Dirty-Frank Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 Good Morning VC! I'm new to the forum and new to vinyl collecting/playing. I had a huge collection of vinyl 10 or so years ago and sold it all of in an ebay lot when I needed money desperately. Wish I hadn't. But, life is life. Anyway, I've had an old Magnavox Astro-Sonic console player that has been my main TT for the last 6 months or so. It's noticeably gotten worse and worse and it's time for a complete overhaul. Since I've been investing in new albums lately and not just $1 bins at flea markets. I am in the market for a new TT and have been reading threads for a week or so on VC. I know I will be getting the Pro ject Debut Carton. I am asking for some thoughts on the following questions: 1) I want the Speed Box and the Acrylic Platter, so in theory the Debut Carton Esprit SB (DC) would appear to be my best bet. However, I will be needing a preamp. So, should I purchase the Debut Carbon Phono USB (dc) and purchase acrylic platter upgrade and the SpeedBox upgrade? Or is the following phono pre a better alternative Pro-ject Phono Box USB? USB connectivity is not the MOST important aspect. However, I do want to eventually be able to convert all of my records to FLAC files for playback on a portable device. 2) Is it better to go with a non USB Phono Pre like just the Pro ject Phono Box? Or is the Pro-ject Phono Box USB equal with just the added functionality of the USB? Thanks for the thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tardcore Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 Don't let the inclusion of the pre-amp decide your purchase. You can get the Carbon Debut DC at a discount from Musician's Friend (around 15% if you call and ask) add in the platter ($130) and it comes to around $515. At that point, the only difference is the RPM selector button, right? If you want the button, may as well just go with the Esprit for the all-in-one. Might be some other options to consider at $600 though. EDIT I think it was mentioned elsewhere that Pro-ject may have some new models on the way. Might be a good idea to wait a few weeks. Dirty-Frank 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bossdj26 Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 i'm going to be that guy and not suggest the Debut Carbon. I could not get over the motor hum and issues with inner groove distortion. I'd recommend a Pro-ject RM 1.3 (my current TT) or a comparable Rega. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 For $500 you can't do better than the 1.3; especially considering the 1.3 carbon is coming soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirty-Frank Posted January 12, 2015 Author Share Posted January 12, 2015 i'm going to be that guy and not suggest the Debut Carbon. I could not get over the motor hum and issues with inner groove distortion. I'd recommend a Pro-ject RM 1.3 (my current TT) or a comparable Rega. What is the difference between the 1.3 and the Debut Carton? Benefits? In that price range I could also get a Rega RP1. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxsilence Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 +1 for at least looking at a Rega. The humming issue across DC's scared me enough to seek out other options. Not a fair comparison since I went used, but I ended up with a second hand Rega Planar 3 and couldn't be happier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirty-Frank Posted January 12, 2015 Author Share Posted January 12, 2015 +1 for at least looking at a Rega. The humming issue across DC's scared me enough to seek out other options. Not a fair comparison since I went used, but I ended up with a second hand Rega Planar 3 and couldn't be happier. RP3 is priced around $900 at my local shop. So, it's a little out of my price range. Thanks for the thought though. I'm not sure of the benefits between RP1 vs Pro-ject 1.3.... The RP1 is priced at $445. Carbon Debut @ $399. Carbon Debut Esprit is $599. Pro-ject 1.3 is $499. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bossdj26 Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 1.3 has an isolated motor (no motor hum and it's easy to switch between 33/45)...comes with a pearl cartridge that i personally prefer over the ortofon red 2m, s tone-arm, and all pieces are adjustable (VTA, azimuth)...plus it's a beauty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allenh Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 Another vote for Rega from me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxsilence Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 RP3 is priced around $900 at my local shop. So, it's a little out of my price range. Thanks for the thought though. I'm not sure of the benefits between RP1 vs Pro-ject 1.3.... The RP1 is priced at $445. Carbon Debut @ $399. Carbon Debut Esprit is $599. Pro-ject 1.3 is $499. Yeah, I knew it wasn't a fair comparison since I was able to get it second hand for about the price of a DC w/o acrylic platter. Just wanted to steer you to really consider an RP1. I just was very pleased with the brand and quality, plus hadn't really heard of any wide-spread issues with rega versus the reputation of humming in the DC being a little more common than I would have been comfortable with in my first "real" quality turntable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 1.3 will soon have a carbon, s-shaped tonearm. Allen only likes Rega because he's a limey, just like the Rega. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirty-Frank Posted January 12, 2015 Author Share Posted January 12, 2015 So... comparing the Rega RP1 and the Pro-ject 1.3 Carbon (I can wait a month or so if need be for the release) Is there a major difference/benefit other than personal preference? EDIT: Any thoughts on the Music Hall MMF-2.2? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tardcore Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 relevant product info. based on the euro-buck pricing, I would guess that once it is available, it will be $500 USD like the current 1.3. http://www.project-audio.com/main.php?prod=rpm1carbon&cat=turntables〈=en Note: No included dust cover is sorta BS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slinch Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 1.3 will soon have a carbon, s-shaped tonearm. Allen only likes Rega because he's a limey, just like the Rega. says the guy selling his Sonus Fabers because they're not 'murican Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirty-Frank Posted January 12, 2015 Author Share Posted January 12, 2015 relevant product info. based on the euro-buck pricing, I would guess that once it is available, it will be $500 USD like the current 1.3. http://www.project-audio.com/main.php?prod=rpm1carbon&cat=turntables〈=en Note: No included dust cover is sorta BS. Thank You. I did notice it was listed on their website and pricing is where I would expect it to be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 relevant product info. based on the euro-buck pricing, I would guess that once it is available, it will be $500 USD like the current 1.3. http://www.project-audio.com/main.php?prod=rpm1carbon&cat=turntables〈=en Note: No included dust cover is sorta BS. I talked with Sumiko about a month ago, they said it would be the same price, $499. And no dust isn't that big of a deal. I've had the 1.3 for almost 5 years now, I made a DIY cover out of 1 sheet of acrylic and about 2hr of my time. Its fine. Still looks brand new. says the guy selling his Sonus Fabers because they're not 'murican Hahaha more than the non-Murican, but hey, you got a point.... MURICA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mesi Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 I talked with Sumiko about a month ago, they said it would be the same price, $499. And no dust isn't that big of a deal. I've had the 1.3 for almost 5 years now, I made a DIY cover out of 1 sheet of acrylic and about 2hr of my time. Its fine. Still looks brand new. A pretty please to see a picture of your DIY dustcover? Please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 Best I can do, this is before I cut it down to be a rounded shape around the platter... And this photo is about 4.5 years old. mesi 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirty-Frank Posted January 12, 2015 Author Share Posted January 12, 2015 Another question... As a way to get a little more out of my money and put it towards a turntable, are there any negatives with going in the direction of purchasing a used receiver with a phono input for the time being? That way it could free up another $150-200 that could be spent on the TT with the desire to upgrade to a true phono preamp in the future. Here are some receivers I was considering from craigslist: https://southjersey.craigslist.org/ele/4816779705.html https://southjersey.craigslist.org/ele/4826872650.html https://southjersey.craigslist.org/ele/4793488916.html https://southjersey.craigslist.org/ele/4842874982.html https://southjersey.craigslist.org/ele/4839257490.html https://southjersey.craigslist.org/ele/4793488916.html Thanks again for all the help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 All of that is crap. Don't buy any of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slinch Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 All of that is crap. Don't buy any of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirty-Frank Posted January 12, 2015 Author Share Posted January 12, 2015 I take it I should stick with the phono-pre idea than.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 Integrated amps with a phono input is fine, but you just posted junk. Audio isn't something you can really skimp on... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirty-Frank Posted January 12, 2015 Author Share Posted January 12, 2015 wasn't trying to skimp. Was just trying to allocate more funds towards my TT. Thank You for your feedback. It is appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirty-Frank Posted January 13, 2015 Author Share Posted January 13, 2015 Integrated amps with a phono input is fine, but you just posted junk. Audio isn't something you can really skimp on... Any advice on what I should be looking for with an integrated amp with phono? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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