Turntables and Vinyl?

[GFOviedo]

So, I recently just met someone who used to work for Motown back in the days. He is a really cool guy, retired, worked in the education system all of his life aside from working at Motown. Well, you can't believe his vinyl collection. He's got a warehouse full of vinyl. We talked about music and audio equipment, and I was pretty impress how good and detailed vinyl sounds. So, I've got an itch.

I have been looking at turntables, but I never realized how expensive turntables and accessories are. I thought since turntable and vinyl are from the dinosaur era that they would be more to the inexpensive side, but boy was I wrong. I was wondering if anyone who is into this type of equipment can give me some advised where to start. I think it would be cool to have and show my kids about past technology.

 

[Tony V.]

Look at the used market first, lots of people trying to get rid of them. If this is just going to be a show and tell unit without really building a large collection of vinyl look for something thats direct drive with pitch control (the cheaper belt drive turntables are not great)

 

[Grayson Dere]

Welcome to the wonderful world of vinyl!

Personally, I own an Origin Live brand turntable, which is a fantastic company...check out these links for information on quality differences of turntables and cartridges in general. Hopefully this can
jump-start your search : )

https://www.originlive.com/hi-fi/turntable-record-player/ (scroll down past the product descriptions for the info on turntable differences and choosing)

https://www.originlive.com/hi-fi/cartridges-mc-mm/

https://www.originlive.com/key-information/how-to-choose-hi-fi-system/ (I especially like the article 'System Hierarchy and Budget')


Let us all know what your thoughts are! Enjoy!

 

[JStewart]

Low(er) cost new options
UTurn
Project
Monoprice Monolith

I grew up with vinyl. Bought one last year. Re-discovered all the things I didn’t like about it. Returned the table to amazon.
Clearly many love it though. Having seen and heard some pricey rigs at the Florida audio show just last year I can see the attraction if you’re willing to commit to it.

 

[GFOviedo]

Thank you for the suggestions. I have been doing some research, and I have found that this vinyl / turntable hobby can become pretty expensive. More expensive than digital. I have been looking around the used market, and I have found a few turntables between $40 to $220.
I found someone local selling a Fluance RT81 brand new for $225, but I was able to lowered the price to $180, but I am still not sure if I want to buy it. My mom has an old Zenith console that still works. It has a turntable, 8 track and radio in one. All original and the speakers still work. I might end up just messing around with that for now. There are so many options. A guy at work who is into vinyl recommend Linn, Thorens TD124, Garrad 301/401, Acoustic Research XA/XB, Technic SP10 / SP1200. I have looked online for those, and boy they are still expensive.

 

[GFOviedo]

Well, I have been doing a lot of thinking and research about cost, and ease of use, and I have decided against going forward with this. I have two children (2 and 5 years old) who get into all of my stuff. I would hate for them to ruin a turntable and LP's. I am going to wait till they are older, and I will be able to buy a more decent set up then. Not for them, but for me since I miss the old-simple days. I suppose is more of a nostalgic feeling / idea than anything else.