Choosing a Record Player

[xtine]

So there are a few DJs and audiophiles on this board, so I'd thought I'd ask my question here. I've been collecting vinyl lately since most of my favorite artists still press their singles and albums on vinyl, so now besides framing them as art I would like to actually get a turntable to listen to them.

What do people recommend as a cost effective record player? I'm thinking in the sub 100 range. Some people have suggested things like getting one of those that have a USB port to transfer to mp3 (ion). Some have suggested to stay away from direct drive, while others have told me to get it.

Any options or help? I would greatly appreciate it.

[Jetsetlemming]

Find one in storage your parents, grandparents, and/or their siblings possibly owned. That's what I did. I found a Jackson Five record in my attic :)

[archdukezeb]

For just listening to music this would be a good choice: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-PSLX250H-Turntable/dp/B00005T3XH/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1233581814&sr=1-16

[ruaidhri]

Remember, a turntable also requires a separate amplifier and speakers.

I agree, the best solution would be to find an old system if the needle is still good and it works. The new units that have a USB port are nice because you can transfer tracks from records to your computer, CD and MP3.

Of course, I have a "record player". My wife and I have many records (78, 45 and 33 rpm). I even have a big 1957 Seeburg KS-200 Jukebox that holds 100 45 RPM records and has 200 selections. My son reconditioned and repaired the jukebox and the records it holds are from when I was young, the 50's and 60's.

[ミュー]

There is only one turntable.

It is called Technics SL-1200.
Everyone uses it.

I've used a shitload of turntables, and a good tech-12 is untouchable as a sub $1000 deck. Can't afford new? Buy used. I've got two that look ghetto as hell I bought used, but they work like a charm.

People play records because they want that good, solid sound. Sub $100 will not buy you shit for a turntable. I had a Stanton 1200 clone called an STR8-80 before I was awakened by the oldskoo gods. I liked it back then but it was a heap of shit compared to my current wheels of steel.

Warning: audiophilia is an expensive habit. I suggest you investing on a good pair of headphones unless you've got $1000+ to play with. Google "Grado"

My setup:
Technics SL-1200 MK3 x2
Pioneer DJM-600

Quad 405 amplifier
Magnepan MG-IIb speakers

[Plekto]

http://www.dak.com/Reviews/2020Story.cfm#in

Just buy this. Yes, the ad copy is annoying as hell, but it has the turntable, mixing box/preamp, plus all of the software that you need to copy and ditch the whole collection(or stick it back on the wall as it were - heh). I really recommend transferring everything to digital. This way you won't need an actual dedicated stereo system, either, to play it back on.

Other than that, the only decent names/choices new are either Technics and Rega. Both cost a LOT more than your budget, though. Note - the stylus in that package is rubbish - get a standard Audio Technica or similar one. You don't need anything fantastic, mind you. The $50-60 one will work great.

Shure, Grado, and Rega also make/made similar ones. These run about $60-70, but the ~$40-$50 ones are essentially just as good. Note - many are new old stock, since many stores still sell them/have large stocks and they take up little to no inventory space.

IMO, channel separation is the most critical measurement at this end/price range. I can't hear upwards of 20Khz any more(not since I was about 12-13 years old), so stupidly high ratings are just that in most cases.

http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/turntables/132996d8909f84e4/index.html/
This is the unit DAK is selling.(sells for about $100 street price). The stylus is an ATN3600L.
http://www.audio-discounters.com/atn3600l.html
Okay turntable, hideous toy cartridge. (IMO of course)

http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/Phono-Cartridges
(click on budget cartridges)

Most anything that will work for $50-$75 is fine. They all sound about the same at this price level and are nearly CD quality as well. Another "trick" is to get an old turntable like a Dual or similar and just replace the worn out junk cartridge. But a USB turntable is a godsend, IMO, for your type of planned use.(ie - not daily listening/playing of the records)

[archdukezeb]

There is only one turntable.

It is called Technics SL-1200.
Everyone uses it.


She definitely doesn't need Tech 12 for listening to records. She isn't scratching records so she doesn't need a direct drive turntable.


Just buy this. Yes, the ad copy is annoying as hell, but it has the turntable, mixing box/preamp, plus all of the software that you need to copy and ditch the whole collection. I really recommend transferring everything to digital. this way you won't need an actual dedicated stereo system, either, to play it back on.

Other than that, the only names are either Technics and Rega. Both cost a LOT more than your budget, though.
That link you posted doesn't even say what kind of turntable is included in that package so the whole thing seems rather shady. Also why would you want to listen to all your music on mp3 when you made a point to buy it on vinyl.

Technics definitely isn't the only respected turntable company and I've never even heard of Rega.

[xtine]

Thanks for the suggestions. I tried asking my parents if they had an old turntable a while ago, but they said it was broken so they threw it out. Bah.

But yeah... I have a little idea of how much audiophilism costs (I have Grado SR-60, Beyerdynamic DT770 PRO, Shure ec3, and a mini3 headphone amp...) but really to be honest I'm not THAT concerned with 'best' sound quality yet. If I had a lot of money and some interest in DJing I would invest in those Technics... but not at the moment. Just want something decent to listen to in the meantime.

[Plekto]

That link you posted doesn't even say what kind of turntable is included in that package so the whole thing seems rather shady. Also why would you want to listen to all your music on mp3 when you made a point to buy it on vinyl.

Technics definitely isn't the only respected turntable company and I've never even heard of Rega.

I know the copy doesn't state which player it is, so I provided a link to the Audio Technica site for the exact model. It's a virtual clone of the Sony budget USB turntable.(Sony appears to make it for them)

Why listen on MP3? Actually the software converts it all to WAV files first. Gets rid of the hiss, clicks and pops, and so on. The mixer board is in case your newer equipment (or computer) doesn't have a RIAA equalization circuit in it. Most anything made in the last 10 years doesn't, and the stand-alone units are pricey as hell and geared towards the stupid and wealthy.

The OP needs a simple turntable and a $100 or so USB one will suffice if they also have software and a good cartridge.(90%+ of the sound is from the cartridge, after all)

As for Rega?
http://www.rega.co.uk/
They've been making turntables for a couple of decades. They are the lowest cost audiophile option currently on the market that's any good. (P2 @ $525) Their cartridges are pretty so-so, though. Grado makes far better ones for the money.

[h2orowe]

I once made a turntable with 3 classmates in high school out of several sheets of printer paper, an apple, sewing needle, and, iirc, a tennis ball. That's all you need, dawg.

[xtine]

I know this is going to make the audiophiles cringe, but woot.com has the ION USB turntable for 50 bucks (http://www.amazon.com/ION-Portable-Turntable-Software-Speaker/dp/B00032BOLO/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top) so I got it.

I am still saving up for a high quality turntable later, but this will do fine in the meantime.

[archdukezeb]

Those kind of turntables are only good for one thing, and that's being portable. If you don't need to play your records outside at a picnic in the park it would probably just be a waste of money. The only people who seriously use those things are crate diggers and such. If you notice I don't think it even has a lever for the arm and most likely no automatic mechanism that brings arm back to the rest when the side is done which means you have to do it all manually. Probably end up being more trouble then it's worth.