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Post by Beach Boys Fan on Nov 8, 2019 23:27:16 GMT -5
Which record players you bought that you like & which you didn't think suited its price? Case in point - bought expensive player which didn't bring good results. Anything about players you've been buying thru the years. Old & new. Discuss.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 9, 2019 11:30:40 GMT -5
I've had many record players over the years. Magnavox, Technics, Fisher Price, no namers. I kept one of my 1200s to use for sampling and playing; they are rugged and I love 'em for that. An elliptical stylus and decent reproduction are all that I require.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 9, 2019 12:37:00 GMT -5
I recently purchased an Audio-Technica DJ style turntable for a decent price. Since my system isn't exactly high end, I wasn't looking for anything top of the line, but I didn't want cheap junk either. I recommend these highly because they seem to be pretty reliable, easy to operate, and mine sounds pretty good with my system.
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Post by Al S on Nov 9, 2019 15:10:29 GMT -5
Which record players you bought that you like & which you didn't think suited its price? Case in point - bought expensive player which didn't bring good results. Anything about players you've been buying thru the years. Old & new. Discuss. What was the expensive record player you bought? |
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Post by Al S on Nov 9, 2019 15:24:04 GMT -5
Big question - depends on many variables.
I’ve gone vintage, here’s some goodies:
Direct Drive - Technics legendary SL 1200 table
Belt drive - Thorens TD 160 mark 2
Sound quality will depend mainly on the quality of the tone arm, your cart/stylus and your phono stage.
I’m running a 1978 Linn LP12 with upgraded bearing kit, current model Akito tonearm paired with an Ortofon Black cart/stylus into a Pro-Ject tube box decked with 2 NOS Phillips 5751 valves.
My kinda Heaven.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 9, 2019 16:29:47 GMT -5
My father would be the one to talk to about vintage turntables, if he were still alive. I remember him talking about ones he had back in the day, like Garrard, Marantz, etc. The last one he owned was an early 70s Dual, which I inherited, but unfortunately it didn't survive my several moves over the years.  |
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Post by Al S on Nov 10, 2019 0:31:50 GMT -5
If I was getting a modern turnie, I’d be looking at a Rega Plannar 3 or 6.
If I were a Gringo, maybe a VPI Scout.
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Post by Al S on Nov 10, 2019 0:32:52 GMT -5
I recently purchased an Audio-Technica DJ style turntable for a decent price. Since my system isn't exactly high end, I wasn't looking for anything top of the line, but I didn't want cheap junk either. I recommend these highly because they seem to be pretty reliable, easy to operate, and mine sounds pretty good with my system. Good decks!, great recommendation. What’s the rest of your kit (speakers/amp)? |
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Post by Al S on Nov 10, 2019 0:34:15 GMT -5
My father would be the one to talk to about vintage turntables, if he were still alive. I remember him talking about ones he had back in the day, like Garrard, Marantz, etc. The last one he owned was an early 70s Dual, which I inherited, but unfortunately it didn't survive my several moves over the years. Those old Garrards fetch a pretty penny amongst the audiophiles these days. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 10, 2019 11:33:22 GMT -5
I recently purchased an Audio-Technica DJ style turntable for a decent price. Since my system isn't exactly high end, I wasn't looking for anything top of the line, but I didn't want cheap junk either. I recommend these highly because they seem to be pretty reliable, easy to operate, and mine sounds pretty good with my system. Good decks!, great recommendation. What’s the rest of your kit (speakers/amp)? I have two systems--my surround theater set-up in my living room, and my "listening room" which is also my music studio. The turntable is hooked up to the latter, which consists of a late 90's Pioneer 150 wpc amp and PSB floor speakers. |
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Post by drbeachboy (Dirk) on Nov 10, 2019 14:17:28 GMT -5
I’ve had my Technics direct drive turntable since the mid-80’s and I am very happy with it. A couple years back I bought an Audio Technica direct drive with USB to do transfers and to play my 78 RPM records. I am happy with that, as well. I rarely play my records. I was never hung up on vinyl once CDs came on the scene. Though, it is nice to have two very serviceable LP platters for whenever I feel the urge to play my vinyl.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 10, 2019 18:52:57 GMT -5
I’ve had my Technics direct drive turntable since the mid-80’s and I am very happy with it. A couple years back I bought an Audio Technica direct drive with USB to do transfers and to play my 78 RPM records. I am happy with that, as well. I rarely play my records. I was never hung up on vinyl once CDs came on the scene. Though, it is nice to have two very serviceable LP platters for whenever I feel the urge to play my vinyl. I think direct drive is the way to go. I had to ditch my MCS belt drive because I couldn't find a replacement belt for it. Too bad because it was a pretty good medium-quality turntable that helped me to digitize a number of my LPs...and it wasn't even a USB (I have a standalone CD burner). I agree with you regarding seldom playing vinyl. I listen to cds more than anything, but once in awhile it's a bit of a novelty to break out the LPs. I have a few 45s from the 1950s that aren't beat to shit that sound pretty damn good! Something about that tube-driven bass.... |
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Post by Beach Boys Fan on Nov 11, 2019 6:25:52 GMT -5
Thanks, everybody! It's been cool to read each reply.
2alansmith - it's the example, to give people idea if, by chance, they/ you bought expensive player which didn't suit its price, didn't meet expectations etc. There gotta be ritzy players that you pay fortune but it disappointingly plays. Something like it.
To expand thread, folks - Which headphones/stereophones will you recommend to get best sonics (professional, as in studio)? Few that get namechecked in the Internet:
- AKG
- Sehnheiser
- Sony
Did anybody get to listen with any listed? If you didn't, discuss the best you bought in years. Since many of you veteran music listeners, even musicians, it would be interesting to see which headphones everybody's been buying/ got.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 11, 2019 20:19:01 GMT -5
To expand thread, folks - Which headphones/stereophones will you recommend to get best sonics (professional, as in studio)? Few that get namechecked in the Internet: - AKG - Sehnheiser - Sony Did anybody get to listen with any listed? If you didn't, discuss the best you bought in years. Since many of you veteran music listeners, even musicians, it would be interesting to see which headphones everybody's been buying/ got. I've owned all three, and the AKG 240 sound the best to my ears. Many folks speak highly of Sehnheiser, but mine just don't seem to perform as well as the AKG. I use the Sehnheiser as a backup for guest vocalists or instrumentalists. I avoid using anything Sony in my studio. Maybe they're fine for casual listening, but definitely not in a pro setting. |
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Post by Beach Boys Fan on Nov 12, 2019 8:04:41 GMT -5
Thanks to the info sockit. Which headphones did you use in addition to 3 named? Is there cheap budget headphones that, nevertheless, got good characteristics sonics-wise? Did you stumble by such lucky deal? @sbonilla, Al S, drbeachboy (Dirk) & everybody else - can you tell about headphones you used thru years in music-making/ as veteran music listeners (check previous detailed question)? List worst & best.  |
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Post by filledeplage on Nov 12, 2019 9:25:59 GMT -5
Thanks to the info sockit . Which headphones did you use in addition to 3 named? Is there cheap budget headphones that, nevertheless, got good characteristics sonics-wise? Did you stumble by such lucky deal? @sbonilla , Al S , drbeachboy (Dirk) & everybody else - can you tell about headphones you used thru years in music-making/ as veteran music listeners (check previous detailed question)? List worst & best. Headphones...one of my kids got me into Bose headphones. So, on sale, of course, (older) speakers, over-the-ear headphones, in ear, "wearables" (over your shoulders like a shawl) and their sunglasses which have small speakers built into the sides - and only you can hear the sound. And, underwater audio for swimming. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2019 0:33:37 GMT -5
Thanks to the info sockit . Which headphones did you use in addition to 3 named? Is there cheap budget headphones that, nevertheless, got good characteristics sonics-wise? Did you stumble by such lucky deal? Well, like just about any electronic component, you get what you pay for. Many years ago when I was young and generally broke I bought cheap headphones like Sony and Radio Shack's in-store brand (I think it was called "Koss"?) I don't know if they ever had Radio Shack stores where you are, but they were a fairly popular consumer electronics chain that sold low to medium budget stereo equipment. They went out of business some years ago. The cheaper headphones had ok sound for the modest stereo I had back then, although they usually fell apart or shorted out after a few years. My AKG's are pretty durable as well as good sounding. I can't tell you how many times I've dropped them or stepped on the cord! |
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Post by Paul JB on Nov 13, 2019 10:50:41 GMT -5
I’ve had my Technics direct drive turntable since the mid-80’s and I am very happy with it. A couple years back I bought an Audio Technica direct drive with USB to do transfers and to play my 78 RPM records. I am happy with that, as well. I rarely play my records. I was never hung up on vinyl once CDs came on the scene. Though, it is nice to have two very serviceable LP platters for whenever I feel the urge to play my vinyl. Similar stories Dirk. I had an 80's Onkyo system with turntable I was happy with for a long time. I had not played records for a few years and got the fever/urge to revisit them but the turntable needed repair....repair I attempted myself and it still would not work so I tossed it and bought a basic Audio Technica with USB so I could also convert some lp's to CD/ipod. My first attempt (just last year) to convert from lp was a Basil Rathbone radio broadcast of A Christmas Carol. I was shocked at how well it sounded, it's mostly dialog and the clarity is great. Eventually I will probably upgrade the At-60 because I am starting to get into records again but I think the other variables Alan mentioned will have a bigger impact to most people's ears...speakers in particular IMO. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2019 20:09:33 GMT -5
I'm afraid I can't give you details. Through the years I bought a lot of no name stuff; I tended to burned through headphones. Occasionally, I'd buy a decent pair. To be honest, I wasn't that picky, because I used them for recording, mostly, not listening. When I was in a studio situation, I was happy with whatever was available. As long as I got a decent mix and could hear myself in the mix, I was fine.
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Post by dauber on Dec 5, 2019 14:33:12 GMT -5
I have an old Technics (NOT SL 1200) basic turntable -- two-speed, direct drive. A friend gave it to me about twenty-five years ago because he didn't use it anymore. Plays back really well, but my wife doesn't like it...partly because sometimes it slips into 45rpm when playing 33.
So two years ago (almost to the day) we bought an Audio Technica LP120USB for $300. A lot of obsessive vinylphiles call it a "budget" model -- heh...I'd LOVE to have the kind of income for someone to call $300 "budget"! -- but I wonder what they would consider the CHEAPER models that were in the shop! I had to take it back because it had very noticeable flutter-and-wow, but the replacement (same model) has been rock solid ever since. It's a clone of the Technics SL 1200. 3 speeds, speed adjust, reverse mode, and no auto-return. Direct drive. (I will NEVER own a belt drive turntable again if I can help it.)
That turntable gets dinged (dang?? dought??) a lot because of its built-in preamp, and even if you turn the preamp off and use your own, apparently because the signal still passes through it, it degrades the sound slightly. Personally I think it still sounds great. I watched a YouTube video of someone doing a before/after of physically removing the preamp all together, but 1) that would void the warranty, 2) that would also lose USB connectivity, and 3) the difference I heard was VERY marginal and not worth the trouble.
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Post by drbeachboy (Dirk) on Dec 5, 2019 20:36:17 GMT -5
I have an old Technics (NOT SL 1200) basic turntable -- two-speed, direct drive. A friend gave it to me about twenty-five years ago because he didn't use it anymore. Plays back really well, but my wife doesn't like it...partly because sometimes it slips into 45rpm when playing 33.
So two years ago (almost to the day) we bought an Audio Technica LP120USB for $300. A lot of obsessive vinylphiles call it a "budget" model -- heh...I'd LOVE to have the kind of income for someone to call $300 "budget"! -- but I wonder what they would consider the CHEAPER models that were in the shop! I had to take it back because it had very noticeable flutter-and-wow, but the replacement (same model) has been rock solid ever since. It's a clone of the Technics SL 1200. 3 speeds, speed adjust, reverse mode, and no auto-return. Direct drive. (I will NEVER own a belt drive turntable again if I can help it.)
That turntable gets dinged (dang?? dought??) a lot because of its built-in preamp, and even if you turn the preamp off and use your own, apparently because the signal still passes through it, it degrades the sound slightly. Personally I think it still sounds great. I watched a YouTube video of someone doing a before/after of physically removing the preamp all together, but 1) that would void the warranty, 2) that would also lose USB connectivity, and 3) the difference I heard was VERY marginal and not worth the trouble.
Have you seen the prices for high-end turntables? They are outrageous. Some are couple thousand dollars. $300 is plenty for a record player. I’m with you regarding belt drives, way too many speed fluctuations as the belt ages and stretches. Also, I am so glad not to have golden ears. I don’t think that I’d enjoy music if I was able to hear artifacts or other sound nuances. |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 6, 2019 18:41:39 GMT -5
So two years ago (almost to the day) we bought an Audio Technica LP120USB for $300. A lot of obsessive vinylphiles call it a "budget" model -- heh...I'd LOVE to have the kind of income for someone to call $300 "budget"! -- but I wonder what they would consider the CHEAPER models that were in the shop! I had to take it back because it had very noticeable flutter-and-wow, but the replacement (same model) has been rock solid ever since. It's a clone of the Technics SL 1200. 3 speeds, speed adjust, reverse mode, and no auto-return. Direct drive. (I will NEVER own a belt drive turntable again if I can help it.)
This is the one I recently bought and I'm very satisfied with it. I even purchased an extra Numark cartridge because a few online reviewers suggested upgrading the cart for improved sound. I haven't gotten around to hooking up the Numark because I think the "stock" cart sounds just fine. Oh well, doesn't hurt to have a spare. BTW, I was bummed to hear that Shure stopped making carts. At least they're still making microphones! |
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Post by dauber on Jan 14, 2020 9:42:38 GMT -5
This is the one I recently bought and I'm very satisfied with it. I even purchased an extra Numark cartridge because a few online reviewers suggested upgrading the cart for improved sound. I haven't gotten around to hooking up the Numark because I think the "stock" cart sounds just fine. Oh well, doesn't hurt to have a spare.
I think a lot of reviewers may have suggested that because the LP120 originally shipped with a pretty crappy cartridge, but that's not the case any more. (If it's green, you have a good one.)
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Post by Vale on Jan 28, 2020 10:27:05 GMT -5
I'm running a 1978 Denon DP-2550 with a SME 3009 S3 tone arm and a Stanton 681eee MKII. It took me a while since I finally found this turntable, I was looking for it for a long time. I'm satisfied about the sound. In the past I had a Sony entry level turntable (I don't remember exactly the model), a Lenco L75 and a Denon DP-300F. Here is my Denon:  |
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You're a great person BBF.'' - iluvleniloud about me and I.
