Official "Help Me Choose a Turntable" v.2.0 Thread

[rickydenim]

Anyone hear own a Rega RP1?

[vlie27]

I don't think I've seen anything about Kenwood turntables on here. I've seen a few of them on craigslist for my area, I'm new to vinyl collecting and currently in search of my first record player, can anyone tell me if a Kenwood would be worth spending $100 or so on?

[seethelights]

So I have been looking into getting a turntable and I boiled it down to the Audio Technica AT-LP60, other than that, what else do I need? I know I need a reciever, but i have some old speakers and I was wondering if I could use them? They look like this. Can I use that with a newer speaker? If not, I was looking at speakers like this http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-980-00038....024281&sr=8- 14 Other than that, could you recommend a cheap but useable receiver/speaker setup? Thanks.

[jase]

Anyone hear own a Rega RP1?

Good tables! I've got an old rega p2, and it's fantastic. The much newer rp1 should be pretty much on par with it. If you can grab it for a good price you won't be disappointed at all.

The tone arm on the rp1 is probably the best thing about it(arguably the most important). If you get even a semi decent cart/stylus you'll be in flavour country

[blueprintforjoy]

so i'm looking to upgrade finally now that i've been into records for a while. i'm looking at a rega rp1, music hall mmf-2.2 and a pro-ject essential/debut. i've tried to look through this thread as much as i can but it's a little overwhelming. anyone have any input? i'm trying to stay around $400-$500, including any extras i may need with the turntable. anyone have any insights they'd like to share? thanks.

[dangerben]

so i'm looking to upgrade finally now that i've been into records for a while. i'm looking at a rega rp1, music hall mmf-2.2 and a pro-ject essential/debut. i've tried to look through this thread as much as i can but it's a little overwhelming. anyone have any input? i'm trying to stay around $400-$500, including any extras i may need with the turntable. anyone have any insights they'd like to share? thanks.

what gear have you currently got?

[blueprintforjoy]

so i'm looking to upgrade finally now that i've been into records for a while. i'm looking at a rega rp1, music hall mmf-2.2 and a pro-ject essential/debut. i've tried to look through this thread as much as i can but it's a little overwhelming. anyone have any input? i'm trying to stay around $400-$500, including any extras i may need with the turntable. anyone have any insights they'd like to share? thanks.

what gear have you currently got?

i have a sony ps-lx250h with a shitty replacement cartridge/needle i bought. i have an old receiver that works fine. looking mostly to just upgrade the turntable for now and the rest will follow once i can save up enough.

[dangerben]

what gear have you currently got?

i have a sony ps-lx250h with a shitty replacement cartridge/needle i bought. i have an old receiver that works fine. looking mostly to just upgrade the turntable for now and the rest will follow once i can save up enough.

well you will love the pro-ject tables and I have heard nothing bad about the rega tables either! it all comes down to budget!

[blueprintforjoy]

i have a sony ps-lx250h with a shitty replacement cartridge/needle i bought. i have an old receiver that works fine. looking mostly to just upgrade the turntable for now and the rest will follow once i can save up enough.

well you will love the pro-ject tables and I have heard nothing bad about the rega tables either! it all comes down to budget!

well i'm trying to spend around 300-400, but i can go up to about 500. my receiver has a phono input so i don't think i need a pre-amp, but i actually don't know because i don't know too much about record players really, and mine now has one built in. i was leaning towards the pro-ject, and the essential is only 300, but i wasn't sure how good it was.

[dangerben]

well you will love the pro-ject tables and I have heard nothing bad about the rega tables either! it all comes down to budget!

well i'm trying to spend around 300-400, but i can go up to about 500. my receiver has a phono input so i don't think i need a pre-amp, but i actually don't know because i don't know too much about record players really, and mine now has one built in. i was leaning towards the pro-ject, and the essential is only 300, but i wasn't sure how good it was.

if your receiver has a phono input as you said, you definitely wont need an external phono pre-amp.... you might want to look at that in the future (most inbuilt phono inputs in newer amps aren't very good, but that's getting away from the subject)

So back to the table - I have an Pro-ject xpression iii and i couldnt be happier with my purchase. So I would recommend the pro-ject line of turntables.

The guy that runs my local record store has a rega table and swears by it.

It's really all a case of personal preference and most of the entry level audiophile tables are all much of a muchness to be honest.

Spend 3-400 on a table, chuck a nice cart on it and make sure you have nice speakers!!!

[landmanmj]

with the help of ajxd the pro-ject is now running through the marantz 1060. sounds awesome. just cant wait to get some better speakers now

[jonnystorm777]

Pro-ject III or Rega Rp1 ?? I am ready to buy one.

[jase]

Pro-ject III or Rega Rp1 ?? I am ready to buy one.

Personally I'd go rega, but that is only because I own one(freaking love it!). And haven't heard a Project III with my own ears so I can't comment. But from reading reviews of moat project decks they are also pretty great.

As much as I hate to say it, pick what looks best to you as they really should be on par with one another

[bearchuck]

Pro-ject III or Rega Rp1 ?? I am ready to buy one.

They're essentially the same tables ... simple, elegant, reliable. You really can't go wrong with either ... although if you do some digging on message boards and whatnot, the slight edge seems to go to the Rega.

Something to consider is picking up a lightly used Rega or Pro-ject. These are the type of decks that beginner audiophiles purchase and then decide that they want to upgrade shortly after. Scour Craigslist or Audiogon and you might be able to find an almost-new TT for considerably less than what you'd pay for a brand new one.

[jonnystorm777]

Awesome thanks guys. I really want the rega but could save a little cash with the pro.

[clintonsbeard]

I have an all-in-one Studebaker that is going to be returned in the next few days, and I'm looking at actually getting a decent setup. This is my first turntable, so I'm not looking for fancy Technics shit or anything (especially with the receiver), but I would like it to be upgradable later. Your opinion on these?

Turntable: http://www.amazon.com/Technica-AT-PL60-A....8136178&sr =8-1

Speakers: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SS-B1000-8-In....8136203&sr=8-1

Receiver: http://www.amazon.com/Sherwood-RX-4105-Stereo-Receiver-Black/dp/B0002EPWC0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328136218&sr=8-1

Or any recommendations within this price range. Thanks!

[dangerben]

I have an all-in-one Studebaker that is going to be returned in the next few days, and I'm looking at actually getting a decent setup. This is my first turntable, so I'm not looking for fancy Technics shit or anything (especially with the receiver), but I would like it to be upgradable later. Your opinion on these?

Turntable: http://www.amazon.com/Technica-AT-PL60-A....8136178&sr =8-1

Speakers: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SS-B1000-8-In....8136203&sr=8-1

Receiver: http://www.amazon.com/Sherwood-RX-4105-Stereo-Receiver-Black/dp/B0002EPWC0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328136218&sr=8-1

Or any recommendations within this price range. Thanks!

i was going to note that the amp / receiver doesnt have a phono pre-amp but the table has one, so really that whole set up should be fine!

good luck and let us know how it goes

[slinch]

I have an all-in-one Studebaker that is going to be returned in the next few days, and I'm looking at actually getting a decent setup. This is my first turntable, so I'm not looking for fancy Technics shit or anything (especially with the receiver), but I would like it to be upgradable later. Your opinion on these?

Turntable: http://www.amazon.com/Technica-AT-PL60-A....8136178&sr =8-1

Speakers: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SS-B1000-8-In....8136203&sr=8-1

Receiver: http://www.amazon.com/Sherwood-RX-4105-Stereo-Receiver-Black/dp/B0002EPWC0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328136218&sr=8-1

Or any recommendations within this price range. Thanks!

With that budget, I'd suggest you drop the receiver and passive speakers and look into active monitors instead. Something like this will give you much more bang for your buck:

http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Powered-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1328143043&sr=1-6

[rocketship666]

I have an old Linear Tracking Technics turntable and I was wondering if I could purchase a newer one for 100 - 200that would be a step up from the one I have now?

Also I just have some random cartridge I got off Ebay and was thinking about purchase like a 40$ p-mount cartridge. Would the price warrant the sound quality improvement?

[clintonsbeard]

With that budget, I'd suggest you drop the receiver and passive speakers and look into active monitors instead. Something like this will give you much more bang for your buck:

http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Powered-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1328143043&sr=1-6

So I'm assuming with this, you don't need a receiver because it hooks up directly to the turntable through the aux in ports and has its own power supply? Also, these ones say 15 watts and the ones I posted are 120 watts. Isn't that a significant difference in volume?

[bearchuck]

I have an all-in-one Studebaker that is going to be returned in the next few days, and I'm looking at actually getting a decent setup. This is my first turntable, so I'm not looking for fancy Technics shit or anything (especially with the receiver), but I would like it to be upgradable later. Your opinion on these?

Turntable: http://www.amazon.com/Technica-AT-PL60-A....8136178&sr =8-1

Speakers: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SS-B1000-8-In....8136203&sr=8-1

Receiver: http://www.amazon.com/Sherwood-RX-4105-Stereo-Receiver-Black/dp/B0002EPWC0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328136218&sr=8-1

Or any recommendations within this price range. Thanks!

The LP60 is a step up from the Studebaker ... but just barely. And there's really no point in upgrading it later on. You'd just be wasting your money on tweaks that really won't do much, especially considering the cheap plastic base and tone arm.

I guess it really depends on what you mean by "decent setup." Do you want to get the best possible sound from your records (at a relatively reasonable price) or are you pretty much just looking for something that's somewhat reliable and doesn't tear your records to shit? I'm not putting down either option (although I'd certainly vote for the former) but it does make a difference.

The reason I ask - and this is something any beginner should consider - is because you can buy a nicer turntable like the Rega RP1, Pro-Ject Debut (or even the Audiotechnica LP120 is an okay choice) and you'll be rewarded with reliability and the option to upgrade, but if you purchase cheap amps / preamps and speakers as well, you're not really getting that much of an upgrade in sound. I think that I mentioned this before, but there's a saying about how your audio setup is only as strong as the weakest link in the chain.

If you're not that worried about fidelity, then yeah - go ahead and buy the best budget equipment you can find. I think this is the option for people who listen to records once or twice a week .... or the folks who pop an LP or 7" on the turntable when they first buy it, then download the mp3s and never listen to the vinyl again.

However, if vinyl is your preferred format and it's the majority of what you listen to - and you think that you'd like to eventually build a system that gives you a sound you're extremely happy with - then I wouldn't skimp on any of the components.

Here's an idea: spend a little more on a nicer turntable right now and forget about receivers and speakers for the time being. Also spend some cash on a decent budget preamp. By all accounts, the ART DJ Pre II is a terrific bang for your buck at $40 (http://www.amazon.com/ART-Pre-II-Phono-Preamp/dp/B000AJR482). There's also a USB version for about $15 more that makes ripping vinyl to mp3 really easy.

Then just run that shit through your computer and listen that way. I mean, are your computer speakers really that much worse than the Studebaker's built in speakers? Basically what I'm saying is that you can tolerate the loss in fidelity presently in exchange for something much nicer in the future. You've got the foundation of your system (the turntable); now you can start doing research and save your pennies for a decent receiver and speakers that you'll be happy with for years to come.

I understand that people want instant gratification, but I think there's something to be said for patience and slowly building a system that you'll be stoked on and that begs you to listen to it every day. I personally built my system piece by piece over the last year (still building!) and it has probably multiplied the time I spend spinning records by ten.

[clintonsbeard]

I just started getting involved in vinyl, so I can't say that I listen to it a lot yet. My friends started getting into it and talking me into it, but so far, I'm enjoying it a lot. But you're right, right now I should probably just focus on getting a good turntable that won't destroy my records and give me the best quality available for a decent price. I never thought about playing them through my computer speakers, but that would definitely work for now.

I have some money, but not much of it is available to spend because I plan on moving at the end of the month and would rather play it safe and keep as much money as I can. If I have enough left over, I might buy the Rega or the Pro-Ject. I do want to know what makes them so good, though. Are they just made well? I can't find it on Amazon, and the few sites I can find it on (like NeedleDoctor) don't have very many reviews, and none of them really elaborate on why they're supposed to be so good.

[jase]

I can only talk of the rega, but yes. They are made and engineered extremely well. The tonearms by rega are probably the best value of any available. Rega are also very bare bones tables. With every additional feature on a table, you are also adding potential problems with regards to sound quality. Auto start/stop, built in preamplifier etc... Can pose a problem should it malfunction, leaving you with a table that doesn't perform as you bought it to, or not at all. Leaving you with repair bills.

Rega don't have these, so those problems can't occur. The rega rp1 isn't close to a top of the line table, but when it comes to upgradability and great value. It is what it is

[Dillhole]

I have an all-in-one Studebaker that is going to be returned in the next few days, and I'm looking at actually getting a decent setup. This is my first turntable, so I'm not looking for fancy Technics shit or anything (especially with the receiver), but I would like it to be upgradable later. Your opinion on these?

Turntable: http://www.amazon.com/Technica-AT-PL60-A....8136178&sr =8-1

Speakers: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SS-B1000-8-In....8136203&sr=8-1

Receiver: http://www.amazon.com/Sherwood-RX-4105-Stereo-Receiver-Black/dp/B0002EPWC0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328136218&sr=8-1

Or any recommendations within this price range. Thanks!

I actually owned those Sony speakers for a while. For under 50 bucks brand new they are actually a very good sounding speaker. For being so small they sounded like they were speakers 4 times the size. I had zero complaints the entire time I owned them. I only got rid of them when I found my Paradigm speakers for next to nothing, or else I would most likely still own them. Sure nice older speakers can be found for less used, but bang for buck for new they are hard to beat.

[ruben]

Hi there,

What would you guys pay for a Technics sl1200MK2? Because I know someone who sells a silver and a black one. The silver one for 400euros (525 dollar) and a black one for 425euros (558 dollar), both with needle, cap, anti-slip mat and center for singles and in good condition. Whats the second hand market price for those?

Kind regards,