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Recommend a good turntable/record player?

Posted on 11/2/17 at 3:08 pm
Posted by TigeRoots
Member since Oct 2008
8505 posts
Posted on 11/2/17 at 3:08 pm
I've been wanting to get into vinyl and finally ordered my first 2 albums. Now I need something to play them on. Bluetooth would be ideal for headphones, speaker, etc. Any recommendations on brand/type? I'm not afraid to spend some cash to get something that will sound great and be reliable.
Posted by Jester
Baton Rouge
Member since Feb 2006
34273 posts
Posted on 11/2/17 at 3:18 pm to
quote:

I'm not afraid to spend some cash to get something that will sound great and be reliable.


How much cash?

Bluetooth is convenient, but it kind of defeats the purpose of listening to vinyl (analog v. digital). The Audio-Technica LP-60BT has Bluetooth, but it's definitely starter-grade and doesn't allow for upgrades to the platter or cartridge. For a starter, it's probably not terrible, but definitely not much more.

Just remember that analog is the true representation of the medium. One bonus of this one is that it has a built-in pre-amp so you can hook it into most amps or powered speakers.
Posted by TigeRoots
Member since Oct 2008
8505 posts
Posted on 11/2/17 at 3:43 pm to
I'd say around $500, possibly more but not more than a grand I'd say.

I didn't realize that about Bluetooth, but I get what you're saying. I may have to nix that idea as I definitely want the true feel (analog). I will check this one out that you mentioned. I may just go for a good pair of corded headphones. So all in all, is Audio Technica a good brand? I've been seeing them pop up during my first few Google searches.

On speakers -- not sure if I want to run it through my (ceiling) living room surround sound speakers and receiver or buy a separate smaller set for the vinyl only.
Posted by Jester
Baton Rouge
Member since Feb 2006
34273 posts
Posted on 11/2/17 at 3:55 pm to
quote:

I'd say around $500, possibly more but not more than a grand I'd say.

I didn't realize that about Bluetooth, but I get what you're saying. I may have to nix that idea as I definitely want the true feel (analog). I will check this one out that you mentioned. I may just go for a good pair of corded headphones. So all in all, is Audio Technica a good brand? I've been seeing them pop up during my first few Google searches.

On speakers -- not sure if I want to run it through my (ceiling) living room surround sound speakers and receiver or buy a separate smaller set for the vinyl only.



A-T is a decent brand. I bought my turntable several months ago and ended up getting the Pro-Ject Carbon Debut, which was highly suggested and highly rated by most places. I was also very interested in the U-Turn tables which are very customizable. Both can be had in the $500 range.

The Pro-Ject doesn't have a built-in pre-amp, though. You could always get a fairly cheap pre-amp to start and upgrade later.

I ended up getting a pair of the Klipsch Reference R-15PM shelf speakers to start with. They have a built-in pre-amp, but are also bluetooth capable, so I can play from my phone. I figured once I get a proper set up for the turntable, I can use those in another room or as a quality portable option. They do have a noticable hiss when you get close to them, but I haven't really found it problematic.

All that said, I am a fairly novice vinyl guy and there are some guys with great info here. Marco Esquandolas is your guy for good info.
Posted by TigeRoots
Member since Oct 2008
8505 posts
Posted on 11/2/17 at 4:03 pm to
Good stuff, thanks.

Looking at the Pro-Ject Debut now and I like the look of it and it comes in white, which the wife will like (matches the living room).


This post was edited on 11/2/17 at 4:31 pm
Posted by Jester
Baton Rouge
Member since Feb 2006
34273 posts
Posted on 11/2/17 at 4:19 pm to
The U-Turn is beautiful, as well.
Posted by TigeRoots
Member since Oct 2008
8505 posts
Posted on 11/2/17 at 4:23 pm to
Holy shite man, some of these are fine as hell! I'm hooked.
Posted by Marco Esquandolas
Member since Jul 2013
11423 posts
Posted on 11/2/17 at 8:39 pm to
If you think those tables are beautiful, check out the Master Solution from Clearaudio of Germany---beautiful, but it will set you back a cool $250,000!





Posted by Marco Esquandolas
Member since Jul 2013
11423 posts
Posted on 11/2/17 at 8:43 pm to
But to answer your question...get a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon for $350-400 and a Pro-Ject phono preamp for around $300 and you will be good to go.

SVS audio makes a decent bookshelf speaker for not much money.
Posted by TigeRoots
Member since Oct 2008
8505 posts
Posted on 11/2/17 at 9:06 pm to
Perfect, thanks. Definitely leaning toward the Pro-Ject Debut.
Posted by bleeng
The Woodlands
Member since Apr 2013
4064 posts
Posted on 11/2/17 at 11:25 pm to
Starter tip. Listen to Marco.
Posted by The Spleen
Member since Dec 2010
38865 posts
Posted on 11/3/17 at 8:18 am to
quote:

On speakers -- not sure if I want to run it through my (ceiling) living room surround sound speakers and receiver or buy a separate smaller set for the vinyl only.



Vinyl is recorded for 2 channel listening, so running it through surround speakers won't sound very good. 2 speakers is what you want for best sound quality. Some of the good receivers do allow you to set up for 2.0 on different inputs so then it'd only send the sound to 2 of the speakers.
Posted by lacajun069
franklinton
Member since Sep 2008
2089 posts
Posted on 11/3/17 at 10:56 am to
Techniques 1200sl2 or 3 if you can find one is the only turntable you will ever need.
Posted by TigeRoots
Member since Oct 2008
8505 posts
Posted on 11/5/17 at 1:25 am to
About to pull the trigger on a U-Turn Orbit Plus with built in pre-amp, cue lever, and Orotofon OM 5E Cart. I like the look of these, they have pretty good reviews, are made in Boston, offer great customer service, etc.

Any major reason that I'm missing to go with the Pro-Ject Carbon? Trying to decide between the two.

Also I don't see where SVS makes a white speaker, which is what I'd like to get, so I am leaning toward the Audioengine A2 or A5. Thoughts?

Also to be headphone compatible I'm gathering that I will need to put a headphone amplifier inline also?

So would the setup go: turntable (with pre amp) > headphone amp > speakers (powered, with amp)?
This post was edited on 11/5/17 at 1:28 am
Posted by Zappas Stache
Utility Muffin Research Kitchen
Member since Apr 2009
38670 posts
Posted on 11/5/17 at 1:39 am to
quote:

the Master Solution from Clearaudio of Germany-


Just wow..... I guess they know their demographic.
Posted by TigeRoots
Member since Oct 2008
8505 posts
Posted on 11/5/17 at 2:20 am to
I'm trying to figure out where in the hell you place the record in/on that monstrosity.
Posted by Marco Esquandolas
Member since Jul 2013
11423 posts
Posted on 11/5/17 at 9:15 am to
You buying a system for sound or looks??
Posted by Got Blaze
Youngsville
Member since Dec 2013
8720 posts
Posted on 11/5/17 at 10:00 am to
quote:

You buying a system for sound or looks??


I agree 100% , buy based on your ears, not your eyes. Many times cosmetically appealing equipment does not psss the sound test.
Posted by TigeRoots
Member since Oct 2008
8505 posts
Posted on 11/5/17 at 11:17 am to
quote:

You buying a system for sound or looks??


Unfortuntaely, both at this point. Goal is to have my own listening room someday, but for now I am cordoned to a corner of our living area. That said, my wife will not go for black and we settled on white for the components.
Posted by Marco Esquandolas
Member since Jul 2013
11423 posts
Posted on 11/5/17 at 4:50 pm to
How are you going to have your own listening room when you can't even get a black colored speaker now?
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