Thread: Turntable and cartridge for college freshman?

I posted this in that other forum and have not gotten a response (they're probably too busy writing about expensive cars, guns and cigars ) so I thought I'd try it here. My high school senior is graduating in May and over the weekend he told me that he'd like to get a turntable and headphone system for college - he's already eyed up some of my albums (some of which I'm happy to part with since they're more his style than mine at this point - punk classics, et al). So I plan to give him my head phone set up (which I almost never use, don't really care for headphones) and an old phono pre consisting of: Schitt Lyra, Schitt Bifrost, HiFiMan 500s, Musical Surroundings Phonomena. That is a nice set up I've got to say to get him started. Question is, what turntable and cartridge should he get? I let him use my set up at home (see my signature), but would like him to have something that sounds good, is easy to use and set up (he wants it to be fully manual), and is fairly bullet proof (well, as much as a TT and cartridge can be) since he's going to be in college after all. I'm thinking entry level Rega RP1 and Elys cartridge. Your thoughts?
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System - VPI Classic 3 Rosewood/10" VPI Classic JMW 3D/Lyra Delos/Esoteric E-03; Mac Mini/JRiver Media Center/Ayre QB-9 DSD; McIntosh MCD500; McIntosh MA6600 w/ Jena Jumpers; Sonus faber Cremona M; Shunyata Venom PS8 Power Distributor, Venom Defender, Venom HC and Venom 3 PCs; Cardas Clear USB and Phono Cables; WireWorld Silver Eclipse 7 ICs and speaker cables; Steve Blinn Designs 3 Shelf Extra Wide Rack; KLAUDiO RCM.

I'd thought about the Nomad, but since I already had the headphone amp and phono pre thought I'd go with just the TT and cartridge - plus the Rega has a dust cover. I'll take another look at the Nomad (it is a simpler all in one). Budget is also a consideration with tuition, room and board to pay.

Originally Posted by socfan12

Hi Moby,

Another vote for the Nomad here if the budget allows.

I just noticed you use the Esoteric E-03 phono. How do you like it? I know off topic, but if you reply or PM a response, would be much appreciated.
cheers,
allen

Allen - I love the E-03. I consider it the best piece in my system. Here is what I wrote about it on that other site: "E-03 has arrived and been installed. Beautifully made, solid as a rock, one can see where the money went. But that would matter naught if the sound quality wasn't there. I've only listened to 2 albums (I have to go to work and don't want to) and it's not burned in, but wow. Wider and deeper soundstage, pinpoint placement of instruments and vocals, and the mythical veil has been lifted. I can now clearly hear and identify Neil Young's backing vocals on David Crosby's first solo album - it was like, oh yeah, that's Neil Young. More to come....
****
A follow up to yesterday's post. Last night I listened to Patti Smith's Easter, Johnny Cash's American Recordings, and Bob Marley's Legend. The reason I chose those recordings is that they were the final 3 recordings I'd listened to with my phono pre before installing the Esoteric E-03. I focused on listening to the music not the equipment, and rather than using audiophile jargon (which I've never been particularly comfortable with) let me try to describe the difference I now hear with the Esoteric.

The Patti Smith recording, which had previously sounded fairly dense to me, really opened up and I could clearly hear each instrument in its own space and sounding very natural. Her voice, from guttural to screams to melodic, was also clearer and seemed more present in the room. The background was completely silent/black. I felt like I was near the front of a gig of hers at CBGBs but with much better acoustics and no crowd. The power of certain rave up rockers was palpable and the hair stood up on my neck. The word that comes to mind is "visceral".

The Johnny Cash recording (which is just the man and his guitar), revealed his age, the weariness in his voice and his slightly out of tune guitar, while conveying all of the menace of Delia's Gone and The Beast in Me and the regret of Why Me Lord. It felt like Johnny was sitting in my listening room after a long day, sitting in a chair and playing just for me - a really intimate experience. The word that comes to mind is "presence".

The Marley album, which we're all familiar with, again stood out because of its openness, the separation of the instruments, and the timbre of Marley's voice. The word that comes to mind is "transparent".

I've got to say that I don't think I've ever added a component that has so dramatically changed the sound of my system for the better - it was rather shocking. It also allows me to fully appreciate the quality of my Cremona Ms which I don't think I've ever gotten the best out of until now - particularly in dynamics and tight punchy bass.

Highly recommended"

Originally Posted by MikeCh

Fully manual for a college student? You might want to ask him again about his attention span.....

I had the same concerns - but apparently he's into the manual thing.

Originally Posted by MikeCh

Did you mention your budget?

Under $1,000. Nomad will exceed that if I get a dustcover (which is key) but not by too much.

another vote for the Nomad

Originally Posted by MikeCh

For that amount, I sure think you could find a fully operational Technics SP-15 with plinth and arm and cover (and maybe even cart) that would withstand the rigors of college life plus some.

I'd just be a little hesitant to purchase new for a college student but that's just me.

Wise words Jedi Master!

A great list and very thoughtful Cyril, thanks!