Vintage Stereos

[GTCanuk]

Any vinyl lovers out there ? Been thinking of putting a system together. Any does and don'ts looking for a vintage turntable

[Wharf Rat]

Let me see if I can remember some of the things we used to worry about.

You need a nice heavy, non-resonant surface to put it on or the vibrations will feedback to the needle.

You want to invest a few bucks in something to clean the vinyl each time before you play it.

You want a turntable that has a manual lever or an automatic lift to put the needle on the record. Most folks don't have steady enough hands to place the needle with their fingers. (or, maybe that was an effect of what used to go with playing records.)

I'm not gonna talk brands because they've probably changed. I used to use a B&O.

[smokin5]

I still play vinyl (& reel-to-reels!).
I recommend a direct drive as opposed to a belt drive turntable.
I bought an Audio Technica turntable a few years ago. Highly recommended.
Model AT-LP120.
Also has USB cable & software to convert your audio LP's to digital.
Most of my other stereo equipment is from the 70's - Pioneer 535 receiver,
Infinity speakers & Teac reel-to-reel. And a Pioneer dual cassette player/recorder.

[mncigarguy]

I have a Stanton, they make nice turntables. I would not buy some old vintage thing, get a new one

[hotreds]

Indeed, there are still quality turntables made. The main concern about a vintage turntable would be the availability of needles/cartridges.

[mosesbotbol]

I would buy a new turntable.

[Greentud]

I have a Dual belt drive from the 70s. Had new seals and wiring put in about 10 years ago. If I were to replace it I would buy new.

[Barrythevic]

Technics has just announced that they are bringing out two new versions of their SL-1200 turntable at the 2016 CES. Technics has been offering the SL-1200 for years. It was the last model they have produced. Back in the day the Technics SP-10 was the work horse of the broadcasting industry. If you can find one of those, BUY IT! Just a note, the SP-10 is just a turntable, no base, no arm, they were going for over $ 1,300 new when they last were available.

As far as phono cartridges, Shure, Grado, Audio Technica are all still being produced.

There are several direct to USB turntables, some of them not the best quality.

As far as vinyl care, get a Zerostat antistatic gun to eliminate static on your records. Discwasher is still being made to clean them.

Also, get a phono cartridge alignment tool. This allows you to setup the cartridge and stylus to the correct angle to allow the best reproduction of the cut and also to avoid damaging the grooves.

Last is the phono preamp. Almost all modern stereo amplifiers do not include phono preamps today. You will need a good one. This is where you need to research and find the best one to match the cartridge you are going to use. Next to the cartridge, this is the most important piece of the pie. Check out some of the reviews available on line.

Good Luck!

[mosesbotbol]

If you are looking for sheer audiophile quality, a 1200 is not your turntable. They are DJ workhorses that sound great for their utility.

[Greentud]

Check out Vinyl Asylum.

[mncigarguy]

I would stay away from USB turntables as well, junk!

[jjirons69]

As if I didn't have enough to occupy my time and wallet, I've been getting more and more vinyl. Starting to build a little collection. Great to see a lot of old records still out there and still in really good shape. Seem folks took better care of their vinyl than I did growing up. My teenage daughter got me back on the horse and we're having fun listening to those old albums of my childhood and teenage years.