Turntables

[pewternhrata]

wondering what is a good decent turntable, budget under $200 and open to new or used, no cheap plastic tone arms, dont want attached rca's, and want a ground, also anyone have any good info as far as tone arms, cartridge, needles? direct drive vs belt? can most be swapped out on turntable or are they hard to find if i need to replace a belt needle cartridge and so on...

 

[slipperybidness]

At $200 price range, it's gonna be tough to get really good quality TT. I would look at the Denon or Stanton.

Needle Doctor - World's Largest Selection Of Turntables - 800-229-0644

If you could stretch the budget to $300, this is most likely a decent entry level TT

Pro-Ject Essential Turntable in White

If you are OK with used TT, Guitar Center is probably a pretty safe bet
Turntables | GuitarCenter.com

You really can't go wrong with Technics SL1200, it was produced for almost 40 years and is built like a tank. Used is still more than $300 though. Parts are readily available and easy to get them worked on. You may get a few naysayers on this TT on this forum, but it really is a quality TT.

 

[afterlife2]

Audio-Technica AT-LP120 has gotten good reviews too, for about $217.00

 

[3db]

For around $299, you could get a ProJect Essential table..

The user manual ..
http://www.project-audio.com/inhalt/en/manual/manual_essential.pdf

I now own my 2nd ProJect turntable after losing the first one to a flood. Very solid performers and excellent value for the money.

 

[3db]

A review of The ProJect Carbon... just to give you an idea.

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Turntable and Ortofon 2M Red Phono Cartridge - Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity

 

[dan711]

wondering what is a good decent turntable, budget under $200 and open to new or used, no cheap plastic tone arms, dont want attached rca's, and want a ground, also anyone have any good info as far as tone arms, cartridge, needles? direct drive vs belt? can most be swapped out on turntable or are they hard to find if i need to replace a belt needle cartridge and so on...

I picked up a used in very good condition Technics sl1700 about year and a half ago for $200. If you are not opposed to used, you can get a vintage quality table for $2-300. Ck vinyl engine or audio karma for more info on turntables, carts, etc.

 

[MR.MAGOO]

One odd thing I've read about turntables is they 'sound better' when playing a record without the dustcover on the turntable. The purpose of the dust cover is to prevent dust, and other things, from mucking up the mechanisms, as well as the playing surface of the record. I've never seen a CD player where one can play a CD without a 'dust cover' i.e the disc is placed on a drawer which loads the disc into the mechanism. I suppose if you have a perfect hermetically sealed room to play records, go for it!

 

[3db]

One odd thing I've read about turntables is they 'sound better' when playing a record without the dustcover on the turntable. The purpose of the dust cover is to prevent dust, and other things, from mucking up the mechanisms, as well as the playing surface of the record. I've never seen a CD player where one can play a CD without a 'dust cover' i.e the disc is placed on a drawer which loads the disc into the mechanism. I suppose if you have a perfect hermetically sealed room to play records, go for it!

I don't share that experience. I've played vinyl with the dust cover up and down and I cannot detect a difference. It could be my age coming into play.

 

[slipperybidness]

I don't share that experience. I've played vinyl with the dust cover up and down and I cannot detect a difference. It could be my age coming into play.

+1

Sounds fishy to me.

My Pro-ject gets played with the dust cover on it. My Technics SL1210 doesn't have hinges for the dust cover, so I usually play it with the cover off.

I do like the Technics better.......must be due to not using the dust cover on it

 

[lovinthehd]

Good advice so far. Finding a gently used SL1200 might be harder at your budget (very popular DJ table) but I'd have to second the notion they're built like tanks...have used mine for over 30 years with minor maintenance....the AudioTechnica LP120/240 tables are imitations of same. Never had that dustcover experience for an audible difference either, use mine all the time (there have been times I removed it, too).

 

[cvcgolf]

These are quality tables for people on a budget.. Michael Fremer is impressed with them.. That means a lot.. Also the phono preamps are great too..

http://uturnaudio.com/turntables/

 

[cvcgolf]

The Fremer review for the above table.. He also does a review of the phono preamp.. Do a search on the site..

http://www.analogplanet.com/content/u-turn’s-remarkable-179-orbit-turntable-crosley-killer#Rm5aEBhAQxmlfI1R.97

It's worth it to save some cash and buy a Pro-ject debut or Esprit with the upgrades for the debut table..