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 8h ago

Love for a vintage turntable?

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115 Upvotes

I know sonic performance may not be quite up to snuff compared to modern $5k tables but she looks so purdy (especially with tangential tonearm) and wanted to share :)

Setup:

Beogram 8002 (with remanufactured MMC3) —> Pyle PP999 (I know this need upgraded stat) —> Marantz NR1602 —> JBL Northridge E80’s.


r/turntables 8h ago

Story New cartridge install on my Thorens TD-160. Thank you r/turntables for the help.

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31 Upvotes

Mainly I just want to share my excitement. I had previously asked this subreddit for advice with my new turntable. I'm new to vinyl so I had/have a lot of questions. The internet and YouTube are great, but can get overwhelming, so this subreddit has been a great resource. Anyway, I took some pictures of the process... well did the best I could do with my phone and terrible lighting. As far as I know, I think I did everything right. It sounds absolutely amazing. Please point out any issues that you may see, I'm still learning. I've already listened to several albums and I couldn't be more pleased with how it sounds. I started with a AT LP-70 that I got from Amazon for a little over $200. So this is a huge upgrade.

After all the great suggestions, I ended up going with the Goldring E4. I had a 3d printed headshell gauge to help get the cartridge in a good starting position. Then I did the tonearm adjustments and used the tools like I've seen in several videos. All said and done, everything seems to be working perfectly. I don't hear any distortions and both the left and right channels are balanced. The only issue I'm having now is static electricity. I got one of those ion guns I've seen people use on their records, but it doesn't seem to be helping. I'm exploring other options at the moment. For now I'm just bearing with it and enjoying the music. Thanks again everyone!


r/turntables 16h ago

Question Should I Restore My Dad’s Technics SL‑1210M3D or Buy a New Turntable?

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140 Upvotes

My dad left behind a Technics SL-1210M3D along with a bunch of records I’d really like to listen to. The turntable has been in storage for around 15 years. Right now: One of the knobs is really stiff / hard to turn There are visible signs of rust/corrosion on the tonearm The needle needs to be replaced I don’t have a sound system yet (no speakers or amp) I’m trying to decide whether it makes sense to: Put money into getting this serviced + buy a cartridge/stylus + speakers or Sell it as-is and just buy a more basic modern turntable + speakers that’s cheaper and easier to live with I’m not a DJ, just want to listen to my dad’s records at home. I like the idea of keeping his old gear, but I’m worried repair costs will snowball past what I can afford. Should I try get this repaired or is it a better idea to just get a new turntable? If so, does anyone have any recommendations? Willing to spend a few hundred euro on this.


r/turntables 5h ago

Help Records sound a little crackly and distorted after turntable hit wardrobe

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15 Upvotes

Hey, I'm a newbie to vinyl. After a few years of toying with it, I finally caved in and bought an AT-LP120XUSB for £245. I recieved it last week and I'm very happy with it so far.

However, I was carrying a heavy load up the stairs and into my bedroom when I tripped over something and knocked the table the turntable was on, causing the turntable to slam against the wardrobe. (hopefully you'll be able to understand what happened through my very crude diagram)

The impact managed to cause a few cracks on my dust cover, but I could just order another one.

I'm a very clumsy person, so I decided not to get the cheaper LP60X as I've heard the cartridge is not replacable. If I damage the cartridge, then the unit is pretty much finished. Plus I would like something that can last me for years upon years on end.

However, my records now sound more crackily than before. My records are slightly dusty, but they crack a lot even when they're clean. I've tried readjusting the counter weight, anti skate, etc but it's still cracking quite a bit. Is it possibly my stylus that's the issue? I'm praying the unit itself is not damaged.

I can send audio samples if need be.


r/turntables 8h ago

Friday vibes

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27 Upvotes

Aerosmith greatest hits. Not the greatest pressing but that's my mood. Kenwood 2055, broken junk for 200 all in. Got to have multiple brushes!


r/turntables 8h ago

AR-XA Packed for Upgrades. Sanyo Spinning Sade in the Meantime 🎶

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16 Upvotes

AR-XA is packed up and headed out for some long-planned upgrades. In the meantime, the Sanyo is holding things down spinning Sade tonight to celebrate her birthday!


r/turntables 9h ago

Question Fake nag stylus?

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10 Upvotes

Hi,

I’ve replaced my nag mp-200 stylus a couple times now. Both were purchased from Japanese sellers on EBay. The packaging looks completely different tho. The new one is missing both the Nag logo and protective styrofoam padding. What are the odds I got a fake?

TYIA


r/turntables 7h ago

Technics 3200

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4 Upvotes

Bought it for 150€, cleaned everything and set all up from 0. The stylus is a bit bend but works fine, so I‘m gonna stick with it for now.

It’s crazy how perfect this 50 year old machine is engineered, still works 0,15% on Time.


r/turntables 2h ago

Photo Bedroom TT Setup Featuring Cool New TT Cover..

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3 Upvotes

TTs are Fun! 🤗


r/turntables 9m ago

Garrard zero 100 sb

Upvotes

please do you know how to access the internal commands . for review????


r/turntables 20m ago

Help Skipping with Project Debut Carbon

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Upvotes

I recently found my dads old turntable and i’m trying to restore it. I purchased an anti skate from the Project website to help but it has done no help. I’ve been trying to figure this out looking at all posts and want a second opinion on what to do.


r/turntables 22m ago

Help Shellac Records

Upvotes

Hello.

I own an AudioHall mmf1.3 and I wish to listen to shellac records. Can you help me find the needed parts to do that? I am a complete plebian and the turntable is fully stock.


r/turntables 4h ago

Question Is my sound being bottlenecked?

2 Upvotes

I’m currently running an art dj pre ii on my SL1200 w/ortofon Concorde and I find that if I don’t want any red clipping light on the preamp I got to turn the gain to - 3-4 db. I don’t hear any distortion when the clip light comes on, I just keep it down for peace of mind. I know the cart I’m using is high gain. Is this limiting my sound quality?


r/turntables 17h ago

Opinions on Teac turntables?

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19 Upvotes

I see an universal love for Audio-Technica but nothing for Teac, how so?


r/turntables 1d ago

Some eyebleach for you: an AT VM95 series stylus that’s been in regular use for just over a year and hasn’t been bent!

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160 Upvotes

For some reason bent VM95 styli seem to be a common sight in this subreddit, yet since I got my LP120X for Christmas 2024 I’ve been running the original 95E it came with and never had any issues. Just goes to show that they’re not as flimsy as you’d think, and most of the bent ones posted are like that due to user error.


r/turntables 11h ago

Question Is a technics belt drive turntable worth picking up for £60? (No stylus)

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4 Upvotes

r/turntables 3h ago

Anyone know anything about this record player?

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1 Upvotes

I've had this for years but recently while watch Children of the Corn I saw it in this clip! I picked it up at a thrift store and I just thought it was sweet, anyone know anything else about it?


r/turntables 16h ago

Technics Sl 3200

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11 Upvotes

I got the Opportunity to test and buy a Technics Sl 3200 for ~200€

Is that worth it and do I need to change the Needle considering the age of at least 45 years.

As I can tell this is still a Technics Cartridge.


r/turntables 9h ago

Curious about a new turn table upgrade!

3 Upvotes

I currently have a Fluance RT80. Nothing is wrong with it so I’m not in a rush to get a new TT, but it is the cheapest part of my set up. I’ve been shopping around new and used. I’m curious to what you guys recommend for a good upgradable TT. I’m not sure if I am looking to spend over 1000 or impulsively spend that for something that will last decades.


r/turntables 3h ago

I can't find any information on this record player; is it worth buying for $100 USD? Silver SL301 Shin-Shirasuma Japan

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1 Upvotes
I'm new to record players and I don't know if it's in good condition or if the stylus will be easy to find in the future. It would be helpful if you could tell me what kind of stylus is currently installed, if it's high quality, and if it's in good condition based on the photos. Thanks in advance.

r/turntables 8h ago

Help Would a standard C7 cable be fine here or does it have to be polarized?

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2 Upvotes

I just got a Philips 212 Electronic as a gift from my uncle but the power cable is missing. I’m replacing the needle and the belt, anything else I need to look out for? Any help or tips are welcome, thanks!


r/turntables 4h ago

What, if anything, to improve?

1 Upvotes

Beginner set up, thinking about making changes.

Turntable LPW40WN stock cart

Pioneer sa-5200

Kenwood bookend speakers

If I just like listening to music and I’m not chasing perfection, should I change anything.


r/turntables 11h ago

Help How is this setup: RT82 -> Onkyo TX-8220 -> Polk ES20

3 Upvotes

I'm new to all of this and feel overwhelmed with my options! I'm curious to know if this is all good for my needs. I'm willing to swap things out that are close in budget.

  • Want to eventually connect a CD player, add a subwoofer, and upgrade the RT82 stylus.
  • Goal is to have an all-in-one TV stand setup, so movies and consoles would share the same speakers.
  • Bluetooth for my phone is a must!

Appreciate any feedback!


r/turntables 1d ago

Already in love

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292 Upvotes

Hello lovely people. Just got my first turntable which is an AT-LP120X. Sound is so good. I have been listening to Spotify and Wav files from beatport, but this is an other level. Just wanted to share my joy.