this post was submitted on 19 Jun 2023
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Turntables
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Let's talk about turntables.
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The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X (and it's variants) is the absolute cheapest turntable worth buying new that isn't a rip-off. You can even get a deal at outlet.audio-technica.com by buying factory refurbished units. The deals there change daily, so check on it often. You can even sometimes find great deals on models that are a step or two above the AT-LP60X.
It's automatic, so it moves the tonearm and sets it for you when you press play, and it returns the tonearm and stops when it reaches the end of the side of the record.
It has nothing to adjust. This is a bonus if you just want to plug it in and start spinning records. It's a problem if you have issues with playback from (for example) warped records.
Tip: Make sure to use a level when setting it up.
It has a decent cartridge and replaceable/upgradable stylus. It has a built-in preamp, so you won't need to shop for one. You can also select "phono out" on the back of the AT-LP60X if you want to connect it to your receiver's "phono in" to use its built-in preamp or to connect it to an external preamp.
To hear your music, you will need either powered speakers (with a built-in amp) or a receiver/amp and passive speakers.
On Reddit today, u/Pas444 asked:
Here was my reply:
If you’re worried about wasting money, the suitcase/Crosley “turntables” are a rip-off regardless of whether they’ll damage your records.
Cheapest actual turntable: AT-LP60X factory refurbished from https://outlet.audio-technica.com/catalog/category/view/id/1115/?product_list_order=name ($100)
Next lowest price Audio-Technica automatic turntable is the AT-LP3 ($200)
For manual turntables, the lowest price Audio-Technica is the AT-LPW30 ($200)
Next lowest price Audio-Technica manual turntable is the AT-LP120X ($400)
If you’re looking for something portable, the Audio-Technica Sound Burger is the only modern option that’s acceptable: https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at-sb727 ($200). But it’s an oddball.
These prices and stock fluctuate, so check the outlet often and if you shop on Amazon, you can get alerts from https://camelcamelcamel.com/
There are other brands/turntables near these prices, so this list is just to help you compare features/prices. If you’re willing to do some learning, and keep an eye out in local stores and online, you can get a way better turntable made in the 80s-90s for the same price (or even luck out and get one for $11 like a recent post in this sub).