kcdusk Posted March 6, 2014 Posted March 6, 2014 (edited) A mate of mine has a growing vinyl collection. Not sure how he's been listening to them to date, but now he's after a decent turntable. $400 to spend. What kind of turntables could you suggest for around that price? What kind of quality turntable could he expect to get for $400? He'd be happy with second hand. Edited March 6, 2014 by kcdusk 1
Hifiplus Posted March 6, 2014 Posted March 6, 2014 New, check out Project. Secondhand, Rega. Keep in mind a decent phono stage makes a big difference.
billyboyrm Posted March 8, 2014 Posted March 8, 2014 How about a technics direct drive manual turntable. Most of these are quite robust. About the only thing you would need to do is replace the cartridge and stylus with a new one. My TT is still working since I purchased it new in 1977 . Only things needed replacing was the stylus and later a new Shure cartridge. 1
New Sensations Posted March 8, 2014 Posted March 8, 2014 Project Debut Carbon would be my first choice. 3
Krispy Audio Posted March 8, 2014 Posted March 8, 2014 (edited) I recently bought a used Pro-ject Wood for a friend putting his first system together. It was $350 and I'm really impressed for the price. Edited March 8, 2014 by Krispy Audio
ThirdDrawerDown Posted March 8, 2014 Posted March 8, 2014 Pioneer PL 514 in original box, with new belt and cartridge, aligned. This is pretty much the PL 512 and with auto return I suggest this only because I am getting around to advertising one on SNA and today I took my chutzpah pills
Prana69 Posted March 9, 2014 Posted March 9, 2014 (edited) Project Debut Carbon would be my first choice. +1 to that. But upgrade the standard Ortofon OM10 to an OM20 stylus. Magic. DaveR Edited March 9, 2014 by Prana69 1
adamg Posted March 9, 2014 Posted March 9, 2014 +1 to that. But upgrade the standard Ortofon OM10 to an OM20 stylus. Magic. DaveR I sorted one for my neighbour and its been a success. Save a few bucks for a platter mat as well. Project sell a cork mat or maybe a Herbies if budget allows. I also have a mild phobia of dangley anti-skates (like to one on the Project) but did not let this stop me buying one for a friend.
masliko Posted March 10, 2014 Posted March 10, 2014 (edited) There are some decent Project turntables around but i personally would go the(direct drive) AT LP-120 USB : these are fantastic for under $400.Direct drive,USB pre amp,well built.Basically a 1200 knock off,but they are very good and you can plug straight into a USB device.My brother has one and its very versatile,i actually have never met someone who has owned one of them that doesn't still have it! Even as a back up.They have actually come down $100 recently.AT make some quality gear IMHO. Audio Technica LP-120 USB Turntable from store : This professional stereo turntable features a high-torque direct-drive motor for quick start-ups and a USB output that connects directly to your computer. Other features include: forward and reverse play capability; cast aluminum platter with slip mat and a start/stop button; three speeds 33/45/78; selectable high-accuracy quartz-controlled pitch lock and pitch change slider control with +/-10% or +/-20% adjustment ranges; and removable hinged dust cover. A selectable internal stereo phono pre-amplifier allows the turntable to plug directly to components with no dedicated turntable input. A USB cable and adapter cables are included along with Mac- and PC-compatible Audacity software to digitize your LPs. https://www.storedj.com.au/products/AUD-LP120 Edited March 10, 2014 by masliko 2
XClemX Posted June 26, 2014 Posted June 26, 2014 OK, so I finally got around to purchasing the AT 120 USB. Waiting for it to arrive now but thanks for the help. 1
masliko Posted June 26, 2014 Posted June 26, 2014 (edited) OK, so I finally got around to purchasing the AT 120 USB. Waiting for it to arrive now but thanks for the help. Mate,you wont be dissaponited. If at all,change out the cart(there are some great ones for that arm) and you dont have to use the preamp.You can buy another kind and use that instead,if you want to play with some sounds.It has on on/off from memory.These TT's also have more features than 1200's....please let us know how you go. Edited June 26, 2014 by masliko
XClemX Posted July 3, 2014 Posted July 3, 2014 Thanks Sam. I'm not sure if i'll swap cartridges just yet.. It arrived monday, haven't really got into it yet, but it good to have. Nice unit for sure. Now to add to the collection and find some decent vinyl shops...online and bricks and mortar. Who do buy from mostly Sam?
Flynnyfalcon Posted July 3, 2014 Posted July 3, 2014 I've heard only positive things re the Project Carbon, which you may find for $400. I picked up a Thorens TD 160 mk1 for much less than your budget, and it's a glorious Turntable.
masliko Posted July 4, 2014 Posted July 4, 2014 (edited) Thanks Sam. I'm not sure if i'll swap cartridges just yet.. It arrived monday, haven't really got into it yet, but it good to have. Nice unit for sure. Now to add to the collection and find some decent vinyl shops...online and bricks and mortar. Who do buy from mostly Sam? I mainly use eBay and Discogs for used vinyl.I haven bought a lot of new vinyl but I'm about to.I try to avoid mega corps if i can for any sale. But i have had enough of the used vinyl as prices are just becoming ridiculous.I'll wait and they should level out,because people have started to put all those unwanted collections on the market(the ones that would have ended up in opshops ,garage sales.I don't do garage sales anymore I have been to alot ,and have never gotten anything.And the last few i have been too,where selling records at eBay prices.I asked them how they priced and they told me,they checked eBay first. I used try to buy at local stores but the stores in my city have started to include postage costs(which is a big NO NO to older record stores(once). EG : an eBay or online store sells for $30+$10 shipping ,so the local record store sells for $40-$45.To me ,this is as bad as walking up to record store counter and asking how much an LP is,and they look up eBay in front of you!- F#$K off!To older record stores this is insane,because this is the reason you get off your butt and drive to the record store(if you don't have a hard-on for the record store "experience",which i don't,maybe when i was 16). If i know exactly what i want,why am i going to drive to your store,spend more money on petrol and parking when i can have it delivered to my door a few days later for less? Anyhow I'm going on a new(reissue vinyl)spree....I'm fine with reissues.Although some albums sound really bad on vinyl and should stay on CD/Download IMHO. Shipping costs kill,So I'm going to try Vinyl Eye(price+shipping permitting). Since they are member's here .And i will also try, Pop Market,they do have great bundles. I'm also a creature of habit,in that when i find a good seller,i stick with them.Even if i have to wait for an order. .All the best with your buying,oh,and another piece of advice- if your going to buy used ,always ask for photo's on Discogs or you will get burnt.If they give you some excuse that they cant or some crap like that don't buy from them -you'll get burnt.I have seen sellers sell 5000 records with %98.2 rating and I'll be in the % that gets burnt.generally they burn on INT orders it seems.Good luck!! Edited July 7, 2014 by masliko 1
masliko Posted July 7, 2014 Posted July 7, 2014 (edited) I can vouch for Pro-ject. Definitely the way to go. I wouldn't be happy with a belt drive that doesn't have an indicator showing its on speed always.If project did this,they may get more customers.But that's just me. i would always be paranoid that it wasn't on a consistent speed. Edited July 7, 2014 by masliko
blackangus Posted July 7, 2014 Posted July 7, 2014 I wouldn't be happy with a belt drive that doesn't have an indicator showing its on speed always.If project did this,they may get more customers.But that's just me. i would always be paranoid that it wasn't on a consistent speed. Use your ears maybe? Surely if it's +/- enough to notice and spoil your enjoyment of the music you'll hear it? It's not as though you're going to sit and watch the strobe light while you're listening to confirm speed accuracy
handy steel Posted July 8, 2014 Posted July 8, 2014 Think about a second hand Denon DP 1200 or similar.
masliko Posted July 12, 2014 Posted July 12, 2014 (edited) Use your ears maybe? Surely if it's +/- enough to notice and spoil your enjoyment of the music you'll hear it? It's not as though you're going to sit and watch the strobe light while you're listening to confirm speed accuracy No dude,you dont watch to it to confirm speed whilst playing every song(LMAO).Its a gauge,the same as any other,like your "petrol" gauge-you glance at it every once at awhile to make sure everythings on point. Edited July 12, 2014 by masliko
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