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Hey everyone. I'm buying a new turntable very soon and I've realized that I'm lacking some knowledge on tonearms, which can ultimately hinder my decision on a turntable (and can cause me to be unhappy with my decision over time and want to upgrade yet again). I've noticed that on certain models (such as the pro-ject rpm series) that price is directly proportional to tonearm length - increasing in price as length does; particularly the pro-ject rpm1.3 and rpm 3. Fidelity wise, is there a reason for this? What's the effect of tonearm length on audio? I'm also unsure how tonearm shape affects sound quality, if it does at all. I always figured that S shaped tonearms had an effect on the angle of the stylus and made certain cartridges/styli more suitable than others for turntables (elliptical, conical, linear, etc...), and were also a way to affect torque of the arm when the turntable is spinning- and as a result making them superior to straight tonearms. I've since realized S shaped tonearms are in fact longer in general (fairly obvious, but this also relates to my previous question), causing me to wonder if their entire purpose is also to increase the length of tonearms. Could someone provide me with some insight on these things? Everything I've found online looks like marketing jargon to justify substantial price increases. Thanks ahead of time for any help you may provide, and I apologize if this post was at all confusingly worded as I tend to be fairly verbose. I'm sure I'll edit this post around 50 times before I'm finally ok with it.

So I've recently upgraded my amp and speakers, but still have a vintage turntable with an aging Ortofon cartridge (probably 6-7 years old, and an embarrassingly high amount of hours), and I'm pretty sure the lack of clarity I'm hearing stems from the cartridge more than anything. I'm probably still a couple of months away from purchasing a new turntable - partly based on finance, looking for good used deals, and even just still not exactly sure what I want. I'm still not totally understanding everything about cartridges (when I got mine last, someone at the store installed it). So I have a couple of quick questions, if y'all don't mind. 1. Do most cartridges work on any turntable? Are they easy enough to install (I have a JVC QL-F4 Direct Drive)? 2. At what point would a used cartridge not be worth it if I were to buy used? 3. If, in 3-4 months I buy a $500-$600 TT, is it worth buying a cartridge now for around $100-150 that could be used as an eventual replacement for whatever comes with the new turntable? Or will I likely want to go for a higher price than that? 4. Possibly the dumbest question of all: I know what the stylus is, but what is the difference between replacing the whole cartridge and replacing just the stylus? Sorry if these are sort of dumb or possibly a bit redundant (there's definitely a bit of information on this forum or elsewhere, but I'm always happy to have feedback and opinions from you folks).

I have a Technics SL-3300 that has a direct drive automatic arm. So you hit the start knob to the right, and it does it's thing - automatically moves the arm, and lowers it onto the record. Here's where the problem comes in. When the needle hits the record, it maybe stays there for a second or two before lifting back up and going back. Is there any way to either fix this or disable it and using it as a manual arm? I would love to be able to do this myself rather than have to take it to a shop and do parts and labor on it. I can provide a video if needed. Thanks for any help.

Hey all, I purchased a DB Systems DB-8 phono preamp in July. At the time, I was using a modern receiver without a phono input. Since then, I have moved towards vintage gear and no longer need this unit. Here is a link to the specs of the preamp. The preamp has a five year warranty and is seven months old. I can forward my proof of purchase to the buyer, just in case they ever need service. It is in perfect condition. It's the stock configuration with no upgrades but can be sent into DB for modification if you are so inclined. $135 shipped in the Continental US via USPS Priority Mail Please feel free to PM me and thanks!

Can someone please provide some feedback on the following 3 turntables? Which one is the best option as an entry turntable that simply gives good sound quality. if you had a choice which one would you pick? and why? Marantz TT42P Pioneer PL-30 Denon DP-300F Thanks

So I causally browse a site called massdrop where its a wide variety of items but they have a heavy focus on audio equipment. What they do is contact the companies directly and see what the best possible deal they can get for an item is. They then say if 10 people buy the price is X, if 25 people buy the price is this and so on. Right now you have the possibility to get a Debut Carbon for $319(50 people need to purchase), the current price is at $359, but will drop once more people commit to buy it. I think this sites concept is pretty cool and I've been on there a bunch, I don't buy a ton but it's cool to look at and suggest things for them to try and get a massdrop going. Either way, this is my link obviously if you sign up I get stuff not exactly sure what, but I get stuff. So if you're looking for this table and that price is right for you go for it. https://www.massdrop.com/r/DVG563 Also this isn't Spam I swear!

I've seen in previous posts on here that ions are a make that you stay away from unless you want your records to be ruined. I currently have a GPO and find that on one or two of my vinyl it skips and the rest of them the vinyl moves up and down a little bit so all of them warble a little. It's noticeable but not intolerable. But for those two reasons I refuse to keep using it as a I don't want to damage my records. I'm saving up for a new better turntable however that could take some time, but I still want to be able to play my records until such a point I can get a good non-usb turntable. A friend of mine has an ion and says she finds that none of her records warble and it doesn't skip any of her vinyl. Sounds a hell of a lot better that mine give that it's also a USB turntable. However I don't want to spend money getting one if it's going to damage my records just as much as my GPO will. Thoughts? Does anyone have an ion? What's your experience with it?

Hey guys, As the title says, I'm selling a Stanton T.60 Turntable. If you'd like to make me a direct offer before any bids are placed, I can always cancel the auction and sell through here/PayPal. Once someone bids, however, it will have to be through eBay. Thanks for taking a look.

Okay, obviously not really, but some somewhat relevant questions here: What's the most expensive setup you've heard? What were the components? Did you notice the level of difference between your own setup and what you heard?

Hello everyone, I have my own setup in my record studio but recently I bought an old school Technics SL-BD35 for my GF. Next step is the speakers. Now, you know girls...one of her first requests is that it should also "look good". I know I know, girls.. My budget is 400 bucks and my idea was the following one: Technics SL-BD35 + Bellari VP29 Solid State Phono Preamp + Marshall Hanwell 50th Anniversary or Marshall Stanmore. Since I have a little discount on a certain internet site it would cost me exactly 405 $. Do you think that this is a good idea? I thought that the result would be a solid sound quality out of this system plus the damn look she's aiming for but plz let me know what do ya'll think. Thank you for your help. Fab PS: I can already tell you that she doesn't like Audioengine, Nocs n Pioneer S-DJ50X.

Hi, first post. I've scanned through the first few pages and searched and haven't found much related to these turntables. I've decided to up my game and buy a real tt. I've been using and ion usb for a while but I'm afraid I'm damaging my records.i have been looking at the rega and the project carbon debut but I likebthe look of the u turn orbit. I did read there was a lot of variation in speed. Do any of you have any first hand experiebce? Thank you. http://store.uturnaudio.com

First time posting, been reading up on a few threads on records and turntables. I'm looking into getting into the turntable obsessions, but not sure if I'm going to stick with it so I'd like to just buy a (cheap) but good turntable. I know that many of you readers may complain, saying that I should go buy myself an ION or Crosley or something with a relatively bad quality, but I also have a small budget that doesn't allow me to get a Project Debut or Rega just yet. Preferably something under 200$, can be about 250 but really cheaper is better here. I've looked at the Audio Technica LP120, and because I don't want an automatic, I think it might be a good choice even if its a bit expensive. I also have a question about what to first dabble in: Should I buy a turntable, preamp, and speakers? Or an All-in-One setup like a Crosley that will allow me to start this endeavor? Also, for anybody who's used the ATLP120, can you tell me if its an ideal player for a beginner? Should I invest in something more expensive because it has a sh*t sound? Also, what kind of components will I need? A speaker? A preamp? If anyone would recommend a different method or cheaper turntable that won't ruin records, please reply and tell me about it. I'm mainly concerned with starting out with a real setup and actual speakers, or a speakers included portable turntable.

I appreciate I am a brand new member here, and so it is a little presumptuous to start with a question/advice without contributing first! That said if anyone can provide any, it would be greatly appreciated!! I have recently purchased a second hand Rega P2. As I understand it the best way to distinguish the model is that it had the straight tonearm (SB250 I believe?) and its model printed in green. It currently has an old revolver cartridge on it (no model number on it) and I want to upgrade this just to remove any worries in my mind that it may be damaging my records (I’m not 100% on how it sounds – hence my concern). I’m looking for a budget-ish replacement (ideally spending up to £50) for this. I have seen some recommendations elsewhere for ortofon cartridges at the higher end, which are a bit beyond my budget. I have also read that you have to be careful with this TT due to the weighting of the tonearm? (I thought this could be adjusted but just thought I would check). My set up (if it helps) is: Rega P2 Wharfdale 10.1 Cambride Audio A1 (MK1) Behringer PP400 Preamp Thanks in advance!

So its 2015 and I'm sure we all want to know whats the best value vinyl setup Turntable Amp Speakers So whats everyone think? I know this will have been answered before but thought as were in the new year we could answer it again And also help me out as I'm wanting some new stuff

Does anyone know anything about these? I'm gonna be getting one of these from a relative who had it in their attic for the past 30-40 years.

My EPA 100 is for sale on eBay. This is one of the few tonearms where you can adjust the vertical tracking angle while the album is playing. These are very rare and hard to find, and represents the peak of Technics design in the vinyl era. To bid, go to http://www.ebay.com/itm/261665259712 Shipping to the continental USA only, please.

So I went to the flea market recently and for 10 bucks I could not pass up this ugly/pretty pink Symphonic Model 1159. The guy said it turned, and that was enough for me. So I ran inside to hit up the atm and came back and paid the guy. Took it home, plugged it in, and much to the dismay of my ears, horrible scraping sounds and just general noise, the thing turned. One needle seems to be intact (there's another that flips over?) and the other is trash. I stuck one of my 33's on it that came with it.......drumroll...... no music. I have no idea what I'm doing, I'm 16 and I've never owned one of these before. I mean my uncle has a solid 1000 records and an extremely nice player, but I don't have to figure anything out, just put on some Allman Brothers or Canned Heat, maybe Doobie Brothers, and drop the needle. But classic rock and records have always been something I've wanted to have. I collect Intellivision stuff primarily, but these might overtake that pursuit. If anyone can assist me at all, either to help me get it going, or just to maybe advise me otherwise, I just want to play my records. I won an ebay auction of 36 records so I'll have plenty to play. If I were to buy another turntable (or put money into this one), I don't want to put a whole lot into anything, maybe 50 bucks at most, though even that's pushing it. I'm not looking for audiophile quality obviously, I just want to hear some Traffic and Best of ZZTop. So what is a common problem? Is it like wiring, the tubes on the speakers? What? Any ideas off the bat? I've tried to look this particular model up and I haven't found anything. All I know is it's a symphonic model 1159 and it plays 16's, 33's, 45's and 78's. Not age, function, or origins of manufacture. Oh, and the arm doesn't want to move in all the way. It barely reaches the platter and doesn't go farther. I unscrewed part of the thing and pulled it up to see all of the wires and stuff going on and I took some pictures, though I am trying to figure out if I can put them up without using photobucket. If that's the only way I'll post them in a little bit. Thanks ahead of time Dominic

I got the Gemini XL-BD10 turntable used from Craigslist a few months ago in an effort to save some money. I'm relatively new to vinyl, and I have just about zero knowledge about how turntables work, which ones are good, etc. Today I was listening to an LP, and the music stopped all of a sudden. In fact, the platter stopped rotating altogether, but the needle remained in the groove of the record. From my limited understanding, I assume there's a problem with the belt. I don't know exactly what my next step is, though. Is it fixable? If not, should I buy a new part? Or, should I just get a newer, better turntable? Help me, VC!

Selling my Pro-ject Debut Carbon in green. Comes with an Ortofon 2M red cartridge. It's about a year old, and lightly used. Appears like new and the needle should be good for another year or two. I'll even throw in that badass Torche slip mat in the picture. Asking $300 shipped or $250 local pick up in the Philadelphia/Lehigh Valley area. Let me know if you have any questions!

So I decided to buy a Technics SL-1200 MKII that my local record store had for sale, and now I would really like some advice from the more experienced members around these parts: a) The Technics is equipped with a Stanton 500-II cart which has had a new needle installed. Did a little bit of research and saw that it's more of a DJ-purpose cart. The owner insists it is perfectly acceptable for listening purposes, which I believe, but I thought I would get some other input. Will this be suitable for my needs for now, while I save up for something better in the future? What would be a good replacement? As for the rest of my setup, I found a Pioneer SX-780 receiver on Craigslist that looks to be in very good condition and that I believe is fairly priced (asking $200, but I got them down to $160), would this be a good match for this particular table? If so, what are some fairly priced speakers I could seek out to suit this receiver? I found a pair of HPM 100s for $300, but that's a little too steep for me. If that's truly what I should go for, I'll try to barter a bit, but I'd prefer to keep it around $200 max for now. Upgrades will come with time. Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated, as I'm relatively new to this and haven't had a good setup in my few years as a collector.

I'm selling my Audio-Technicha At-Lp120 USB turntable. Its unused just taken out of the box and used once to test it out. I bought it on June but have since decided that it was a little bulkier than I decided. Feel free to message/offer.

I just snagged a technics sl-q200 table at a local thrift store. Everything seems to be in working order, but there is no grounding cable. I'm an idiot with these things - is there anything you can make that would be a quick fix for something like this, or universal grounding cables that can be purchased?

Earlier this week I moved apartments, and of course the movers busted my turntable, box marked extremely fragile in bold red. It's a Rega P3. The top of the subplatter spindle, that the platter sits on top, broke off. I found some aftermarket ones and an original on eBay http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=291108250146&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en Does anyone know how complicated this is to switch out? It looks like just unscrewing the whole assembly until it comes out. I started to mess with it a little, but it didn't seem to be going anywhere. There's a gluey/oily tension which I guess is related to the bearing in that assembly. Worse comes to worst I'll take it to a shop and not risk doing further damage, but if I can save some money, that would be good. Thanks for the help!

Buyer backed out on last auction, so it's back up for sale. There is no reserve price http://www.ebay.com/itm/251498612860?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649

Recently upgraded so I don't need this anymore. Used for maybe a month. Superb condition. I am missing the 45 big hole adapter but that's like $1 from any store. This is the model here: http://www.walmart.com/ip/20550021?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227015007047&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=42057667030&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=38008951870&veh=sem Asking for $50 plus shipping. It's $80 from the link above, so this is a great deal. Message me with any questions!