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re: Audiophile/Vinyl Thread - Post Pics, Advice, Questions, Setups, etc.
Posted on 8/21/17 at 8:46 pm to Judge Smails
Posted on 8/21/17 at 8:46 pm to Judge Smails
quote:
Total noob question here: Is the Audio Technica AT-LP120-USB the best "starter" turntable? If not, any recs are appreciated.
What is your budget and what do you already have? There are people on here that know more than me, but I have just spent a lot of time on this same chase.
I'll start by saying that this table has an ok entry level cartirdge, has a reputation for sounding pretty good, and is speed stable. It has a USB which will allow you to rip your vinyl to digital files. It also has a built-in preamp, which is a money saver, but in my mind a less-desirable setup. It is also plasticky, and though it is substantial in terms of weight, I don't know that I would consider it as weighty in all the right places, especially the thin aluminum platter.
It is generally going to run you around $300 - if I were wanting a "DJ-style" table, I would try to stretch the budget to $375-$400 for a used Technics SL-1200 Mk2.
If you want to buy new, near this price range you have Pro-ject debut carbon, Rega Planar 1, or Music hall 2.2. In that price range, I would definitely look at U-turn Orbit w/ their pluto preamp and Ortofon 2M Red cartridge and you can come in under $350 - American made with supposed excellent customer service.
Check out the link I am going to post below. Also check out the turntable forum over at vinylengine and at stevehoffman.tv - plenty of great info there and some specific threads on entry TT's under $500.
I recently did this, and ended up getting a good deal on a very well taken care of used Rega Planar 3 with a really nice cartridge (Sumiko Blue Point II MC) for under $500. I spent a lot of time trolling eBay, craigslist, Audiogon, USAuidomart and talking to sellers before nailing one down.
There are real experts here who will chime in as well. I am new to this, but tend to be OCD when I get into things. Good luck and have fun.
HiViNyws YouTube
0
Posted on 8/21/17 at 8:53 pm to Judge Smails
Like the previous poster.... not all that long ago I was in your shoes. I would've went with the pro-ject carbon dc. There are other good tables, but this one probably has the most reviews and recommendations of all in this price range.
The only reason I don't have one is that I was able to find a VPI Nomad for close to the same cost as it would be for the pro ject and a phono pre amp. I got a better table, so I made the jump.
Go on musicdirect and you can find several tables in this price range. The pro ject is on the site as well.
The only reason I don't have one is that I was able to find a VPI Nomad for close to the same cost as it would be for the pro ject and a phono pre amp. I got a better table, so I made the jump.
Go on musicdirect and you can find several tables in this price range. The pro ject is on the site as well.
This post was edited on 8/21/17 at 8:55 pm
Posted on 8/21/17 at 9:03 pm to HebertFest08
Thanks to both of you. I am at the ground floor, just embarking on the vinyl journey. I will look into the models (and forums) you suggested.
Posted on 8/21/17 at 9:03 pm to HebertFest08
Hebert,
That Nomad is a nice TT for sure and certain. What cartridge and preamp do you have with your Nomad deck? I have a Schiit Mani phonostage that I forgot to mention in the above post.
That Nomad is a nice TT for sure and certain. What cartridge and preamp do you have with your Nomad deck? I have a Schiit Mani phonostage that I forgot to mention in the above post.
Posted on 8/21/17 at 10:05 pm to BigPapiDoesItAgain
It has a phono built in and has a ortofon red cart. B/w a decent start up TT and a good phono I was looking at $700ish.... paid a little more and got the Nomad. It was updated to what VPI now calls the Player, so I got it as a discontinued model.
The setup allows for an easy upgrade to the blue or black ortofon carts. I'll definitely do at least the upgrade to the blue probably within the year. I'm thinking about the black, but it's a steep cost increase and I have to make sure it wouldn't just be better to step up to a better VPI table like a scout for example. Although, I think you have to buy the cart separately once you make that jump.
The setup allows for an easy upgrade to the blue or black ortofon carts. I'll definitely do at least the upgrade to the blue probably within the year. I'm thinking about the black, but it's a steep cost increase and I have to make sure it wouldn't just be better to step up to a better VPI table like a scout for example. Although, I think you have to buy the cart separately once you make that jump.
Posted on 8/21/17 at 10:12 pm to HebertFest08
You may want to consider the Hana Cartridges too.
Posted on 8/21/17 at 10:16 pm to Judge Smails
Judge Smails,
Everything BigPapi said is pretty accurate. I also agree with his assessment of the Technics table being a little plasticy. The other tables he mentioned have a more solid plinth, which is what you should seek--more mass and more weight--that is what dampens vibrations, and it it essential in vinyl playback to eliminate any and all vibrations.
Everything BigPapi said is pretty accurate. I also agree with his assessment of the Technics table being a little plasticy. The other tables he mentioned have a more solid plinth, which is what you should seek--more mass and more weight--that is what dampens vibrations, and it it essential in vinyl playback to eliminate any and all vibrations.
Posted on 8/21/17 at 11:15 pm to Judge Smails
these guys are awesome , extremely helpful good luck on your journey smails
Posted on 8/22/17 at 9:42 am to Marco Esquandolas
quote:
You may want to consider the Hana Cartridges too.
So, you think the Hana EL would pair well? Asking b/c of the built in phono on the Nomad. these cart have great reviews across the board and I see they have both the high and low output... I read what you said on what the difference is b/w the 2 and most of the reviews seem to be on the low output (Hana EL MC). I assume that's what id lean towards. I think that's the one david got?
Again not something I'm doing tomorrow... but I'm listening more and the more I read the more I'm convinced that spending a little money on a cart is a good way to go to enhance the system w/o dropping a couple grand on a new amp.
Also... reading through the thread looking for your info on the Hana I saw where david said MD tried to steer him away from the Vandys (roger didn't try to do that). Any reason as to why they would do that?
Posted on 8/22/17 at 7:40 pm to davidlsu
David.... find this craziness and play it on the vandys.
Drums of Death "the jerk"...
Reset the speakers with the new couch which is a good bit higher than the last couch, to the tune of 6". Technically, think that put me outside of the listening "window". Also, moved them back about 6" and the bass is much better. That being said... I turned the knob a bit to see how it sounded
Drums of Death "the jerk"...
Reset the speakers with the new couch which is a good bit higher than the last couch, to the tune of 6". Technically, think that put me outside of the listening "window". Also, moved them back about 6" and the bass is much better. That being said... I turned the knob a bit to see how it sounded
Posted on 8/22/17 at 8:04 pm to HebertFest08
ill def check it out and man i love the hana cart, my buddy brought his tt over with the blue ortofon and the sound was just alot more clear and crisp imo. i really regret not getting a better turntable for the money i spent on everything else but man it sounds so good to me. i really need to kinda figure out what everything controls and changes so whenever i do decide to upgrade i know where to start. yeah im not sure why they tried to talk me out of it to be honest they tried to tell me the vandersteen were a boring speaker compared to the sonus faber principia which is thier lowest line that just came out in 2016. the 2 guys werent budging and we finally agreed to disagree and they always said i could change them out in so many days. which im still waiting to move into new house i have everything hooked up in my apartment and i think the sound is great i think once i get in a bigger livingroom and able to move the speakers a little more the bass will come out if not marco was telling me vandy made a really nice sub.
marco that GFD boxset just showed up i know what im doing this weekend
marco that GFD boxset just showed up i know what im doing this weekend
Posted on 8/22/17 at 9:20 pm to davidlsu
I am hoping to have my new room up and running by Halloween.
During the months of November and December, I will be hosting a few audio get togethers at my place. I usually have some other audio heads and fellow Dead heads over for an afternoon/evening of audio listening and equipment critiques and comparisons.
If anyone in this thread is interested in attending, feel free to join us--the more the merrier. I always provide food and booze as well.
I will keep you all updated as far as the dates go...let me know if you want in.
I may do a meet on a Saturday when Bama has a "cake" game--so maybe one can be on 11/4/17...
During the months of November and December, I will be hosting a few audio get togethers at my place. I usually have some other audio heads and fellow Dead heads over for an afternoon/evening of audio listening and equipment critiques and comparisons.
If anyone in this thread is interested in attending, feel free to join us--the more the merrier. I always provide food and booze as well.
I will keep you all updated as far as the dates go...let me know if you want in.
I may do a meet on a Saturday when Bama has a "cake" game--so maybe one can be on 11/4/17...
Posted on 8/22/17 at 9:58 pm to Marco Esquandolas
quote:
may do a meet on a Saturday when Bama has a "cake" game--so maybe one can be on 11/4/17.
Posted on 8/22/17 at 10:00 pm to Marco Esquandolas
If I can make that happen... would definitely want in on that.
I said this above... but you think there wouldn't be any proba with the phono on the Nomad and the Hana carts?
I said this above... but you think there wouldn't be any proba with the phono on the Nomad and the Hana carts?
Posted on 8/22/17 at 10:11 pm to HebertFest08
Let me look up the specs of the phono stage in the Nomad. I don't know if it can handle a MC cart or not.
I'll get back with you on it.
...and yes, I have begun trash talking already--kickoff in 11 days!!
I'll get back with you on it.
...and yes, I have begun trash talking already--kickoff in 11 days!!
This post was edited on 8/22/17 at 10:14 pm
Posted on 8/22/17 at 11:01 pm to Marco Esquandolas
Appreciate it!
Posted on 8/23/17 at 11:08 pm to HebertFest08
Hey Marco and others that have done the granite/vibrapod platform...how did you attach the pods to the undersurface of the granite?? Not attached, glue, screws?? Thanks.
Going tomorrow to pick out a scrap and get it cut.
Going tomorrow to pick out a scrap and get it cut.
Posted on 8/23/17 at 11:25 pm to HebertFest08
Hey Marco and others that have done the granite/vibrapod platform...how did you attach the pods to the undersurface of the granite?? Not attached, glue, screws?? Thanks.
Going tomorrow to pick out a scrap and get it cut.
Going tomorrow to pick out a scrap and get it cut.
Posted on 8/24/17 at 12:11 am to BigPapiDoesItAgain
I think it just sits on top of the rubber vibrapods right? My granite should be done any day now
Posted on 8/24/17 at 2:49 am to BigPapiDoesItAgain
The granite slab just rests on the vibrapods--no glue/screws needed.
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