Turntables and vinyl: Analog's finest

[jyoni]

I like the overall quality of vintage DD. It was a more realized technology bitd. I've seen alot of broken ones, but the vast majority I've encountered still function perfectly. These things are beasts. The plinths are solid aluminum blocks and those old Technics feet are actually pretty nice. However, as far as plinth weight, I can't personally vouch for slimline-era vintage. Go beefy.

I do wish manual DDs were more prevalent bitd.

Another thing I like about vintage DD is that they're excellent beginner machines. I like them alot myself, that's why I'm stuck on mine, and I'm definitely comfortable recommending them. What people spend on their first table is their choice, but bear in mind we're talking about people who probably haven't messed around with the abstractions of elliptical vs conical, bonded vs nude, not to mention getting into cartridges etc. Even at this modest level, that is expensive stuff to explore, and it is probably THE most personal aspect of listening. We're also talking about people who more than likely have never even cleaned up a used record. Vinyl's a pain in the ass sometimes, so I say until you know you like it, stay cheap. You can get some really decent shit for under 150, perhaps less if you look around and have patience.

[scientifick]

cross post from the djs thread.

some pics of my setup; tech 1200s, shure m447s, vestax pmc 05 iii with an innofader pro.

need new a new stereo and some good monitors Badly.

[JackCrank]

Oh totally, I always recommend a used 1200 for people who are interested in getting one, great, do-it-all TT. Honestly, they're so goddamn flexible and reliable. You can make one sound fantastic, but I still think the lower level rega/project/musicHall's are a great start as well.

I like the overall quality of vintage DD. It was a more realized technology bitd. I've seen alot of broken ones, but the vast majority I've encountered still function perfectly. These things are beasts. The plinths are solid aluminum blocks and those old Technics feet are actually pretty nice. However, as far as plinth weight, I can't personally vouch for slimline-era vintage. Go beefy.

I do wish manual DDs were more prevalent bitd.

Another thing I like about vintage DD is that they're excellent beginner machines. I like them alot myself, that's why I'm stuck on mine, and I'm definitely comfortable recommending them. What people spend on their first table is their choice, but bear in mind we're talking about people who probably haven't messed around with the abstractions of elliptical vs conical, bonded vs nude, not to mention getting into cartridges etc. Even at this modest level, that is expensive stuff to explore, and it is probably THE most personal aspect of listening. We're also talking about people who more than likely have never even cleaned up a used record. Vinyl's a pain in the ass sometimes, so I say until you know you like it, stay cheap. You can get some really decent shit for under 150, perhaps less if you look around and have patience.

[blm14]

One of my 1200s' dust shields just cracked when I was moving them. Guh. I bet they have replacements on ebay...

[jyoni]

I have a question for the higher-level guys: Is a 4-channel cartridge worth trying? I know they work for quad, but that's not what I'd want it for. I don't know that quad is the sole point of them anyway. It seems like the actual separation itself may be the big plus. If I may use a dated analogy, I'm wondering if the channel splitting is the audio equivalent of moving from say S-video to component.

[blm14]

The difference between a regular stereo cartridge and a quad cartridge is the frequency range and separation within those ranges:

STEREO - 20-20kHz @ approx. 20 dB separation in that range

QUAD - 20-45kHz (or 50kHz) @ approx. 20 dB separation in that range (although it is allowed to decrease slightly in the upper-most frequencies).

Unless you have records that are quad-channel as well as a quad channel receiver i'm not sure it's worth it. Plus the styli on the quad-channel cartridges are usually more expensive...

[JackCrank]

NFC about the reality on the ground but it sounds like you could be spending a lot for nowt with that. As always, test before you buy with a set up as similar to your own as possible. The ears don't lie... all the time at least.

[jyoni]

Think I'll wait til I can hear it. It might just prove to be money better spent. My upgrade styluses are/were stock on 4-channel, which is why I've been wondering.

[jyoni]

Anyone ever use a laser/optical turntable? The guy I'm adopting a dog from is giving me one.

[jyoni]

* I have never used one...nor had I even heard of one before.

[JackCrank]

All y'all designy fancy lads got any good ways of storing 7" records that doesn't involve boxes and looks good. Nontraditional is fine, space saving a plus. I'm not stoked on not being able to see my records and thus have only really been playing LPs lately.

Edited June 24, 2012 by JackCrank

[jyoni]

^ could kerf out a top and bottom, finish/paint, and wall mount. I'm no fancy design lad though......

WTB: Warlocks Surgery

Want it badly. Will paypal pizza and beer money in addition to purchase price.

[jyoni]

dp

Edited August 1, 2012 by jyoni

[blm14]

Afraid its boxes or nothing, I think. You can leave the tops off if you want to be able to see whats in there. I have like 5 boxes of 45s and I have to say it really is the best way to store them

[RobotRock]

Current setup, just getting back into vinyl and hifi. Pioneer stuff and some B&W P5s

[Wernham Hogg]

So, i guess we can discuss the actual records in here aswell.

Black Friday recently released the list of the special releases this year.

http://www.recordstoreday.com/NewsItem/3222

http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialReleases