WHAT TURNTABLE SHOULD I BUY?

rw160510

I agree with papaljuice with regard to the platter and mat on the debut carbon. Love the turn table but it was definitely worth upgrading to the acrylic platter.

Predaking

You'll also need a receiver with phono inputs....

Get a Technics SL-1100. I am biased, though...

qontheboard

I appreciate the feedback and love shown for the Debut Carbon, but does anyone know anything about the RPM1 Carbon? It's so bloody new that I can't find any customer reviews. It seems like all the upgrades that folks are doing to their Debut Carbon are already on the RPM1. I'm a little bit clueless as all I've ever done is just drop the needle. All these terms like "stylus" etc, and knowing how to set up the TT and install a cartridge makes me nervous about buying a new "fancy" TT. Any experts out there that can give me their opinion of the RPM1 based on the specs and features?

q

PJ_Soul

The stylus is just the needle, which attaches to the cartridge (and should be replaced every 600 hours or so of playing time). The stylus just pulls off and clicks on easily. The cartridge itself should, theoretically, last you a lifetime if it's a good one. The cartridge is really important, so if you're going for the price zone that you're talking about, you should definitely upgrade the cartridge as far as you're willing to spend (prices range from $100 - $5000!!!!), and if you buy from needledoctor, they will attached and properly align your upgraded cartridge for you before sending the TT to you. I would definitely not try aligning the cartridge at home myself, as I just don't know enough about doing it properly, so I assume you should be thinking the same thing right now.

Once you get your TT, come back to discuss how to set the anti-skid/counter balance, lol. It's not the easiest thing in the world!

HesCalledDyer

It looks like the the major differences between the RPM1 and the RPM1.3 is the RPM1 has a carbon fiber tonearm vs the aluminum tonearm of the 1.3, and uses a new magnetic anti-skating system, instead of the dangling weight. Spec-wise, it looks like the RPM1 is more up to the Debut Carbon standards than the RPM1.3, so look at any reviews for either the 1.3 or the Debut for an idea of what the RPM1 may be like.

Keep in mind, however, the RPM tables do NOT come with a dustcover, so if you want the TT protected from outside elements when not in use, you'll need to spring another $100 for an acrylic dome that sits loosely over the table. (See here) To me, that is money you could put towards a better stylus on the Debut, which comes with a dustcover that attaches to the table itself. Or money towards cleaning brushes for your records & stylus, a record clamp/weight, or other accessories.

camaros

PJ_Soul wrote: »

The stylus... (... should be replaced every 600 hours or so of playing time).

False

PJ_Soul

Not false. Perhaps debateable - I know there are varying opinions on this (i have seen the numbers vary wildly). But many audiophiles would agree with me. And it's not like I made it up. I decided this is the best rule after research and talking to some experts and comparing their opinions. I don't care what others do, but I'm sticking with around 600 hours myself. Yes, this number errs on the side of caution, which is something I like.

dudeman

I agree with the recommendation to buy an older table. Either one that has been professionally serviced or an as-is table that you can refurbish and repair yourself. I have restored several tables and I kept a Dual 1019 and a Pioneer PL-55DX. I have about $30.00 invested in both of them and they can compete with anything except the very top-tier audiophile TT's, IMO. It's very rewarding to listen to a system that sounds great and say to yourself "I did that". I also restored my Marantz 2245 receiver, Denon DCD-1800r CD player, Cerwin Vega VS-120's, Klipsch KG 2.5's and Klipsch SW-10 subwoofer.

demetrios

What about an all-in-one turntable?

http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/02/the-dinner-dj-will-get-your-kid-to-eat-and-drop-be.html

derbydave

demetrios said:

What about an all-in-one turntable?

http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/02/the-dinner-dj-will-get-your-kid-to-eat-and-drop-be.html

Is there a version of this with MAC-N-CHEESE???

lolobugg

I am rocking a vintage 1979-80 Yamaha direct drive that I found at an estate sale.
absolutely gorgeous. solid as a tank. cost me $30. sold my $400 TT a few weeks later.
like dudeman said.... the vintage stuff can hang with anything modern.
doesn't hurt that I had a NOS 1980s shure stylus that I guy had given me.
paired up great with the TT

dudeman

Older Yahama stereo gear was incredible. Their new A/V receivers are nice too but the late '70's and early '80's were the pinnacle of hi-fi gear from Japan. Yamaha was right there with the best of them.

lolobugg

dudeman said:

Older Yahama stereo gear was incredible. Their new A/V receivers are nice too but the late '70's and early '80's were the pinnacle of hi-fi gear from Japan. Yamaha was right there with the best of them.

Yeah. my inlaws actually found the turntable at and estate sale and sent me a picture.
they said the guy had a whole system. I should've gone down and looked at it. probably had some tube gear and Yamaha receivers. still kick myself for this.

when i got it the TT actually had a Shure cartridge that was worth about $400.
my daughter grabbed it and broke the stylus. I almost cried. I can't find a replacement anywhere.

dudeman

Have you tried turntableneedles.com? They've yet to let me down when looking for stylii. Reasonable prices, too.

lolobugg

dudeman said:

Have you tried turntableneedles.com? They've yet to let me down when looking for stylii. Reasonable prices, too.

I will check it out, thanks.
This cartridge is from the early 70s though.
I might be SOL.

Vedd Hedd

Which is a better stylus:
Ortofon OM10 Cartridge
Ortofon 2M Red
Seems I am getting conflicting results on this.

HesCalledDyer

Vedd Hedd said:

Which is a better stylus:
Ortofon OM10 Cartridge
Ortofon 2M Red
Seems I am getting conflicting results on this.

The OM 10 looks to have a wider frequency range, other than that they look to be pretty similar.

benjs

I used to use a Technics 1200 MKII... sold it due to not having enough space before, and bought a Rega RP1 with the Performance Pack recently. I absolutely love it, more than I did with my 1200.

Dr. Delight

Vedd Hedd said:

Which is a better stylus:
Ortofon OM10 Cartridge
Ortofon 2M Red
Seems I am getting conflicting results on this.

Can't go wrong with either. Here, I would go with the cheaper option.

pjradio

lolobugg said:

dudeman said:

Have you tried turntableneedles.com? They've yet to let me down when looking for stylii. Reasonable prices, too.

I will check it out, thanks.
This cartridge is from the early 70s though.
I might be SOL.

I use this place....never had a problem http://www.needledoctor.com/

Empty Glass

It seems those that have a U-turn are happy. Are there any major negatives to these? I'm not going to be listening to hundreds of hours per month on it, but I'm looking to get a new player for some casual listening.

Any reason not to go with these guys?