Eliminator Jr. Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 If you are really just looking for something okay sounding that does not ruin your records, go buy cheapest options of pro-ject turntables and like 50 bucks amp used (with phono integrated, if not, pre-amp around 30$). Fuck speakers, take what you can get, it'll be fine to start with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GloatenFree Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 If you are really just looking for something okay sounding that does not ruin your records, go buy cheapest options of pro-ject turntables and like 50 bucks amp used (with phono integrated, if not, pre-amp around 30$). Fuck speakers, take what you can get, it'll be fine to start with. Alright, do you mind pointing me in the right direction for these things? Just so I don't fuck up when looking around. Edit: I just looked a pro-ject's stuff and it's all pretty expensive. Mind showing me what you're talking about? Or do you have suggestions for something a wee bit cheaper? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slinch Posted December 2, 2014 Author Share Posted December 2, 2014 I thought that by "non-mediocre" you meant "above-mediocre", if not, my bad. The thing is, if you're buying new, there's pretty much no step between a crosley and the setup I posted. Maybe this: http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120-USB-Direct-Drive-Professional-Turntable/dp/B002S1CJ2Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417561417&sr=8-1&keywords=atlp120 + http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Active-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417561436&sr=8-1&keywords=powered+speakers In total $370. This is the cheapest you can go without buying an all-in one vinyl killer. Although my heart breaks recommending the above, because the difference from the first combination I posted (roughly $520) is night and day, but yeah, that's pretty much it when it comes to choices. Or, again, you can gamble and buy vintage. I did that for my first setup, it worked okay for a while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GloatenFree Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 I thought that by "non-mediocre" you meant "above-mediocre", if not, my bad. The thing is, if you're buying new, there's pretty much no step between a crosley and the setup I posted. Maybe this: http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120-USB-Direct-Drive-Professional-Turntable/dp/B002S1CJ2Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417561417&sr=8-1&keywords=atlp120 + http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Active-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417561436&sr=8-1&keywords=powered+speakers In total $370. This is the cheapest you can go without buying an all-in one vinyl killer. Although my heart breaks recommending the above, because the difference from the first combination I posted (roughly $520) is night and day, but yeah, that's pretty much it when it comes to choices. Or, again, you can gamble and buy vintage. I did that for my first setup, it worked okay for a while. Wait, are you saying the first setup you posted (the $520) is a lot better? Edit: And if so, which one are you referring to? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eliminator Jr. Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 Alright, do you mind pointing me in the right direction for these things? Just so I don't fuck up when looking around. Edit: I just looked a pro-ject's stuff and it's all pretty expensive. Mind showing me what you're talking about? Or do you have suggestions for something a wee bit cheaper? There are cheaper options of course, but I wouldn't recommend saving too much cash on this end. I cant drop names, just make sure the turntable has anti-skate and weight options for the tone arm. Without these features your records are going to be damaged. I can't tell for certain, but I guess you're not going to find an okay new tt for around 100$. You should check out the used market and see if you can find something that suits your needs. Just make sure the stuff mentioned above is featured. For any and all questions take a look at the first side of this thread. You're most likely to find all your answers there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slinch Posted December 2, 2014 Author Share Posted December 2, 2014 Wait, are you saying the first setup you posted (the $520) is a lot better? Edit: And if so, which one are you referring to? Yes, substantially. This lot: Not sure what your budget is, but if you need something that has a small footprint and if you care how your records sound, here's a nice combo to get you started: http://www.musicdirect.com/p-5066-pro-ject-debut-iii-turntable-matte-black-demo.aspx + http://www.amazon.com/TC-750-BLACK-Audiophile-Phono-Preamplifier/dp/B000A36LQ4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1417558721&sr=8-3&keywords=phono + http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-Premium-Powered-Desktop-Speakers/dp/B000VKEFN2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1417558813&sr=8-2&keywords=audioengine+a2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GloatenFree Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 Yes, substantially. This lot: Hm... And that wouldn't take up a ton of space or damage my records too much? Also, how would you set something up like that? Just out of curiosity. (Sorry, I'm absolutely clueless on these things and find it interesting to learn about.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tardcore Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 Also, how would you set something up like that? Just out of curiosity. (Sorry, I'm absolutely clueless on these things and find it interesting to learn about.) http://boards.vinylcollective.com/topic/88504-dont-buy-a-crosley-ever-beginner%E2%80%99s-guide-to-hi%E2%80%93fi/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GloatenFree Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 http://boards.vinylcollective.com/topic/88504-dont-buy-a-crosley-ever-beginner%E2%80%99s-guide-to-hi%E2%80%93fi/ OH. I see, my bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted December 3, 2014 Share Posted December 3, 2014 I told this dude at least 3x in another thread to read this thread. And after about 5x more from people on here... I'm going to guess he can't read. dethrock and Tardcore 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GloatenFree Posted December 3, 2014 Share Posted December 3, 2014 I told this dude at least 3x in another thread to read this thread. And after about 5x more from people on here... I'm going to guess he can't read. How nice. Anyway, you personally didn't link to the specific thread, also how was I supposed to guess this was the thread? The title doesn't exactly give it away. Especially for inexperienced people in this area like I am. No hard feelings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
museummouth Posted December 3, 2014 Share Posted December 3, 2014 The main thing is that this is an expensive hobby. 5 new LPs today will cost you around $75-100. A decent set up is only around $300-400. Just don't buy LPs and save up for the turntable that will make them worth the cost they are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GloatenFree Posted December 3, 2014 Share Posted December 3, 2014 The main thing is that this is an expensive hobby. 5 new LPs today will cost you around $75-100. A decent set up is only around $300-400. Just don't buy LPs and save up for the turntable that will make them worth the cost they are. I inherited a load of vinyl, so I'm set there for quite a while. And yeah, I've sort of come to the conclusion I might as well just get a cheap ($400-$500) starter setup that will last quite a long time and introduce me to this hobby a bit more. No need for the pro stuff just yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McCandless Posted December 3, 2014 Share Posted December 3, 2014 I've gone vintage for my first one for which I'm very happy with still. Best to know you're definitley going to stick with it before throwing $500+ on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GloatenFree Posted December 3, 2014 Share Posted December 3, 2014 I've gone vintage for my first one for which I'm very happy with still. Best to know you're definitley going to stick with it before throwing $500+ on it. Probably, but I can't really find what I'm looking for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allenh Posted December 3, 2014 Share Posted December 3, 2014 The only way to side step cost is to go vintage but here you need to have knowledge to know what you are buying isn't worn out. The good news is that there is a lot of good secondhand equipment out there, it just takes patience, research and asking questions of people with the knowledge you need to work out how best to spend your money. If you buy well and find it's not for you can get a good amount of your money back, but if you buy crap you can ruin your records and it will still be worthless crap that you can't get anything back for if you decide this isn't for you. I don't know how many times I've said this but a decent turntable is an engineering masterpiece and unfortunately that costs, you are dealing with very tiny numbers both mechanically and electrically and that level of engineering has a cost. With any analogue sound system there is mechanical contact with a perishable item which means there is a potential for damage The major problem with all the cheap record wrecking crap that is on the market apart from the obvious is that vinyl has become a cash cow now and because of that companies that either don't know what they are doing or who should know better badge this crap and sell it on to people that don't know what they are buying. These things cost nothing to make with very very poor engineering and quality control but can be sold for $100 plus to people who find out too late what a steaming pile of dog turd they have spent their hard earned on. vinylfilmaholic, clumsymonkey and GloatenFree 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
biodigitaljazz Posted December 3, 2014 Share Posted December 3, 2014 Goddamn, doesn't anyone read? The answers to the same question 50 people have asked in this thread is posted in the Original topic. Everyone thinks their problem is unique enough to warrant commenting to answer and I swear to God it's not. dethrock 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexicondevil Posted December 4, 2014 Share Posted December 4, 2014 it seems like whenever I talk with people about records these days and their turntable I say, "Hope it's not a Crosley" and it ALWAYS is! Then I feel a little bad because I have to explain to them that they bought a total piece of crap that is slowly destroying their records. Some take it well and some get upset with me. I am not anywhere near being an audiophile, I just get bummed thinking that I may inadvertently buy one of these records used someday that have been systematically fucked up by someone's shitty Crosley. anthemforadoomed 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GloatenFree Posted December 5, 2014 Share Posted December 5, 2014 Yes, substantially. This lot: I was curious, on that little setup you posted. The $500 - do you think I could get by with just the Turntable and Speakers for now? And get the pre-amp a little later on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slinch Posted December 5, 2014 Author Share Posted December 5, 2014 No, unfortunately. A phono preamp is essential in this case, because the Debut doesn't have one built it. So without it you wouldn't be able to hear anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aflycon Posted December 5, 2014 Share Posted December 5, 2014 Should I jump on this? http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/ele/4775238791.html Its MSRP was $1200, and reading some reviews it seems like it's a pretty sweet fuckin' deal for $80. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slinch Posted December 5, 2014 Author Share Posted December 5, 2014 If you need a 5-channel preamp then sure, otherwise, not really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aflycon Posted December 5, 2014 Share Posted December 5, 2014 If you need a 5-channel preamp then sure, otherwise, not really. I don't currently own a preamp. This would be my first step in upgrading my setup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tardcore Posted December 5, 2014 Share Posted December 5, 2014 I was curious, on that little setup you posted. The $500 - do you think I could get by with just the Turntable and Speakers for now? And get the pre-amp a little later on. Oh hey look. After all of this BS, he either STILL hasn't read the original post or he has some serious reading comprehension problems. At this point, we should be less concerned with whether or not he gets his vinyl setup together and start worrying about how he's going to make it through life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aflycon Posted December 5, 2014 Share Posted December 5, 2014 Oh hey look. After all of this BS, he either STILL hasn't read the original post or he has some serious reading comprehension problems. At this point, we should be less concerned with whether or not he gets his vinyl setup together and start worrying about how he's going to make it through life. To be fair, the OP states that some "budget" turntables have built-in preamps. It's not totally beyond reason for him to assume that the "budget" setup he was recommended could include one of those turntables. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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