Record Players!

[kalbi]

I'm going to start a record collection. I have no clue where to start, so I'd like some pointers from those of you who have a collection. I'm not trying to be a DJ - that's shit is corny. I just want a good record player that produces overall good sound at all speeds - 33, 45, 78 rpm. Any recommendations? Some links would be much appreciated - I prefer simple, sleek designs, and retro is cool too, as long as the sound is decent.


Thanks again.

[kalbi]

Anyone? Please? :twisted:

[ric]

I'm going to start a record collection. I have no clue where to start, so I'd like some pointers from those of you who have a collection. I'm not trying to be a DJ - that's shit is corny. I just want a good record player that produces overall good sound at all speeds - 33, 45, 78 rpm. Any recommendations? Some links would be much appreciated - I prefer simple, sleek designs, and retro is cool too, as long as the sound is decent.


Thanks again.

Don;t most of big name brands sell those retro style record players?

I could ask my grandpa to help you out :lol:

[cattygurl]

I rpersonally like Yamaha and Denon- a bit pricey, but a decent mid-high end audio equipment.

http://www.usa.denon.com/

I don't think Yamaha makes turntables anymore, but if you can get a used one in good condition, it might be a good bet.

There's no point getting good audio eq. if you have crappy speakers, tho...

Ack. I have NO good home speakers since my big Polks went MIA (atolen!!! stolen!!)- although if I were to buy speakers, I really like Energy speakers. My friend has a energy setup that is sch-weet.

[ellencho]

I have experience with technics and vestax turntables, but those are more for djing than anything else. I know that Technics are work horses so even if you don't get their top of the line, you're still getting a decent product. I've worked at clubs where they've had the same techs for over 20 years.

Also, you'll want to think about what types of stylus (stylii?) and needles you wish to go with your record player. IIRC stanton makes some decent every-day needles and stylii.

Check out www.musiciansfriend.com they have good deals.

[KeJia Sista]

We have Denon but Technics is good too.

Ke Jia

[cattygurl]

I admit I like Denon stuff. After working at a stereo store for couple o' years during college, I really got turned onto the brand. I also like B and O (Bang and Olufsen sp?) for looks...

I had a Denon record player that I sold- it served me well, but I sold my record collection along with my turntable when I was broke several years ago.

[KeJia Sista]

I admit I like Denon stuff. After working at a stereo store for couple o' years during college, I really got turned onto the brand. I also like B and O (Bang and Olufsen sp?) for looks...

I had a Denon record player that I sold- it served me well, but I sold my record collection along with my turntable when I was broke several years ago.


No, not the record collection! :shock:
I hope you taped everything first.

Ke Jia

[minbo]

What is your price range? 78 rpm might be a toughie, 33 and 45 rpm are easy to fufill.

A good "budget" audiophile turntable would be a Rega Planar 2 or 3. You should be able to find one used on ebay or someplace similar. For tonearms unless you go bat crazy looking them up, just go with a Rega 250, 300 or 1000 tonarm, those are probably what it will be sold with. It will set you back about $200.00 to $500.00 including cartridge. Then get a Denon 103 cartridge or go with whatever comes with the turntable. The Sumiko Blue Point Special was all the rage amongst the budget analog freaks for a while so that's likely suspect to be bundled.

If you decide to go a bit more pricy, you can go for a VPI HW-19 or a VPI Aeries with their JMW tonearm, though I'd probably rather invest in a nice VPI record cleaner and stay with a less expensive turntable if cash was a concern.

Link to Rega if you want new:

http://www.rega.co.uk/html/p3.htm

Oh, and if you are willing to pay a price premium for a cool look and are willing to take a slightly lesser sound for the money, look at the Michell Gyrodecs.

http://www.michell-engineering.co.uk/

VPI link

http://www.vpiindustries.com/