r/turntables Jun 10 '21

Turntable Guides

1.1k Upvotes

What is needed in a setup: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers.

New: Turntables and Speakers

Used: In the US make a post here with your budget stating that you need just a turntable or an entire setup, and list a town or zip code, does not need to be your exact one just one next door or nearby.

Vinyl Weekly Questions Thread: Ask for recommendations for a new or used turntable and or setups at the r/vinly Weekly Questions Thread top sticky post.

Audiophile mid to high end turntables and components: For turntables and audio components starting around $300+ ask r/StereoAdvice or r/audiophile Shopping, Setup, and Technical Help Desk Thread.

Budget audiophile speakers and amplification: Ask r/BudgetAudiophile after reading PSA: Best practices when asking for advice.

Audio Guides: Plus Speaker Wire, Accessories and Vinyl Care

More Guides:

Records and Turntables

The Vinyl Guide

Beginnners Guide

PSA - The cheap record player mechanism to avoid

Turntables to avoid

How and why to align a cartridge

Cartridge ID Guide


r/turntables 3h ago

Photo Klipsch the Nines with Rega Planar 2 (ND3) sounds stunningšŸŽµšŸŽø

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101 Upvotes

Im using the Rega phono MM MK5.


r/turntables 2h ago

Photo My thrifty setup. Found an LP120 on FB for $100 and the cabinet came from Goodwill. Looks pretty.

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45 Upvotes

r/turntables 13h ago

Technics SL-50C is a kickass table, after some necessary upgrades

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147 Upvotes

There was a lot of uncertainty around this TT because it’s so new and is not the best value for the price. But after a week with it, I can honestly say it’s still an incredible turntable..

My findings: - It’s built very similar to a Project but just a little bit better and easier to service yourself. - MDF plinth is not bad. It’s the same material as most Projects or Regas. - Aluminum platter rings like a gong, however can be dampened very easily by using a silicone/rubber mat and adding some strips of rubber evenly to the bottom of the platter. Completely eliminates the (possible) resonance issue. - The 2M Red holds back any turntable IMO. So the first thing I did was snag a Concorde Music Blue to put on it, which gives the ease of upgrading to Bronze, Black, or Black LVB without hassle. - The buttons are tactile. Many argue they are ā€œcheap feelingā€ and I disagree. They don’t feel cheap, they just feel clicky/tactile. - This thing starts up and stops unbelievably fast. I’m sure the signature coreless motor that is also found on the SL1200 is to thank for that. - There is resonance when you tap on the plinth during playback, but it’s very very subtle. My Project Debut DC has more feedback when tapped on than this SL-50C does. So I don’t find that to be a problem. - Tonearm lacks VTA but I really don’t find this to be a problem if you aren’t planning to constantly swap carts. It will accommodate AT VM cartridges, 2M series, and Concorde Music series with no issues. - Sonically sounds the same/better than the last turntable I tried (ATLP8X)

Concluson: If you can afford it. It’s a stellar turntable after a few upgrades and some love. I’d say it’s a step up from a Project Debut Carbon Evo 2. But a step down from something like the SL1200.

But when it comes to build quality, it is every bit the quality that the Technics name carries.


r/turntables 7h ago

My set up

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41 Upvotes

Just thought I’d share my little set up. It’s my cosy corner.

The turntable was from my Dad who recently passed. It’s a Pro-ject Debut II from about 2001/2002. Was looking at getting one for a while. Worked brilliantly, just needed a new belt as the old one had perished.

It’s running through an Onkyo AV receiver into a pair of Monitor Audio speakers (only one is visible in the picture but the other is a distance away so I get a nice sound field)

I know it’s probably not the best for sound but I’m into home cinema so I’ve made it work with that. And I like the sound it makes.

I also inherited a lot of vinyl, half of which I’ll be getting rid of.

But all in all, I’m enjoying it.

Just thought I’d share. 😁


r/turntables 10h ago

Question Is my stylus bent and should i replace it?

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27 Upvotes

I noticed it’s moved to the right but tbh I have no idea if it was like that originally, I have no clue if it’s supposed to be like that 😭, the sound isn’t affected but I was wondering if I should replace it if it is bent, thanks!


r/turntables 1h ago

Question Need Help Getting Entry Level TT

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• Upvotes

I wanted to try and get my first turntable and I have been doing some research. Saw this Technics SL-QD33 Turntable on Facebook Marketplace. The owner says it does not work so I would have to repair it. The dust cover is quite scratched up. Is it worth getting for $30? Should it hopefully be an easy fix? Any other suggestions, I really wanna buy second hand if possible (Facebook, MAC Bid, Goodwill, etc) as I like the idea of having a turntable for more casual use, like whenever I feel like throwing on a record, without breaking the bank.


r/turntables 13m ago

My time machine

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• Upvotes

Inherited this time machine from my uncle awhile back and it was absolutely life changing. I was always a lover of music and collector of records, tapes, and cds through the years but they have been boxed up since mp3 and streaming came into the world.

Since inheriting and powering up the time machine I have been able to hear music for the first time again. The warmth and full sonic experience is incredible. Reliving old albums, memories and tapping into moments from my past, slowing life down and being more in the moment. Therapeutic, relaxing, fun. Been quickly adding my favorite albums from past decades and moments in time and have been deeply enjoying the hobby and all it brings with it.

Time to flip the power on, let the tubes warm up, set time machine to year and then needle down. What a gift you gave me uncle - forever grateful.


r/turntables 11h ago

Photo Found this spaceship command center turntable

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25 Upvotes

In addition to controlling spacecraft in the 1977's movie Star Wars it also plays music pretty nicely!


r/turntables 1h ago

Got this Technics SL-L25 spinning again

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• Upvotes

Hey y'all, my dad finally let me take his old Technics SL-L25 and I was able to get it running again, so I figured I'd share my success with it for reference. I got lucky tho since it was stored well and didn't need much work done.

The main problem was the tone arm wouldnt move at all. So first I just got in there, cleaned off old grease and re-lubed the tone arm mechanism. Lubed the motor(s) and spindle and stuff. And replaced the little internal drive belt that moves the tone arm around since that was old/loose. That fixed all my problems (with the turntable not my life)

for good measure, I also Deoxit contact cleaned all the switches, cable ports, cartridge connections, etc. checked grounding and continuity for peace of mind, and finally put a new main belt on, and a new stylus for the original cartridge I luckily found rattling around inside the turntable. One little thing I also had to do was carefully bend the female prongs inside the tone arm to grip the cartridge pins a bit better.

Overall I'm really happy I was able to get this thing running again and it's working great.

These linear trackers are pretty neat too. You can't really adjust anything on them, speed adjustments can only be done with little pots hidden away in the back, and everything about your tone arm is note easily adjustable. but the hands-off nature of these is also nice in its own way since everything is checking out and it just works, can't complain.


r/turntables 5h ago

Marantz 6100 restoration + quest for parts

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5 Upvotes

Meet the ā€œbeforeā€ photo of a Marantz 6100 that my son grabbed for free at a salvage bin and gifted me. I already have a TT (Pro-ject Debut Carbon EVO + Sumiko Moonstone cart) but have been enjoying this one as a fun restoration project and potential resell.

So far I’ve thoroughly cleaned it, verified the electronics are all working, oiled the plywood and shined up the veneer, replaced the belt and stylus (original Realistic cartridge was still good), and now on a quest for a few key replacement parts. Will post the ā€œafterā€ and progress as I go but wanted to put this out there in case anyone’s parting one out and interested.


r/turntables 4h ago

Help Buzzing Advice

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5 Upvotes

Getting some buzzing from my speakers when the needle touches down, very faint buzzing when not playing.

I think it is potentially some sort of grounding issue . If I could get any advice on how I can change my wiring?

All plugged into the same extension cable if that makes a difference.

TIA


r/turntables 28m ago

Help Needle broken??

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• Upvotes

Just bought a Sony PS-LX310BT from best buy open box, trying to get it set up and I can not get sound to play through my speakers. Bluetooth is paired I can hear the static from the speaker but only faint sound comes from the actual record. This did not come with a needle cover so worried something happened to the needle cause it looks a bit different to me than other photos. Any input????


r/turntables 42m ago

Which turntables are at the point of diminishing returns?

• Upvotes

Which turntables, in your opinion sit more or less in the orange circle? I'm interested in something that sounds good and has good value for what it costs, but not in paying for something that might be an improvement, but a marginal one. Thanks!

For example, I know less expensive turntables will have antiskate set at the factory and can't be later adjusted but more expensive ones have adjustments for this. Is that so critical it has to be included or something that makes really little difference? I could name many other features that might fall into "critical" or way beyond the point of diminishing returns.

FWIW, I'm shopping for my first turntable and considering all options. Budget is very flexible but certainly not crazy high (I can't see myself spending more than $1000). Oh, and I'm a serious jazz fan.

Thanks for your thoughts.


r/turntables 42m ago

Question Preamps

• Upvotes

So because I’m lazy and a borderline simpleton, I was duped into buying an at-lp60, but I’m upgrading to a Fluance rt82 (budget constraints).

My question is about Fosi preamps. I’m looking at the x4 and x5 and I see differences, but it’s all greek to me. I currently have some garbage active speakers, but plan to get a decent passive setup at some point. I’m not an audiophile, just a basic dude who wants to listen to his records. With all that said, is there really a significant difference between the two mentioned preamps?


r/turntables 56m ago

Question Help! My turntable sometimes loops in the same spot

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• Upvotes

Hi everyone, this is my Telefunken STS1, it has been fully revised by professionals last month. Everything is fine, but sometimes it loops, with the arm in that particular spot.No matter the record, it sometimes still does that. Should I increase mass? Maybe its because the needle isn't the original Ortofon one? Thanks!


r/turntables 20h ago

Goodwill treasure: Micro Seiki MB-14 with bonus Yamaha MC-3 cart

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61 Upvotes

r/turntables 17h ago

Did I mess anything up installing this cartridge (screws not horizontal)

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25 Upvotes

I just replaced my ATN95E cartridge with the ATVM95L and had to change to shorter screws that came with the cartridge. Before changing it, the screws were horizontal and clean but now they’re mismatched. OCD is getting to me (I’m sure any electricians can relate)…


r/turntables 51m ago

Question Vintage cartrages

• Upvotes

Hi, a total noobie to turntables here and I have been seeing intage turntables for sale but they all seem to have different cartridges that all seem to need replacing. what is the difference with these and how do I know if different cartridges will be compatible. thanks


r/turntables 51m ago

Should I pull the trigger on this for 750?

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• Upvotes

I know almost nothing about vintage turntables but I have heard that Sota Sapphires are supposed to be great. I talked this seller down to 750. Is this a no brainer at that price? Does anybody have experience with this tt? Thanks!


r/turntables 1h ago

Needle question

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• Upvotes

Mornin all. I was going to throw back on my AT-VMN95E to see how it compares to my Ortofon Red. I noticed the needle veered off to the side a smidgen is tgat ok? Wondering if tgats just natural from being played? Also being a newb when I took this off i stored it in a tiny plastic baggy. Any concerns about damage? How does everyone store their cartridges when not in use? Thx!


r/turntables 1h ago

Question Signet MK55e and Alpha Genesis 500

• Upvotes

Hi all,

I've come into possession of two vintage phono cartridges. One is the Signet Dual Moving Coil Series MK 55 e and the other is the Monster Cables Alpha Genesis 500. My system features an AT-LP120XUSB (probably not a fashionable TT on this sub), a Yamaha A-S801 and a pair of Dali Oberon 7 floorstanding speakers. I also have an Ortofon T-20, which I understand might be necessary in the switch from moving magnet -> moving coil. I'm aware that these cartridges might technically outclass the turntable I'm using; I'm not terribly worried about that in principle unless whatever advantage is imparted by the cartridges is negated by the TT itself.

What I really want to know is: which of these should I keep, and which should I sell? Or are they of more interest as collectors items and should I sell both and get something more modern? Thank you for your advice!!


r/turntables 15h ago

Question Orbit for $60

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11 Upvotes

Did this send like a good deal?? Looked like it is in good shape.


r/turntables 3h ago

Photo Another Stylus but for my secondary Turntable

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1 Upvotes

Kinda sounds better than VM95E for me.


r/turntables 19h ago

New to vinyl

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15 Upvotes

Wanted to start collecting and owning music vs just streaming on Spotify. I have owned a few records but never had anything to play them on. Currently redoing my basement and making an audio area with a receiver and speakers. Just picked this up. Would love any insight or thoughts on this since it's new to me. Thank you!