User Panel
Posted: 12/9/2013 12:32:18 PM EDT
So I've been hemming and hawing about getting into vinyl for some time now. However, I recently received some free records. So now I have to get a record player. The trouble is I don't know what to get.
I mean I don't want to get the Hesse of players and be unhappy. But maybe the $50-$75 players I see at the record store really are good enough. So my question of you is "If you were getting a record player for under $100, what would you get?". Or alternatively "Retgarr, you idiot! You can't get a decent record player for under $100! Don't be so cheap, save up a few bucks and get this one." |
|
I was hoping this was about Al Bundy searching for that classic vinyl with the lyrics "go with Himmmm"
|
|
|
For under $100 you can find some on craigslist, yard sales, thrift stores, or record shops. Just look for a direct drive unit that allows you to synchronize the speed.
|
|
I don't know much about the lower end stuff, but ALL the high end tables are belt drive. DD is for DJ's scratching records so they get back to speed quickly when you stop them with your hands.
|
|
Quoted: For under $100 you can find some on craigslist, yard sales, thrift stores, or record shops. Just look for a direct drive unit that allows you to synchronize the speed. View Quote This...but no need for direct-drive, belt tables are fine. Lots of good Teknics and Stantons out there for cheap, and you can get belts/parts/cartridges for them easily. |
|
I'm in the same boat. I want to start collecting vinyl myself. I'm in the market for something belt driven with linear tracking.
|
|
If you're going to buy new, and if you're on a budget, and if you're willing to hear me out, please...consider this one:
I'm listening to Rush on this very turntable right now, and it's everything I hoped it would be, and more.
|
|
Quoted:
If you're going to buy new, and if you're on a budget, and if you're willing to hear me out, please...consider this one: http://www.amazon.com/PRO-JECT-DEBUT-MATTE-BLACK-TURNTABLE/dp/B000CDHQK2/ref=sr_1_46?ie=UTF8&qid=1386650327&sr=8-46&keywords=turntable I'm listening to Rush on this very turntable right now, and it's everything I hoped it would be, and more. View Quote Ok, I'm listenin' |
|
Quoted:
If you're going to buy new, and if you're on a budget, and if you're willing to hear me out, please...consider this one: http://www.amazon.com/PRO-JECT-DEBUT-MATTE-BLACK-TURNTABLE/dp/B000CDHQK2/ref=sr_1_46?ie=UTF8&qid=1386650327&sr=8-46&keywords=turntable I'm listening to Rush on this very turntable right now, and it's everything I hoped it would be, and more. View Quote This was what I would recommend also. |
|
Quoted:
If you're going to buy new, and if you're on a budget, and if you're willing to hear me out, please...consider this one: http://www.amazon.com/PRO-JECT-DEBUT-MATTE-BLACK-TURNTABLE/dp/B000CDHQK2/ref=sr_1_46?ie=UTF8&qid=1386650327&sr=8-46&keywords=turntable I'm listening to Rush on this very turntable right now, and it's everything I hoped it would be, and more. View Quote Is a tuner or preamp required? I'm not seeing any reference to USB. Nevermind. Reading is fundamental. |
|
Quoted: If you're going to buy new, and if you're on a budget, and if you're willing to hear me out, please...consider this one: View Quote I'm listening to Rush on this very turntable right now, and it's everything I hoped it would be, and more. An alternative: Music Hall MMF-2.2 A bit more, but it reviews well. I have an MMF-5.1, but that model is closer to $1K. m |
|
Quoted:
If you're going to buy new, and if you're on a budget, and if you're willing to hear me out, please...consider this one: http://www.amazon.com/PRO-JECT-DEBUT-MATTE-BLACK-TURNTABLE/dp/B000CDHQK2/ref=sr_1_46?ie=UTF8&qid=1386650327&sr=8-46&keywords=turntable I'm listening to Rush on this very turntable right now, and it's everything I hoped it would be, and more. View Quote PRO-JECT or REGA - RP1 at the minimum. Wish I still had |
|
Am I just blind, or is there no place on the EE that's appropriate to buy and sell vinyl records and associated equipment?
I just sold $2000 worth of LPs on eBay and the fees are ridiculous. I have a lot more to sell and would like to be able to list it on ARFCOM. |
|
Quoted: Quoted: If you're going to buy new, and if you're on a budget, and if you're willing to hear me out, please...consider this one: http://www.amazon.com/PRO-JECT-DEBUT-MATTE-BLACK-TURNTABLE/dp/B000CDHQK2/ref=sr_1_46?ie=UTF8&qid=1386650327&sr=8-46&keywords=turntable I'm listening to Rush on this very turntable right now, and it's everything I hoped it would be, and more. Ok, I'm listenin' It's $100 more, though.
|
|
Quoted: Am I just blind, or is there no place on the EE that's appropriate to buy and sell vinyl records and associated equipment? I just sold $2000 worth of LPs on eBay and the fees are ridiculous. I have a lot more to sell and would like to be able to list it on ARFCOM. View Quote And I might like to buy.
|
|
Check yard sales if you do not want to spend a lot of money.
Just bought a Pioneer PL-600 at a yard sale for 3$, but needs a new belt. Belt 8.50 shipped from ebay. Nice little turntable for 12 bucks. |
|
Quoted:
I actually screwed that up and posted the wrong link. The one you were listening to (and the one I own, obviously) is this one: http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Ject-13086-PRO-JECT-DEBUT-CARBON/dp/B007XTE6YW/ref=pd_cp_e_0 It's $100 more, though. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
If you're going to buy new, and if you're on a budget, and if you're willing to hear me out, please...consider this one: http://www.amazon.com/PRO-JECT-DEBUT-MATTE-BLACK-TURNTABLE/dp/B000CDHQK2/ref=sr_1_46?ie=UTF8&qid=1386650327&sr=8-46&keywords=turntable I'm listening to Rush on this very turntable right now, and it's everything I hoped it would be, and more. Ok, I'm listenin' http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Ject-13086-PRO-JECT-DEBUT-CARBON/dp/B007XTE6YW/ref=pd_cp_e_0 It's $100 more, though. But the why? Why is that worth so much more? Am I going to notice it? |
|
Quoted: But the why? Why is that worth so much more? Am I going to notice it? View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: If you're going to buy new, and if you're on a budget, and if you're willing to hear me out, please...consider this one: http://www.amazon.com/PRO-JECT-DEBUT-MATTE-BLACK-TURNTABLE/dp/B000CDHQK2/ref=sr_1_46?ie=UTF8&qid=1386650327&sr=8-46&keywords=turntable I'm listening to Rush on this very turntable right now, and it's everything I hoped it would be, and more. Ok, I'm listenin' http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Ject-13086-PRO-JECT-DEBUT-CARBON/dp/B007XTE6YW/ref=pd_cp_e_0 It's $100 more, though. But the why? Why is that worth so much more? Am I going to notice it? Will you notice the difference? I dunno. I've never heard the Pro-Ject Debut III.
|
|
I have one of those Crosley combination CD/record/tape/stereo players and am happy with it.
I want to get one of those portable briefcase size models too. |
|
Quoted:
Am I just blind, or is there no place on the EE that's appropriate to buy and sell vinyl records and associated equipment? I just sold $2000 worth of LPs on eBay and the fees are ridiculous. I have a lot more to sell and would like to be able to list it on ARFCOM. View Quote Ooooh, what have you got? I'll be back in KC sometime in January for work. OP: I got a Technics SL-D1 on Craigslist for $75. Works perfectly. |
|
|
Quoted:
You're happy with it, because you haven't heard something better. Once you do, you'll hate it. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
I have one of those Crosley combination CD/record/tape/stereo players and am happy with it. I want to get one of those portable briefcase size models too. |
|
Quoted:
So I've been hemming and hawing about getting into vinyl for some time now. However, I recently received some free records. So now I have to get a record player. The trouble is I don't know what to get. I mean I don't want to get the Hesse of players and be unhappy. But maybe the $50-$75 players I see at the record store really are good enough. So my question of you is "If you were getting a record player for under $100, what would you get?". Or alternatively "Retgarr, you idiot! You can't get a decent record player for under $100! Don't be so cheap, save up a few bucks and get this one." View Quote What kind of stereo do you have? They make cheap-o USB TTs now, that might be the way to go if you have a stereo HT receiver that has USB inputs. Honestly, if you have a regular stereo receiver/preamp, you'll need a phonostage to play back vinyl properly, if you don't have one built into your receiver/preamp to begin with. $100 isn't a lot. Chris |
|
Quoted: What kind of stereo do you have? They make cheap-o USB TTs now, that might be the way to go if you have a stereo HT receiver that has USB inputs. Honestly, if you have a regular stereo receiver/preamp, you'll need a phonostage to play back vinyl properly, if you don't have one built into your receiver/preamp to begin with. $100 isn't a lot. Chris View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: So I've been hemming and hawing about getting into vinyl for some time now. However, I recently received some free records. So now I have to get a record player. The trouble is I don't know what to get. I mean I don't want to get the Hesse of players and be unhappy. But maybe the $50-$75 players I see at the record store really are good enough. So my question of you is "If you were getting a record player for under $100, what would you get?". Or alternatively "Retgarr, you idiot! You can't get a decent record player for under $100! Don't be so cheap, save up a few bucks and get this one." What kind of stereo do you have? They make cheap-o USB TTs now, that might be the way to go if you have a stereo HT receiver that has USB inputs. Honestly, if you have a regular stereo receiver/preamp, you'll need a phonostage to play back vinyl properly, if you don't have one built into your receiver/preamp to begin with. $100 isn't a lot. Chris |
|
Quoted:
I don't know much about the lower end stuff, but ALL the high end tables are belt drive. DD is for DJ's scratching records so they get back to speed quickly when you stop them with your hands. View Quote No, that's not true at all. DD, when executed correctly is more stable than belt drive. The Technics SL-1200 was originally designed as an audiophile table and was later adopted by DJ's for the reason you describe above. The reason you don't see many, if any DD tables from high end manufacturers is that they are boutique manufacturers that lack the production capability to produce the complex integrated circuits required to make such devices work at a price thats reasonable. Belts are much simpler to manufacture. It took a large corporation (Panasonic) to pull off the Technics brand. Guys like VPI and Project are miniscule in comparison. That said I would look for a used table on craigslist. If you have to buy new the Project Debut Carbon is very nice. Those $100 turntables you see at the record stores are junk. Oh and do not forget the importance of cleaning your records. look up the wood glue method if you want to do it on the cheap. A dirty, scratched record will never sound good no matter how much you spend on your system. |
|
Quoted:
Yes they do, and they sound like dogshit. He should run, not walk, from such a suggestion. View Quote You're preaching to the choir here, but for $50-$75, with $100 being an arm and a leg, what's he to do? We don't even know what stereo he has, either. People tend to think that you just plug the tonearm leads into the AUX jack and start spinning records and well...as you know, that's not the case. Personally, I'd suggest a nice Rega P3 type with a Musical Fidelity phono stage, but he'll be approaching a grand and well...if he has to ask... Let him spend $100 on a USB TT, if it'll work in his system and see if he likes records. He can always sell a kidney and get into better sound if that's his destiny, lol. Chris |
|
Do some digging and you'll likely find a used Technics SL-1200 variants in good shape.
|
|
Quoted: If you're going to buy new, and if you're on a budget, and if you're willing to hear me out, please...consider this one: View Quote I'm listening to Rush on this very turntable right now, and it's everything I hoped it would be, and more. |
|
Quoted:
Do some digging and you'll likely find a used Technics SL-1200 variants in good shape. View Quote Looks like ~$350 and up and he'll still need a phono stage if he doesn't have one already in circuit, somewhere. Ebay Technics 1200 TTs Chris |
|
Quoted:
The Debut Carbon comes with a carbon fiber tonearm, an Ortofon 2m Red cartridge and has a heavier platter. Most of the difference is in the cartridge and stylus really. An Ortofon 5e cartridge and stylus is about $40, whereas the Ortofon 2m Red cartridge and stylus runs around $100. Will you notice the difference? I dunno. I've never heard the Pro-Ject Debut III. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
If you're going to buy new, and if you're on a budget, and if you're willing to hear me out, please...consider this one: http://www.amazon.com/PRO-JECT-DEBUT-MATTE-BLACK-TURNTABLE/dp/B000CDHQK2/ref=sr_1_46?ie=UTF8&qid=1386650327&sr=8-46&keywords=turntable I'm listening to Rush on this very turntable right now, and it's everything I hoped it would be, and more. Ok, I'm listenin' http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Ject-13086-PRO-JECT-DEBUT-CARBON/dp/B007XTE6YW/ref=pd_cp_e_0 It's $100 more, though. But the why? Why is that worth so much more? Am I going to notice it? Will you notice the difference? I dunno. I've never heard the Pro-Ject Debut III. I've got a Debut III and I love it. I haven't upgraded the cartridge yet, but it seems to do very well on the 180 g audiophile vinyl being produced now, and the lighter old school stuff is nice as well. I'm not running a tube amp like I'd like to, but it sounds nice on my Def Tech SuperTowers. I think the quality of turntable should be determined on what speakers you're using and what you use to power them. I paid $200 for my turntable NIB, and I would pay full retail if I had to do it again. Let us know what you decide. |
|
Quoted: View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: If you're going to buy new, and if you're on a budget, and if you're willing to hear me out, please...consider this one: I'm listening to Rush on this very turntable right now, and it's everything I hoped it would be, and more. |
|
Quoted: You're preaching to the choir here, but for $50-$75, with $100 being an arm and a leg, what's he to do? We don't even know what stereo he has, either. People tend to think that you just plug the tonearm leads into the AUX jack and start spinning records and well...as you know, that's not the case. Personally, I'd suggest a nice Rega P3 type with a Musical Fidelity phono stage, but he'll be approaching a grand and well...if he has to ask... Let him spend $100 on a USB TT, if it'll work in his system and see if he likes records. He can always sell a kidney and get into better sound if that's his destiny, lol. Chris View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: Yes they do, and they sound like dogshit. He should run, not walk, from such a suggestion. You're preaching to the choir here, but for $50-$75, with $100 being an arm and a leg, what's he to do? We don't even know what stereo he has, either. People tend to think that you just plug the tonearm leads into the AUX jack and start spinning records and well...as you know, that's not the case. Personally, I'd suggest a nice Rega P3 type with a Musical Fidelity phono stage, but he'll be approaching a grand and well...if he has to ask... Let him spend $100 on a USB TT, if it'll work in his system and see if he likes records. He can always sell a kidney and get into better sound if that's his destiny, lol. Chris But yeah, you can skip all of that and just get one of those USB turntables for $100 or less. Problem is, they really do sound like shit, they can't be setup properly, and it's a safe bet that he won't be able to play a lot of old records, because unless they're perfect, he'll never get the stylus to track right. There's really no upside. He'll get none of the benefits of listing to vinyl, but he'll get every single one of the drawbacks.
|
|
|
|
Quoted: I recommend this one. http://soundapproach.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/265x265/17f82f742ffe127f42dca9de82fb58b1/x/l/xl4.jpg After you win Powerball. View Quote |
|
Quoted:
If I was working with a $100 budget, I'd pick up a used Technics of some sort. It's really hard to do it for $100 though. You'll almost certainly need a new stylus (I won't trust whatever's on a used one), and if you're buying used, you'll need to setup the turntable, which means buying a vertical tracking force scale, a test record for anti-skate adjustment, a cartridge alignment tool/gauge, an overhang gauge, etc, etc. And of course, if he doesn't already have a receiver with a phono stage, he'll need to pick up a phono preamp. And even the cheapest of these are ~$50 (If I was starting from scratch, I'd probably pick up an old receiver, personally). But yeah, you can skip all of that and just get one of those USB turntables for $100 or less. Problem is, they really do sound like shit, they can't be setup properly, and it's a safe bet that he won't be able to play a lot of old records, because unless they're perfect, he'll never get the stylus to track right. There's really no upside. He'll get none of the benefits of listing to vinyl, but he'll get every single one of the drawbacks. View Quote I get the Music Direct catalog and they have a lot of pimpy TT gear, if you look on their website. They have that Project Debut III in a few colors, for $299 and the Project $99 phono stage, so while Project and Music Hall aren't my cup of tea, they are better solutions than a USB type dohicky. At least the Debut III comes with an arm and stylus, however rudimentary they might be. So for $400 sans shipping, you have something that you can plug into a receiver of any type and spin records, but the OP was looking in the $50-$75 range and not the $400 range. MusicDirect.com analogue stuff Chris |
|
Quoted: I get the Music Direct catalog and they have a lot of pimpy TT gear, if you look on their website. They have that Project Debut III in a few colors, for $299 and the Project $99 phono stage, so while Project and Music Hall aren't my cup of tea, they are better solutions than a USB type dohicky. At least the Debut III comes with an arm and stylus, however rudimentary they might be. So for $400 sans shipping, you have something that you can plug into a receiver of any type and spin records, but the OP was looking in the $50-$75 range and not the $400 range. MusicDirect.com analogue stuff Chris View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: If I was working with a $100 budget, I'd pick up a used Technics of some sort. It's really hard to do it for $100 though. You'll almost certainly need a new stylus (I won't trust whatever's on a used one), and if you're buying used, you'll need to setup the turntable, which means buying a vertical tracking force scale, a test record for anti-skate adjustment, a cartridge alignment tool/gauge, an overhang gauge, etc, etc. And of course, if he doesn't already have a receiver with a phono stage, he'll need to pick up a phono preamp. And even the cheapest of these are ~$50 (If I was starting from scratch, I'd probably pick up an old receiver, personally). But yeah, you can skip all of that and just get one of those USB turntables for $100 or less. Problem is, they really do sound like shit, they can't be setup properly, and it's a safe bet that he won't be able to play a lot of old records, because unless they're perfect, he'll never get the stylus to track right. There's really no upside. He'll get none of the benefits of listing to vinyl, but he'll get every single one of the drawbacks. I get the Music Direct catalog and they have a lot of pimpy TT gear, if you look on their website. They have that Project Debut III in a few colors, for $299 and the Project $99 phono stage, so while Project and Music Hall aren't my cup of tea, they are better solutions than a USB type dohicky. At least the Debut III comes with an arm and stylus, however rudimentary they might be. So for $400 sans shipping, you have something that you can plug into a receiver of any type and spin records, but the OP was looking in the $50-$75 range and not the $400 range. MusicDirect.com analogue stuff Chris Unless somebody gives you a bunch of free shit, I just don't think you can get into it properly for $100 or less. There's just no point to even trying, in my opinion.
|
|
I still use the Technic's I have had since 1978. finding needles is getting harder
|
|
Quoted: I still use the Technic's I have had since 1978. finding needles is getting harder View Quote You can also replace the cartridge (and stylus) with something modern, and likely nicer than what yours came with. |
|
I've got an old Thorens TD-145 that I'm still digging.........
|
|
Quoted:
I recommend this one. http://soundapproach.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/265x265/17f82f742ffe127f42dca9de82fb58b1/x/l/xl4.jpg After you win Powerball. View Quote Funny you should post that TT. I have a Kuzma Stabi with external power supply and the Kuzma Stogi Reference arm. That table has been discontinued, but it's solid oak and quite nice sounding, if not an example of 'beach house chic,' as I call its aesthetic. It was placed under the Reference and XL Reference Stabi tables, but the Stogi Reference arm is up there with the better tonearms. Chris |
|
Quoted: PRO-JECT or REGA - RP1 at the minimum. Wish I still had http://www.audioscope.net/images/acoustic_research_ar_the_turntable-3.jpg View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: If you're going to buy new, and if you're on a budget, and if you're willing to hear me out, please...consider this one: http://www.amazon.com/PRO-JECT-DEBUT-MATTE-BLACK-TURNTABLE/dp/B000CDHQK2/ref=sr_1_46?ie=UTF8&qid=1386650327&sr=8-46&keywords=turntable I'm listening to Rush on this very turntable right now, and it's everything I hoped it would be, and more. PRO-JECT or REGA - RP1 at the minimum. Wish I still had http://www.audioscope.net/images/acoustic_research_ar_the_turntable-3.jpg |
|
Oh..
That kind of vinyl. I was afraid to see pics of Subnet and others wearing vinyl. |
|
Looks awesome Chris.
There was method to my madness. Arthur Salvatore lists that as the top turntable available. |
|
I listen to my vintage records on a vintage TT through a vintage receiver and speakers. My TT is a Pioneer PL-400. I have it mainly for nostalgic reasons, there are many better models. Find something you can audition in yor price range. You can always upgrade later.
|
|
|
This is what I currently use. I think I got mine for $199 shipped so look around.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120-USB-Direct-Drive-Professional-Turntable-USB-Analog-/291014968073?pt=US_Record_Players_Home_Turntables&hash=item43c1d80309 |
|
Quoted:
What kind of stereo do you have? They make cheap-o USB TTs now, that might be the way to go if you have a stereo HT receiver that has USB inputs. Honestly, if you have a regular stereo receiver/preamp, you'll need a phonostage to play back vinyl properly, if you don't have one built into your receiver/preamp to begin with. $100 isn't a lot. Chris View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
So I've been hemming and hawing about getting into vinyl for some time now. However, I recently received some free records. So now I have to get a record player. The trouble is I don't know what to get. I mean I don't want to get the Hesse of players and be unhappy. But maybe the $50-$75 players I see at the record store really are good enough. So my question of you is "If you were getting a record player for under $100, what would you get?". Or alternatively "Retgarr, you idiot! You can't get a decent record player for under $100! Don't be so cheap, save up a few bucks and get this one." What kind of stereo do you have? They make cheap-o USB TTs now, that might be the way to go if you have a stereo HT receiver that has USB inputs. Honestly, if you have a regular stereo receiver/preamp, you'll need a phonostage to play back vinyl properly, if you don't have one built into your receiver/preamp to begin with. $100 isn't a lot. Chris The stereo is an old Marantz 2230 and a Realistic brand equalizer that I don't know the model of. Made to accommodate a turntable. The stereo setup is not a concern. And looking at the turntables that tout USB does not inspire confidence. |
|
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.