applestardust Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 Hey guys. I am completely new here and at collecting vinyl. I have a pretty fast growing collection, and the record player we had seem to finally stop working. Well, my boss basically gave me a turntable and 13 vintage records for really cheap. Me not knowing what I'm doing, I apparently need a receiver. It can't find one for the player I have. (It's Ion brand, by the way.) What I am asking is, what do I look for when trying to buy one? Everything I come across on the internet is like, over $100. Is there anything to help that is not so pricey!? thanks. Also, I don't know if there is a sticky for this or not, I didn't see one. If there is, just tell me & I'll ask there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonnywreck Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhansel411 Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 Nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtw88 Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 A receiver is like a hub to plug audio equipment into. Mine has a built in radio tuner, and a bunch of RCA inputs for a tape deck, cd player, turntable, and vcr (which I use for my computer), and it is also where the speakers are connected. You can probably get one at goodwill for between 10 and 20 bucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
applestardust Posted September 22, 2011 Author Share Posted September 22, 2011 I knew I'd get smart ass replies. Anyway, thank you, Ryan. Honestly, that's all I wanted to know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xadamhudsonx Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 The term receiver originally refers to a component which includes a tuner, a pre-amplifier and a power amplifier. These are generally called stereo receivers. The built-in tuner in these devices give them the name receivers. Since your ION turntable doesn't have any internal speakers, you need something to be the middle man between the turntable and the speakers you have. That's why you need the receiver. If your sound output is still quiet, you'll need a pre-amp as well. As far as cheap receivers, your best bet will be thrift stores, pawn shops, yard sales etc. Buying something new will probably cost you a bit more. Then again, as with anything else, you get what you pay for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xadamhudsonx Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 +1 Ryan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
applestardust Posted September 22, 2011 Author Share Posted September 22, 2011 Even more helpful, Adam. Thank you! I'll check the cheaper stuff first, and if all else fails, well. I guess I have no other choice but to get something new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richiebullets Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerseydave77 Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 Check your local Craigslist - with the MP3 revolution there is some amazing stereo equipment available very cheap. I got an awesome Techniques Receiver for $20 a couple years back. Barely used and retailed for hundreds when it was first purchased. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flood Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 its also more commonly refered to as an Amp these days.. which is probably why you never heard the term receiver. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerseydave77 Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 what's a techniques? Smart ass. ha ha. No doubt I dip into this site during the work day then rush a post. I stand by my suggestion though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kriss Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 "No..." "Which is everybody." "Yes..." But seriously, I second the Craigslist suggestion - I've picked up a number of different receivers over the years off of there and never paid more than $30 or so. Great set ups too. Folks don't know (or most likely care) what they're letting go of most of the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thesupervillain Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 You also might want to make sure that you don't have a USB turntable, which is very possible since you have an ION. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerseydave77 Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 Yeah, I loved Technics - it was a brand that you could always rely on in my experience. I never worried about buying one of their products. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masonxstorm91 Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 ebay is also a great spot to look for cheap receivers... there's soooooo many of them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mindovermatter Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 I wanna throw in my two cents for a craigslist suggestion. I scored a practically mint Rotel for $45. It was rad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
electrocute Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 Craigslist is hit or miss. Where are you located and what are you looking to spend? Craigslist is great and so is ebay (just remember with ebay your gonna pay more than what its worth usually since you have to factor in shipping). Picked up my Pioneer SX-980 for $75 on craigslist. I just had my Marantz 2216B crap out on me due to my friends kid spilling Kool-aid on it >.>. I paid $2.00 for it an an estate sale. Also one last thing, I know your collection is growing, but don't ruin it by running it on a crappy table with a shitty cartridge/needle. Save some of that record money and put it towards a nice table. You'll be pleased with it and in the end would (should) achieve a greater sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icecream Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 check garage sales i've found quite a few Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtw88 Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 Lots of good advice for a new guy for once. Yeah, garage sales rule. I got my sony turntable at a garage sale for $5 and the cartridge was in great condition. Just don't get antsy. With some patience I think you can get a receiver that will suit you fine for under 30 bucks easily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derkwithano Posted September 23, 2011 Share Posted September 23, 2011 http://lmgtfy.com/?q=what+is+a+stereo+receiver%3F half kidding. I just enjoy this site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.