My fiancee wants to get into vinyl...

j allen
j allen Posts: 363
edited November 2010 in 2 Channel Audio
Yep, you read that right. She wants to get a turntable and start collecting LPs. So... I was wondering if anyone could suggest a good entry level unit, and what all other stuff (spare needles, etc?) that I would need to buy. I have no desire to discourage her from being interested in audio.

edit: I've heard good things about technics, and seen a lot of them listed cheaply on CL. Would this be a good choice, and are they difficult to repair if I get one that's out of something or other?
Post edited by j allen on
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited October 2010
    I would look for a technics SL-1200 for $200-300.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,264
    edited October 2010
    Budget??

    I have a Technics SL-1210M5G with a Denon DL-160 and I'm very happy. It set me back about $700-$750 for both But I purchased my TT new.

    You can get into it cheaper. I started with a TT from Mike (mr pie) for about $125.

    My wife goes vinyl shopping with me about 2 times a month. She likes it as well..;)

    Good Luck!!
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,422
    edited October 2010
    I do realize that this woman, once her identity is known, will become the hottest woman in the world to most guys in the forum, and they will all try and steal her from you by showing off how big their tonarms are and how skilled they are at using them???:tongue::wink::biggrin:


    Goodwill and GG are great sources for vinyl and I canno recommend going for a vintage table strongly enough. I love the rosewood Denons and my Yamaha PX-3.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited October 2010
    its pretty easy to dump dough into an old TT and get bad sound especially if you dont know about them. Consider the entry stuff from Project, Rega, MMF, Marantz and so on.

    My young niece, well, 19 and her friends are all into vinyl, they have "discovered" not only the sound but dig the album covers and liner note info as well as the fun of sitting around spinning records.

    RT1
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  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited October 2010
    Skip the Technics, go for the entry level Pro-ject, Music Hall, Rega, or Marantz. Depending on your AVR or pre-amp you might want to consider the cost of a good phono pre also. The NAD or Cambridge Audio ones are very good entry level phono pre's.
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
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  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited October 2010
    Rega P1, Music Hall 2.1-2.2LE are some nice tables that will cost you around 300-500 new and come with cart, arm, etc. Check out audiogon as well for used tables as there are deals often that will pop up on there.

    I had an old technics at first but then when the motor went got the Music Hall 2.2LE and it was a huge difference in SQ.

    Also make sure you get a phono pre if you don't have a phono stage on a pre amp etc as the signal is not a line level.

    Vinyl is so much fun to listen to, and caring for it isn't so bad if you like to listen as it comes with the territory. I go shopping for stuff normally once to twice a week and have one main shop I go to otherwise I know of a used place about a hour away I go to as well (if I have the time).
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited October 2010
    Stay away from used turntables UNLESS, you know a lot about them or you know the person you are buying from and they are knowledgeable about turntables (how to set them up and so forth).

    Buying a used table is a risky propostiong, shipping a used table is almost an act of lunacy. You can get better sound, cheaper by going new as RT1 has suggested.

    Good point about the phono stage too....it's not a given that your preamp has one built in.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,204
    edited October 2010
    I have a Pro-ject Debut iii and I'm happy with it. Obviously not the best, but it serves it's purpose for me. I have a Parasound z-phonoas my phono stage.

    Here's a Rega P1 that might interest you.

    http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=1REP1

    or here's a Music Hall MMF-5:

    http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=1MHMMF5G

    Or just go to audioadvisor.com and check out "Clearance"-Demo Clearance Items

    One more item of interest:

    http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=1VIPH111
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited October 2010
    I agree with the Rega P1 recommendation. This is my favorite entry level table that I've heard. $395 gets you a brand new table shipped to your door with the tonearm, cartridge and dustcover already installed and adjusted. Plug and play. And Rega still assembles their products in Britain, not in China :)
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • quadzilla
    quadzilla Posts: 1,543
    edited October 2010
    +1 on the Project, Rega, MMF, or Marantz. These will all sound better for music reproduction. Only go the Technics route if she's planning to DJ.
    Turntable: Empire 208
    Arm: Rega 300
    Cart: Shelter 501 III
    Phono Pre: Aural Thrills
    Digital: Pioneer DV-79ai
    Pre: Conrad Johnson ET3 SE
    Amp: Conrad Johnson Evolution 2000
    Cables: Cardas Neutral Reference
    Speakers: SDA 2.3TL, heavily modified
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  • miner
    miner Posts: 1,305
    edited October 2010
    I can +2 the Rega brand. I have owned the P5 & P7 - wonderful TTs.
    [
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,264
    edited October 2010
    WOW funny how I get slammed for taking a technics TT 1200 that I payed $30 for and turning it into a RCM. yet it seems to get no fanfare here for the use of a TT..

    Technics 12XX TT's are built like a tank and work very well.. with that said I would not buy a used one that was used for DJ"ing" this is the reason I got a new one..
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited October 2010
    It's your stuff, I wouldn't let it bother me what people think...

    That said, I still say that you are probably better off buying a new table. Again, unless you know what you are looking for....it's a crap shoot. Why bother with the risk if the outlay to go new, plug'n'play with good sound is not that much more?

    I'm sorry, a 50 dollar turntable is a low percentage risk.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited October 2010
    Tool,

    there are bones to be buried deep within backyards, yours though is not one of them.

    One of the very nice things about Rega is that RB300 arm they have. All of these new tables offer some great technology for relatively little cost nice way to dip a toe and check your vinyl groove.

    RT1
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  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,663
    edited October 2010
    cstmar01 wrote: »
    Rega P1, Music Hall 2.1-2.2LE are some nice tables that will cost you around 300-500 new and come with cart, arm, etc. Check out audiogon as well for used tables as there are deals often that will pop up on there.

    I had an old technics at first but then when the motor went got the Music Hall 2.2LE and it was a huge difference in SQ.

    Also make sure you get a phono pre if you don't have a phono stage on a pre amp etc as the signal is not a line level.

    Vinyl is so much fun to listen to, and caring for it isn't so bad if you like to listen as it comes with the territory. I go shopping for stuff normally once to twice a week and have one main shop I go to otherwise I know of a used place about a hour away I go to as well (if I have the time).
    Agree
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
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  • mrbiron
    mrbiron Posts: 5,711
    edited October 2010
    I only started the vinyl kick about a month or so ago with this unit.
    http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-PL120-Professional-Direct-Drive-Turntable/dp/B00012EYNG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1288362559&sr=8-3

    It's entry level that has both Phono and Line Level out. Didn't really want to spend loads of money at the start to get into something i hadn't heard since the 80's. I know i will upgrade later but as for now i am more than satisfied with this guy.
    Where’s the KABOOM?!?! There’s supposed to be an Earth shattering KABOOM!!!
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,264
    edited October 2010
    :wink:I just thought it was funny. I really don't care what people thought.

    Buried Now, I will return your shovel later today..:tongue:

    and I agree with the Rega I almost bought one a couple months ago just to play with side by side..
    reeltrouble1 wrote: »
    Tool,

    there are bones to be buried deep within backyards, yours though is not one of them.

    One of the very nice things about Rega is that RB300 arm they have. All of these new tables offer some great technology for relatively little cost nice way to dip a toe and check your vinyl groove.

    RT1
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  • quadzilla
    quadzilla Posts: 1,543
    edited October 2010
    TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »
    WOW funny how I get slammed for taking a technics TT 1200 that I payed $30 for and turning it into a RCM. yet it seems to get no fanfare here for the use of a TT..

    Technics 12XX TT's are built like a tank and work very well.. with that said I would not buy a used one that was used for DJ"ing" this is the reason I got a new one..

    Actually, that seems the best possible use for those tables. :p
    Turntable: Empire 208
    Arm: Rega 300
    Cart: Shelter 501 III
    Phono Pre: Aural Thrills
    Digital: Pioneer DV-79ai
    Pre: Conrad Johnson ET3 SE
    Amp: Conrad Johnson Evolution 2000
    Cables: Cardas Neutral Reference
    Speakers: SDA 2.3TL, heavily modified
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,264
    edited October 2010
    quadzilla wrote: »
    Actually, that seems the best possible use for those tables. :p


    LMFAO!!! That was funny..:eek::biggrin::tongue:
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  • coolsax
    coolsax Posts: 1,824
    edited October 2010
    Just be aware if you want a new Technics player you only have a limited time to get them... It looks like Panasonic is going to be discontinuing the Technics line after this year.
    Main 2ch -
    BlueSound Node->Ethereal optical cable->Peachtree Audio Nova 150->GoldenEar Triton 2+
    TT - Pro-ject Classic SB with Sumiko Bluepoint.

    TV 3.1 system -
    Denon 3500 -> Dynaudio Excite 32/22
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,422
    edited October 2010
    coolsax wrote: »
    Just be aware if you want a new Technics player you only have a limited time to get them... It looks like Panasonic is going to be discontinuing the Technics line after this year.



    No real shock there at all... that's just sad.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • spock 2054
    spock 2054 Posts: 163
    edited October 2010
    coolsax wrote: »
    Just be aware if you want a new Technics player you only have a limited time to get them... It looks like Panasonic is going to be discontinuing the Technics line after this year.

    +1 on the sadness factor. My SL1500MKII shows no sign of quitting. I found two of them in the engineering office of a radio staion I used to work at in the early 90's. Swapped one out for an Ampeg SS-70 guitar amp, and the other one I cleaned up, put a new cartridge on it, and have been using it ever since. It's built like a tank.
    polk monitor 70's
    center - polk monitor cs2
    surround - polk monitor 60's
    surround back - jbl e10
    sub - velodyne dps 12
    sub - polk psw110
    avr/pre-amp - onkyo tx-nr809
    amp - adcom gfa-5500
    amp - carver av405
    display - sharp lc70le847u
    tv - silicon dust hd homern
    blu-ray - oppo bdp-103
    hd dvd- toshiba hd xa2
    control - logitech harmony one
    turntable - technics sl1500 mkII
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,264
    edited October 2010
    coolsax wrote: »
    Just be aware if you want a new Technics player you only have a limited time to get them... It looks like Panasonic is going to be discontinuing the Technics line after this year.

    I would be shocked if they discontinued the 12XX series as that is really the top dog of a TT for DJ's everywhere..
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  • j allen
    j allen Posts: 363
    edited November 2010
    Hey, thanks for all the input guys. I think I'm leaning toward snagging an Audio-Technica table, since it's brand new within my price range.
    Is there anything particularly wrong with
    http://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATLP120-Professional-Turntable-USB/dp/B002S1CJ2Q/ref=pd_bxgy_e_text_b ?

    It looks to be almost the same model as the one linked above, but it is sold by amazon, rather than a third party, and is 4 dollars cheaper...
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  • lakesailor
    lakesailor Posts: 319
    edited November 2010
    My advice is to get a Denon DP 37F…..they look great in rosewood but most importantly they are fully automatic…..what is most important for your gal is that the turntable is easy to use….a fully auto is the only way to go. Trust me on this.

    The best part is that once she get’s hooked into vinyl you can easily talk her into adding a second table that can be your “reference” player.
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