whats a good quality vinyl player

[Opa Opa]

Well mostly listening but I figure if you have any information that's relative to either mixing or listening, just post it because I'm finding it pretty interesting.

Well I mix mostly but Technics is a high quality brand so it'd be good just for listening as well.

I've also heard good things about Stanton but I don't have one yet...

Numark is an all right brand but it doesn't feel like it's a high quality piece of equipment. I'd say if you're already spending money skip Numark and go for a Technics or Stanton.

[Arbitern1]

Technics
SL-1210M5GEB

Good performance but maybe too much

Depends on how much you want to spend and what you want it for.

I second this! Worth every damn penny.

[Ziggy]

It's pretty funny that this thread got revived, I'm in the market for a new turntable now lol! What a coincidence.

Those shells aren't very good for scratching (not weighted enough).

I was reading that a heavier stylus is preferred for scratching, but isn't too good to be using for listening because it can wear out the vinyls easier. Is there truth to this?

Almost any decks will require a pre-amp ... but some home theater amps have pre-amps built in .

Not really talking to just you here, just trying to expand on this thought a little for other readers. My receiver doesn't have a phono input, so I'm forced to use the pre-amp that's built into my Sony turntable. From what I've read, these built-in pre-amps are usually sub-par compared to a receiver with a phono input. Then I was reading about stand alone phono pre-amps. You would basically plug your turntable into the pre-amp, and then the pre-amp into the receiver. They don't seem to be too expensive, cheaper than having to buy a new receiver anyway.

I have a shitty sony one (the same one as ziggy), but it does it's job.

Yeah, I might have to revise my opinion on that Sony. I got it for $30 shipped (used) so I guess I can't complain. It worked alright when I first got it, then I didn't use it for about a year or so, and now it sucks. I was playing a few records and I noticed the speed is off (a little fast - music was about a half step sharp). I guess the belt is worn, but now the stylus is also shot. I don't think I wanna even bother spending the money to replace the belt and stylus on such a cheap turntable. I was happy with it for $30, but honestly, it's really only worth that. I think it retails for something like $80, and it's definitely not worth that much.

I've heard this is a good turntable.

Image

The Audio Technica AT-PL120 runs for about $200 brand new. If you have a good system and you're not a DJ or anything, it's worth dropping the bones for it.

I was actually looking at the AT-PL120. I was looking at this Audio Technica too, it got great reviews, but I'm kinda scared to get another $80 table, considering the Sony wasn't too hot. I couldn't find any bad reviews for it though. So I'm trying to decide whether to just get the $80 one, or save my bones and get the $200 model. I'm definitely leaning toward waiting until I have $200 to blow.

[J T]

This guy is a good quality vinyl playah.

[opticledilusi0n]

I was reading that a heavier stylus is preferred for scratching, but isn't too good to be using for listening because it can wear out the vinyls easier. Is there truth to this?

Yes, there is a lot of truth to this . also how you set the weight and counter weight on the tone arm, also skid have a lot to do with wear on the vinyl .

Tone arm style will also affect wear . the S-arm style on most technics tracks a little better than a straight arm (like on stanton's and such)

the straight arm will "cut" into a record more .. making it more ideal for a scratch dj (as it won't skip as much with movement of the record) but that will lead to premature wear and sound quality degradation

Not really talking to just you here, just trying to expand on this thought a little for other readers. My receiver doesn't have a phono input, so I'm forced to use the pre-amp that's built into my Sony turntable. From what I've read, these built-in pre-amps are usually sub-par compared to a receiver with a phono input. Then I was reading about stand alone phono pre-amps. You would basically plug your turntable into the pre-amp, and then the pre-amp into the receiver. They don't seem to be too expensive, cheaper than having to buy a new receiver anyway.

most pre-amps are sub-par really .. the ones in receivers are OK but not really good by any means . A good to great pre-amp will be rather expensive .




the problem with anyone looking to find a set of technics 1200/1210 decks is that since technics announced they will be discontinuing them . used prices have soared WAY above what they were priced at new new prior to the announcement

[eskil]

Technics decks as well as all other direct-drive turntables are made for DJs and are only intended to be used by them. For your own private listening, where sound quality is actually relevant (not that the 1200s don't sound great), you want a belt-driven one.
Two companies to check out would be Rega and Pro-Ject. Both make great-sounding and very affordable turntables that are easily set-up, easily upgraded and just all around great. If I were you, I'd either get a Rega Planar 2 (If you can find one) or RP1 or get a Pro-Ject Debut III (that's the one I have). Either way, you're looking at €300-400, but I promise you it's worth it.
If after a while, you're lusting for more in terms of sound quality, you can get a dedicated pre-amplifier, which makes a great difference as well.
Also: If sound quality is relevant, steer clear of USB decks. I use my deck with a 30 year old integrated amplifier that connects to my microphone input, and it sounds light years better than my dad's €500 USB-only deck.

[opticledilusi0n]

only thing i don't like about the belt driven tables (for home listening) is you gotta replace the belts ...

[Ziggy]

Yeah, same here. That Audio Technica that I posted a link to in my last post is a not-so-expensive direct drive. I read a few reviews on it, and people have said that it's super quiet. I read that some direct drive units make noise (I guess you can hear the motor while spinning) which is why belt driven units are preferred for the home. But it seems that the belts will wear out over time, even without use. That pretty much sucks.

[opticledilusi0n]

never had any experience with the audio technica ... i have with stantons, vestax, and technics ..

there is supposedly noise generated by the power supplies that you can hear from most turntables (that's why there's an external power supply mod for the technics) but I can't hear it on my techs ... not on a home amp/home speakers setup, nor on meyer monitors, nor over a PA ..

Yeah, same here. That Audio Technica that I posted a link to in my last post is a not-so-expensive direct drive. I read a few reviews on it, and people have said that it's super quiet. I read that some direct drive units make noise (I guess you can hear the motor while spinning) which is why belt driven units are preferred for the home. But it seems that the belts will wear out over time, even without use. That pretty much sucks.

[TheyCallMeTheSwede]

Hey guys, I was planning on giving my vinyl record and major upgrade, I right now have a cheap Ion turntable with a crappy cartridge and the speakers I am using is basically my DVD speakers, I just want to ask what player, cartridge, stereo, and various other stuff that I should get, without breaking the bank. I know there people that are total audiophiles, don't get me wrong I like my music to sound good but I don't want to blow all my money just so I can play my original pressing of 2112.

This is isn't something that I am doing right now, its currently a side-project, it might be something I might do after I move in to my new apartment and settle in.