Stanton Turntables

sdcfan18

Looking at a ST8-80. Problem is that I'm not a DJ, nor will I ever be one. I REALLY like the looks of this table, but am worried about sound quality. While I don't expect it to be top notch, I don't want crappy sound coming either. I'm just getting into this, so I don't want to spend very much (I can get this for almost peanuts), but I want something that I can enjoy.

Coming from a HT background, I understand that speaker such as Cerwin Vega's are not something you would want to put into your HT. Does the same go for turntables? Are tables made for a DJ going to give me a vastly inferior sound?

Also, I need something that has a MM or high-output MC cart. Does this have one? Are the arm and cart upgradeable? Forgive my noob-ness.

Thanks in advance.

http://www.stantondj.com/v2/discon_str880.asp

hearingimpared

If you don't mind me asking what's the cost of this table? I am not familiar with it or Stanton tables for that matter.

sdcfan18

I could get this from an acquaintance for about $75

hearingimpared

I guess for $75 you've got nothing to loose. You can get a decent MM cartridge for under $100 if the one that comes with the Stanton doesn't work out. If it were me I would save the money up and buy a table that made for home use. There are tons out there on the used market.

ozzy21236

I'm sorry in that I will have to disagree that you have alot to lose buy purchasing this table. This table is made for scratching . Go on ANY website that sells turntables and look at the tables with straight arms . Every respected table , with a pivoted tonearm , be it straight , s shaped j shaped or whatever allows for the cartridge to be mounted with an offset angle of approx. 22 degrees. This is imperative , along with other factors to achieve proper cartridge alignment.
The stanton by its design does not allow proper cartridge alignment and will destroy your vinyl.
Wanting to get into vinyl is cool. This Stanton table will make you say " I don't see what all the fuss is about."
Search Craigslist and such . Ask family and friends if they have a table they arent using.
There are alot of very good choices for someone "wanting to get a taste".
I suggest finding a direct drive Technics quartz lock table to start. They are not the very best. They can sound very good , won't ruin your records by their inherent design and you should be able to find one for between $50 and $100 dollars.
Good luck. Ask questions and have fun. But please don't throw your money in the trash.

Russ

sdcfan18

What about something like this? I know its a DJ table, but does it fit the bill? I'm really clueless here guys.

http://london.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-electronics-GEMINI-PT-2000-HIGH-TORQUE-DIRECT-DRIVE-TURNTABLE-NEEDLES-W0QQAdIdZ104373355

http://www.geminidj.com/disc._prod_manuals/TURNTABLES/PT-2000/PT-2000.pdf

sdcfan18

Or this one...

http://hamilton.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-musical-instruments-1-Technics-1200MK2-Turntable-Vestax-PMC-002-Mixer-W0QQAdIdZ106699391

ozzy21236

I have read positive things on the Audio Technica AT-PL120. Would be a very nice starter table if used doesn't appeal to you . Go over to audiokarma and search for it . Poster by the name of BrocLuno is quite happy with his. He also has more refined tables. I would go for the AT for the money if new is a must and budget tops out at about $200.
Just IMO.
Russ

janmike

I know nothing about TT, but what is your budget. It may help the more knowledgeable folks here identify something for you. Good luck.

ozzy21236

BTW I am very happy with my Technics SL1210mkll. It is the same thing as an SL1200mkll only its black and has a voltage selector switch for use overseas.
Russ

sdcfan18

Keiko wrote: »

I'm not familiar with the Stanton or others you've linked to either, but ozzy may have a point. Before I upgraded to a Technics 1210M5G, I used this one from Audio-Technica and liked it a lot. It's a clone of the SL-1200MKII but not quite in the same league. If you don't want to spend a whole lot right now to begin, then this one may suit your needs. It comes stock with an ATP2XN cartridge which will get you started, but I'd recommend upgraded from that to something better suited for hi-fi. The Shure M97xE works very well with the PL120 from what I've heard and can be had for around 50.00. Here's a couple links.

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-PL120-Professional-Direct-Drive-Turntable/dp/B00012EYNG/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1234619185&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Shure-M97xE-High-Performance-Magnetic-Cartridge/dp/B00006I5SB/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1234619643&sr=1-1

I looked at the AT's, but they sell new for unreal amounts in Canada. We're talking $500 for that table. That is why I past on it...

http://www.gibbysaudiovideo.com/audiotechnica-atpl120-direct-drive-professional-stereo-turntabl-p-952.html

ozzy21236

Keiko wrote: »

What cartridge you using on your 1200 ozzy? I got a Denon DL-160 on my 1210 and it's sweet. Had it on the PL120 also and it really brought out the best of it.

I'm saving for the DL-160 . I'm currently enjoying an AT125LC , a Stanton 681eee , a Shure M91ED and finally an AT120E/T .I like them all for different reasons and with diffrent recordings but tend to favor the AT 125LC on my new vinyl and the Shure on my thrift store purchases.

ozzy21236

sdcfan18 ,
You can achieve very nice vinyl playback with a Technics SL1200 . Not EVERY single person feels the deck is audiophile worthy. Some will regurgitate the time worn BS about it being a DJ table . Not true . There is a host of upgrades for it should you later decide to go that route. I mean a whole cottage industry exists around this table .
Should you get one and decide vinyl isn't your thing, you should get the majority of your money back. If you dont know how to inspect a tonearm for bearing damage , buy a new table. No reason a Technics wouldn't last 30 years or more . Yes , Im a fan . I will admit that. There are better tables for much more money (imo). There is not a better table to start with at this price range with the features it has and the resale value and SOUND.

Good Luck,
Russ

hearingimpared

ozzy21236 wrote: »

I'm sorry in that I will have to disagree that you have alot to lose buy purchasing this table. This table is made for scratching . Go on ANY website that sells turntables and look at the tables with straight arms . Every respected table , with a pivoted tonearm , be it straight , s shaped j shaped or whatever allows for the cartridge to be mounted with an offset angle of approx. 22 degrees. This is imperative , along with other factors to achieve proper cartridge alignment.
The stanton by its design does not allow proper cartridge alignment and will destroy your vinyl.
Wanting to get into vinyl is cool. This Stanton table will make you say " I don't see what all the fuss is about."
Search Craigslist and such . Ask family and friends if they have a table they arent using.
There are alot of very good choices for someone "wanting to get a taste".
I suggest finding a direct drive Technics quartz lock table to start. They are not the very best. They can sound very good , won't ruin your records by their inherent design and you should be able to find one for between $50 and $100 dollars.
Good luck. Ask questions and have fun. But please don't throw your money in the trash.

Russ

Good post, thanks for the education.:)


sdcfan, what is your budget for a TT & cartridge?

Fongolio

I found all of these on http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/. All are decent starter tables. There are many more. Canuckaudiomart is Canada based with many sellers in Ontario. Check it out. You will find something that suits your budget there.

http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/116872-technics__sl_d2_direct_drive_turntable/
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/116368-pioneer_pl590_turntable/
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/116337-philips_ga_209_turntable_with_grado_cartridge/
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/116332-sansui_fr5080s/

sdcfan18

Thanks for the heads up. I've been watching CAM for a few weeks, but nothing that really caught me in (in my price range). I did however find a Technics 1200MK2 on Kijiji for $260. I ended up picking it up for a little more than half that.

Hooked it up and it sounds great! I'm now onto modding it. Can someone please let me know if this cart is MM or high-output MC?

Also, the table itself is a little dirty. What should I use to clean it? Just a damp cloth? Some type of cleaner?

Thanks for all the help, this truly has been a "group project"

http://www.stantondj.com/v2/cartridge/cartridges_500v3_specs.php

Fongolio

Damp cloth with a little dish soap if really grungy but dry it quickly. Isoproyl alcohol to remove any sticker glue but be careful this can dry rubber parts or remove cheaper finishes. The cartridge appears to be mm and has a very high track force range. It is high output even for a moving magnet cartridge. It is clearly designed for scratching rather than audiophile playback. It will do for now but I'd look into getting one that tracks much lighter. It will help your records last longer. Great price on that table by the way. Have fun and good luck.

hearingimpared

Well judging by the specs; Outputput 4.6mV, Tracking Force 2 to 5 grams, & Recomended load 47k ohms & the fact that they give you 275pf as the load; I would say you have a moving magnet cartridge.

As far as cleaning it goes use plain old Windex. That's what VPI recommends to clean their tables.

ozzy21236

Congrats on the SL1200 at a fantastic price!!! The mods for this table are many. I've yet to mod to mine as yet and I am quite pleased with the sound. In the future I intended to rewire the tonearm with Cardas wire and perhaps get the fluid damping trough .
Again sdcfan18, glad you are happy with the sound . You made a good choice and you wont lose any of your investment should you decide to sell your table. How many audio purchases can we say that about?
I cannot wait to try the Denon DL-160 on mine that Keiko was discussing earlier in the thread.Saving pennies.......

Russ

Fongolio

ozzy21236 wrote: »

I cannot wait to try the Denon DL-160 on mine that Keiko was discussing earlier in the thread.
Russ

He's sold me on that cartridge too. I've got one on order.

sdcfan18

I've been sending emails back and forth with a member on VinylEngine. He has been more than helpful through the process and REALLY seems to know his stuff. He mentioned that I should look at the Shure M97xE (that was in my price range), or the Denon DL-110 if I could afford it. I think the Shure is more likely, with the Denon this hobby would be getting way too rich, way too fast.

ozzy21236

The Shure is a great one to start with. Use it for a few years. Then try something new.I got really good deals on the carts I'm using .Thats why I have a few.
Not a steadfast rule but I feel carts that are tracking over 2.5 grams to promote excessive vinyl wear.
Now dont take that as meaning the lighter tracking the better. When a cartridge gives a range for tracking force , start at the upper end of that range and work toward the nominal over time as the cantilever suspension relaxes a little from use. Too little tracking force can do more damage to your albums than a little too much.
Keep your vinyl clean . It sounds better and prolongs the useful life of both your albums and your stylus. Also , clean the stylus regularly . You can spend a lot or a little on accessories. I chose to find inexpensive solutions. Most of my records (not all) are Goodwill finds that are in really good condition as I have become really selective of the condition of an album that I am willing to pay for.

hearingimpared

ozzy21236 wrote: »

Use it for a few years.

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaa a few years!!!! That's a good one. It took me 3 carts every 4 months before I found one I could live with for well "a few years.":D

Fongolio

hearingimpared wrote: »

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaa a few years!!!! That's a good one. It took me 3 carts every 4 months before I found one I could live with for well "a few years.":D

+1
One year back into this vinyl "thing" and I'm on my 3rd main turntable, (2nd in the bedroom) 5th cartridge with the 6th on the way, 3rd amp, 4th pre-amp, and from 0 to just under 1000 pop/rock/jazz lps (plus 180 or so doubles and triples) and over 100 classical. Be careful!!! Hobby can become obsession in the blink of an eye. But I love it and no one gets hurt (so far).

ozzy21236

hearingimpared wrote: »

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaa a few years!!!! That's a good one. It took me 3 carts every 4 months before I found one I could live with for well "a few years.":D

Liked that one huh?:D

Great progress has been made by the OP. We have watched as the talk has moved from opinions of a Stanton table to the purchase at a great price of an SL1200 that the great grandchildren will probably inherit .

The price of entry can seem daunting in a format that the music industry doesn't fully embrace. In reality, we know that once the hook is set, and you realize that , hey these rekkids sound good , I wonder if they can sound better? fasten your safety belts the ride begins.

The Shure cart will be good to those albums and give good sund while the decision is made as to how far up the ladder one wishes to climb.

The shure stylus should be good for from 500-1000 hours maybe more if records are kept clean , stylus kept clean and cartridge properly aligned.

If if if . Got to do this , got to do that . Why? Why should I get into vinyl when I can pop in the cd ,hit play on my remote and skip the stuff I don't want to hear?

Because it sounds good . That is why. Also you tend to listen to album sides which may give a better appreciation of an artists deeper cuts,And we tend tolisten to the music instead of just being background music (although I play vinyl for that too sometimes) because of all the effort put into playing records.

Whoaaa, sorry about that. Got on a roll there. Points to ponder don't you know?

Russ

hearingimpared

ozzy21236 wrote: »

Because it sounds good . That is why. Also you tend to listen to album sides which may give a better appreciation of an artists deeper cuts,And we tend tolisten to the music instead of just being background music (although I play vinyl for that too sometimes) because of all the effort put into playing records.

You just hit the head of the nail on two of the three reasons why vinyl has and is making a big come back.