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Getting started with vinyl

post #1 of 31
7/20/10 at 9:42pm
Thread Starter 
As a broke-ass student, how much would I have to spend to get a decent setup? I'd be using headphones, so would I just need a turntable and receiver? Is buying used a good idea?
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post #2 of 31
7/20/10 at 9:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jekyll View Post
As a broke-ass student, how much would I have to spend to get a decent setup? I'd be using headphones, so would I just need a turntable and receiver?
That's all that's required, yes. You can get a decent starter turntable for $100. If you buy a used turntable make sure you start with a replacement stylus because you'll have no idea how many hours are on it.
Quote:
Is buying used a good idea?
Yes. If you have a local record shop you're in luck, because you'll be able to physically inspect the records. Beware ebay, they all lie about the condition.
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post #3 of 31
7/20/10 at 10:36pm
Check local thrift stores..... Last time I went to good will they had 3 turn tables.... 1 from the 1950's with built in speakers and a tube amp. 1 from the 1980's 1 from the 1990's All $20 or less, and they worked.
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post #4 of 31
7/21/10 at 7:01pm
depends on what you want to do with vinyl.
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post #5 of 31
7/21/10 at 7:10pm
What do you mean by "decent"? 1 - You could go with a vintage turntable from a thrift shop and change the stylus. Cheapest option. Some effort required but if you're lucky you could make a good find. 2 - You could buy a low-end turntable in the $100-200 range. Gemini, Stanton, Numark, Technics, etc. 3 - You could get an entry-level quality turntable. I have a Pro-Ject Debut III and recommend it (I got the Phono SB version with built-in phono pre-amp and speed box - essential for quickly switching between 33 and 45 rpm). This will run you about $400-500. I went through all of these in that order. The first 2 were OK for awhile but once I finished school, I really wanted to upgrade.
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post #6 of 31
7/21/10 at 7:19pm
Thread Starter 
^ Probably 1 or 2. If the turntable has a pre-amp will I still need a receiver? And what should I look for in a receiver?
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post #7 of 31
7/21/10 at 7:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jekyll View Post
^ Probably 1 or 2. If the turntable has a pre-amp will I still need a receiver? And what should I look for in a receiver?

You need both a pre-amp and an amp (receiver). Most turntables don't have an integrated pre-amp so you'll need a receiver with a phono input (built-in phono preamp). Almost all vintage receivers have one but it's been omitted in many modern ones for obvious reasons.
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post #8 of 31
7/21/10 at 10:06pm
do technics 1200s make reasonable tables for home audio purposes only?

there are a few failed dream djs around me offloading them for pretty cheap... i like the retro utilitarian look of them.
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post #9 of 31
7/21/10 at 11:25pm
Depends on what kind of music you're into. I listen to a lot of lo-fi, DIY albums and older stuff, so I've always gravitated towards the older "higher quality" equipment. My dad has a turntable he bought in the 70's for a ton of money and I really enjoy it, along with an amp and some speakers from the same era. Just replaced the stylus and I was set. When it comes to vinyl/cassettes I'm a lo-fi junkie; if I wan't quality I'll listen to my ipod. EDIT: Just wanted to brag about my latest acquisition. Yes, that is a glow in the dark skull shaped record. EDIT 2: Sorry about the size.
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post #10 of 31
7/21/10 at 11:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JLay87 View Post
if I wan't quality I'll listen to my ipod.

uh oh
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post #11 of 31
7/22/10 at 12:17am
Ipod, computer, whatevs. I'm obviously not an audiophile.
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post #12 of 31
7/22/10 at 5:51pm
Best value for turntable IMO for price/performance is to buy a used TT like a Dual from a vintage record shop. There are usually a few of these in bigger cities at least around here. I bought a nice Dual 704 with an older but good-sounding Shure cartridge on it for $100, and it outperformed by Pro-Ject Debut II that i had at the time that came with the lousy Ortofon OM5 cartridge, and that TT cost much more.
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post #13 of 31
7/22/10 at 5:54pm
Three steps to good cheap vinyl sound... Look at the $200 Audio Technica PL-120: http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica...9833118&sr=8-1 Add an Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge at $99: http://www.needledoctor.com/Ortofon-...hono-Cartridge Add an Audio Technic phono stage for $44: http://www.needledoctor.com/Brand-St...dio-Technica_3 Then sit back and enjoy the music through existing stereo. Audiophile advice: Avoid Pro-Ject and Music Hall tables. Just trust me on that. Avoid really cheap cartridges as well.
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post #14 of 31
7/22/10 at 7:48pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks guys.
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post #15 of 31
7/24/10 at 2:47am
This proved helpful for me as well, thanks!
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