So I have an issue with what my SO is giving me for my birthday. So she bought me a Stanton T.62 turntable for my birthday in 20 some days. She told me what it was. The problem is she asked her DJ friend what would be a good record player and that's the one he told her. There's an issue with the turntable though. It features a straight tone arm with the cartridge and needle aligned straight with the arm, rather than offset.  I know about the issues that will come from having this arm set-up.

So, the issue is, how do I tell her, and convince her, that the gift she bought is going to ruin records I have, and the few ones she bought me for my birthday as well. She is convinced her friend knows his ****, but if he did, he would've known about the straight arm problem.

Please help, because the vinyl player will be in in a week or so, and I need her to cancel it and return it, so she can get one that actually will work.

help....please
 

Doh, that's a tough situation to be in. Can you change the tone arm on that unit? That way you'd be able to keep it and not hurt her feelings.

I actually don't know if you can I was looking for information and I couldn't find any on that.

You could try to be honest with her and discuss the problems while listing some resources or anecdotes to back up your reasoning. Letting her know about the possible issues is what I would do at least. Of course you should also thank her for being so thoughtful. Maybe you and her DJ friend can discuss the issues at hand and find an alternative gift?
 
Oh, welcome to Head-Fi and sorry about your wallet!

I actually tried discussing it, and she said that I should wait and see, because she talked to both her DJ friend and guitar center and they both told her this would be the perfect option for someone who wants to listen to music.  She told me because it's used it shouldn't particularly matter, because I'll probably get myself a nice one in a few years anyway.  
 
Is there anything I can do to it, to make sure it doesn't ruin records as well as allow me to listen to it well.  It has a single rca pair output.  
 
and thank you, I've a lurker and reader for a while, but I decided to make an account a while ago.  
 
My wallet is already crying 

If I understand it correctly, that record player is made for scratching records, right?  If the arm is replaceable, execute HighFlyn9's advice and replace it, if it doesn't cost an arm or a leg (ha, ha).
 
That's a tough situation to be in, I know.  Since you've already discussed about alternatives with your SO, and it sounds like you don't want to rain on her parade.  Get it, and play a record that you don't mind getting scratched to test it out (heck, buy one for 99 cents at your used LP shop).  Kiss and have a nice evening. 

alpha421 said:

   Get it, and play a record that you don't mind getting scratched to test it out (heck, buy one for 99 cents at your used LP shop).  Kiss and have a nice evening. 

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