Sponsors

Cambridge Audio Azur 651PPrice: $249

Website: www.cambridgeaudio.com

Thom said: It does what all good audio gear should: It gets out of the way and lets the music pour forth. It’s a component any vinyl-playing audiophile will appreciate, and at $249, it’s a steal. If you’re looking to add vinyl capability to your system, listen to an Azur 651P. You can’t do better at anywhere near its price.

Reviewers' Choice

Read the SoundStage! Access review.

The gist: Cheap way to get into good-sounding vinyl.

Simaudio Moon Evolution 610LPPrice: $7500

Website: www.simaudio.com

Jason said: So. Bass? Check. Treble? Yep. Imaging? You bet. The 610LP did it all right. But it’s how the Simaudio put it all together that makes this phono stage truly valuable.

Read the SoundStage! Hi-Fi review.

The gist: Not inexpensive, but quite impressive in its capabilities.

Octave Audio Phono EQ.2Price: $1899

Website: www.octave.de

Oliver said: If you’re looking for something that can properly load your cartridge, makes marathon listening a breeze, and -- most important -- never fails to make compelling music, do yourself a solid and check out Octave Audio’s Phono EQ.2. You’ll be happy you did.

Read the SoundStage! Access review.

The gist: Nice little phono stage from an iconic German firm.

Onkyo CP-1050 Turntable with OC-105Price: $499

Website: www.us.onkyo.com

Thom said: The CP-1050 seemed to have its own sound, and would match well with a slightly better, lively sounding, moderate-cost cartridge with elliptical stylus from Audio-Technica or Ortofon. If you’re in the market to enter or re-enter the Wonderful World of Vinyl, the Onkyo CP-1050 may be just what you need.

Read the SoundStage! Access review.

The gist: Competent turntable for a decent price.

Pro-JectPrice: $3499

Website: www.project-audio.com

Oliver said: The combo of Pro-Ject Classic Xtension 10 Evolution and Sumiko BlackBird is a thoroughly enjoyable record-playing system -- one with eminently musical chops, fine sound, and fuss-free setup and operation. It’s one of the best Pro-Ject designs to date, and given the company’s history of making record players, that’s saying a lot. If you’re shopping for a complete turntable setup between $3500 and $4000, be sure to listen to the Pro-Ject’s SuperPack combo of Classic Xtension 10 Evolution and Sumiko BlackBird. You’ll be glad you did.

Read the SoundStage! Hi-Fi review.

The gist: Venerable Austrian company’s middle-of-the-road turntable is darned good.

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