Entry level turntable

usp1
usp1 Posts: 207
edited November 2012 in 2 Channel Audio
I am looking for a decent entry level turntable. A friend of mine has a collection of old jazz albums that he is willing to loan to me. The friend is a music lover but not an audiophile so the albums have been played on an old relatively beat up turntable. Any one have suggestions? I do not mind getting a used turntable but worry about shipping damage. I definitely do not want/need a usb turntable.
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  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited November 2012
    budget? Music Hall, Rega, Pro-ject can all be had around 500 and less if you buy used. Good entry level TT. Otherwise there are some older tables that could work and just depends on how far you want to go with it.
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited November 2012
    I'm quite happy with the vintage Thorens I have. TD166 MKII.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • usp1
    usp1 Posts: 207
    edited November 2012
    Before I answer the budget question, let me ask if it is only the needle I risk or also the cartridge if the albums are not in great shape.

    At this stage I am looking for a real cheapo...maybe about $150 and maybe buy a better TT later once I have some more experience with it. Also, I understand that some the cheaper options have built in phono amps so that is a plus. I do have a rogue 88 with a phono input but I need to add tubes to that ...currently I use only the linestage.

    ANy suggestions on a good used table would be fine. (I live in a small town so not too many stores or craigslist options here)
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  • TNHNDYMAN
    TNHNDYMAN Posts: 2,145
    edited November 2012
    where is local for you usp1?
    2-ch System: Parasound P/LD 2000 pre, Parasound HCA-1000 amp, Parasound T/DQ Tuner, Phase Technology PC-100 Tower speakers, Technics SL-1600 Turntable, Denon 2910 SACD/CD player, Peachtree DAC iT and X1asynchorus USB converter, HSU VTF-3 subwoofer.

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  • gdb
    gdb Posts: 6,012
    edited November 2012
    Direct drive Pioneer off of ebay with a new stylus will serve nicely. If you want to escalate the sickness beyond that......there are plenty of avenues to explore afterwards. I'd also recommend an inexpensive record cleaning system, a lot of seemingly "worn" records are in reality, just really dirty. :wink:

    http://www.spincleanrecordwasher.com/
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited November 2012
    You might need to also buy a seperate phono-preamp, along with the associated cables. Not to many pieces of gear include that feature anymore.
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • gdb
    gdb Posts: 6,012
    edited November 2012
    gdb wrote: »
    Direct drive Pioneer off of ebay with a new stylus will serve nicely. If you want to escalate the sickness beyond that......there are plenty of avenues to explore afterwards. I'd also recommend an inexpensive record cleaning system, a lot of seemingly "worn" records are in reality, just really dirty. :wink:

    A much better method than a USB TT for recording to digital files is:
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002GHBYZ0/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_9?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
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  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited November 2012
    usp1 wrote: »
    let me ask if it is only the needle I risk or also the cartridge if the albums are not in great shape.

    Old scratchy LPs do not damage a needle unless there is a crack or a bunch of gunk in the grooves.
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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  • usp1
    usp1 Posts: 207
    edited November 2012
    TNHNDYMAN wrote: »
    where is local for you usp1?

    Local is 61822 (east central illinois)
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  • Msabot1
    Msabot1 Posts: 2,098
    edited November 2012
    What will damage a stylus? Lousy tonrarm,improper tracking weight,improper anti-skating,wrong tracking angle,filthy grooves,improper tonearm balance and last but not least,filthy lp grooves. If you are serious about getting into vinyl,get the best table you can afford.
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited November 2012
    http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Stanton+-+Direct-Drive+DJ+Turntable+with+500B+Cartridge+-+Black/8891283.p?id=1218012612543&skuId=8891283&st=8891283&cp=1&lp=1#BVRRWidgetID

    Deal of the day at best buy. $99. Act quick...
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • gdb
    gdb Posts: 6,012
    edited November 2012
    :eek: WOW, that'd be hard to beat !!! :eek:
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  • usp1
    usp1 Posts: 207
    edited November 2012
    nspindel wrote: »
    http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Stanton+-+Direct-Drive+DJ+Turntable+with+500B+Cartridge+-+Black/8891283.p?id=1218012612543&skuId=8891283&st=8891283&cp=1&lp=1#BVRRWidgetID

    Deal of the day at best buy. $99. Act quick...

    Do I need a phono amp in addition to this turntable? It would otherwise be a good place to start at that price. THe reviews on amazon are quite positive.
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  • chumlie
    chumlie Posts: 8,658
    edited November 2012
    Yes...Unless you have a phono in on your reciever.
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  • usp1
    usp1 Posts: 207
    edited November 2012
    I have tube preamp with a phono but I need to buy tubes for the phono section. That will cost at least as much as a cheap phono preamp!
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,499
    edited November 2012
    usp1 wrote: »
    I do not mind getting a used turntable but worry about shipping damage. I definitely do not want/need a usb turntable.


    Here is an example of what can happen if the table isn't shipped in original packing. This from a seller that claimed they shipped turntables before. I even asked that the platter be removed. Fortunately I was fixing a table for a friend so I just needed the electronics inside.

    kenwood_2.jpg

    The other issue with used tables is speed control, or tonearm bearing issues. Older vintage direct drive tables might require cleaning of the speed control adjustment pots, or even more. Best to be able to test and try a used table before buying, unless you trust the seller.
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,499
    edited November 2012
    usp1 wrote: »
    I have tube preamp with a phono but I need to buy tubes for the phono section. That will cost at least as much as a cheap phono preamp!

    Rogue has great gear. You have the integrated 88. 6DJ8's for the phono?
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • ViperZ
    ViperZ Posts: 2,046
    edited November 2012
    Dual 1228 or 1229 with a decent cartridge (Shure M97xE) will run you around 150. For another 50-80 you can pick up Cambridge Audio 540P phono and you'll have a great beginner setup.
    Panasonic PT-AE4000U projector for movies
    Carada 106" Precision Series (Classic Cinema White)
    Denon AVR-X3600H pre/pro
    Outlaw 770 7-channel amplifier
    B&W CDM1-SE fronts
    B&W CDM-CNT center
    B&W CDM1 rears on MoPADs
    JBL SP8CII in-ceiling height speakers
    Samsung DTB-H260F OTA HDTV tuner
    DUAL NHT SubTwo subwoofers
    Oppo BDP-93 Blu-Ray player
    Belkin PF60 Power Center
    Harmony 1100 RF remote with RF extender
    Sony XBR-X950G 55" 4K HDR Smart TV + PS3 in the living room
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  • usp1
    usp1 Posts: 207
    edited November 2012
    SCompRacer wrote: »
    Rogue has great gear. You have the integrated 88. 6DJ8's for the phono?

    I have the Rogue 88 amp and the 66 magnum pre. Requires four 6dj8 for phono.
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  • usp1
    usp1 Posts: 207
    edited November 2012
    How about a Dual CS2110...I saw one somewhere for $40...probably needs to work to get it back in proper working condition.
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,499
    edited November 2012
    The one in Urbana? Check out lpgear if you need a replacement stylus. If you could demo it before you buy it could be great for you. IIRC it is a belt drive and may need a belt. lpgear sells replacement belts as well.

    http://www.lpgear.com/

    I've dealt with Vintage Electronics for belts too.

    http://www.vintage-electronics.cc/

    Vinyl engine for info/manuals (need to be a member and log in to download).

    http://www.vinylengine.com/

    Audiokarma may have info on that table as well.
    http://www.audiokarma.org/
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • usp1
    usp1 Posts: 207
    edited November 2012
    Thanks for the info SCompracer.
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