Turntables

[Nolan B]

I am considering to get a turntable, but I have never owned one (since I was a kid) and dont know what to look for. Can someone educate me a little on how to pick one? It MUST look as good as it sounds.

I hope i don't need something like this?

$9,500

https://web.archive.org/web/20091016055613/http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/mcintosh-mt10-turntable.asp

Lets put my budget at 2-3k

Did Bang and Olufsen make any good ones?


Post what you have!

[Hdale85]

From what I've read that Mcintosh really isn't that great considering it's price. Look at the Music Halls I think you can get the MMF-9.1 for around your price range and it's a awesome piece. There may be some others as well though.

http://www.musichallaudio.com/detail.php?p=7 Biggest thing that makes these special is they come with a very very nice cart. Also keep in your budget the purchase of a nice phono pre.

VPI is also another good brand that comes to mind.

http://www.vpiindustries.com/table_aries3.htm

[Nolan B]

From what I've read that Mcintosh really isn't that great considering it's price. Look at the Music Halls I think you can get the MMF-9.1 for around your price range and it's a awesome piece. There may be some others as well though.

http://www.musichallaudio.com/detail.php?p=7 Biggest thing that makes these special is they come with a very very nice cart. Also keep in your budget the purchase of a nice phono pre.

VPI is also another good brand that comes to mind.

http://www.vpiindustries.com/table_aries3.htm

wow...those both look beautiful.

do I need to buy some phono connection in order to hook it up to my Classe SSP 600? I thought I saw a piece like that at my dealer but I dont see it on their site.

[David Meek]

There are a good number of fine-sounding TTs at that price point. VPI, Thorens, Nottingham Audio are all good choices. But, another to consider is this:

Rega P7

[wkhanna]

With a budget like that you can do better than an MMF-9.1 and you don’t need to break the bank with the Ariers, though it is a V good TT. BTW, my first TT was the MMF-7, I bought it used for $600 over a year ago.

The VPI Scout or a fully modified KAB Technics SL1200 will not disappoint. But the TT is only the tip of the iceberg. You need a cleaning system, one that uses vacuum to remove the cleaning agents and rinse solution from your vinyl. You will also need a decent phono pre, and it is every bit as important a piece of equipment as the TT and cartridge.

I would recommend you factor at least 50% of your budget for a record cleaning machine and phono pre, the remaining 50% for the TT and cartridge.

The other question is how involved you are willing become with learning how to properly set up and maintain your system. If you want something that is basically ‘plug & play’ I would recommend you look at the Rega P7 or the Technics.

Go here and read the FAQ section on vinyl

As always, JMHO & YMMV

[George Bellefontaine]

I don't know the Technics SL1200 Bill mentions, but I do know that Technics are tough, durable and great sounding. I've owned the Technics SL1500 direct drive turntable for more years than I care to mention. Bill's suggestion about a cleaning system is also good advice.

[twitch54]

All good suggestions here, I do feel though that given your relative 'newbie' status and not knowing if analog will 'again' be for you (how many Lp's do you currently own ??) I'd suggest to stick with the Technics '1200' for several good reasons........ in stock trim it performs quite well...... many options available to take it to the next level (read the recent article in toneaudio.com) and maybe most importantly .....if you decide the return to analog is not for you, re-selling it with minimul financial hardship should be in order.

From what I can tell the two popular cartridges of choice for that tt are the Shure 97e and the Audio Technica 440.

FWIW, as for me, I own the VPI Aries III....but I've been spinning vinyl continuosly since '61....with no end in sight !!! :T

[George Bellefontaine]

From what I can tell the two popular cartridges of choice for that tt are the Shure 97e and the Audio Technica 440.
:T

If you do go with the Technics 1200, I'd suggest the Shure 97e cartridge. I've been using a Shure 95ed on my Technics 1500 for a very very long time and it seemed the perfect match for the 1500.

[wkhanna]

FWIW, as for me, I own the VPI Aries III:T

I'm drooling.....Like Homer.... :W

[btf1980]

I think VPI tables are the way to go for someone fairly new to analog, but has the money to spend on a more substantial deck. The Scout and Scoutmaster use Unipivot arms, so setup is fairly simple and straight forward.

I've owned a Scout in the past, so I know it is a good TT.

You may also want to look at the upper end Pro-Ject decks. RM-10, RM-9.1 and RM-6.1 are all fine tables.

You would also need to invest in a phono stage (phono pre-amp). Simaudio makes good ones and are a Canadian company, so you should have no problem getting one from them in your neck of the woods. The Simaudio LP5.3 is rocksolid with balanced outputs. The LP3 is the lower end model that is also fantastic at only $500. It all depends on your budget for a phono stage, but if it's under $1,500, then offerings from Simaudio, PS Audio, Graham SLEE and Lehmann are all stuff that should be on your shortlist.

[Alloroc]

Clearaudio are also a manufacturer to consider. I have an Ambient TT with the Unify tonearm and a Koetsu cart.. Relativly high end I know, but their Emotion TT is great value too imo. It's supplied with their Satisfy tonearm and a cart as an all in the box package. Retails here about €1500 i think but of course discounts should be available.

Now a real surprise TT could be the Marantz TT-15. It's a little more expensive list than the Clearaudio Emotion but it is in fact the same product - there should be great deals to be had on this player.. Clearaudio make it for Marantz. Well, I'm mentioning this because and having seen and heard both, the Marantz is a real cut up from the Emotion. The fit and finish of the deck is of a much higher quality and style and comes shipped with the Clearaudio Virtuoso Ebony Wood Cartridge - this is a €700 cart. here all by itself! Cracking value.

[Nolan B]

Thanks for everyones thoughts. I looked into a lot and I have narrowed it down to the following.

music hall mmf 7.1
We like the look of this one the best.

Image not available

Rega P3- 24(in black)
The local dealer I buy all my stuff from sells rega which is a plus

Image not available

thoughts?

[alebonau]

Thanks for everyones thoughts. I looked into a lot and I have narrowed it down to the following.

music hall mmf 7.1
We like the look of this one the best.

Image not available

Rega P3- 24(in black)
The local dealer I buy all my stuff from sells rega which is a plus

Image not available

thoughts?

the rega P7 would be very nice david meek, but not sure in budget ?

am a bit of a rega fan myself and have the rega P9 and before that the 25th anniversary special rega p25 (which was somewhere between the p5-p7) for quite a few years,

this is my very same p25 here infact,

http://www.drhifihousecalls.com.au/Hi-Fi/Rega%20P25%20Reloaded/1.htm

which I ran with my jubilee cart showing the quality cart you can run on these things

the p3-24 with the TTpsu would be a very nice thing. something youd be very happy with I reckon nolan

with something like the rega p3-24 anf TTPSU you could add an

ortofon salsa or even one of the rondo's

http://www.drhifihousecalls.com.au/New%20Equipment/Ortofon/Ortofon%20MC/Ortofon%20MC.htm

and get a great result.

you definitely want a phono stage also nolan. something like this one here

http://www.drhifihousecalls.com.au/New%20Equipment/Musical%20Fidelity%20X-LSPv8/1.htm

woudl work a treat with the above combination.

anyways thats jsut one combination, plenty of other ones as well, eg from the likes of clear audio, vpi, project and the like which am sure would get a great result as well.

one thing want to be carefull you dont over capitalise on the table and then scrimp on the stylus and phono stage. need to keep in mind its the stylus that converts the grooves to signal and the phono stage that amplifies that tiny signal and applies RIAA to it. all absolutely critical to the end result.

[Hdale85]

Look at VPI as well. They make some great stuff.

[wkhanna]

My MMF-7 has performed well. I would highly recommend the purchase of the Pro-Ject speed box as it provides a noticeable improvement in PRaT (pace, rhythm & timing). Insure that the patter is perfectly flat with no run-out in either the vertical or horizontal planes, the motor pulley is concentric and the motor itself does not display any vibration when running. Replace your belt on a yearly basis regardless of the hours of use, as time, not use, is the prevailing issue with its performance. My unit is extremely resistant to footfalls, though I do not know exactly how much my rack is responsible for this fact.

I have yet to try a low output moving coil cart, but have had the best result thus far with the Audio Technica 150MXL high output (~2.5 mV moving magnet) cart. Best price I have found is at LP Gear

[btf1980]

I know looks matter and everything, and the MusicHall 7.1 is a fine table, but at the price it commands, you'd be much better off with the VPI Scout. The JMW-9 tonearm is better than the tonearm on the 7.1. You'd be getting a whole lot more table for a similar price.

[wkhanna]

I would have to agree.

My MMF-7 was purchased used, and fit my budget.

A new Scout is a better table than a new -7, IMHO.

[Hdale85]

The VPI scout is said to be pretty much the best at the price point.

[Nolan B]

The VPI scout is said to be pretty much the best at the price point.

Doe VPI sell direct? They dont seem to list dealers on their website.

[alebonau]

Doe VPI sell direct? They dont seem to list dealers on their website.

personally given it appears your new to the world of TTs I wouldnt buy 'direct' but rather from a dealer instead. Who can setup the cartridge and table for you and run through some of the TT basics.

Something even myself even though have owned TTs for over a decade now had the dealer come setup in my home. a lot of the performance of a TT is all about the setup. So something you dont want to be fumbling around with and better to sit back and listen in the confidence knowing its setup right to get the very best out of it. later down the track when your more confident something you can always pick up and experiment with. But first off not something I'd suggest

[Hdale85]

I believe there are VPI dealers....

[Johnloudb]

If you can't find a dealer locally there is always this

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/84178

and other online dealers.

[wer4ccsn]

Newbie need advise!

I'm so happy, I just got my first used Technics SL-1200M3D Turntable. Got it for $230.00 but is missing the dust cover with the hinges, and also I would like to upgrade the cartridge. My eyes were on the VPI Scoutmaster, but my instincts toll me to just wait and get a basic turntable for now just to see if hearing the warm analog sound will be a good thing plus I think it will be fun! If I like the whole think I would go for the VPI in the future and sell the technics. The RCA cable that is attached to the turntable is not long enough too reach my Classe SSP-800 and I think I will need and extension about 11 to 13 feet long. I this point I don't even know where to hook it up in the SSP-800 can anybody please tell me/direct me where exactly the RCA (red and white) cable will be connected? also I need advise ;x( on a very good cartridge, i have about $150.00 dollars to spend. Thank you for your help!
I just can wait to set it up on my system! I just purchase bout 140 33's
Carlos

[Johnloudb]

I don't think the Classe SSP800 has a built in phono preamp, as it's a surround sound processor, but I could be wrong. I briefly looked at the online manual and didn't see anything about a Phono preamp. So, you'll need to get one. And setting up a cartridge can be a real pain, and takes some practice.

You might want find a local High End audio shop and have them set it a cartridge for you. I don't really know what to recommend. Maybe a Goldring or Audio Technica cartridge, since they have good performance in your price range.

[Brandon B]

A good dealer for part and upgrades for the technics is kabusa.com

I bought a new 1200 from him a couple of years ago. Good service and a nice guy to deal with. He can probably sell you a new dust cover as well, as he adds them back to the new units he sells to people using them for music rather than DJing.

He does tonearm mods, new wiring etc. if you ever get the urge for those sort of upgrades.

I bought his KAB/Ortofon Concorde Pro S30 Integrated Cartridge at the same time. Can't say I really recommend it at this point as it is kind of harsh compared to how I remember my vinyl sounding on my last TT some time ago, and old Dual 510 with an Ortofon MC cartridge. It could also be by phono stage though, which is a Nohr ACA preamp. That worked fine for digital though, so I still tend to lean towards it being the cartridge. I haven't gotten into it enough to try an alternate yet though.

BB

[wer4ccsn]

A good dealer for part and upgrades for the technics is kabusa.com

I bought a new 1200 from him a couple of years ago. Good service and a nice guy to deal with. He can probably sell you a new dust cover as well, as he adds them back to the new units he sells to people using them for music rather than DJing.

He does tonearm mods, new wiring etc. if you ever get the urge for those sort of upgrades.

I bought his KAB/Ortofon Concorde Pro S30 Integrated Cartridge at the same time. Can't say I really recommend it at this point as it is kind of harsh compared to how I remember my vinyl sounding on my last TT some time ago, and old Dual 510 with an Ortofon MC cartridge. It could also be by phono stage though, which is a Nohr ACA preamp. That worked fine for digital though, so I still tend to lean towards it being the cartridge. I haven't gotten into it enough to try an alternate yet though.

BB

thanks Brandon, I will check it out, but know I'm debating between the Shure M44-7H, Shure M97xE and Shure Whitelabel cartridge. I did bought the Shure Whitelabel and I have not opened the package yet, so at this point I haven't figure it out which is the best :cry: . Any advise of which one to pick one for the technics SL-1200M3D? Anybody your opinion please? ;x(
Thanks
Carlos

[George Bellefontaine]

I've had pretty good luck with a Shure M95ED cartridge paired with my Technics SL 1500. I've been using it now for more years than I can remember.

[Brandon B]

Well, I originally had a Shure on my Dual that I was always reasonably pleased with, before I move up to the moving coil unit.

But I haven't used a Shure cartridge in a couple of decades. There's a group of technics 1200 users over at audiocircle who might have an opinion on the options.

Or you could listen to George and try one of them out and see what you think.

Post back what you end up with as well, as I may end up changing mine out if switching phono stages doesn't take the edge off.

[Hdale85]

I've been looking at TT's for quite some time and I think I'm probably going to get a Pro-ject RM9.1, Probably end up getting a Lyra Helikon or Argo i, or possibly a Dynavector. Not really sure on the cart I've done a bit of research but I know I plan on putting about 1k of my budget aside for the cart. I'm going to be building the Twisted Pear Audio symetrical RIAA phono pre. I should like it and I can fully adjust the loading and what not based on the cart I use. I figure I'll have about 3500 or so into my setup when all is said and done with little accessories I'll need such as a tracking force gauge and what not.

I really love the looks of the RM9.1 and it appears to have a very nice tone arm and what not. The only other route I'd go is more then likely the VPI Scout or Scoutmaster. I'm trying to do everything right the first time or at the very least pick up parts that I can easily resell if for some reason I find something I like better later.

[wer4ccsn]

Thanks guys for your reply, well I really couldn't help and I opened the package containing the needle, I hookup the Bellari phono pream, put some old records that I bought Carly Simon, elton john, supertramp, doobie brothers, steely dan, etc and I'm in heaven! :B I can tell the sound is different compare to c.d.'s, and I don't hear much clicks and pops. There is more base, the sound is richer and is not in your face, with a more open soundstage, I'm already playing about 3 hours and not tired listening. I know now for sure my cd collection is going to collect dust. In the future I will go for the vpi scoutmaster with the 802D BMW's (I have 703's) that is my dream! I know for sure my wife won't like these dreams of mine. Thank you everyone for sharing your thoughts and opinions ;x
Carlos

[George Bellefontaine]

Thank you everyone for sharing your thoughts and opinions ;x
Carlos

You sound pretty happy, Carlos, so that's all that really matters. Happy vinyl listening.

[Hdale85]

Was browsing Audiogon and I'm not ready to purchase something right this minute so thought I'd share with anyone reading this thread looking for a TT. This guy is selling a VPI Scout with a Lyra Dorian cart. The Scout sells for at least 1500 new and that Lyra cart is normally 1100. His asking price for both is 1100 and the deck appears to be in excellent shape and he has sufficient feedback So just an option if anyone is willing to jump on it looks like a fantastic deal.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....--Lyra-Dorian-

Edit: Please note, this is not my add and I'm not affiliated with the seller in any way.

[gross30]

I purchased a Clearaudio Emotion (blue in colour) with a Clearaudio "Aurum Beta" mm cartridge and the total was $1500 canadian. I am very happy with it. It was easy to set up. Sounds great also. I do spin the odd lp from time to time and love the sound. Now newer lp's are very available and easy to find. The sound....well, I am not starting any debate, but the lp sound is sure nice. I can't go to the extreme of replacing all cd's, it would be just too much cash, but for the favorite albums, it is fully enjoyable. I have a modest album collection of around a hundred albums. But there is always room to grow....lolol. Happy listening.

[David Meek]

I'm in heaven! :B I can tell the sound is different compare to c.d.'s, and I don't hear much clicks and pops.

Carlos, if you want to clean up the clicks and pops even more, look into a record cleaner. I use the Nitty Gritty 1.5 and it clearly increases the sound quality. Don't let the MSRP scare you. It can be found for a good bit less.

[David Meek]

Okay, scratch that last comment. 8O These things have gone waaaay up since I bought mine, but they are still an essential item to have if you are spinning vinyl.

[Hdale85]

Well there is a 1.5 and 1.5Fi on audiogon for 375. That's not horrible lol. There are some other machines that are supposed to work pretty well.

[dyazdani]

I've had both the Nitty Gritty 1.5 and the VPI 16.5 cleaners. I personally like the VPI, but either work fine.

[Brandon B]

Well, I originally had a Shure on my Dual that I was always reasonably pleased with, before I move up to the moving coil unit.

Finally remembered what it was, the ubiquitous V15 type III.

[Nolan B]

Time to resurrect this thread.

Things came up interests changed, but now, finally I have bought a TT. Hasnt arrived yet, and still havent played a record since I was 5 years old. The trigger was find rather large collection of vinyl when cleaning out my wifes old storage. I went through this thread and many others before I took a bit of a blind jump and made the following purchase.

I stumbled across a guy who restores B&O turntables and has a stock of their cartridges, some of which are still very highly regarded even by non B&O owners. Since I love B&O product, and have a modern B&O cabinet I thought the idea of a vintage B&O TT would be very cool.

To make a long story short I bought a mint condition Beogram 2400...i mean mint! Totally restored, barely used and loved by an owner who rebuilds them. In addition i bought a barely used MMC20CL cartridge which is the best B&O made and still very highly regarded by the research I have done. Ill take pics on friday when it arrives.


I also blind bought a Cambridge 640p phono preamp.

[John Holmes]

That's a nice looking table, Nolan! Congrats on the purchase.

[Nolan B]

Here it is.

We have been playing it every free minute. Sitting around drinking wine and play records is our new favorite past time (the drinking part isnt new).

I had no idea I lived within 3 blocks of 2 LP stores. It sounds great, and we are playing versions of songs we know that we never new existed. We have also got into Blues and Jazz which we barely listened to before, because now we see so much available that just never came on CD. Muddy Waters RULES!

It looks so cool too...

Images not available

My friend who is a pro photographer is due to come over and take some real pics.

Pay no attention to that dog...she always looks like she is trying to figure out why i am such a geek for this stuff. My place in infested with them, and even thou I have traps set everywhere I cant catch any of the slippery suckers!

[Alaric]

MUST look as good as it sounds? You're in the wrong forum. Furniture is the Ikea forum. This is audio. Just sayin'.

[Nolan B]

MUST look as good as it sounds? You're in the wrong forum. Furniture is the Ikea forum. This is audio. Just sayin'.

i dont get it...

To me things need to look as good as they perform: form follows function. Ikea isnt either either IMO.

[btf1980]

The last place you should place records is by a window. They will get hit by the sun directly. You're more or less cooking them. This will warp the records very quickly. Get them away from the window & direct sunlight. A rack away from any heat would be ideal.

Congrats on the turntable! Neat room too. Lovely seats. I would have expected a more mid-century modern style of furniture, but those look great. Who makes them?

[Nolan B]

The last place you should place records is by a window. They will get hit by the sun directly. You're more or less cooking them. This will warp the records very quickly. Get them away from the window & direct sunlight. A rack away from any heat would be ideal.

I wondered about that, but I face north so no direct sunlight, and they are always cool because the airconditioning vents are right above them. Do you still think I should move them?

Congrats on the turntable! Neat room too. Lovely seats. I would have expected a more mid-century modern style of furniture, but those look great. Who makes them?

I bought the couches from Roche Bobois. They are called Chicago.

Thanks for the tips!