Audiophile Turntable Newbie - What to buy as a gift?, [moved from Audio Hardware] Options

[musiclove]

Hi there all!

I am glad to have discovered this forum. I am a newbie at the audiophile game and want to buy my super audiophile boyfriend a turntable as a gift. I have done some initial research and have found brands such as Pro-Ject, Rega, and Pyle. I am not familiar with turntables and audio systems at all and want to make sure I am buying the right thing. I am looking for something with great sound quality (of course) and up to date technical capabilities - meaning I want him to be able to connect to his computer via USB and be able to hook up the turntable to his home audio system. I am having trouble understanding pre-amps etc. I also want it to be able to play all types of records - 78, 35, 45 etc. and my budget maxes at 400-450 US dollars. Please help - I need to be educated but dont want him to be underwhelmed when he opens the gift!

thank you all so much in advance. i really appreciate it.

[RonaldDumsfeld]

This guy explains the attractions of a 1210 deck from an audiophile perspective very well.

Technics 1210 from an audiophile perspective.

However it does cross my mind in retrospect that the OP might be reluctant to give something second hand or reconditioned as a gift. I mean it is still by far and away the best solution and a bit of research via Craigslist Google magic Interwebs type stuff will easily turn up an excellent example but if you really, really cannot face that then probably the best option within the budget is to go with a Rega belt drive.

This is the most budget friendly option.

Rega RP1.. You can get them here from £200. Thats's ~$300.

If you b/f does not already own a phono pre amp on an old amp, receiver or mixer then you will also need to get one. You also asked about a digital interface.

This is a good option for the money as it covers both bases.

ART USB phono plus.

Since he is an audiophile he might already have an interface or be happy with the converters on the PC motherboard. In which case this is a good solution.

ART DeeJay Pre.