New to TT

[yeeeha17]

Hi all,

I never had a TT before and never listen to one so am I missing out on any SQ vs cd or mp3. I have a XDA-1 UMC-1 XPA-1s setup and happy with the SQ. I want to get a cheap TT to try out the sound of records so what do you suggest(>$200)
Considering to buy an Audio-Technica AT-LP60 USB for $85 @ buy.com.

[REN]

dont buy a usb turntable they arent any good you would be better off trying to get a used technics off ebay or some thing

[yeeeha17]

Ok found this JVC - JL-A15 TT for $40 on craiglist and can't find much info on web about so don't know if any good. What am I suppose to check for to see if it's going to be in good working condition. It's cheap enough for me to test what records can offer. I know the more expansive ones will give me better SQ but don't want to spend that much for testing and if I like I will upgrade.

[REN]

that will probly work for you for testing to see how it sounds

[emovac]

There is a crowd that swears by vinyl. There is a natural and beautiful sound from a good LP and quality TT w/cartridge. You may be somewhat limited on vinyl LPs to choose from. You also will need a phono amp in some cases, since many newer preamps and pre-pros may be sans a built in phono amp. Make sure you get an owners manual (or read online) for any TT you buy to properly set the cartridge, and anti-skate adjustments. I transitioned to all digital (CDs) about ten years ago. Had many albums and a number of Natilus and MOFI half-speed mastered LPs. IMHO, the convenience of CDs and digital files is hard to beat, especially with good quality equipment. The quality of digital is darn good these days. The vinyl LP is still a very special music experience if you can dial in it. Good luck.

[frenchyfranky]

Sept 21, 2012 18:49:05 GMT -5 emovac said:

There is a crowd that swears by vinyl. There is a natural and beautiful sound from a good LP and quality TT w/cartridge. You may be somewhat limited on vinyl LPs to choose from. You also will need a phono amp in some cases, since many newer preamps and pre-pros may be sans a built in phono amp. Make sure you get an owners manual (or read online) for any TT you buy to properly set the cartridge, and anti-skate adjustments. I transitioned to all digital (CDs) about ten years ago. Had many albums and a number of Natilus and MOFI half-speed mastered LPs. IMHO, the convenience of CDs and digital files is hard to beat, especially with good quality equipment. The quality of digital is darn good these days. The vinyl LP is still a very special music experience if you can dial in it. Good luck.

+1

First of all you'll need a good phono preamp to listening a turntable.

A USB turntable won't giving you a good idea of all the potential of a real turntable can do. It's only a cheap toy for shack rat customer's.

[vthokies]

If you really want to try vinyl listen to the above posters and do it the right way. Set up right and it is very musical. Check Denon's turn tables out. Great for the money, easy to set up and sound great.

[brubacca]

I have been thinking about getting back into vinyl. I have all of about 10 albums so it is hard to justify.

by all accounts I can find an entry level rega, Pro-ject or music hall is the place to start. In fact, or the three people really seem to like the Rega RP1, but at $450 before phono pre-amp it is a bit steep for me.

[USNRet]

Analog is better than digital: YES, IF
1) You agree that there are not enough ones and zeros to replicate the entire analog bandwidth> answer digital cannot REPLICATE analog, not gonna happen
2) You do not try to use the latest and greatest multi-channel, AVR/Pre-Pro; use dedicated 2 channel stuff, stereo is DIFFERENT than Home Theater
3) Understand that new vinyl is dirty, old vinyl can be horrid. Research and find a way to CLEAN your vinyl. Clean, cared for vinyl does not have 'clicks and pops' and once CLEANED is not hard to maintain
4) If you are using a dedicated 2 channel system (of any kind) do not change anything except the media for a test drive. Take your favorite stereo CD and find its mate in XRCD format; order the XRCD. Listen to your redbook cd while awaiting delivery of the XRCD.
5) Listen to the XRCD version
6)Know that a clean, well presented vinyl version (180 or 200 gram) will surpass the change in quality you heard from redbook to XRCD.
7)If you detected no change from redbook to XRCD then stop; either I am wrong, your ears can't detect the difference, your system is not accurate and you are fortunate inthat you get to spend your money on the wife's shoes and purses instead of "gear".

BTW, I am leaving MP3 and all that out of this discussion........I will NOT listen to those formats.

[flamingeye]

^ funny

[ryan08]

Don't waste your time with a $80 TT as you won't learn a thing.

[harri009]

I have to agree I don't think you will be impressed by a cheap table. I would advise you to go on audiogon and buy a nice table for a few hundred to try. If you don't like it sell it for close to the same.

[GreenKiwi]

I'd aim to buy either a new or used TT in the $300-400 retail range, used is probably $200-300 ish.

For me, it's not about one being better than the other... but about the different experience of each. Is pizza a better food than Chinese? No, while people have preferences, etc. There isn't one that is "better" than the other... they are just different. Different "values", different experience.

I'm super happy I purchased a TT. Don't have too many records yet, but I've really enjoyed the experience. I'ts made me sit down and listen to full albums a lot more.

[12elfthfloor]

Vinyl rules.

Hence my advice is don't do it!

Avoid TT's and vinyl, avoid it like the plague. A world of wallet drama awaits... and justifying to your family (who has kindly asked if im interested in a white jacket adorned with an assortment of straps) why i'm washing the rubber belt in washing liquid and applying talcum powder to it, adjusting VTA and Azimuth with an eye glass.

did i mention washing records 2 times left, 3 times right, cause and vacuming them dry while facing north and spending &* bucks on a 'special' cleaning fluid and believing that the world spins at 33 1/3 rpm... well that was until they (wa%&ers) converted to 200 gram 45 LPs that sound so freekin good.

Friend. Don't do it.

[djoel]

Wow allots of vinyl talk these days, I can think of a few members to blame for the sudden surge of vinyl-mania.
But I gotta say is that getting into it is a personal thing, ritual for sure but it's so rewarding with out a doubt. Sure it can be expensive, extensive task at times, but that's part of the experience, and seeking that level of SQ is why we're into this hobby of ours. It isn't for everyone, but there's a reason this media refuses to dye, and new press of great old music are always being release. If you do the research you can easily know what are the rip off digital records, and which are the paid load analogue dreams that we're after.

Like I said it can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be if you do you're research and start if a nice entry Table, like what I started with Pro-Ject Debut 3, that brought enormous joy, at a relatively price. I purchased the table used under 300, along with phono stage from the same company. I change the cart and I was spinning, listening to Jazz, Blues, Rock, Eights Nu-wave, and I was having a blast. The cleaning process became part of the ordeal, which I didn't really mind, what I did mind was pops, crackles..And something buying a record that wasn't playable from thrift shop, or the corner use books, crap seller..I also enjoy the thrill of the hunt as well finding gems, at stores that where going out of business, or shutting down there music department etc..Fun times, but with some work, and trials for sure..

Good luck

Djoel