The Vinyl Thread: Still Listen On Wax, Don't Use The CD

[Simple Torture]

I've heard people say once or twice a year, but I haven't gotten a new one in 2 years :-/ But I am no expert on the subject.

[Dr. Van Nostrand]

How terrible are those turntable/cd players u can get at target that are made to look kinda old timey ?

[Simple Torture]

From what I understand, pretty terrible. Usually on gimmicky tables like that, you'll get a really sub-par needle that can damage your records.

[Dr. Van Nostrand]

From what I understand, pretty terrible. Usually on gimmicky tables like that, you'll get a really sub-par needle that can damage your records.

Yeah, that would be horrible, especially with how hard it seems to be able to get things like binaural

[super nintendo chalmers]

I'm in the market too (for obvious reasons). Initially, I was looking a newer table, an entry level Rega. They're perfect for what I need. But, a major drawback for me is having to manually switch between 33 and 45. I know it sounds lame, but I do listen to alot of 7s. If I had to go new, it'd be an P1.

However, vinylnirvana.com does excellent vintage restoration. He restores and sells Thorens and AR tables. But its a bit more expensive. My budget is about 500, tops, and his cheapest, right now is 825 without shipping.

1200s now are going for 1200. Which sucks. I don't really like the knock off ATs. They look exactly the same but aren't built with the same materials and precision.

I don't know what to do.

[Dr. Van Nostrand]

I'm in the market too (for obvious reasons). Initially, I was looking a newer table, an entry level Rega. They're perfect for what I need. But, a major drawback for me is having to manually switch between 33 and 45. I know it sounds lame, but I do listen to alot of 7s. If I had to go new, it'd be an P1.

However, vinylnirvana.com does excellent vintage restoration. He restores and sells Thorens and AR tables. But its a bit more expensive. My budget is about 500, tops, and his cheapest, right now is 825 without shipping.

1200s now are going for 1200. Which sucks. I don't really like the knock off ATs. They look exactly the same but aren't built with the same materials and precision.

I don't know what to do.

Since i haven't really read this thread, what are the obvious reasons for u needing a new one?

And i don't know how good id be at adjusting for different kinds of records, so are there some turn tables that know what you are trying to play on them? Some that don't need adjusting?

[super nintendo chalmers]

I'm in the market too (for obvious reasons). Initially, I was looking a newer table, an entry level Rega. They're perfect for what I need. But, a major drawback for me is having to manually switch between 33 and 45. I know it sounds lame, but I do listen to alot of 7s. If I had to go new, it'd be an P1.

However, vinylnirvana.com does excellent vintage restoration. He restores and sells Thorens and AR tables. But its a bit more expensive. My budget is about 500, tops, and his cheapest, right now is 825 without shipping.

1200s now are going for 1200. Which sucks. I don't really like the knock off ATs. They look exactly the same but aren't built with the same materials and precision.

I don't know what to do.

Since i haven't really read this thread, what are the obvious reasons for u needing a new one?

And i don't know how good id be at adjusting for different kinds of records, so are there some turn tables that know what you are trying to play on them? Some that don't need adjusting?

I lost the bulk of my record collection (at least 1k) in a fire last September. The 13th to be precise. A few people from the board have been insanely kind and mailed me some of their extra records. I love you all. But, some turntables, the older vintage ones can switch between 33rpm and 45rpm with a simple switch of a button. Whereas more modern tables, like Regas, require you lift platter and manually switch the position of the belt to change speeds. Which totally makes sense, if you think of less mechanical parts equals better sound quality.

So I'm just in the ether wondering which would be the best next step. My rationale is that a 1200 would possibly be the last tt I'll ever buy.

[kreng]

I'm in the market too (for obvious reasons). Initially, I was looking a newer table, an entry level Rega. They're perfect for what I need. But, a major drawback for me is having to manually switch between 33 and 45. I know it sounds lame, but I do listen to alot of 7s. If I had to go new, it'd be an P1.

Yeah the manual switch is really annoying but other than that I have zero complaints about the table.

[Simple Torture]

I'm in the market too (for obvious reasons). Initially, I was looking a newer table, an entry level Rega. They're perfect for what I need. But, a major drawback for me is having to manually switch between 33 and 45. I know it sounds lame, but I do listen to alot of 7s. If I had to go new, it'd be an P1.

However, vinylnirvana.com does excellent vintage restoration. He restores and sells Thorens and AR tables. But its a bit more expensive. My budget is about 500, tops, and his cheapest, right now is 825 without shipping.

1200s now are going for 1200. Which sucks. I don't really like the knock off ATs. They look exactly the same but aren't built with the same materials and precision.

I don't know what to do.

Since i haven't really read this thread, what are the obvious reasons for u needing a new one?

And i don't know how good id be at adjusting for different kinds of records, so are there some turn tables that know what you are trying to play on them? Some that don't need adjusting?

I lost the bulk of my record collection (at least 1k) in a fire last September. The 13th to be precise. A few people from the board have been insanely kind and mailed me some of their extra records. I love you all. But, some turntables, the older vintage ones can switch between 33rpm and 45rpm with a simple switch of a button. Whereas more modern tables, like Regas, require you lift platter and manually switch the position of the belt to change speeds. Which totally makes sense, if you think of less mechanical parts equals better sound quality.

So I'm just in the ether wondering which would be the best next step. My rationale is that a 1200 would possibly be the last tt I'll ever buy.

I think I'm 2 turntables away from tbe last one I'll ever buy. I'm pretty excited about getting a new one so I can have a sweet setup in the living room and a lower-end but manageable setup in my office.

[andynomore]

The recent talk (and fixing the leaky faucet in the kitchen with a new cartridge) has inspired me to pick up a new belt and cartridge for my old Technics. Hopefully I don't end up without a turntable because of overzealous repair urge.

[washing machine]

Lately I've been reading a lot about the Technics 1200 series tables, which aren't made anymore, so if you want to go for one, you'll need to try eBay, Craigslist, or a vintage dealer. This may run you around $300 (based on the eBay auctions I've been watching). I will probably get a new table in May, and I'll probably get an Audio-Technica LP120, which is basically a clone of that Technics model. Retail for that is about $300, new, but it's on Amazon for $220; which is good, b/c then I'll be looking to spend $60-$80 or so on needle.

What are you using now? That recent guide that you posted has helped me realized that my Sony TT is probably not much better than a Crosley, and I've just been tricked into thinking so thanks to a decent receiver/speaker setup. If you're playing your records on something like that too, I may feel better about holding off for a few months before buying a new one while still playing my records. The other option would be to give up records for lent, I guess. Seeing as I'm not a practicing Catholic anymore, that just doesn't seem to be a good fit.

[Simple Torture]

I'm using an old JVC model from the 80s, AL-A10 or something like that, with an Audio Technica cartridge that was new in 2010. It's a perfectly fine table, and it was my first one, but nothing special.

[washing machine]

I'm a little unsure about my table now. The arm looks a lot like my friend's shitty Crosley. My logic is that if I can hold off a few more months, I won't do any lasting damage to the records I own, but I could be woefully wrong.

[southp]

But, some turntables, the older vintage ones can switch between 33rpm and 45rpm with a simple switch of a button. Whereas more modern tables, like Regas, require you lift platter and manually switch the position of the belt to change speeds. Which totally makes sense, if you think of less mechanical parts equals better sound quality.

So I'm just in the ether wondering which would be the best next step. My rationale is that a 1200 would possibly be the last tt I'll ever buy.

From what I know, you really can't go wrong with the 1200. My issue is that the Technics is just so...umm... "technical". It somehow feels like the digital version of analog. I know I'm sounding like a pretentious douche here, but the deck seems like it's lifeless and designed for DJs and fans of German-techno. Additionally, there's no tweaking a Technics... which may be a good thing for some. You were talking about the AR and Thorens from vinylnirvana and I would strongly suggest going that way if you don't want to deal with the inflexibility of the Rega. I still love my Rega P3, but I tend to avoid 45's like the plague because I can't be bothered to lift the platter and switch the belt. However, this simplicity is what makes the Rega so beloved - it has the bare minimum of moving parts that could create unwanted vibrations.

A long time ago I had an AR-XB project on-the-go and was consulting with Dave over at vinylnirvana on how to proceed. At the same time I met a guy through AudioKarma who had restored a beautiful Thorens TD-160 and I went to his house to give it a listen. I was blown away by his setup and decided to sell the AR deck to the vinylnirvana guy because I never thought I'd be able to make something as nice. While my AR table was never complete, I can attest to the quality of a Thorens and would say you would never be disappointed.

I went the other way and became a Rega guy because I was intimidated by the process of restoring/tweaking and just wanted a mid-hi-fi deck right away. However I'm still inspired by that Thorens and I always had it in my mind to build my own turntable. Eventually I stumbled upon an old Lenco idler wheel TT in the garbage and after doing some research I've totally changed focus. It's not something I'm actively working on, but pretty soon I'll start building my final turntable based on that Lenco L75 with a custom wood plinth and the highest quality arm I can afford.

This hobby obviously takes a little investment and a little bit of knowledge to get the most out of your setup.
Bottom line... stay away from anything you can find at Best Buy and when it doubt something vintage that just needs a new belt or cart.

[Bee Girl]

I have Technics TT, I never paid much attention to the model, it's always sounded good and I have only replaced the needle twice. I have had it for a long, long, time.

[washing machine]

Well I couldn't have done better, I think. I just came back from a few antique co-ops with a Fisher Direct Drive MT-6225 TT that, while probably not the top of the line, is a huge upgrade for me. The kind clerk has let me take it home for a one day test run, and if I like it, she'll just keep my $50 deposit and call it a deal.

I have Meddle on right now and it sounds immaculate. I've never heard it like this before. What I am wondering from the experts in this thread is this; What else besides sound do I need to look for and keep in mind while testing it? This is my first experience with an actual, aluminum test arm and what I believe to be a magnetic cartridge. The needle looks to be in good shape, but I'm worried about how easy it will be to replace it.

I just need...guidance. Reassurance.

[southp]

What's the name/model of the cart?
Did you get the wood veneer or the black? I'm not sure how Fisher tables sound, but both look very nice. For $50 that would be a good deal.

[washing machine]

The cart looks to be this one: http://www.vinylengine.com/cartridge_da ... rlo=&prhi=

I'm completely ignorant on this subject (as well as these other features like "anti-skating"), as my previous turntable simple required switching out needles. No cartridge to speak of.

This model is the black one. Beggars can't be choosers, after all.

[southp]

I'd say as long as there is no annoying hum or audible noises from the TT, then it's a keeper for $50. However once you catch the upgrade bug, you will be pining for something better. To avoid this, don't go to anyone's house who has a superiour analog setup.... it will haunt your ears and wallet until you sell your soul to the vinyl devil.

[washing machine]

Excellent! Thanks for the advice. I've spent all day and night using this thing, and I can't find anything wrong with it.

The one thing that I don't like about it is how the upgraded precision has introduced me to some glaring flaws inherent in the condition of some of my favorites from the used bins. I may never play this copy of Nashville Skyline again.