Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Dedicated Source Components › Best Turntable for $150
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Best Turntable for $150

post #1 of 4
7/15/11 at 10:52pm
Thread Starter 

I want to get into the world of vinyl. I don't want to spend more than $150. As far as speakers go, I have a HT setup in my basement with JBL Studio speakers. I also have a Technics A/V receiver so would I be able to use that with the TT without any other equipment?

 

-Thanks

Reply
post #2 of 4
7/16/11 at 12:33am
Your best choice is finding a vintage turntable and fixing it up. The new turntables in that price range are junk. Plastic is bad, very bad when it comes to turntables. There is a thread here about vintage tables - you should be able to find it. Fixing up an old deck isn't difficult. Pull the service manual off Vinyl Engine and go through the deck. It won't require any special tools or knowledge, but you'll have to spend a couple hours on it.

As for your receiver, does it have a phonostage? There should be inputs marked "phono" and a grounding screw. If it doesn't have those, you'll have to buy a phonostage. They start around $30 and go up from there.
Reply
post #3 of 4
7/16/11 at 10:36am
Thread Starter 

I couldn't find that thread you mentioned, do you happen to have a link for it? My receiver does have a phono input with a ground screw. Are there any benefits to having a separate phonostage or will the integrated one work just as well?

 

On a side note, nice to see another redditor who is an audiophile. I normally stay on trees but I just found the vinyl subreddit so I'm definitely gonna check that out.

Reply
post #4 of 4
7/16/11 at 12:48pm
There are a few redditors here. Try /r/audiophile. UE posts about a bajillion times a day there. tongue.gif

Anyway, I agree, look for steals on vintage stuff. I got a Sony PS-X5 with a Signet cartridge on craigslist for $25, and it easily competes with the best of under $500 modern turntables.

Search locally. If you can find turntables on Craigslist locally, check their vinylengine pages and read up on them via google (or your search engine of choice, of course.)

Things to look for in a turntable are weight (the heavier, generally the better), strobe light lock (ensure that the dots on the side of the platter appear stationary when spinning on tables with a strobe) and tonearm condition. Also check the needle and cartridge for wear (if they're included.) Dustcovers are good too, many dust covers have been cracked or are missing on vintage turntables, and can be very expensive to replace.
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Dedicated Source Components
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Dedicated Source Components › Best Turntable for $150