BudgetAudiophile

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First turntable recommendations? (lemmy.ca)

submitted 8 months ago by [email protected] to c/budgetaudiophile

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Been collecting records for years but never owned a turntable (lol)

Wondering if it's a better bet to buy a brand new turntable, or a vintage turntable? I like the idea of buying a vintage made in Japan turntable but not sure if there is actually a difference in terms of technology.

Also, I am interested in ripping some records I have, can any turntable do this? I have a focusrite audio interface already.

Recommendations appreciated. My headphones are AKG K7XX but likely I would be using the turntable with my inexpensive powered Edifer bookshelf speakers.

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

The vintage market will vary depending on where you are. If you want vintage, try to shoot for the sweet spot between the 70s and mid 80s. Japanese turntables we very reliable and the market hadn't been overrun with cheap plasticky P mount decks yet.

I've bought all of my decks from FB. I try to stick to Japanese decks because that's what I have experience in, and my current deck is a Technics SL-Q3, with a Q2 as backup. I payed $150 AUD for each of them, both needed a little TLC cosmetically, but are rock solid performers and sound fantastic with a nice cartridge.

The SL-D2 is also a good option and there are plenty around, but JVC, Kenwood, Yamaha and Sony all made good stuff too. Even Akai made a few gems that still fly under the radar so can be particularly affordable.

Audiokarma is your best friend for information, but they will almost always direct you towards vintage rather than buying new.

PS. If you go vintage and want to use the edifers, you'll likely need a preamp. I have a Project Phono Box E that was cheap enough and sounds fine to my ears, but I prefer to use the built in pre amp in my stereo amplifier.