― kyle (akmonday), Tuesday, 28 June 2005 14:08 (eighteen years ago) link
― fortunate hazel (f. hazel), Tuesday, 28 June 2005 19:54 (eighteen years ago) link
So I haven't had a functional turntable in many a year, but am thinking of investing this holiday season. Only problem is, I don't really have a stereo anymore, and play almost everything through my laptop. Are there turntables I can get that I can play through my laptop, like one of those usb jobs? Would that be worth it, or what? I am obviously very clueless about this whole thing. Help!
― askance johnson, Tuesday, 23 December 2008 20:41 (fifteen years ago) link
http://www.sumikoaudio.net/project/products/debut_usb.htmdunno if this is too costly but it is a good-sounding deck. i think you would have to get some sort of software to let you listen but that should be available for free. it is a good enough 'table that if you were to get a hifi it would work very well in the context too.
― Shh! It's NOT Me!, Wednesday, 24 December 2008 12:10 (fifteen years ago) link
yeah, thanks! though I think that is in fact too costly for me I think, at least at the moment.
― askance johnson, Wednesday, 24 December 2008 16:45 (fifteen years ago) link
http://www.sumikoaudio.net/project/products/phonobox_2_usb.htm
you can get a less expensive deck and then use that as the preamp.
this also just came out. i didnt know about it when i made the above post...http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/4724.aspI havent heard the Denon so I can't say how it sounds but their products are certainly reliable.
― Shh! It's NOT Me!, Wednesday, 24 December 2008 17:24 (fifteen years ago) link
There are a bunch of USB turntables that include phono sections. They'll bump up the RIAA curves before sending things into the computer (without a phono section, you won't get much bass, amongst other problems).
But this device seems to be getting good reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Phono-Plus-USB-Preamp/dp/B000BBGCCI
Cheap, lets you hook up other devices too, and it lets you use any turntable so that you aren't limited to the sometimes chintzy USB turntables. It would probably also let you send a signal out to self-amplified monitors, though I don't know that for sure. Still, at $60 you can't go too wrong. Seems to be very flexible/configurable. I'd get the best belt-driven turntable you can afford, then tack this on. Then someday get a pair of modest monitors. Would think that should sound pretty good.
― Michael Train, Wednesday, 24 December 2008 18:37 (fifteen years ago) link
So I'm still holding out on taking the Technics dive. I really want to but money ain't what it needs to be for that. I'm thinking about this direct drive Audio-Technica since I want pitch control, it comes as a complete package with headshell and cartridge, and I've heard good things about A-T. Thoughts? Anybody have one of these?
http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-PL120-Professional-Direct-Drive-Turntable/dp/B00012EYNG/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1237314316&sr=8-2
― matt2, Tuesday, 17 March 2009 18:46 (fifteen years ago) link
Anyone?
― matt2, Tuesday, 17 March 2009 22:37 (fifteen years ago) link
Are you hoping to DJ? That looks like a reasonably solid 1200 knock-off (the model # is even 120). It's nicer than my turntable.
― Mark, Tuesday, 17 March 2009 23:26 (fifteen years ago) link
Eh, not so much dj as in take it around with me, but yeah sort of something I can at least mess with the pitch and I want the direct drive. So yeah not just for audiophile home listening, something I can fiddle around with.
― matt2, Wednesday, 18 March 2009 02:11 (fifteen years ago) link
I'd say pay a tiny bit more and look for a second hand 1200. Even if it’s a bit bashed up I bet it will be running long after the AT has died.
― Chewshabadoo, Wednesday, 18 March 2009 13:53 (fifteen years ago) link
Thanks Chewshabadoo, I'm sure you're right. I had that thought, but I need to find someone with more expertise to advise me in bringing a used 1200 up to speed. No time for learning like the present I suppose. Whenever I've looked into it I'm a bit overwhelmed/intimidated by the cartridge selection, tonearm balancing, etc.
― matt2, Wednesday, 18 March 2009 14:21 (fifteen years ago) link
Funny you should mention: I've been camping on ebay ads for second-hand "hardly used, only in my living room, honest guv" Technics 1210 turntable.
Theye go there for about £130-160, otherwise around £500 for newish ones in shops.
― Mark G, Wednesday, 18 March 2009 14:28 (fifteen years ago) link
Tonearm balancing is a piece of piss – there must be a simple guide somewhere you can follow – but all you have to do is put the cartridge on, turn-off auto-skate, rotate the counterbalance so the arm balances in the air on both ends when hovering over the platter, reset the numeric dial to zero, rotate to the tracking force specified by your cartridge (usually around 1.5, but more is always better than less), and set the anti-skate to the same amount. Shouldn’t take you much longer that a minute after you have fitted your cartridge.
And as regards a cartridge, just buy a reasonable one – unless you’re back-cueing, get a consumer one like an OM5, or OM10, which sound pretty good to me – and I’m sure you’ll be fine. You can always think about buying a more esoteric one in a couple of years time.
― Chewshabadoo, Wednesday, 18 March 2009 15:28 (fifteen years ago) link
Thanks Chews. Just the sort of straightforward take I was looking for.
― matt2, Wednesday, 18 March 2009 16:33 (fifteen years ago) link
I had been waffling between a Rega P1 or P2 and the (now discontinued?) Technics 1200, but this thread has pretty much sold me on a Pro-Ject Debut. I am not a dj -- rather just someone looking to get a decent turntable for a home stereo setup.
― calstars, Monday, 15 February 2010 02:06 (fourteen years ago) link
i love my rega. p1. i'm not very demanding though. it's perfect for me.
― scott seward, Monday, 15 February 2010 02:17 (fourteen years ago) link
i mean, i guess if i had the money to blow i would upgrade to the p2 or whatever, but i really don't feel the need to.
― scott seward, Monday, 15 February 2010 02:19 (fourteen years ago) link
i do need new speakers though. or new old ones. the old warhorse marantz reciever maria got me for free is too good for my old speakers. i'm missing out on better sound.
― scott seward, Monday, 15 February 2010 02:21 (fourteen years ago) link
Alright, any new updates or additions to recommend for a new turntable? I think my upper limit is going to be about $250. Looking for something to replace my (super shitty) Ion USB turntable. This will not be hooked up to a computer, but to my Pioneer receiver.
― HAPPY BDAY TOOTS (jon /via/ chi 2.0), Monday, 7 January 2013 16:32 (eleven years ago) link
Lots of potential and interest in this Kickstarter project.
― sean gramophone, Monday, 7 January 2013 16:34 (eleven years ago) link
I have a Project III red only played about ten times since 2010. It was an irresponsible purchase, it's clear it has to go.
― โตเกียวเหมียวเหมียว aka And The Moon Rose Over An Open Field... (Mount Cleaners), Monday, 7 January 2013 17:47 (eleven years ago) link
I was thinking the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon was the way to go (I think I'm willing to up my limit now, after researching). Mount Cleaners, did you not like something about it? Or do you just not use it enough to justify the purchase?
― HAPPY BDAY TOOTS (jon /via/ chi 2.0), Monday, 7 January 2013 18:36 (eleven years ago) link
This looks decent & on-budget.
http://www.musicdirect.com/p-9826-music-hall-usb-1-turntable.aspx
Music Hall makes nice stuff
― WARS OF ARMAGEDDON (Karaoke Version) (Sparkle Motion), Monday, 7 January 2013 18:53 (eleven years ago) link
I was looking at that too, but didn't know much about Music Hall.
― HAPPY BDAY TOOTS (jon /via/ chi 2.0), Monday, 7 January 2013 18:57 (eleven years ago) link
Audio Technica is well loved. I think their cheapest is around 300, though.
― brimstead, Monday, 7 January 2013 20:20 (eleven years ago) link
I just bought a Pro-Ject Debut III Carbon. The fussiness of the thing is a bit off-putting — the little "skating weight" hanging perilously by fishing wire, the round weight at the back of the tone arm that needs to be set to precisely 1.8 grams or something (the store clerk set it up for me; I wasn't about to spend an afternoon getting it right on my own).
Sounds great, though.
― SongOfSam, Monday, 7 January 2013 21:38 (eleven years ago) link
I have a used Technics sl-1600mkII that was ~$230. I also bought a shure m97xe cartridge for ~$70 that was easy to install. I'm really happy with the Technics. It is automatic, so you can't lift the tonearm yourself to queue up tracks. But you also don't have to mess with an adapter to spin a 45. I bet you'll need an adapter for a new budget table in a fancy color.
― Binder, Binder & (Sufjan Grafton), Monday, 7 January 2013 21:51 (eleven years ago) link
it's harder to find the 1600mkII than a 1200mkII, but the 1600 is usually a bit cheaper
You can adjust the rubber band thing yourself to play 45s on the Pro-Ject. Not that I've tried. Also, white ain't that fancy.
― SongOfSam, Monday, 7 January 2013 21:59 (eleven years ago) link
I dunno man. Steve jobs would disagree.
― Binder, Binder & (Sufjan Grafton), Monday, 7 January 2013 23:03 (eleven years ago) link
I would love to own that table though. I wasn't trying to poo poo on it with my post (lol Z S)
― Binder, Binder & (Sufjan Grafton), Monday, 7 January 2013 23:05 (eleven years ago) link
those pro-ject tables are pretty, but (and maybe i am dumb) where is the speed switch?
― have a sandwich or ice cream sandwich (Jordan), Monday, 7 January 2013 23:16 (eleven years ago) link
That's what was being talked about upthread, you have to switch under the plate with a special tool, if I understand correctly.
― HAPPY BDAY TOOTS (jon /via/ chi 2.0), Monday, 7 January 2013 23:19 (eleven years ago) link
You move the belt on the motor to effect speed change. Can't recall whether the motor spindle is exposed on the Project or whether you have to lift the platter off to do it. You can get a version of the Project with push-button speed-change (it's the one with the USB output too, I think).
xp
― Michael Jones, Monday, 7 January 2013 23:20 (eleven years ago) link
The difference between that $249 Music Hall and a $400 Project is worth saving for. Or a better Music Hall. And down the road, if the manual speed change is too annoying (I think I'd find it so since I go back and forth from 45 to 33 all the time), get the electronic speed controller, which not only makes changing speeds a breeze, it also conditions the current and helps maintain a constant speed, one of the biggest challenges for budget decks.
― Michael Train, Monday, 7 January 2013 23:51 (eleven years ago) link
hi dere I have a manual speed change Music Hall MMF-5, and it really isn't that much of a hassle. You don't have to use the cool little plastic thing they give you, I used a toothpick for a long time because the original was lost behind the shelving. You just have to get a feel for lifting the whole glass plate up off of the turntable to expose the belt, and to be gentle when you switch its tracking to the lower groove. This does make me tend to binge on 45 speed records before changing it back though.
As per Gott Punch on the ILV needle thread, I do not recommend Audio Technica.
― sleeve, Tuesday, 8 January 2013 00:27 (eleven years ago) link
I have the Pro-Ject debut as well. It is finicky and takes a bit of getting used to but, I frequently find myself astonished at how great it sounds.
― kwhitehead, Tuesday, 8 January 2013 03:51 (eleven years ago) link
i had a (slightly) more expensive rega p2 for a while but the project craps all over it imo. after getting the rega properly set up on multiple occasions it never sounded terribly nice, always a little dull and slightly distorted.
― hex reducing nipple (electricsound), Tuesday, 8 January 2013 03:55 (eleven years ago) link
Well, perhaps I've made a huge mistake, but I went ahead and ordered the Music Hall turntable. I liked the thought of the Pro-Ject (and my wife loved the design of it), but I really couldn't justify the added cost right now. We've got so much other shit we need for the new house that the extra $150 just isn't going to happen now and, honestly, I'm too impatient to wait another year or so to go without listening to my vinyl. I'm also not entirely sure that my current speakers will really do the Pro-Ject justice and I'm looking down the road to a more extensive upgrade to all of it someday. Anyway, I went with the Music Hall and I'm optimistic that it'll do me fine for now.
― HAPPY BDAY TOOTS (jon /via/ chi 2.0), Wednesday, 9 January 2013 16:43 (eleven years ago) link
Lemme know how it is when you get it set up.
I just picked up an Akai AP-D2 from a thrift store for $30. When you get used turntables, is replacing the needle something you just do w/o question? Is there a way to check it to see if it's still in decent condition? I just don't wanna fuck up my wax.
― Yo! MTV La Tengo (Stevie D(eux)), Wednesday, 9 January 2013 16:56 (eleven years ago) link
Most of the thirft stores I've been to around Chicago can't seem to hold on to turntables very long, I'm still keeping my eyes open for a decent find.
― HAPPY BDAY TOOTS (jon /via/ chi 2.0), Wednesday, 9 January 2013 17:49 (eleven years ago) link
there's a v sleek Bang & Olufsen for $60 over here just come to phl
― Yo! MTV La Tengo (Stevie D(eux)), Wednesday, 9 January 2013 17:50 (eleven years ago) link
re: thrift store turntables. Should you happen to find one by all means purchase a new needle. It's not a big expense and your records will thank you.
― kwhitehead, Wednesday, 9 January 2013 18:00 (eleven years ago) link
I was overeager and jumped the gun :( I hope this Jody Watley record isn't mad at me.
― Yo! MTV La Tengo (Stevie D(eux)), Wednesday, 9 January 2013 18:07 (eleven years ago) link
My Music Hall arrived today, just finished setting it up and it sounds fucking fantastic. No, I'm sure its not up to insane audiophile standards, but it sounds 1,000,000 times better than my shitty ION USB turntable ever did.
― HAPPY BDAY TOOTS (jon /via/ chi 2.0), Friday, 11 January 2013 03:04 (eleven years ago) link
music halls are pretty audiophile! congrats!
― fart the police (upper mississippi sh@kedown), Friday, 11 January 2013 03:05 (eleven years ago) link
Thanks! I'm enjoying the hell out of this right now. Filles De Kilimanjaro is spinning right now.
― HAPPY BDAY TOOTS (jon /via/ chi 2.0), Friday, 11 January 2013 03:11 (eleven years ago) link
insane audiophiles spend $15,000 on a stereo and then listen to spyro gyra on it. enjoy your music hall!
― the girl from spirea x (f. hazel), Friday, 11 January 2013 03:18 (eleven years ago) link