raye

Thanks Allenh. It was the Project Phono Box MM - I didn't try the Cambridge because I ran out of time in the end. Do you think there's a significant difference? I actually got a really good deal on all of the above, plus all phono leads, etc. and six years cover on the table and the amp. It came to just under £950, which beats the list price by a mile. Got to admit, I'm severely tempted. The thing with the DJ deck. I just couldn't quite believe that the uploader could capture that quality of sound, even given the medium, on that equipment, which is why I pushed it here (that backfired because no one watched the video). He swears it's completely unedited, but there's a very wide sound there with a big and snappy bass response and vocals that pop. There's way too much separation for the price range of the table - but I'm no expert. I was hoping someone here could tell me exactly how he got that sound. Sure, it's a youtube vid from a soundcard and no kind of realistic comparison at all, but all the same I'm interested in knowing why and how it sounds like it does. If you're around, PM me with a set-up and rough price. I'm planning on getting back to Richer tomorrow with a yes/no, so apologies for it being a little late in the day.

Thanks for that - I've read some incredibly mixed reviews about that amp, but to these ears it sounded pretty damn good, so I'm glad someone else out there thinks so too.

Well, this is where I'm going to have to come clean and admit to playing a fair amount of devil's advocate. I wanted to see what advice I'd get, and I got exactly what I expected. But it's a positive outcome and I'm extremely grateful for the help. Allenh - happy to prove your point. What did you think of the amp? It's the only thing I'm not 100% on. And also, what could you put together given the above as a baseline in quality? Also, how would you say the cart in the Esprit compares - subjectively, as always - to the Shure M97xe?

I've just got back from Richer Sounds in Edinburgh. I tried a lot of stuff. This is what I liked: Project Debut Carbon Esprit Cambridge AZUR 651A Project Phono Box Wharfedale Diamond 220 Speakers The stuff I didn't like: The Teac - don't bother. Sounds dreadful. The Audio Technica ATLP120 - flat and uninspiring. The Stanton T92 - dull and lifeless. Q Acoustics 2020i Speakers - small and contained-sounding. Thoughts?

Is that what you thought I was doing? I guess they don't call you 'Tardcore' for nothing. Nice meme by the way. What are you, twelve?

Thanks arem - it's nice to get someone's perspective from the 'other side', as it were. I've never DJ'd, and would just be using the table for casual listening, but I want to get the best sound quality I can with the budget I'm working with. The only thing I'm short on is time, so the more frustration free I can make this set up the better. Maybe that's why the DJ style tables are slightly more appealing ... the thought of having to lift up the platter to change speed isn't that endearing an option for me. That said, apparently the Teac doesn't suffer from this, so I guess we'll see what it sounds like.

This is why I avoid Internet forums...

Why, are you thinking of buying one? Nice try at sarcasm ... and by 'nice' I mean 'moronic'.

I haven't heard it in 'real life', but I have heard it on multiple tables compared with several other carts, and it definitely sounds quite flat to my ears in comparison.

Thanks guys, appreciated. The tables I'm testing tomorrow are: Teac TN300 PRO-JECT Carbon Esprit and the Pioneer PLX1000. I only added the Pioneer in as it's the closest model Richer stock to the Stanton 92/150. The only thing I'm concerned about is the AT95E cart in the Teac (which I would replace with a Shure 97xe, which the unit can just about take). Hopefully the cart won't put me off the table completely tomorrow. Thoughts on the above models? Bear in mind that this is for an entry level user, who expects at least the level of clarity and punch as was in the video posted earlier.

Question: belt or direct drive, and why? This is another thing that frequently comes up withe the 'DJ' VS HiFi table thing.

Thanks - I'll PM you back after I've visited Richer tomorrow with details, etc. I'm interested to hear how the Teac measures up; it's getting some good reports for the level of turntable that it is. As for aesthetics - as long as it's mostly black, I'm in.

Thanks allenh, I've sent you a quick PM. One thing I would say is that the Stanton 150 is supposed to be, build-wise, on par with the Sl1200s, according to a lot of reviews, forum posts, and DJs who I've spoken to these past two weeks. If the 1200s are good for home use, surely the Stanton 150s should be too? Again - I can't say that I've ever used either, I just want to get to the bottom of the matter. Appreciate your time on here; there's some great advice.

Thanks Allenh, appreciate that. Now, if I could pick up a used SL1200 in great condition, would you recommend it as a starter table against the Carbon or the Rega? And if not, please expand. Not trying to trick you here, I just really could use the advice. I'm also testing out the Cambridge Audio AM10 and 351A tomorrow, along with some slightly better speakers. What are your thoughts on those amps? I'm testing out this, too: http://www.richersounds.com/product/turntables/pioneer/plx1000/pion-plx-1000 As the only 'DJ style' table they have in stock, purely for comparison. I'm not exactly a fan of DJ-ing, but I'd like to hear one all the same for comparison. What are your thoughts on that?

Thanks Slinch - I've just set up an appointment with Richer Sounds for noon tomorrow, testing three tables, three amps, and three sets of speakers (interchangeably!). I'm sure they'll be thrilled. The Teac is one of the tables, so I'll let you know how that goes. I'm definitely still interested in buying used, too, depending on the 'easy of use'/time factor.

Slinch - thanks for this. Again, some very useful info. When I said 'convince me', what I really meant was: back up your statement with something tangible, and I'm definitely more than willing to listen. Basically, I was asking for advice. And I still am. Has anyone come across the Teac TN-300? http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=667596 I'm going to ask RIcher to demo this, too. Let me know if I'm wasting my time with this one.

Thanks Allenh, some great info. It seems like there are several options: buy new, and look at enjoying a relatively simple set up with the view to upgrading/replacing as/when, or, buy used for better quality sound and equipment, but suffer the frustration and time of the problems that may come with that (at the minute it's 50/50, and time is the only thing I'm short on). Just to clarify: £500 is the max budget for the table alone. What did you think of the amps and speakers I linked to above, as a basic but good starter set up? Users on another site have all recommended these, but I've never actually heard them before, so I'm curious. You mentioned that you could put a set up together yourself ... I'm interested. Tell me more! Edit: Also, where do you stand on the Technics SL-1200?

Allenh, I appreciate the above replies (apart from the 'wasting my time' part). I don't want to give you the impression that I have any loyalty towards Stanton. I don't. I've never owned one. All I know is that they get a lot of good reviews and a lot of negative reviews online, just like everything else. Just like the Rega and the Carbon. And, like you said, it's bound to be subjective when it comes to audio equipment. I actually do like what I hear in the video posted above, for what it is. It's captured directly from source and isn't a 'cam' recording. I'm not saying that's the peak of what I want in my own set up by a long shot. It's just the only recorded comparison that I have, and I'm yet to find a recording from a Rega or a Carbon that at least equals it. Hopefully, the demo tomorrow will give me pause for thought. Thanks again - I really do appreciate the advice. Edit: please note amendment to last post - you replied while I was typing. Also - I'm curious as to what you would recommend? I'm definitely interested in hearing any suggestions.

Funny you should say that - that's exactly how I came across this site. The only thing I do want to hear are the reasons to back up the claim that Stanton turntables aren't very good for home use, whereas Rega RP1s and Pro-Ject Debut Carbons are. If you can't back up your own claims, other than through the medium of personal preference, then this thread benefits the few (which is sad, because there's some great information on here in some instances). I'd argue that it is, in some respects. While you can't get a completely accurate representation, you can - if well captured - get a relatively basic idea of how a piece of equipment is going to sound. In fact, I'd argue that it's especially useful given the amount of people who may be looking for a turntable but have nowhere to demo one. If you actually listened to the clip and played that track against a FLAC version of the same track, you'd hear the difference in dynamic range immediately. So, while I can see where you're coming from, it's not an either/or. One size doesn't fit all. Etc. If you've never listened to vinyl before that video may help change your mind. I'm quite surprised at the replies I've had so far. Again, all I'm asking for is a justification beyond the personal as to why a Stanton T92 or ST150 (with Shure cart) do not at least match up to the Rega RP1 or the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon. This information has got to be useful for anyone who is considering a turntable and coming up against a realm of new players that have severely mixed online reviews. I was hoping that some of the posters here could clarify this difference so that people don't make a first time mistake and wind up being turned off from vinyl altogether. As I said - I really am open to some real input here, and I'm looking forward to your replies. Edit: I'm about to contact Richer Sounds in Edinburgh to see if they're willing to demo the Carbon. If so I'll set this up for tomorrow and travel there in the morning. Any advice as to amp/speakers to request also? I'm thinking maybe these: http://www.richersounds.com/product/standmount-speakers/q-acoustics/2020i-gr/qaco-2020i-gra http://www.richersounds.com/product/amplifiers-receivers/cambridge-audio/topaz-am5/camb-topaz-am5-blk or maybe: http://www.richersounds.com/product/amplifiers-receivers/denon/pma520ae/deno-pma520 What do you guys think?

Thanks for the reply, Allenh. Sell me the Rega rp1 or the Pro-ject Debut Carbon over the Stanton T92 or ST150. At the end of the day I want the best table available for under £500, but so far I'm not convinced that either of those models do anything better than the Stanton - in fact, quite the reverse. It's frustrating in a way that there are no dedicated retailers where you can actually demo these turntables in the UK anymore. Edit: you didn't listen to the clip, did you ...

Thanks for the reply - I'm definitley listening. But I'm not convinced as to why the Pro-ject is better than the Stanton - either the 92 or the 150 - I don't hear it, but I'm open to being convinced - so convince me.

Thanks for the reply. I did catch the earlier discussion but it doesn't really address the points I mentioned in my post, and I can't agree in so much as 'Stantons are only for DJs'. It seems that plenty of people are using them as standard home turntables, purely for listening to. Neither model that I mentioned comes with a straight tone arm, and in fact I can only think of one or two in the entire range that do come fitted with the straight arm. That said, I really do appreciate the information. Take a listen to this and tell me what you think RE sound quality (bearing in mind that it is on Youtube): That's a Stanton T92. If you can find a comparable clip with either a Rega or a Pro-ject within the same price range - I'm all ears.

Hi there, Was just wondering why the OP included Stanton in his list of 'stay the hell away froms'? The ST 150 and, to a lesser extent, the T 92 with a Shure M97xe cart are pretty great sounding tables in my opinion (and I don't own one). Genuinley interested to hear other experiences though, as I'm in the market for a table and considering either Stanton or one of the usual suspects (i.e. Rega, Pro ject, ect). Raye.