Man Suits

Alright, it's time. I've got a check from last year at college and I have enough to afford a new Turntable. My TT now is a AT LP60, and as it is I'm too scared to play a record more than once on it.
 
A lot of car troubles have surfaced and that's pulling me a couple of different ways (budget is around $300-400). I've calculated quite a bit actually and I'm looking at 2 models. 
 
The Pro-Ject Carbon, or the Essential. 
 
While the Carbon is just an extra $100. I am in College (and I will be for an extended period of time) and I need money desperately. I don't plan on buying a new Cart for it anytime soon, so I will be stuck with the stock cart for about a year. I can't see myself at this point comfortably spending 400 on a turntable, and considering my career choice.. I'll never be able to comfortably spend 400. I just will not be making that kind of money (yes a $100 is a lot to me.. especially considering the fact that I like to eat) 
 
Pretty much this is what I want: Something that is not going to wear my records out very quickly, and sound decent. 
 
I want to make vinyl my main form of playback, so I want something that I can play a record on again and again and not worry about any potential record damage, rapid vinyl wear, or the table or stylus giving out prematurely. 
 
So, is there any Essential users on here that can give me some opinions on this table and the stock cart? Is it good? Does the table hold up? The Carbon is of course the better buy, but will the Essential do what I want it to?
 
Any opinions whatsoever will be appreciated. Please help a poor vinyl collector out. 

I was really happy when I saw Bad Brains. I've been looking for "Black Dots" to be reissued out on vinyl. I would like to be able to buy it without spending $40-$50.
 
But alas this cruel world has plunged me into despair once again.

I've seen a lot of sells on here with Brother, Sister. It seems like a fairly common album. Do some searches through the Sells/Trades/Wants forum. You might be able to find something.
 
Good luck! 

Yes, actually a lot. This is completely the same way I feel. It's so rare that I like an album with my first listen...it's the same thing with the new TA record, but the more I listen to it the better it get. So yea, I completely get what you're saying here.

I hate being me sometimes. I dislike almost everything I hear the first time that I hear it. Like I know it's a good record, and I can see it becoming one of my favorites; but I just got through listening to it for the first time and just can't get into it yet.
 
That's the way I am with almost everything. Every time I hear a new album I can't stand it. I just have to force myself to listen to it, and then it grows on me the more I listen to it.
 
Am I making any sense?

Thanks everyone. checked out the link, should of probably looked around on the forum first before posting. Thanks again!

O'Brother:

Nice man. Congrats!

Also forgot to post pictures sooner
 


 

 
 
Soooo happy with it! 

Man this looks awesome. I bought the Elesh Norn tape from them like a few days ago. I wish that I would've known about this. 
 
Still thinking about picking up that Rep. release though. Maybe even pick up the You'll Live release. 
 
Thanks for the heads up bro.
 
 
EDIT: The calculator album looks pretty tempting as well.

to get laid

*cough* blue *cough*

how's about we go in the opposite direction. PM me what you'd like to pay for it, haha

Because I like being poor.

Because I like being poor.

Because I like being poor.

Come on, don't let one monkey (or a venue full of them) ruin the show.  What kind of shows you guys going to?  Be the catalyst.  Never be too shy to be the one to break open the pit.  There are times no one will join in & you look like the asshole, sure.  But never forget-you're awesome, they're the boring & the weak.  At least you tried.  Besides, the times that everyone jumps in with you & the fuse is lit to a fucking bomb trump those times no one is willing to have fun.  Be the catalyst!!
 
On your last sentence, join us at some of the shows the roof of the venue is being torn off, you may change your tune.
 
I ordered another copy from 3rd party goHastings on Amazon, I'll let you guys know what color it is, though I'm assuming clear.  Have there been any reports of black copies anywhere??
 
 

That rules! They have some of the coolest releases out there in terms of screamo right now.

Nice! I wish I had the money for it though.

=\ I wish I had some sort of advice for you.  It sounds like some sort of reverse culture shock since you've been away from home for so long.  Just try to take it one thing at a time, one class at a time, one day at a time, etc.  I find that if you slow everything down and face things head on, your mind will allow itself to defog and things will become easier.
 
Good luck!

I'm loving the recommendations guys!!
 
 
It looks like I might have another genre addiction on my hands though. 

It's the weekend. I'm trying to have a life.

Thanks dude! I'm stoke to be working with these guys. Really fun stuff.

and this is a vinyl forum

This thread is pretty awesome. As a college student... "free" interests me.