Turntables

[J.M.]

I'm looking at turntables on Gumtree, but don't really know what I'm looking at. Can anybody offer some advice on what is good/what to look for?

I'm intending for it to be a gift but really had the figure of around £60-80 in mind.

Is it possible to get a decent quality turntable for around this price? She has had some records passed down to her, and she wouldn't want them to be ruined on a player of poor quality.

Thanks!
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2004 R1 & 2018 XSR900

[Fizzer Thou]

https://www.richersounds.com/products/hi-fi-separates/separates/turntables usually have good advice and sold Mrs.Fizzer a reasonable quality turntable.

If you buy one with USB interface then you can download straight to hard drive
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Just talk bikes.What else is there?

Always have a 'Plan B'

[Robby]

Is this for playing at being a DJ, or just to play records?

If it's just to play records, then the important bit is the cartridge/needle. The turntable itself just needs to be able to turn at the right speed, which they all do. The needle is the bit that picks up the sounds, and being analogue its one of those things were quality makes a difference.

[CaNsA]

https://i.imgur.com/hzwJI5Z.gif

[J.M.]

Just for listening - no intentions of being a DJ!

Is the balance of issue at all? I imagine that how much the record rises/falls would put pressure against the needle, and wear out the record quicker?

USB also wouldn't really get used. It's possible to get almost all songs digitally now. This would be for playing analogue on occasion. I just don't want to buy something that would ruin a record.

There's a whole bunch on Gumtree. For example: https://www.gumtree.com/p/record-players-turntables/dual-cs-503-1-audiophile-concept-belt-drive-turntable./1089672442

I'm mainly asking because it's easy to buy cheap things. But I'd rather not buy anything if it's not possible to get something considered good for the price I've got in mind!
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2004 R1 & 2018 XSR900

[slowlydoesit]

[ferrisio]

The ubiquitous Technics SL-1210 family are actually a great buy for a hi fi deck too with a reasonable cartridge on. I have one with a Shure M97 on and I've never been happier with a deck.

Watch out for thrashed DJ ones, although almost all of the bits are replaceable and they are fairly easy to service - lots of info on the net.
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BMW R1100R

[LustyLew]

1210's aren't made any more. Event 2nd hand, they'll be pushing £200+ for one in decent condition. I just bought one of these Audio Technica decks, after seeing may reviews on YouTube. Out of your budget I admit, but I'm looking and getting back into playing with my vinyls.

I'd avoid anything made by Ion. Destroyed one of my records. The stylus was a rusty nail I'm sure!

I second the recommendation of Richer Sounds. Their stuff is keenly priced and usually pretty good quality. Just bare in mind their shops are usually tiny and you may have to talk to someone. It's rare to have turntables on display due to low demand.
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Like a Yorkie - I'm not for the girls

[Matt B]

I third the Richer Sounds Recommendation Went in our local store to ask about exactly the same thing earlier in the week because i found a load of the wife's old vinyl. They are pretty knowledgeable and through experience don't try and rip you off.

The Sony PSLX300 they sell has good reviews and it was their recommendation. It has USB and a built in phono stage so you can plug it into any amp.

https://www.richersounds.com/product/turntables/sony/pslx300/sony-pslx300

Haven't got it, waiting to see if it on sale after Xmas.
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stinkwheel: He had an animated .gif of a cat performing fellatio. It's not socially acceptable. It can have real life adverse effects on other people.

[map]

This thread has reminded me we emptied a cupboard the other weekend.
Discovered my old Pioneer PL200X direct drive turntable in there.
Been wondering if it would be any use. Really need to unpack to see if the stylus is still in there.

My newer one got packed away with the rest of the hifi in the loft as could not be left out with kids and cats. Didn't want damage, need to see if can resurrect after Xmas, I liked my Linn.
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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
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[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

I personally don't like the Technics 1210 - don't get me wrong, it's a good deck (and the strobe lit platter is a nice tool, to ensure correcting speed i.e. pitch etc.) - but although the direct drive is essential for starting a cued up disc when switching between decks (there is no lag - it goes from 0rpm to 33 or 45 almost instantly, thus giving you a perfect segue from the end of one song on deck one to the start of a second song on deck two), there can sometimes be a low frequency rumble from the DD bearing.

So, strictly speaking, a belt drive deck is preferable. There is in short less extraneous noise - i.e. less low frequency noise going on. However, and to be honest, this is all a bit OCD hi-fi nerd waffle. If you come across a 1210 in good nick for a ton, snap it up. Or tell me.

The gumtree Dual linked to above is probably fine. However, if there is a Rega Planar 2 or 3 for similar money, that would perhaps be preferable. This is because if you need any parts it may be easier to obtain them for the latter with them being a UK company. Dual are American.
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"Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."

Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125

[lihp]

[ferrisio]

[J.M.]

There seems to be a Richer Sounds not too far from work. I'll try and take a visit during my lunch break one day soon. Hopefully tomorrow if I remember.

@lihp, I know they all ruin (wear out) records. I guess better wording would have been ruin one unnecessarily fast.

Thanks all for the recommendations. Hopefully I'm able to find and buy something in time!
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2004 R1 & 2018 XSR900

[Ol]

Not sure if it will be of any use, but i've got a couple of turntables - you're welcome to one if you can collect it from Leeds!

i dont know what make they are off the top of my head, and you'll have to get an amp (i wired them up using a pre-amp then into a bose lifestyle system) but it works decent and sounded good, drop me a PM if your interested

https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/17226_10151535172713351_730523645_n.jpg?oh=f4c7470241efdb2d089a3c0c7a160112&oe=54D8B95A
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[J.M.]

Thank you all for your help & advice!

[Dave70]

Ahh, not https://www.easyturn.co.uk/
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2012: R125 killed by white van. 2016 R125 killed by 30,000 miles of redline. Current: 2016 Kawasaki ER6f.

[J.M.]