Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Turntable (record player) ? for audiophiles

I have recently started collecting records and my wife bought me a Crosley record player (all self containted with speakers). While I love it I would like to get a new or used (ebay) record player that will plug into my stereo with rca jacks.

So the ? is

What new brands are worth a crap?
Have you seen the ones that can use a USB and you can record on the computer? Are they decent?
What old brands should i look for on ebay?

price does matter....100-150 at the most.

Thanks
Steve

If you are ready to spend between $100 and $150 why buy used.
For that price you can buy brand new from Circuit City

USB Turntables

HOLY RECORD PLAYERS BATMAN! I can actually take my old vinyl out of the basement and turn it into an mp3 - snaps, crackles, pops and all?

I learn something everyday here!

I bought a brand new record player at Best Buy last year. Its a Sony and sounds great. Best part was the look on the cashiers face when i paid for it, "we actually sell these here?" Made my day.

I think that the warning "Caveat emptor!" was designed to apply specifically toward buying used stuff off of eBay.

Save your money up and buy a new Technics SL1200, you'll hear better sounds and it'll be easier on your collection.

You probably know this, but, turntables generally require a pre-amp input. The older receivers had a separate input for "phono", but most of the newer ones do not.

Here is an example: phono preamp

I am sure there are cheaper ones as well...just wanted to point this out.

I saw the AR mentioned in the thread ~~ that would get my vote. Of course you are looking at a little more money.

I bought one of the USB kind for my dad that also has a connection for a cassette deck. He has spent months converting old albums and tapes to digital files for his Ipod. He makes my mom crazy playing old doo wop and all in the car, but he is very happy. I am not a true audiophile and neither is he, but the sound he gets out of it is good enough for us.

Rick

I'd suggest doing a Google search for "turntable reviews" and see if there's any info / recommendations out there.

A lot depends on how serious you are about this. If these are old records you want to play once to save to your computer, you may also want to purchase a Discwasher brush and bottle of cleaning fluid. That's if you can find it anywhere....

Here's another place to check - I've bought from these guys and they're pretty good.
J&R

(Tried to post this yesterday but it wouldn't let me, for some unknown reason)

You quote 'audiophile' in the title and then go on to ask about MP3's??? Hmmm!!



Pro-Ject, Rega and Technics.

Note also that your stereo will need a phono pre-amp. This may be built-in but, just because there's a knob labelled phono doesn't mean a pre-amp. is fitted. Check round the back for a dedicated phono input.

You may also need a new cartridge and/or stylus, depending on the condition of the old one.

This page may help.

i have an audio-technica AT-PL120, and i like it quite a bit. it has rca outs that can be sent to any rca ins, because there is a little switch that will allow you to choose whether to use an internal pre-amp or not. i have mine plugged into a special set of inputs on my computer, which allows me to record, and then i can even clean up the sound, removing hisses, clicks, etc, and make tracks. of course, it all takes time, so it isn't like ripping a cd. if you have any questions, feel free to pm.

i hear good things about some usb turntables, but i haven't used any of them yet, so i can't say.

Thanks for all the info guys. I appreciatte the input