Looking to upgrade my turntable

[Mike Up]

Hope this forum is OK as I found no dedicated Turntable forum.

I'm on a budget of $400 and under. The best turntables I've found for the money are the Fluance RT-81 Plus w/ Audio Technca AT-VM95e and RT-82 with the Ortofon Cartridges. Also the Audio Technca AT-LP3XBT w/ Audio Technca AT-VM95c. Don't know if I want an Ortofon Cartridge as I read dozens of negative reviews how the OM 10 and 2M Red are bright, thin, and lack body. I have an Audio Technica cheap turntable with the AT3600L cartridge and I like it as it seems neutral so I was really wanting to go with a AT-VM95c/e cartridge. This cartridge has real praise and never read anything negative.

So my 2 main turntables I'm looking at are the Audio Technica AT-LP3XBT and the Fluance AT-81 Plus that have this AT-VM95 cartridge but lack a servo control DC motor that the Fluance RT-82 has, but at a negative of the Ortofon OM-10. The servo controlled Fluance RT-83 has the Ortofon 2M Red. Both Ortofon cartridges which I read so many negative reviews about their bright, thin sound.

So Is Fluance an Ok turntable or am I best to play it safe with the Audio Technica AT-LP3XBT? Also is a servo controlled turntable that much better. I don't notice any significant speed issues on my cheap Audio technica AT-LP60-USB turntable.

Thanks in advance!

 

[lovinthehd]

vinylengine.com is more oriented to the subject of vinyl/turntables.

Both your tt choices are reasonable. I prefer direct drive over belt (use a 40 year old Technics SL1200mk2 myself). I've heard nice things about the AT-VM95 cartridge, never tried one (or an Ortofon), tho. I have seen many say they prefer to get the Ortofon Blue over the Red (and can be upgraded by stylus into same cartridge body but they're kinda pricey).

ps Might also try this subforum https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?forums/turntables-phono-amplifier-cartridges-review.48/

 

[TLS Guy]

Hope this forum is OK as I found no dedicated Turntable forum.

I'm on a budget of $400 and under. The best turntables I've found for the money are the Fluance RT-81 Plus w/ Audio Technca AT-VM95e and RT-82 with the Ortofon Cartridges. Also the Audio Technca AT-LP3XBT w/ Audio Technca AT-VM95c. Don't know if I want an Ortofon Cartridge as I read dozens of negative reviews how the OM 10 and 2M Red are bright, thin, and lack body. I have an Audio Technica cheap turntable with the AT3600L cartridge and I like it as it seems neutral so I was really wanting to go with a AT-VM95c/e cartridge. This cartridge has real praise and never read anything negative.

So my 2 main turntables I'm looking at are the Audio Technica AT-LP3XBT and the Fluance AT-81 Plus that have this AT-VM95 cartridge but lack a servo control DC motor that the Fluance RT-82 has, but at a negative of the Ortofon OM-10. The servo controlled Fluance RT-83 has the Ortofon 2M Red. Both Ortofon cartridges which I read so many negative reviews about their bright, thin sound.

So Is Fluance an Ok turntable or am I best to play it safe with the Audio Technica AT-LP3XBT? Also is a servo controlled turntable that much better. I don't notice any significant speed issues on my cheap Audio technica AT-LP60-USB turntable.

Thanks in advance!

I think you may well be making a lateral move. I doubt you will gain anything from that expenditure. Unfortunately to get any realistic gain your budget is way too low.
Turntables are essentially mechanical devices and so superb engineering and craftsmanship can bring significant dividends. What is it you don't like about your current turntable?

 

[KenM10759]

Hope this forum is OK as I found no dedicated Turntable forum.

I'm on a budget of $400 and under. The best turntables I've found for the money are the Fluance RT-81 Plus w/ Audio Technca AT-VM95e and RT-82 with the Ortofon Cartridges. Also the Audio Technca AT-LP3XBT w/ Audio Technca AT-VM95c. Don't know if I want an Ortofon Cartridge as I read dozens of negative reviews how the OM 10 and 2M Red are bright, thin, and lack body. I have an Audio Technica cheap turntable with the AT3600L cartridge and I like it as it seems neutral so I was really wanting to go with a AT-VM95c/e cartridge. This cartridge has real praise and never read anything negative.

So my 2 main turntables I'm looking at are the Audio Technica AT-LP3XBT and the Fluance AT-81 Plus that have this AT-VM95 cartridge but lack a servo control DC motor that the Fluance RT-82 has, but at a negative of the Ortofon OM-10. The servo controlled Fluance RT-83 has the Ortofon 2M Red. Both Ortofon cartridges which I read so many negative reviews about their bright, thin sound.

So Is Fluance an Ok turntable or am I best to play it safe with the Audio Technica AT-LP3XBT? Also is a servo controlled turntable that much better. I don't notice any significant speed issues on my cheap Audio technica AT-LP60-USB turntable.

Thanks in advance!

Unless your budget moves north of about USD $800 for the turntable alone (maybe $500 for used), you're just not going to get any quantum leap in sound quality. At the bare minimum, maybe the Fluance RT-85 with its stock Ortofon 2M Blue would surprise you.

 

[Mike Up]

vinylengine.com is more oriented to the subject of vinyl/turntables.

Both your tt choices are reasonable. I prefer direct drive over belt (use a 40 year old Technics SL1200mk2 myself). I've heard nice things about the AT-VM95 cartridge, never tried one (or an Ortofon), tho. I have seen many say they prefer to get the Ortofon Blue over the Red (and can be upgraded by stylus into same cartridge body but they're kinda pricey).

ps Might also try this subforum https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?forums/turntables-phono-amplifier-cartridges-review.48/

Thanks I'm a member ASR also. I'm staying away from direct drive Turntables in the lower price range because of the higher noise and rumble many have been complaining about especially with the audio Technica AT-LP120X-USB.

Since you have a Technics SL1200mk2, your at the top of quality where Technics accounted for and corrected for that noise/rumble.

Yes, the Ortofon Red seems to be the step child. Most I read say the cheaper OM 10 sounds better and so does the 2M Blue. I've read so many negatives about the Ortofon 2M Red but I see many high end turntables still come with that 2M Red cartridge though.

 

[Mike Up]

I think you may well be making a lateral move. I doubt you will gain anything from that expenditure. Unfortunately to get any realistic gain your budget is way too low.
Turntables are essentially mechanical devices and so superb engineering and craftsmanship can bring significant dividends. What is it you don't like about your current turntable?

Since I have Audio Technica AT-LP60-USB turntable that has everything built into it's tone arm and comes with the Audio technica AT3600L, I was hoping to gain some detail and resolution with a better cartridge. I was also hoping to gain some added comfort knowing that I wouldn't be wearing out my albums with a subpar turntable.

The fact the turntable is all plastic with hard plastic feet, it would be nice to upgrade to something that is a wood body with some vibration resistant feet so that my SVS subwoofer output doesn't bleed into the stylus with feedback. While I never yet have had the volume up on bass heavy tracks to see this on the LP60-USB, I have on my previous cheaper turntables.

I was wanting to go with a AT-VM95c/e cartridge but I have read that the Ortofon OM 10 is decent and better than the 2M Red for sound quality. I also red that the Ortofon OM 10 is a decent competitor to the VM95 if not a bit more detailed, if not a bit brighter. The 2M Red has been said my many to be too bright where the OM 10 or 2M Blue is much better.

For that reason, I'm starting to really think about the Fluance RT82 ($350) which seems to have features and performance on par with many other makers $750 turntables.

 

[TLS Guy]

Since I have Audio Technica AT-LP60-USB turntable that has everything built into it's tone arm and comes with the Audio technica AT3600L, I was hoping to gain some detail and resolution with a better cartridge. I was also hoping to gain some added comfort knowing that I wouldn't be wearing out my albums with a subpar turntable.

The fact the turntable is all plastic with hard plastic feet, it would be nice to upgrade to something that is a wood body with some vibration resistant feet so that my SVS subwoofer output doesn't bleed into the stylus with feedback. While I never yet have had the volume up on bass heavy tracks to see this on the LP60-USB, I have on my previous cheaper turntables.

I was wanting to go with a AT-VM95c/e cartridge but I have read that the Ortofon OM 10 is decent and better than the 2M Red for sound quality. I also red that the Ortofon OM 10 is a decent competitor to the VM95 if not a bit more detailed, if not a bit brighter. The 2M Red has been said my many to be too bright where the OM 10 or 2M Blue is much better.

For that reason, I'm starting to really think about the Fluance RT82 ($350) which seems to have features and performance on par with many other makers $750 turntables.

I think that Fluance with an Ortofon 2M Blue is what you actually need. I think anything less is a lateral move.

The Ortofon Reds have a 3db rise starting at 5 KHz which is easily audible. The Blue is an excellent cartridge. Member Squishman has one, and I set up that turnable for him and I have heard it. You won't go wrong with that combo. To improve on that, then you enter the exotic class, and a lot of those are not all they are cracked up to be. My turntables are all vintage from an age where vinyl was king.

 

[m. zillch]

All turntables/cartridges using physical contact with a stylus put wear on the records regardless of cost, although they do vary and you are unlikely to notice a difference after just a single play or two. The best way to preserve your records is to not play them or at least as little as possible.

Perhaps some day in our lifetimes they will invent some sort of music player without physical contact/friction such that this is no longer an issue.

 

[Mike Up]

I don't know, I just feel unsure about Fluance. I just read some reviews where they are hit or miss if they don't break. I read the motors are cheap and don't last. Also I wanted to talk to Fluance about my concerns and ask about table differences, then found their support is almost non-existent. I live in the Chicago area and in central time, Fluance closes at a super early 3:30pm and are only open Monday thru Friday. There is no way in hell I'd ever be able to reach them as they close before I'm even off work. This is a serious problem with Fluance!

I feel I'm more comfortable with the Audio Technica AT-LP3XBT which has a lot more features as phono preamp, bluetooth, and is fully automatic. It still has MDF Plinth, and anti-vibration feet and a felt mat to dampen vibration.

What it gives up on is it has the VM95c instead of VM95e which can easily be changed the next round when a new Stylus is needed. It also gives up to the RT82, a servo DC motor. It is more in line with the Fluance RT81 plus but at $50 more, is fully automatic and has bluetooth. Also the motors in the audio technica turntables are pretty reliable from what I've read. I just feel Fluance may be cheapening on parts to get price down whlie offering high end cartridges.

I looked at the U-turn turntables and don't like their fixed counter weight/anti-skating and needing to physically change the belt pully every time you want to listen to a 45. They don't even have removable head shells. Pro-Ject turntables are similar but not quite as bad. These turntables just seem over priced for what they don't have.

Other brands that offer more traditional tone arm and features as the Audio Technica, offer lower end AT3600L cartridges for the same price or slightly above. I have the AT3600L in my current turntable.

As of right now I'm most comfortable going with the Audio Technica AT-LP3XBT until I hear of issue with them.

Thanks

 

[TLS Guy]

I don't know, I just feel unsure about Fluance. I just read some reviews where they are hit or miss if they don't break. I read the motors are cheap and don't last.

I feel I'm more comfortable with the Audio Technica AT-LP3XBT which has a lot more features as phono preamp, bluetooth, and is fully automatic. It still has MDF Plinth, and anti-vibration feet and a felt mat to dampen vibration.

What it gives up on is it has the VM95c instead of VM95e which can easily be changed the next round when a new Stylus is needed. It also gives up to the RT82, a servo DC motor. It is more in line with the Fluance RT81 plus but at $50 more, is fully automatic and has bluetooth. Also the motors in the audio technica turntables are pretty reliable from what I've read. I just feel Fluance may be cheapening on parts to get price down whlie offering high end cartridges.

I looked at the U-turn turntables and don't like their fixed counter weight/anti-skating and needing to physically change the belt pully every time you want to listen to a 45. They don't even have removable head shells. Pro-Ject turntables are similar but not quite as bad. These turntables just seem over priced for what they don't have.

Other brands that offer more traditional tone arm and features as the Audio Technica, offer lower end AT3600L cartridges for the same price or slightly above. I have the AT3600L in my current turntable.

As of right now I'm most comfortable going with the Audio Technica AT-LP3XBT until I hear of issue with them.

Thanks

I think the Audio Technica is fine. Treat it to an Ortofon 2M Blue. Set up is everything. Mistakes in set up are common and really bad for discs and SQ. You can not be too obsessional about it.

 

[TLS Guy]

All turntables/cartridges using physical contact with a stylus put wear on the records regardless of cost, although they do vary and you are unlikely to notice a difference after just a single play or two. The best way to preserve your records is to not play them or at least as little as possible.

Perhaps some day in our lifetimes they will invent some sort of music player without physical contact/friction such that this is no longer an issue.

Don't post here and talk absolute nonsense. The LP is the most durable audio mediums ever. I have my first disc, I bought 72 years ago age 7. It still plays fine. I have a large LP collection covering from then until the late eighties. Many have had a lot of plays, and sound perfect. Good equipment properly set up is key. You can't take this for granted as owners make elementary mistakes not infrequently. Proper set up is actually a skilled art. Squishman posted here quite some time ago and I know he won't mind me mentioning this. He was wondering if he should upgrade his turntable as he was having issues. I was sure he did not. So I paid him a visit as he lives nearby. Sure enough his set up was not correct. I set his turntable up and we have heard no more from him about a turntable upgrade.

 

[Mike Up]

I think the Audio Technica is fine. Treat it to an Ortofon 2M Blue. Set up is everything. Mistakes in set up are common and really bad for discs and SQ. You can not be too obsessional about it.

As of right now the LP3XBT is just in my budget so a $200 2M Blue cartridge will have to wait.

Thanks.

 

[Mike Up]

I still have some 78s from the 40s that are in good shape. They are mostly children albums so I don't care to listen to them. When I was a kid, I listened to them on a all in one record player that played all 3 speeds and used one needle.

 

[TLS Guy]

I still have some 78s from the 40s that are in good shape. They are mostly children albums so I don't care to listen to them. When I was a kid, I listened to them on a all in one record player that played all 3 speeds and used one needle.

It would have had two needles. I bet it was a turnover cartridge, that one side played 78s and the other side 33/45. There was never a cartridge the played 78 and microgroove records with the same stylus/needle.

 

[Mike Up]

It would have had two needles. I bet it was a turnover cartridge, that one side played 78s and the other side 33/45. There was never a cartridge the played 78 and microgroove records with the same stylus/needle.

IF was a cheap record player with built in speaker and everything. It was ceramic cartridge built into the tone arm. I played 78s, 33s and 45s on that record player when I was a kid.

 

[TLS Guy]

IF was a cheap record player with built in speaker and everything. It was ceramic cartridge built into the tone arm. I played 78s, 33s and 45s on that record player when I was a kid.

In that case it would definitely not play all those sources well. 78s require a very different tip radius than microgroove 45/33 RPM.

 

[Mike Up]

In that case it would definitely not play all those sources well. 78s require a very different tip radius than microgroove 45/33 RPM.

It was made to play all 3 speeds and didn't have a cartridge or head that was replaceable. It was a cheap, for kids, record player. LIke I said, I got it when I was 7 or 8 years old. Back in the day, 78 records weren't rare, you could get them easy at the store.

 

[m. zillch]

Don't post here and talk absolute nonsense. The LP is the most durable audio mediums ever. I have my first disc, I bought 72 years ago age 7. It still plays fine.

Let's take a listen and decide for ourselves. Please upload a sample of this 72 year-old ""still plays fine" disc, thanks.

 

[TLS Guy]

Let's take a listen and decide for ourselves. Please upload a sample of this 72 year-old ""still plays fine" disc, thanks.

That will take some work, and I have medical appointments this week and next with a procedure a week from Tuesday.

Anyhow here is a picture of the disc.

The turntable is 62 years old, and the PU cartridge I bought in 1971 and so is 54 years old. The preamp playing it I bought in 1967, so is 58 years old. All working just fine. A member here Squishman has heard the rig playing that disc.

I also have LPs of the late Kathleen Ferrier that my father bought, so these would be between 1950 and 1952. She made her last recording in 1952. I know those were around in our house from the time I was around five years of age.

LPs were first produced and sold in the US in 1948 by Columbia records. They did not come to the UK until the early fifties. We were still living with my mother's parents when we had the first LP. So that would have been around 1951. I remember that there was a Columbia autochanger, that was 78 rpm. They made adaptors back then that you placed on the turntable the top platter rotated at 33 1/3 RPM. My father added a Cosmocord Black Shadow arm with the Acos 78 and LP cartridges that slid on. I don't know why I remember all this as I would have been around four years old or may be a bit less. But reproduction always intensely interested me.

When we moved into our house, I was five, and we had a Sugden 78 and 33 1/3 RPM turntable. There were no 45 RPM discs then. When we cleared out the Old Parsonage after my mother died, I found that old Sugden turntable in the back of an attic cupboard.

They were sold as Connoisseur, but they were designed, manufactured and sold by Arthur Sugden. (AR Sugden Ltd.). They were the world's first transcription turntable and the BBC bought many. They were superseded when Garrard introduced and produced the 301 in 1954. One of the very best turntables of all time, and I have two still in use, and you see that with a Decca Super arm, and Decca H4E PU head.

The LP is I would say the most durable of all recording systems. I have had far more CDs become unplayable than LPs.

 

[m. zillch]

That will take some work, and I have medical appointments this week and next with a procedure a week from Tuesday.

Take your time. Not hearing it until weeks from now is fine.