Reddit reviews Project Essential II Turntable - Matte Black

Tables in your budget:

• Audio Technica LP120 - You already have reservations about it, but it's an option.
  
  
• U-Turn Orbit basic is $179 but the upgraded version with a decent built in preamp and a cue goes up to $289 and then more if you upgrade the stock cartridge or platter. The built in preamp is probably the best built in preamp of these models.
  
  
• Denon DP-300F for $230 on sale (normally around 300). If you want an automatic table like your LP60, then this is your only option. Built in preamp but on the lower end.
  
  
• Project Essential II for $280. Decent table but no built in preamp.
  
  Some other options to look at: Music Hall 2.2, Fluance RT81, TEAC TN-300.

I have enjoyed the project line in the past. I had a project essential before. It is a pretty TT and it is simple. It would however require you to buy a amplifier or a preamp. It doesn't have any of the bells and whistles like auto stop and start. I think its around 200 quid.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/PRO-JECT-13205-Pro-Ject-Essential-Turntable/dp/B00DKSUHO8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425330554&sr=8-1&keywords=project+turntable

Recently I bought a Denon DP-300F Fully Automatic Analog Turntable. It has a built in preamp if I wanted to use it and is fully automatic. I upgraded the needle to a Shure M97E and have fallen in love with it. In a way I enjoy it more then I did my Project turntable for ease of use.

http://www.amazon.com/Denon-DP-300F-Automatic-Analog-Turntable/dp/B000FMNBXG

Not sure if its for sale in the UK.

Personally I don't think you can go wrong with either. I do not have any experience owning a Audio Technica TT. Hope that helps.

It's $400 for the Debut Carbon. The Debut III on Amazon is $325 while the Essential is listed at $329, so it's actually cheaper to get the higher quality turntable, hah.

Debut III

Essential II

There's absolutely no need to buy a used record player. I burned myself buying a used one when I started. Anyhow. I'd spend most of that money on a turntable, so you have a good solid base to build upon in the future. A Pro-Ject Debut Carbon is juuuust within budget. Amazon It's quite a serious turntable actually. It has a carbon arm and a 2M Red cartridge, which itself can be easily upgraded to a 2M Blue in the future. Maybe you could find a good used Phono Box MM to go with that. I have one on my RPM 1 Carbon and I'm quite happy with it, despite usually being fairly reasonable. Having said that.. it's surprisingly expensive on Amazon in the UK, but they can be found on eBay. I'm afraid you just have to work with what you already got when it comes to speakers or headphones. Otherwise, a Essential may be a cheaper alternative. Amazon

You can get the Pro-Ject Debut III here or the Pro-Ject Essential II here.

Earlier today I went out to BestBuy and bought my first turntable! I walked in there planning on buying the Audio-Technica LP120. But I ended up buying this.

I have heard that this one is a really great table also (if it's not better), and I got it for $50 less than the LP120. However, I do have to wait about 6 days until it comes to my local store because it is a special order (none of the stores in the surrounding 250 miles have it either). I'm excited to have it come in and for me to start using it!

Is this one right here the one you're talking about?

Following some advice I got in here a while back, I held off for a while, but am now ready to start building a good beginner system. Currently, from reading reviews I'm looking at this set-up:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/PRO-JECT-13205-Essential-Turntable-Black/dp/B00DKSUHO8/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Acoustics-2020i-loudspeakers-bookshelf-Universal/dp/B006SYZEBW/ref=cm_rdp_product

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007Y3OBF6/ref=twister_B008UT5O6S?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

My questions really:

Is this everything I need to get started (minus things like speaker cables obviously)?

Will this all work together? I know they're 4/6ohm speakers and an 8ohm amp that can also put out 4.

This setup isn't set in stone, but it is definitely around the price I am looking to pay unless I am actually missing a necessary component. Other gear suggestions of a similar price could also be considered.

Thanks

Here's a system build for you that is as cheap as I would recommend:

https://www.amazon.com/Project-Essential-II-Turntable-Matte/dp/B00DKSUHO8/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1492784630&sr=1-1&keywords=project+essential+ii

https://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX8020-TX-8020-Stereo-Receiver/dp/B00EE18O7W/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1492784690&sr=1-4&keywords=stereo+amplifier

https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-BS22-LR-Designed-Bookshelf-Loudspeakers/dp/B008NCD2LG/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1492784706&sr=1-3&keywords=pioneer+andrew+jones

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-16-Gauge-Speaker-Wire-Feet/dp/B006LW0W5Y/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1492784905&sr=1-3&keywords=speaker+wire

Do NOT get a Crosley or an Audio Technica LP60. UTurn Orbit and the AT LP120 are OK alternatives. Or just go used via your local Craigslist.

There is a version with a built-in phono pre but the price is higher than buying the regular Essential II and the Pro-Ject Phonobox separately.

Essential II - £209
Phonobox - £39

With a built-in phono stage:
Essential II USB - £285

A lower cost option with a built-in phono stage would be the Elemental USB at £229. The downside to this one is that it is less adjustable in terms of tracking force and anti-skate which limits your cartridge options down the road.