What kind of turntable/record player should I buy?
I’ve been browsing the subreddit devoted to vinyl this evening, and I’ve come to a shocking realization: my shitty 80’s turntable is probably destroying my prized LPs because it’s low quality and it wobbles more than a dubstep song.
With that in mind, I think I want to purchase a turntable, preferably a used one. What are some good models? I know I can’t be the only one here who listens to vinyl. What do you use?
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17 Answers
I have an ‘Emerson’ that is a record/CD/cassette/radio combo. I don’t have anything to compare it to as it’s the only record player I’ve owned aside from a really old, really huge one that I don’t use often. The record player (which is pretty much the only thing I use on it) works well, but the CD player never worked correctly. Of course I only realized this after the warranty ended
If you can get your hands on a Panasonic Technics turntable you can’t go wrong. They were the gold standard of turntables in the 70’s and what I spin my tunes on and should be easy to find.
I have this one, which I have been using to convert my vinyl collection into digital format.
I’ve owned a Technics since 1974, the best for light touch on vinyl.
It’s all in the cartridge and stylus. It where the rubber meets the road. so to speak.
@martianspringtime I’ve been told to stay away from the combos like that as they apparently lack certain features (like a counterbalanced arm) that I am looking for. Thanks anyway, though.
@Cruiser, sweet, I just bid on one that has two days remaining. It’s at 10 bucks right now with free shipping, so I hope it works out!
@YoBob I like that, but I’m more interested in a straight-up player as opposed to one to convert LPs to mp3. Does that have jacks for audio out, or is it strictly USB?
@Tropical_Willie I’m bidding on one right now. Thanks for the tip!
@woodcutter damn, that is sexy. I’d love to have one like that.
@Fiddle_Playing_Creole_Bastard I picked it up at the PX in Europe for about 500 bucks. It went retail for over 700.00 in civilian stores. Hey I was single, no kids, and had more money than sense. It puts CD players to shame sound wise. Most of my albums where played one time, to record them on cassette (dbx) ,and back in the sleeve they went. Thanks for reminding me of those days man.
@woodcutter damn, I’m really getting the itch now. I’ve got a decent collection of vinyl, and I’m just going crazy with my desire to hear them in their full glory the way they were meant to be heard on a nice set up!
I wonder if the sales of “Dark Side of the Moon” slipped after CD’s really took hold? Hearing a pop or click anywhere on the album pretty much wrecked it for me. I think many of those sales were just to get a fresh copy.
@woodcutter I’m not sure, but I was reading about someone who bought a Dark Side of the Moon LP and they found part of an ancient joint in the sleeve :D
@Fiddle_Playing_Creole_Bastard that’s a great marketing angle. The new album by ____ comes with vintage joint for the late 60’s, limited time offer, while supplies last, see retailers for details.
@everephebe oh I’m sure it would be. This was an original pressing of Dark Side, though. That joint has been places, maaannnnnn.
@Fiddle_Playing_Creole_ Bastard personally rolled by Roger Waters maybe?
@Fiddle_Playing_Creole_Bastard Hells yeah, that would almost have to fall into the category of “pics or it didn’t happen” I can hear calls for DNA test on that spit oh damn it’s…gone, man.
Well, I bought a turntable on Craigslist for $25. It’s in like new condition, fully automatic, and works perfectly, mechanically. Here is a pic and another pic disregard my boxers in the corner.
I need a phono receiver now and speakers. Any recommendations? I know nothing about home audio.
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