Beginner's intro to vinyl on a budget! - Page 2 - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

joelongwood · 03-17-2008, 01:51 AM

Originally Posted by texashorn91

joe - I am worried that buying something older and used will get me into trouble, as I cannot diagnose any sort of problem on a turntable. I think buying something newer would be a better option. Thanks!

Your reluctance is understandable, but all I can tell you is that I have a 34 year old Thorens TD-125 MKII, two 40+ year old ARxa's, a 25 year Harmon Kardon TC-45C, a JVC Victor TT from 1969, and a 35 year old Empire 598....all of them set up and functioning perfectly. What do they have in common? They are all belt driven, so there ain't much to go wrong. I would not hesitate to purchase that Pioneer...........but I obviously don't need another TT.

PS... you should head over to AudioKarma to read what others say about vintage TTs.

texashorn91 · 03-17-2008, 02:08 AM

Originally Posted by joelongwood

I would stick with at least a semi-automatic TT, one that lifts the arm up at the end of a record. I have a number of fully manual TTs around, and they don't get too much use as I've gotten lazy in my old age.

LOL. I think thats a good idea for me too

I agree, the Pioneer seems like a good turntable, my dad used those back in the day. It looks in pretty good shape too. I'll be sure to contact the seller for more info. Thanks!

texashorn91 · 03-17-2008, 03:05 AM

Newbie question: how do you know what rotational speed to use? Do different albums require different speeds? Sorry ahead of time for my ignorance.

SenjStevo · 03-17-2008, 10:15 AM

Yes, the common speeds are 45rpm and 33rpm, all turntables have these speeds. Most exotic and expensive turntables can play 78rpm too.

Stephen Murphy · 03-17-2008, 07:43 PM

I think its great that you scored your dad's old vinyl. Did he not have a turntable somewhere as well? If not, I wouldn't panic. Keep in mind that there were probably more turntables sold in the past than cd players. There are millions of them out there in basements and garages everywhere. (Every house had 2 or 3 back in the day.)

Get your dad to phone his friends and see if they have one in their garage. Look in the Austin phone book for vintage electronic repair shops and find a guy who has piles of old Marantz receivers and Technics and Pioneer turntables that he can't get rid of. He would gladly clean one up for you and get it going for less than $100. Get a nice Shure M97xE cart off eBay or Amazon for 80$ and you are set. To say you don't know anything about vinyl and therefore need a brand new table is not correct. Really, unless a table is physically smashed, there is not a hell of a lot to go wrong with them. Both my Technics from the 70s and 80s are still going strong, and I haven't done a thing to them in 25 years except change the cart.

There are few things more fun than a pile of records and a turntable. You will have a blast, especially through your Marantz.

re speeds: the most common is 33 for basic lps. 45 is for small 7 inch singles and some 12 inch singles from the 80s. (a "single" has one track on a side, BTW)

texashorn91 · 03-17-2008, 10:29 PM

Originally Posted by Stephen Murphy

re speeds: the most common is 33 for basic lps. 45 is for small 7 inch singles and some 12 inch singles from the 80s. (a "single" has one track on a side, BTW)

Thanks Stephen! I didn't even think about getting something local... definitely a good option. Plus I can see it in person beforehand. It is really good to hear that your turntable(s) has been running strong for 25-30 years without any problems! My Marantz is the same way

I think I am going to check locally and if I don't find anything I really like I will save up for the Debut III.

In regards to the TT speeds: Is this something you switch before playing? Or is it an automatic thing? Thanks guys!

Stephen Murphy · 03-18-2008, 01:33 AM

The speed is selected by you. It depends on the turntable how you change the speed. Sometimes by switch, button or even moving a belt to another pulley.

m3_arun · 03-18-2008, 05:53 AM

I'm in the same position as you, and the only turntable I'm looking for is a used, good condition Technics SL-1200. From what I've read, it's got a solid direct-drive system which will beat most entry level turntables if you mount a decent cartridge like a AT95E. Also it's a great platform for upgrades such as better tonearms etc. If you can find one that has been well taken care of for less than $300 you should take it.

F155mph · 03-18-2008, 06:09 AM

Vinyl is an expensive hobby. You make sure that want you really want to get into. I suggest buying used.

Uncle Erik · 03-18-2008, 06:22 AM

texashorn91 - how about these?

Technics 1200 m2k

Dual 1015 Turntable

Dual Turntable, model CS 431, 80s vintage, made in Germany

Technics Turntable

Need a technics turntable?

Technics 1200 Turntable - Classic

Audio-Technica Direct Drive Professional Turntable

I'm not familiar with the Dual decks, but have seen them recommended numerous times. For those prices, they're worth checking out.

The Technics 1200 decks have a cult following - some swear by them and will use no other. My cousin has one and I think it sounds pretty good. I prefer my deck, but I could live with a 1200. They're not bad at all.

If you want to read up on 1200s a little more:

KAB Electro Acoustics http://www.kabusa.com