Thread: Turntable Shopping... any advice?

I know nothing about turntables, but I want one... as a music lover, I noticed that I can often find the vinyl copies-- new-- of something for less money than the CD version, and the antique stores around here have some great albums in very good condition for very little penny...

...so I want to set up a vinyl system. Problem is I know nothing about who makes a good turntable, and what makes it good. Or speaker systems, for that matter. I'm just out of college so it can't be anything too expensive, but what is a good place to start with this kind of audio setup? I'd love recommendations, but advice for what to look for in a good system would also be appreciated.

I figure at there must be some vinyl lovers here on SRP... so help me out, guys!

In the old days I had a Thorens which was a very good turntable. Not a Linn Sondek but plenty good. If you can find a used one in good shape they were right up there with the best. AFAIC the CD was the greatest thing since sliced bread and I wouldn't go back to vinyl for love nor money. I know some feel it is better sound but my ear could never detect the nuances.

Obviously I don't know what's available in the US, but I'd guess that the Rega Planar 2 would be obtainable. The point being that it's cheap and upgradeable with easily available parts, and the tonearm is already very good indeed.

Now this I actually know a thing or two about...

The standard of all standards when it comes to turntables is the Technics SL-1200 (Various) MK

Before the advent of mixable CD players every nightclub we built had a set, some that pride themselves with an all vinyl format now-days still do .. These are a solid workhorse table...

There are serious audiophile tables out there too, that have much better stats, but you won't go wrong with one of these...

My personal favorite cartridges were Ortofan but there are many of those too...

Tech 12's were the standard workhorse for clubs everywhere, but keep in mind that clubs had different needs. The big thing with those turntables is that they have a strong, direct-drive motor for back-cueing, scratching, and beat-matching without damaging the drive. Most audiophiles prefer tables that isolate the motor for vibration reasons. I can't tell the difference and I use and old direct drive gemini sa-600 with shure white label cartridge. This is left over from my vinyl DJ rig which hasn't seen the light of day since I purchased Traktor and a midi controller.

The nice thing about a Technics 1200 is that there are plenty of them around and they are reliable for the long haul.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Now this I actually know a thing or two about...

The standard of all standards when it comes to turntables is the Technics SL-1200 (Various) MK

Before the advent of mixable CD players every nightclub we built had a set, some that pride themselves with an all vinyl format now-days still do .. These are a solid workhorse table...

Originally Posted by Arrowhead

Obviously I don't know what's available in the US, but I'd guess that the Rega Planar 2 would be obtainable. The point being that it's cheap and upgradeable with easily available parts, and the tonearm is already very good indeed.

I've had my Rega for almost 20 years and it works and sounds great my only maintenance was changing a worn drive belt.

Thanks so much for all the suggestions, guys. (Jimmy included... I like perspective!) The models and makes and pro/con things to look for are really helping me as I look!

Audio advisor has a pretty good selection of audiophile turntables in the low to mid price ranges(by audiophile standards). They are nice to deal with and sometimes have demo units available.

One of the most important things you need to do is determine what you want to use your system for. Just music, surround sound as well as 2 channel audio, etc. Next you need to set a budget and stick to it. It is very easy to get the itch to upgrade. This is coming from my own experience.

Do you already have any audio equipment? It might be more cost effective to slowly build around things you already have. If you are starting from scratch, you are going to need a turntable, integrated amplifier, a phono amp, and speakers. You might be able to find an integrated amp that includes a phono amp.

For a turntable I would look at the technics mentioned earlier, or the lower end Rega, Music Hall or Pro-Ject tables.

Just make sure that the table is properly setup. That could be the difference between an ok sounding system and a great one.

What is your budget?

Also, don't hesitate to PM me. I'm probably around your same age and got into 2 channel audio recently.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Now this I actually know a thing or two about...

The standard of all standards when it comes to turntables is the Technics SL-1200 (Various) MK
....snip....
My personal favorite cartridges were Ortofan but there are many of those too...

+1 on the Technics

Things to watch for:

• Replacement needle availability.
• Replacement cartridge available.
• Input/Output compatibility

At one time all receivers and amps had a phono input.
That is no longer so. Check your receiver to see
if it has a phono input. If it does not you need
a turntable with a built In phono preamp or an external
one.

USB: some turntables are showing up with USB out.
This can be a bonus as long as it is not the only audio out.
Understanding what it is going to connect to it is key.

Same for optical out.... that needs an optical in and quality
depends on the analog to digital components...

Needle and cart are important. A bad needle will damage
good records as will a bad or badly adjusted arm.

You will also need a handful of bricks and more under it if you have
serious base...