Cheap turntable/ speaker/docking station combo?

jflail2 · June 2013

So a friend of mine is interested in picking up a cheap turntable/ speaker combo, as she'd like to get into vinyl. Not in line with what you guys usually buy I don't think, but she was looking at something along the lines of this Sony:

http://store.sony.com/p/PS-LX300USB/en/p/PSLX300USB#specifications

She doesn't have much of a budget, so any recommendations for a simple, 2 channel set up (maybe a turn table/ docking station for the time being) would be greatly appreciated.

cnh · June 2013

Don't follow you, entirely. Won't she need an amp or receiver too? So an amp, speakers and TT, yes?

I'd think about something vintage for a low budget system. Technics P-mount tables can be had for the price of that Sony and cheaper. They're a decent starter table that is NO hassle. Nothing to calibrate, P-mount cartridges snap into place and you're good to go. These tables also have Quartz lock drives so no need to mess with the table's speed. Easy peasy! Then think about a nice old integrated or receiver with a decent phono section. Most of the biggies are OK there: Harman Kardon, Sansui, Yamaha, Kenwood, etc. $100 used?

A couple of nice vintage speakers. Well, why not Polk Monitor 5As or 7s? Depending on the size! Or some ubiquitous EPI 100Vs? About $100 a pair?

For $300 or less you can put together one very nice used vintage system. Let me describe one I run:

HK 430 (twin power receiver)
Dynaco A25 speakers
Realistic LAB 290 (turntable-belt drive)

Total cost: 80+100+30=210

Sound? Pretty darn good for 210! Probably could have gotten the speakers for less than that price if I waited some?

cnh

jflail2 · June 2013

I hear ya DSkip. She's a very good friend, so I don't want to burst her bubble with "stick to CDs." I figured I'd help her to the rabbit hole entrance, and she can decide how far down she'd like to tumble from there. So yea, I think it is a novelty/nostalgia thing. Just think, this is a future 2 channel nut in the making, if the advice is given right from the get go

And yes, CNH, that's exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for. She was looking at the "modern" turntables (excuse my terminology ignorance), so I think she was pondering connecting it directly to an "all in one" speaker of some sort, like a sound bar.

Glen B · June 2013

IMO, the minimum new entry level TT for someone looking to get into vinyl should be something along the line of a Pro-Ject Essential, at $299.00. It comes complete with an Ortofon OM3E cartridge and dust cover.

http://www.needledoctor.com/Pro-Ject-Essential-Turntable-in-Black?sc=2&category=46

http://www.needledoctor.com/Pro-Ject-Essential-Turntable-in-Red?sc=2&category=46

cnh · June 2013

DSkip wrote: »

Why would she want to get into vinyl if she isn't at least somewhat serious about audio? Is it just the novelty? Seems like too much work and money for the average person.

Not bashing at all, I just don't see the draw of vinyl (excluding novelty/nostalgia) for anyone outside of this hobby.

I suspect that is the draw. BTW, very nice AT Table Mike.

But unless you're going down the vinyl road, you can put together a VERY listenable system, as described above, for LESS than the price of a good new table?

cnh

Cheap turntable/ speaker/docking station combo?

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