One problem I have with the vinyl revival involves the playback systems. Most devotees are playing records on cheap phono crap. On the other hand, audiophiles are touting $100K turntables, $5K cartridges, and $20K phono preamps... and up. Thankfully there is quality LP playback equipment at more realistic prices. I think one has to spend around $500-$1K to get decent LP playback.
I paid that much, but back around 1980, for my Thorens/SME/Shure system that's worked great for decades, and the system I used to copy all my LPs to digital. But I needed a way to play 78s so I looked for a reasonably priced supplemental system.
My budget favorite these days is the Audio-Technical A-T 120. I choose this system because it also plays 78s, and I had some I wanted to digitize. Unfortunately (although many people want all this) it comes with a built in preamp, a USB digital converter, and now Bluetooth. I immediately pulled all this stuff out of the turntable so I could use my own preamp. I also upgraded the cartridge to the A-T 540 ($250) and bought an extra shell for a Shure 78 cartridge.
For a phono preamp, I use a Hagerman Bugle + power supply bought as a kit. Current models are fully assembled, but still price under $500. And they work great!.
I think this gear, or similar, is all you need for audiophile vinyl playback.
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