrounds and RTI A3 for rear surrounds and TSX210 B for heights, i alternate the heights for rears whenever the case arises i cant run both. And three 12" Polk PSW505 subwoofers 2 in the front and one at the rear. I have the Emotiva Bas x700 (7 channel) 80 watts RMS all channels driven, The surrounds and heights are the only speaker connections to the amp, the rest are running off the Emotiva, The Polk A9,s are biamped to give me 160 W to each. the rear surrounds and the center take up the other 3 channels on the Emotiva. I want to purchase another power amp to run the A9s and have all speakers run off a power amp(s). so finally my question, do you guys recommend any amps to run the A9s, im looking at the Bax x 300, 150 watts RMS per channel, its a 2 channel amp, and running the rest of speakers off the A700, OR, do need (2) basx300 one for each speaker, trying to save some money but dont want to be cheap. The reason i am wondering is, I implement bass management, ALL speakers set to small, do I really need all that power for the A9s, since the speakers are set to small? Is 150 watts 2 channel enough or 2 bas x's amps (one amp for each speaker) and have 300 watts to each A9. Also If i buy one amp Basx300, can i run 150 watts to the bottom half of each RTI A9 and run 80 watts from the 7 Channel Emotiva amp to the tops of A9s, biapmed of course, is this and option. i understand the A9s are like 2 different speakers when biamped Please some guidance in helping me make a sound upgrade to my power,

 

[agarwalro]

Removing the A9 jumpers and running them off 2 channels in the same amp is not doing anything except doubling the amount of wire and banana plugs needed.

Replace the 7 channel amp with a 3 channel one to drive LCR. Keep all other speakers direct on Yamaha. Enjoy your setup knowing the money is well spent and any more would be an utter waste.

 

[Verdinut]

What are you using to bi-amp the Polk A9's? Are you using external electronic crossovers because active bi-amping requires electronic crossovers and 2 separate power amplifiers for each channel? The passive crossover between the midrange transducers and the woofers have to be disconnected as well for that setup.

I notice that those Polk RTi A9 speakers are powerful systems. To make you a good recommendation, we need to know:

1. The size of your listening room

2. What distance are the A9's from the listening position

3. What type of music you listen to

4. How loud you listen to your music and to films

Don't hesitate to supply more details. With more specifics to your listening situation, we should be in a better position to make the proper suggestions.

 

[Derek G]

So, any ideas?

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

Yes. If you want help, answer the questions Verdinut asked you.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[Derek G]

Ok so, room charcterics are 20 by 20 room, -30 db for moveis
-10 to -15 for music. All types mostly rock and roll
- A9s are 11feet from listening distance (main listening seat center of room)
I am using a 7 channel emotiva basx 700, one channel for center speaker, 2 occupy rear surround, the other 4 are used to power A9's. 2 channels for each A9, i have a split RCA from preout on amp from front of course going to 2 channels on emotiva and the 2 sets of speaker wire, brackets removed as well to each A9, is it safe to assume I am getting 160 watts to each A9? The Emotiva is rated at 80 watts rms all channels driven. Oh ann surrounds are powered off Yamaha rxv 1081. I am not 100 %what you guys are telling me about passive biamping. i am thinking of the Emotiva bas x300, 2. Channel Amp at 150 rms both channels driven so the fronts have the own power supply, or 2 of those amps, 1 for each speaker (split rca one channel to power the top and other to bottom of each A9 or would that be overkill?Or whT amp you guys think is best for my situation.
Thank you Wayne and Verdinut in advance!

 

[Verdinut]

First, you don't need an additional amplifier. You have enough power to drive all your speakers.

Your Polk A9s have dual binding posts that allow you to passively bi-amp them and this is exactly what you have been doing with them.

As I already mentioned in post #3, to actively bi-amplify the left and right front channels, you need external electronic crossovers feeding each amplifier, one output to the amplifier for the subs and the other to the amplifier to drive mid and high frequencies. Four of the Emotiva amps would be adequate for the purpose.

You would gain up to an additional 3dB by actively biamping, that is the equivalent of having two 160 watt amplifiers on each A9. That would give you more headroom and permit your HT to adequately meet the dynamic range sometimes produced in some films. But, as also mentioned above, to proceed with active bi-amping, you would have to disconnect the low pass crossovers to the subs and the high pass crossovers to the midrange drivers. If you are not familiar with passive crossovers, you would have to get a competent technician to do the job and help you find the appropriate electronic crossovers etc.

 

[lovinthehd]

Might want to read this article on bi-wiring/types of bi-amping http://www.audioholics.com/frequent-questions/the-difference-between-biamping-vs-biwiring

 

[Derek G]

Thanks Verdinut and"lovinthe HD", just wasn't sure i was using the A9s to the potential, glad i did not go any further with getting another power amp...
Another question, you guys recommend any good turntables for 500 and under?, it may well be the last edition to my system. I have hear the Rega RP1 is pretty good, let me know and thank you!!! were you gents from anyway? probably from California or something while I freeze my ass up here in Canada.

 

[Verdinut]

Hi Derek,

Audio-Technica turntables are good turntables. I have the AT-LP1240 which is actually a DJ turntable but it has everything that you would ask for in a TT. I got mine from B & H Photo in New York several years ago but prices went up since.

You could however get another model TT from the same manufacturer at a cheaper price and it would still be an excellent purchase. The AT-LP120 is a good value and if you install a Shure M97XE cartridge on it, you should not regret the acquisition. Like the LP1240, it features a stroboscope which is very handy.

It still looks that the AT-LP120 at $299 US from B & H would be your best deal with free shipping here to Canada. No, I'm not American, I'm from Montreal.

You could also get the cartridge from them at a reasonable charge. That would slightly extend your budget but IMO, it is a good deal. Perhaps, you could have the cartridge installed by them as well.

In any case, let us know what you finally decided on and your initial impressions when you have tried the TT.

 

[lovinthehd]

Thanks Verdinut and"lovinthe HD", just wasn't sure i was using the A9s to the potential, glad i did not go any further with getting another power amp...
Another question, you guys recommend any good turntables for 500 and under?, it may well be the last edition to my system. I have hear the Rega RP1 is pretty good, let me know and thank you!!! were you gents from anyway? probably from California or something while I freeze my ass up here in Canada.

Hey Derek no not Californian any more, altho spent 40 years or so of my life there, am Oregonian now and it was a bit chilly up in the mountains today on my mountain bike ride.

I like Verdinut's tt & cartridge recommendation (I have been using a direct drive Technics SL1200 tt since the mid 80s, what the AudioTechnica tables are essentially copies of and I use the Shure M97xE cartridge as well). The Rega seems to be okay in any case, maybe Pro-Ject as well.

I do have to ask, why do you even want a tt? You have a large record collection already?

 

[Derek G]

I do have some old vinyl but would like to start collecting again and I'm sorry I gave so many away, Back in 1987 or so CDs came out and as a 15 year old figured Albums are below me now, here you go guys you can have my albums don't need them anymore, DAAAh, I had some real classics too(originals--Rush, Moving pictures, Whos next, Dark side of the moon, Queen a night at the opera, the list goes on. A turntable would be the last element to my system. Thanks for the feedback. Deciding between the AT-LP120 and the Rega planar 1, really had good reviews and a sleak looking turntable. If I had only known, I had 3-4 milk crates full of good albums, even the old 12" singles if you guys rember!

 

[lovinthehd]

I do have some old vinyl but would like to start collecting again and I'm sorry I gave so many away, Back in 1987 or so CDs came out and as a 15 year old figured Albums are below me now, here you go guys you can have my albums don't need them anymore, DAAAh, I had some real classics too(originals--Rush, Moving pictures, Whos next, Dark side of the moon, Queen a night at the opera, the list goes on. A turntable would be the last element to my system. Thanks for the feedback. Deciding between the AT-LP120 and the Rega planar 1, really had good reviews and a sleak looking turntable. If I had only known, I had 3-4 milk crates full of good albums, even the old 12" singles if you guys rember!

Was just curious. I never gave mine away, been hauling them around for a while. I wouldn't collect them again (got a 180g Van Morrison from Concert Vault a few years back otherwise they're mostly from the 70s/80s), nor would I buy a new turntable if I didn't have them already. Mostly about nostalgia for me. I have a couple 12" singles, too and even some 45's.

 

[slipperybidness]

I think this TT would be hard to beat at the price offered
https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/projrpm1rda/pro-ject-rpm-1-carbon-belt-drive-turntable-red/1.html

 

[cpd]

I would second the Pro-Ject recommendation. I have a Debut Carbon Esprit and love it. The Technics is a solid performer as well.

 

[Derek G]

Awesome replies everyone, anybody know anything about the Pro-Ject carbon debut red cartridge included?, good reviews, it retails for $499 up here in Canada $400 in the good Ol USA! Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge included. Is the much of a difference between the esprit?
Thanks!

 

[cpd]

The Ortofon 2m Red is a solid cartridge. I believe the only major difference between the Carbon and the Carbon Esprit is the inclusion of the acrylic platter. The next bump up to the Carbon Esprit SB DC (that's the one I have) also adds a built in "speed box" which is supposed to make the speed more steady and also adds the functionality of changing between 33 and 45 at the push of a button. If you will play 45's it may be worth it. Without it you need to lift off the platter and move the belt to change speeds.

 

[lovinthehd]

The Ortofon 2m Red is a solid cartridge. I believe the only major difference between the Carbon and the Carbon Esprit is the inclusion of the acrylic platter. The next bump up to the Carbon Esprit SB DC (that's the one I have) also adds a built in "speed box" which is supposed to make the speed more steady and also adds the functionality of changing between 33 and 45 at the push of a button. If you will play 45's it may be worth it. Without it you need to lift off the platter and move the belt to change speeds.

Sounds about right for belt technology

 

[slipperybidness]

Awesome replies everyone, anybody know anything about the Pro-Ject carbon debut red cartridge included?, good reviews, it retails for $499 up here in Canada $400 in the good Ol USA! Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge included. Is the much of a difference between the esprit?
Thanks!

I own the Pro-Ject Carbon Debut with 2M Red--see my avatar pic.

It's a solid entry level TT. It is out-classed by my SL1210, but the SL1210 is ~3x more $.

My biggest complaint is that it comes with a piece of crap felt mat, that is why my Technics mat is on it in the pic. If you buy the Debut, then plan to spend another $25 for a cork mat or another $125 for the Acryl-it mat. Seriously, don't waste your time on the mat that comes with it. Also, the motor is just a little bit loud for my taste (mechanical noise, not through the speakers, and you can only hear it when you are standing right on it). And, yeah, it's a bit of a pain to change speed cuz you have to remove the platter and change the belt position on a pulley.

On the other hand, the finish on this TT is excellent! And the sound is good.

I have not heard that one that I linked in post #14, but that is a great price and I believe it is a step up in the Pro-Ject hierarchy (you should double check that). If I were making the choice today, I would choose that one over the Debut.

Honestly, if I were looking for an entry level TT today, this would be at the top of my list
https://uturnaudio.com/