Need Help Buying a Turntable

Bunnycat on 08/05/2017 - 23:42

Hi Guys.
I'm looking to buy a turntable as a gift for my partner. She loves music and has a small collection of vinyl, but we only have a super crappy mini hifi system on which to play them (built in type of unit).
We also have a regular pioneer amp connected to two large yamaha NS45 speakers & sony sub for the TV. So I'd like to get something decent, without being audiophile as I don't think the amp and speakers are super quality.

I honestly don't know the first thing about turntables (and audio in general) & was hoping some people on here might be able to steer me in the right direction?

Oh, and I don't think my amplifier has a phono jack, so I think I'd need a pre-amp unless it's built in??

My budget is around $300-$400, but might be willing to spend a bit more if there's a compelling case.

Thanks in advance. :-)

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • garetz on 09/05/2017 - 01:20

    Propably get something like this

    https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/marantz-tt5005-turnt…

  • Monkster on 09/05/2017 - 01:23
    +1

    Hi, I presume you would be looking for something new if it's a gift? You can nab decent vintage second hand tables on gumtree/ebay for around 200-300 which will put any of the cheap new TT's on the market today to shame. If you have to absolutely buy new, a Pro-ject Debut carbon DC with Ortofon OM-10 cartridge will set u back around $500 if you can stretch the budget, it's a fine turntable that will produce great sound. It's a belt-drive TT and no frills. (ie. fully manual, no USB output, platter off to change speed etc). The other suggestion would be an Audio Technica AT Lp-120 USB which will set u back around $450, comes with a basic AT cartridge, also fully manual but direct drive (not belt driven), one button speed change, removable head shell (makes it easy to swap cartridges with headshells) but build quality is average at best (it's a Technics SL-1200 clone). If it was me, I'd pick the Pro-ject. As for a decent phono pre-amp, what is your budget? A few suggestions would be Schiit Mani (USD129+shipping), Cambridge Audio CP1 ($215) or those by Rega or Pro-ject. I personally love the Mani as produces great sound and can handle both MM/MC cartridges as well options for changing gain etc. (if you are inclined to swap cartridges). By the way, what type of music does your partner listen to?

    • Bunnycat on 09/05/2017 - 08:38

      Thanks a lot for the detailed reply. :)
      My partner absolutely loves music in general and has quite a broad range of tastes. Only a few genres like heavy metal etc that she doesn't get into.
      I was actually looking at the LP-120 last night after i posted this. That can be had for $450 whereas the project or Rega ones seem to be closer to $500. I probably prefer the looks of the project or Rega tables (she and i both prefer minimal design), but of course then i need to stump up more money seemingly for a preamp. So then the difference in price is closer to $150 to get going.
      I hate buying these sorts of things on a budget as I'm always inclined to spend a bit more for better quality. Sadly for me, i have some heavy duty health issues which mean i really should be responsible with how i spend my limited resources.

      Thank again for your help

  • [Deactivated] on 09/05/2017 - 07:36

    What's wrong with FLAC music files?

    • Bunnycat on 09/05/2017 - 08:49
      +1

      We have Spotify premium & do listen to digital music, but my partner has always loved the notion of vinyl. She loves buying her music on physical medium and has a large collection of cds. For her vinyl is mainly an emotive thing i guess?
      All i know is she'd really enjoy a decent turntable and hopefully i can make that happen for her. :)

    • Diji1 on 09/05/2017 - 11:10

      To much fidelity. This music lover wants vinyl so they miss out on some of the sound due to the medium being unable to reproduce it ;)

      Hilariously some audiofools then rip vinyl to FLAC claiming it's better sound quality :D

  • david clarke on 09/05/2017 - 08:24
    +1

    Rega RP1 or Debut Carbon. Spend a little more, take care of it and will last forever.

    • Bunnycat on 09/05/2017 - 08:39

      Love the look of these tables.

      • slow on 09/05/2017 - 09:31

        Agree, makes we want to buy one even though I am fully digital and got rid of all my vinyl!

      • david clarke on 09/05/2017 - 13:06

        Not only do they look good, they sound great and are built really well.

        If for some reason you do want to upgrade the cartridge down the track, piece of cake =]

        Also means as you upgrade amp/speakers later on, your table is never your weak link.

    • casho on 15/05/2017 - 21:17

      This. You listen to the sound quality 100% of the time the record is playing. You stare at the record player .01 % of the time. Buy for sound not looks! Rega RP1 is the best option

  • cashless on 09/05/2017 - 08:31

    My other half bought me this Audio Technica LP120 for my birthday a year or two back.
    Consistently gets good reviews and ideal as both a player using RCA output and the USB means you can convert vinyl into digital format if required.
    You can shop around and get it for less than the $595 RRP - I think mine was around the $450 mark.
    Check out the reviews.

    • Bunnycat on 09/05/2017 - 08:44

      Seems like the lp120 is a really good mid field performer.
      I'm guessing with my amp and speakers, it probably won't be the weak link in the chain.
      After i get a table i need to figure out how to 'tune' my amp. It has lots of settings (modes) including bass, treble etc, but my ears are pretty bad (i have zero musical ability or inclination). Haaa!

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