Record Player Help (Update!)

AO253126

LukinFan said:

I never knew record players cost so much - thanks for all the great info everyone!

It's insane how the high prices can go... into the tens of thousands of dollars. People aren't kidding when they say that getting into vinyl is an expensive hobby.

Beyond the vinyl itself, which as well all know can reach breathtaking prices, there's the stylus, turntable, amp and speakers which represent the bare minimum starting point. If you want to, you can spend several hundred to several thousand dollars for each link in that chain. It takes a lot of research to figure out the best bang for your buck, but once you've done that and have system in place that you hopefully enjoy, then if you're like me, you start thinking about where to upgrade in order to squeeze better sound out of your vinyl. It can be exhausting but also kind of fun.

juddboz80

dankind said:

AO253126 said:

2-feign-reluctance said:

AO253126 said:

Has anyone who owns the AT-LP120 tried the modification to remove the pre-amp? I've been considering it based on the comments I've read here, here and here, but I haven't attempted it myself yet.

I'm just looking to gather more feedback on whether it's worthwhile and any other tips for novices who want to try.

Yeah, you can fuck it up pretty easy doing that mod. Beware. Unless you have surgical sodering skills don't bother. I bought a Marantz dedicated 2 channel reciever and the records sound amazing running through it.

Cool, thank you. I'm currently bypassing the built-in pre-amp as well and running it through the phono-in on my old Sony receiver. I am by no means an audiophile, so it sounds decent enough, but I just wonder if I'm missing something. I should try the built-in pre-amp and see if I can hear the difference.

Huge difference between built-in and external.

I decided a while ago not to remove the built-in, though. It's an easy enough job, but the needle drops that I've heard lose some warmth in favor of brightness.

And my ear favors warmth over brightness.

Of course, none of the needle drops I've heard are using tube preamps/receivers--and being a warmth guy, I do--which might make up the difference. Still, not going to chance it for now.

If you want warmth, get yourself a vintage tube amp....I have a Scott tube amp that is an integrated amp meaning it has a built in pre amp and the sound is fucking amazing! Ill never use anything but a tube amp. I also have a marantz 2500 and its a badass Reciever but doesn't have the warmth of the tube sound. The older receivers with less bells and whistles sound the best.

Caught-A-Bolt-Of-Lightning

So...I want to take this conversation down to an even lower level...What about all-in-one record players? Anyone have a recommendation for a good all-in-one unit?

LukinFan

Caught-A-Bolt-Of-Lightning said:

So...I want to take this conversation down to an even lower level...What about all-in-one record players? Anyone have a recommendation for a good all-in-one unit?

all in one? Is that the one where the speakers are built in?

Dr. Delight

Caught-A-Bolt-Of-Lightning said:

So...I want to take this conversation down to an even lower level...What about all-in-one record players? Anyone have a recommendation for a good all-in-one unit?

Stay away from them.
Honest opinion: If you're gonna go that low there really isnt any reason to get into vinyl. You may as well just stick to cd's/digital.
To get the most out of the medium, you want to get and work with good enough equipment where you're gonna get quality returns from the source, and you cant do that through the "cheap" route.

Caught-A-Bolt-Of-Lightning

LukinFan said:

Caught-A-Bolt-Of-Lightning said:

So...I want to take this conversation down to an even lower level...What about all-in-one record players? Anyone have a recommendation for a good all-in-one unit?

all in one? Is that the one where the speakers are built in?

Indeed.

Caught-A-Bolt-Of-Lightning

Dr. Delight said:

Caught-A-Bolt-Of-Lightning said:

So...I want to take this conversation down to an even lower level...What about all-in-one record players? Anyone have a recommendation for a good all-in-one unit?

Stay away from them.
Honest opinion: If you're gonna go that low there really isnt any reason to get into vinyl. You may as well just stick to cd's/digital.
To get the most out of the medium, you want to get and work with good enough equipment where you're gonna get quality returns from the source, and you cant do that through the "cheap" route.

Seems to me that there has to be a decent one out there....anyone?

AO253126

dankind said:

AO253126 said:

2-feign-reluctance said:

AO253126 said:

Has anyone who owns the AT-LP120 tried the modification to remove the pre-amp? I've been considering it based on the comments I've read here, here and here, but I haven't attempted it myself yet.

I'm just looking to gather more feedback on whether it's worthwhile and any other tips for novices who want to try.

Yeah, you can fuck it up pretty easy doing that mod. Beware. Unless you have surgical sodering skills don't bother. I bought a Marantz dedicated 2 channel reciever and the records sound amazing running through it.

Cool, thank you. I'm currently bypassing the built-in pre-amp as well and running it through the phono-in on my old Sony receiver. I am by no means an audiophile, so it sounds decent enough, but I just wonder if I'm missing something. I should try the built-in pre-amp and see if I can hear the difference.

Huge difference between built-in and external.

I decided a while ago not to remove the built-in, though. It's an easy enough job, but the needle drops that I've heard lose some warmth in favor of brightness.

And my ear favors warmth over brightness.

Of course, none of the needle drops I've heard are using tube preamps/receivers--and being a warmth guy, I do--which might make up the difference. Still, not going to chance it for now.

Thanks, I appreciate the input. I think I may hold off as well and think about just upgrading the turntable itself. Of course, then I'd start to wonder if my old receiver or old Bose speakers will become the weak link in the chain and negate the performance improvements from, say, a new Rega P3 or something. It never ends

SVRDhand13

SVRDhand13 said:

Doink317 said:

I've always heard good things about U-Turn, and they don't seem overly expensive either. http://uturnaudio.com

I myself use an older Audio Technica turntable. Looking at Flea Markets is another option to find decent tables for not overly expensive too.

I've had the Orbit for 2 years and I highly recommend it. Pairing it with Kanto yumi speakers.

Quoting myself to say that I'm so happy I chose the Kanto yumis over the audioengine. AEs are good too but yumis are crazy clear and have great Bluetooth support too.

LukinFan

https://www.amazon.com/Technica-AT-LP60BK-Automatic-Belt-Drive-Turntable/dp/B008872SIO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468009573&sr=8-1&keywords=audio+technica+LP60

Any feedback on a table like this? Too cheap?

Ray J. T.

LukinFan said:

https://www.amazon.com/Technica-AT-LP60BK-Automatic-Belt-Drive-Turntable/dp/B008872SIO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468009573&sr=8-1&keywords=audio+technica+LP60

Any feedback on a table like this? Too cheap?

While I have heard some pretty good things about Audio Technica, I do believe that this is their introductory turntable. I am not a fan of the belt drive systems either, it may be a biased opinion but try to stick with a direct drive. I would personally go with the LP120 model, which is the one I have seen get some really good reviews. I know its a little pricier but at the end of the day, I just don't want to sacrifice any quality when it comes to spinning vinyl. My motto: Buy once Cry once. But when you get something of really good quality you can count on it to last.

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATLP120USB-Professional-Turntable-Cleaning/dp/B01BTRS9R8/ref=sr_1_3?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1468012956&sr=1-3-spons&keywords=audio+technica+turntable&psc=1

dankind

And the Noles and Canes both suck!

Ray J. T.

dankind said:

And the Noles and Canes both suck!

Well I wouldn't say that much for the Noles in the last couple of years, but as for Miami lets see if Richt can turn your statement around.

LukinFan

I would love to see Miami and UF start playing each other

dankind

LukinFan said:

I would love to see Miami and UF start playing each other

Me, too. Easy win for the Gators.

Screw the U!

LukinFan

quick question - So my buddy came over last night and loaded me his record player. We hooked it up to my speakers and receiver and it was playing fine last night. This morning I tried to play a record and the needle would not hold onto one particular part of the record, it would just skip right to the center of the record. What am I doing wrong?

And yes, screw the U (and UF) haha

pledgeagrievance

Ray J. T. said:

LukinFan said:

https://www.amazon.com/Technica-AT-LP60BK-Automatic-Belt-Drive-Turntable/dp/B008872SIO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468009573&sr=8-1&keywords=audio+technica+LP60

Any feedback on a table like this? Too cheap?

While I have heard some pretty good things about Audio Technica, I do believe that this is their introductory turntable. I am not a fan of the belt drive systems either, it may be a biased opinion but try to stick with a direct drive. I would personally go with the LP120 model, which is the one I have seen get some really good reviews. I know its a little pricier but at the end of the day, I just don't want to sacrifice any quality when it comes to spinning vinyl. My motto: Buy once Cry once. But when you get something of really good quality you can count on it to last.

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATLP120USB-Professional-Turntable-Cleaning/dp/B01BTRS9R8/ref=sr_1_3?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1468012956&sr=1-3-spons&keywords=audio+technica+turntable&psc=1

I agree. I bought the ATLP120 and it's incredible. Zero issues. I would spend up from the 60. All u need is speakers and you're ready to spin. For the speakers I went with the Audio Engine A5+. Bought everything in a package deal from turntable lab website. They had a package deal near Christmas. Free shipping and it came to around $600. Worth every penny

dankind

LukinFan said:

quick question - So my buddy came over last night and loaded me his record player. We hooked it up to my speakers and receiver and it was playing fine last night. This morning I tried to play a record and the needle would not hold onto one particular part of the record, it would just skip right to the center of the record. What am I doing wrong?

And yes, screw the U (and UF) haha

Sounds like maybe the tracking/anti-skate got maladjusted during transit. Also, the tonearm could've come unbalanced.

LukinFan

dankind said:

LukinFan said:

quick question - So my buddy came over last night and loaded me his record player. We hooked it up to my speakers and receiver and it was playing fine last night. This morning I tried to play a record and the needle would not hold onto one particular part of the record, it would just skip right to the center of the record. What am I doing wrong?

And yes, screw the U (and UF) haha

Sounds like maybe the tracking/anti-skate got maladjusted during transit. Also, the tonearm could've come unbalanced.

Easy to fix?

Ray J. T.

dankind said:

LukinFan said:

I would love to see Miami and UF start playing each other

Me, too. Easy win for the Gators.

Screw the U!

I would slow down there. In the last 28 years UF has only won ONCE against the U. I don't want to have start refreshing everybody's memory on who owns the state of Florida and the Rivalry records now! Miami historically has always dominated the State. Haters will always hate.

juddboz80

LukinFan said:

dankind said:

LukinFan said:

quick question - So my buddy came over last night and loaded me his record player. We hooked it up to my speakers and receiver and it was playing fine last night. This morning I tried to play a record and the needle would not hold onto one particular part of the record, it would just skip right to the center of the record. What am I doing wrong?

And yes, screw the U (and UF) haha

Sounds like maybe the tracking/anti-skate got maladjusted during transit. Also, the tonearm could've come unbalanced.

Easy to fix?

Alot of old players would have a dime taped on top of the cartridge. I don't recommend this but it's a balance issue and it sounds like u need a counterweight

Ray J. T.

juddboz80 said:

LukinFan said:

dankind said:

LukinFan said:

quick question - So my buddy came over last night and loaded me his record player. We hooked it up to my speakers and receiver and it was playing fine last night. This morning I tried to play a record and the needle would not hold onto one particular part of the record, it would just skip right to the center of the record. What am I doing wrong?

And yes, screw the U (and UF) haha

Sounds like maybe the tracking/anti-skate got maladjusted during transit. Also, the tonearm could've come unbalanced.

Easy to fix?

Alot of old players would have a dime taped on top of the cartridge. I don't recommend this but it's a balance issue and it sounds like u need a counterweight

Correct, please don't use this old school technique as we have learned that it has put a TON of wear and tear on Vinyl, and eats the grooves. If you care about your vinyl and collection stay away from this. Anti skate should always be adjusted to zero. At the end of the day it keeps the transition of the record in position as it was designed, and does not drive the stylus in opposite direction.

http://youtu.be/eIBtZR941Yw

Ray J. T.

dankind said:

LukinFan said:

quick question - So my buddy came over last night and loaded me his record player. We hooked it up to my speakers and receiver and it was playing fine last night. This morning I tried to play a record and the needle would not hold onto one particular part of the record, it would just skip right to the center of the record. What am I doing wrong?

And yes, screw the U (and UF) haha

Sounds like maybe the tracking/anti-skate got maladjusted during transit. Also, the tonearm could've come unbalanced.

Here is a quick and great reference for tonearm balance and breaking in new stylus.

http://youtu.be/ZaqXDDXkzoA

earthquakes making waves

tempo_n_groove said:

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon turntable w/acrylic platter $600
Pioneer 8500-II amp $250
Pioneer 8500-II receiver $150
Sony Disc Changer $150
Martin Logan Motion 15 speakers $700
8ga speaker wire $50

$2000 setup. You can go cheaper though.

Do any of you with the Pro-ject Debut Carbon have a problem with hum that I've been reading about on a lot of reviews? I wanna make sure I buy this puppy only to hear a slight hmmmmzmmzmmzzzzzzmmmmzzmmm all the time. Thanks for any info.

LukinFan

You guys are awesome - thanks for the info. I'm out of town until tomorrow, but as soon as I get back, I'm gonna play around with the antiskate.

I just got back from a record store in Jacksonville. Picked up the first Tom Petty album and a PJ bootleg Dissident from Atlanta 1994 - at least I'm assuming it's a boot

juddboz80

LukinFan said:

You guys are awesome - thanks for the info. I'm out of town until tomorrow, but as soon as I get back, I'm gonna play around with the antiskate.

I just got back from a record store in Jacksonville. Picked up the first Tom Petty album and a PJ bootleg Dissident from Atlanta 1994 - at least I'm assuming it's a boot

Once you get the vinyl itch it's hard to stop, hunting music shops, garage sales, and everywhere else to find records is half the fun....you never know what you'll find!
But if you plan on really getting into vinyl and don't want to screw your records up then spend a decent amount on a good player, you'll be glad you did!

SVRDhand13

Anyone has any suggestion for cleaning dust off records?

Thanks in advance.

LukinFan

juddboz80 said:

LukinFan said:

You guys are awesome - thanks for the info. I'm out of town until tomorrow, but as soon as I get back, I'm gonna play around with the antiskate.

I just got back from a record store in Jacksonville. Picked up the first Tom Petty album and a PJ bootleg Dissident from Atlanta 1994 - at least I'm assuming it's a boot

Once you get the vinyl itch it's hard to stop, hunting music shops, garage sales, and everywhere else to find records is half the fun....you never know what you'll find!
But if you plan on really getting into vinyl and don't want to screw your records up then spend a decent amount on a good player, you'll be glad you did!

Thank you - I definitely plan on it.

juddboz80

SVRDhand13 said:

Anyone has any suggestion for cleaning dust off records?

Thanks in advance.

I have a spin clean, it's around $80 if I remember right, works great and is cheap. Otherwise you can spend a lot of a vacuum cleaning setup. A spin clean works just as good!

MedozK

SVRDhand13 said:

Anyone has any suggestion for cleaning dust off records?

Thanks in advance.

Okki Nokki record cleaning machine is they way to go.