Great way to break down the Dos and Don'ts.... Balanced and Fair advice.. That's more or less the same advice you gave me when I was shopping for my last turntable and I am still extremely happy with the purchase I made, even if I'm always looking at the next thing to buy. ;-)
Great advice, Rick. I have not owned a turntable in...decades. Right now, I don't have room. (Or rather, I'm not willing to make the room.) But I still love your channel because it keeps me thinking about it and vinyl for the day I get back to it.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords We would love the space to have a room dedicated to playing and listening to music. So, we will get there! (And you'll get even more views as I go back through your videos for advice when the time comes!)
@@rogerturner1881 My wife and I are unfortunately in a one-bedroom apartment, and the main space also serves as the place she does art. So, there's no space without one of us giving something up. We're hoping to move on from this place next year, and will then hopefully have space for a turntable and setup.
I have a byron statics turntable suitcase. I find it really good. The built in speakers work fine along with by the turntable. I do not know why they say turntable suitcase are no good. I b have mine since December 20th, witch I got for my birthday.
Hi Roseanne! If you're enjoying it, that's really what matters in the end. Seriously. There are probably some units like yours that sound much better than average.
Good advice, Rick. I started off with a Pro-ject Debut Carbon EVO and the Schiit Mani 2 phono stage with the Sumiko Ranier. Upgraded to the Pro-ject aluminum sub platter and Project acrylic platter. Then upgraded to Pro-ject TubeBox S3 (from your advice) with Pro-ject PowerBox S2 to power the turntable and phono stage. Then upgraded the Sumiko to the Olympic cartridge. Could not be happier with the sound connected to my 90s Adcom 5800 and Adcom preamp and Bowers and Wilkins 801 matrix S2 speakers. At 65 my ears can only hear so much. Seems like a lot of upgrading, but I am very happy with the result. Drop that needle!!! 9:22
Very good advice Rick. I’m 64 and vinyl has been a constant in my life. Turntables are definitely one of those things that you get what you pay for. I had a friend that bought a Crosley “suitcase “ record player (not turntable). He then bought a new copy of Dark Side of the Moon and played it. Next time he put it on it skipped in a few places. Luckily the record store returned both for him. And he started over. Crosley to me is one of the last that should be considered.
It sounds like we had the same friend! A smiliar thing happened with someone I know. They had a suitcase turntable, DSOTM and ended up buying a better turntable after hearing how bad it sounded.
I took into account all the same things you said about 4 years ago now like upgrading stylus and preamps built in, head shell upgrades etc., and waited until I had about $1000 saved up and brought an Audio Technica LP-120, upgraded stylus to Oroton 2m red and a vintage Onkyo Amp and speakers and haven't looked back.
My recommendation for a good beginner’s turntable is the Audio Technica LP60X. For about $150, it’s a belt drive, fully automatic turntable that is a good way for someone just getting into records to first experience and learn about the hobby. All you need with it is a good pair of active speakers and you’re good to go. Though you can’t change the cartridge, you can change the stylus. It’s also a turntable that will last you long enough to grow into the hobby until you feel ready to upgrade to a better turntable (like the 120X, for example). This is a good alternative to ANY of those suitcase players out there and should be considered by someone wanting to get into vinyl!!!
Completely agree! That is actually the setup I bought for my son and his girlfriend for their first apartment. I'm with you on that as one of the best entry level setups there is.
this is a serious question( not a challenge). I am asking about your comments about resonance with the plinth. I have a solid plinth on one of my TT's. That plinth weighs about 25kgs and is made out of MDF. If I knock on it when playing a record i can hear that knock in the speakers. However I can't see how that = resonance( I can't see how resonance in that plinth is possible). I interpreted the knock transference as showing that the Tone arm is not isolated from the plinth( which is different from my TD 160). That particular plinth ( I am building a new one to replace it). Sits on Gaia III speaker feet ( the only isolation feet, that I could find, that were rated for the fully loaded weight of the TT; total weight is 34kg). I had assumed that what was more important was to ensure external vibration( particularly from the speakers) do not feedback through the plinth. Hence the Isolation feet. Have I been looking at this issue wrong? Edit: If I jump on the floor(parquet) next to the turntable , or knock on the hifi rack absolutely nothing ( other than the music) is heard in the speakers.
Hi Ian! I'm glad you asked so I can elaborate a bit further if anyone else has a similar thought. I probably could have specified more that I'm talking about Plinths with hollow spaces (not necessarily entirely hollow and where the tonearm is connected. As you said, the TD 160 is separated and that plinth is hollow. A hollow plinth (with a connected tonearm) can act like a drum, amplifying any vibrations it picks up. These vibrations can come the motor, the platter, or even external sources like footsteps or speakers. A hollow plinth may resonate at frequencies that fall within the audible range or the range of frequencies picked up by the cartridge, leading to unwanted noise and distortion in the playback. Not sure if that fully answered your question. Maybe it needs an entire video so I can avoid generalizations?
you should watch the show Loudermilk in which they walk around with the suitcase turntable like they are looking for a missing sock! It's hilarious. On the topic, great video as always. Do you know of any web site that lists turntable brands and models with prices and features, pros and cons? When one starts out, they will definitely miss one of the criteria you mention, especially upgradability. Also, one thing I would add is buying used. Vintage turntables may be a good way to start if they have a decent plinth ad tonearm, the cartridge has to be replaced anyway. I bought a Dual for my daughter - 30 years old, and it works great.
Im looking for an entry level record player that is between 150 to 300 as a xmas present for my son who is really into vinyls. He inherited all of my father in laws vinyls.
A really good automatic turntable for an entry level user would be the Audio Technica. amzn.to/4f0yZpZ. They would also need a pair of powered speakers (or BlueTooth speakers) to go with it.
I’m seeing some videos online which are recommending that you only play a record once, and then let the vinyl recover for 24 hours which in turn result in less wear. Is this a good practice or a wives tale.
It's an old wives tale. The thinking is that the stylus being dragged through the groove causes heat (which it does) and that by playing the record again, it will not have had time to cool down and will make the groove susceptible to wear. It has plenty of time to cool during the playing time.
Rick, i'd like your opinion on an amplifier that has an OPTICAL input for cd player, rather than RCA connectors[normal].Which is the better of the 2...?
Hi Roger! I'm probably not the best person to answer this being an analog guy - BUT when I used to play CDs the rule of thumb I always heard was that If you have a high-quality DAC in your receiver or amplifier and you want to avoid potential interference, go with the optical connection. If your CD player has a superior DAC then RCA might be the way to go. Longer distances fare better with optical (to avoid interference). I hope that helps - but I'm sure others are more capable than I am of a great answer.
Roger, I have played around with my CD transport using optical, paired RCA and single coaxial RCA to my DAC. I found the best sound came from the single RCA coaxial connected to my DAC. Hope this helps. Your ears will tell you! Ron
The thing is people who buy those suitcase record players don't have a hifi system so they can't just buy a separate turntable. If you've ever gotten on the Drop website they have an Audio-Technica turntable made to their specs called the Carbon VTA that has all of the necessary features and is only $329. Looks like a good one. Oh, and they also have my Cayin MT-12N tube amp back in stock for only $479. I consider it a real bargain.
You don't need a hifi system to start off with a good turntable. There are a number of good turntables that can hook up to Powered Speakers either by cable or Bluetooth but can hook up to a hifi system later if you want to upgrade.
I think this is very "sound" advice. Pun intended. To me, upgrade ability is huge. If you can change the cartridge, the tone arm, and or the platter, plus add or change the phono stage, you give yourself a long life with the turntable. Without upgrade ability, you are constantly replacing to improve. Since turntables have many elements to them, getting one that you can grow with makes sense. Of course, eventually, you will max out with upgrades and have to buy a better one. But, if done right, that could be far down the road.
@@StephenRivera-d7s Sorry - I completely misread your question and took it as a direct replacement. Yes - it is worth upgrading, And there are quite a few possibilities. You can use the same body and upgrade to a AT-VMN95ML or a AT-VMN95SH without changing the cartidge (only needing to buy the stylus.). The ML is microlinear and the SH is a shibata stylus. You could also upgrade the cart to a Nagaoka MP-110 or even an Ortofon Red or Blue.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords if I am switch to a different brand from the stock do I need a different headshell or can I use the same one that came with my table? When looking at RUclips videos it seemed like I could just swap the cartridges out but my buddy said I need a new headshell for whatever brand cartridge I am getting. Note, I’m looking at getting the Ortofon Red.
Great advice…you left out one thing tho …are you inheriting a “large” vinyl collection or are you buying in the used market or ..are you starting from scratch. Inheriting a collection of let’s say 500-1000 records may give you the opportunity to go for an upgraded turntable like an AudioTecnica,ProJect,Rega or a Technics …with a decent arm and cartridge. Buying used ..if you’re not willing to deep dive into vinyl..you have to be educated to understand what you’re buying..that’s more background in the hobby… The last ,buying new …that’s going to get pricey ..new vinyl isn’t analog as it really is an analog rip of the original digital files ..some are poor and some are premium UHQR ..but not cheap. Also ,if you’re not going to have a decent mid tier set up.. gear ⚙️ great room treatment and isolation ..to get the benefits of vinyl..again an education is next. Have a great week.
Always Great advice !!! watching take me back to being allowed at 5 to put the needle on the record and cleaning records with rubbing Alcohol. Hopefully in the next 5 years I can start to rebuild at the moment my SPL playback preference is to high for Vinyl. I've got to connect with my MELLOW side like you have absolutely MASTERED!!
Start by learning what makes a piece of equipment good, then step your sights well up from the minimum requirements before you spend even one cent. These days, a person's first turntable, if bought new, should cost no less than $1,500, or at least $2,000 if the cartridge is included. Yes, you can spend a lot less than that... but you should not.
I believe that what you can afford, even if it means putting off your purchase. People are too interested in the "here and now" mentality. It's just like making love. You have to have a bit of foreplay before you get down to business! Have a good week.
Do NOT buy a suitcase type turntable under any circumstances. Once you play a record on one of those it will be ruined forever. If your budget is low and you can’t afford anything else then don’t bother with vinyl. Against my advice my son bought a crossly type but I bought him an AT120 a couple of weeks later. Those records that had been played on it sound terrible, completely ruined
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords and expensive as the type of music that he listens to is modern indi bands who’s records tend to be over £30 each and he has ruined quite a few.
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Great way to break down the Dos and Don'ts.... Balanced and Fair advice.. That's more or less the same advice you gave me when I was shopping for my last turntable and I am still extremely happy with the purchase I made, even if I'm always looking at the next thing to buy. ;-)
Thanks, David! I'm always looking as well. It's a curse.
Great advice, Rick. I have not owned a turntable in...decades. Right now, I don't have room. (Or rather, I'm not willing to make the room.) But I still love your channel because it keeps me thinking about it and vinyl for the day I get back to it.
Come to the dark side, Chris... the water is warm here
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords We would love the space to have a room dedicated to playing and listening to music. So, we will get there! (And you'll get even more views as I go back through your videos for advice when the time comes!)
Chris, why don't you incorporate your system in the main room of your house[lounge]...and perhaps incorporate the TV as well..Just a thought.
@@rogerturner1881 My wife and I are unfortunately in a one-bedroom apartment, and the main space also serves as the place she does art. So, there's no space without one of us giving something up.
We're hoping to move on from this place next year, and will then hopefully have space for a turntable and setup.
@@ChristopherGronlund Good luck.
I have a byron statics turntable suitcase. I find it really good. The built in speakers work fine along with by the turntable. I do not know why they say turntable suitcase are no good. I b have mine since December 20th, witch I got for my birthday.
Hi Roseanne! If you're enjoying it, that's really what matters in the end. Seriously. There are probably some units like yours that sound much better than average.
Good advice, Rick. I started off with a Pro-ject Debut Carbon EVO and the Schiit Mani 2 phono stage with the Sumiko Ranier. Upgraded to the Pro-ject aluminum sub platter and Project acrylic platter. Then upgraded to Pro-ject TubeBox S3 (from your advice) with Pro-ject PowerBox S2 to power the turntable and phono stage. Then upgraded the Sumiko to the Olympic cartridge. Could not be happier with the sound connected to my 90s Adcom 5800 and Adcom preamp and Bowers and Wilkins 801 matrix S2 speakers. At 65 my ears can only hear so much. Seems like a lot of upgrading, but I am very happy with the result. Drop that needle!!! 9:22
This Matrix speakers are supposed to be awesome!
Very good advice Rick. I’m 64 and vinyl has been a constant in my life. Turntables are definitely one of those things that you get what you pay for. I had a friend that bought a Crosley “suitcase “ record player (not turntable). He then bought a new copy of Dark Side of the Moon and played it. Next time he put it on it skipped in a few places. Luckily the record store returned both for him. And he started over. Crosley to me is one of the last that should be considered.
It sounds like we had the same friend! A smiliar thing happened with someone I know. They had a suitcase turntable, DSOTM and ended up buying a better turntable after hearing how bad it sounded.
Crosley’s and those all in one players tear up records!
I took into account all the same things you said about 4 years ago now like upgrading stylus and preamps built in, head shell upgrades etc., and waited until I had about $1000 saved up and brought an Audio Technica LP-120, upgraded stylus to Oroton 2m red and a vintage Onkyo Amp and speakers and haven't looked back.
That's great!
My recommendation for a good beginner’s turntable is the Audio Technica LP60X. For about $150, it’s a belt drive, fully automatic turntable that is a good way for someone just getting into records to first experience and learn about the hobby. All you need with it is a good pair of active speakers and you’re good to go. Though you can’t change the cartridge, you can change the stylus. It’s also a turntable that will last you long enough to grow into the hobby until you feel ready to upgrade to a better turntable (like the 120X, for example). This is a good alternative to ANY of those suitcase players out there and should be considered by someone wanting to get into vinyl!!!
Completely agree! That is actually the setup I bought for my son and his girlfriend for their first apartment. I'm with you on that as one of the best entry level setups there is.
this is a serious question( not a challenge). I am asking about your comments about resonance with the plinth. I have a solid plinth on one of my TT's. That plinth weighs about 25kgs and is made out of MDF. If I knock on it when playing a record i can hear that knock in the speakers. However I can't see how that = resonance( I can't see how resonance in that plinth is possible). I interpreted the knock transference as showing that the Tone arm is not isolated from the plinth( which is different from my TD 160). That particular plinth ( I am building a new one to replace it). Sits on Gaia III speaker feet ( the only isolation feet, that I could find, that were rated for the fully loaded weight of the TT; total weight is 34kg). I had assumed that what was more important was to ensure external vibration( particularly from the speakers) do not feedback through the plinth. Hence the Isolation feet. Have I been looking at this issue wrong?
Edit: If I jump on the floor(parquet) next to the turntable , or knock on the hifi rack absolutely nothing ( other than the music) is heard in the speakers.
Hi Ian! I'm glad you asked so I can elaborate a bit further if anyone else has a similar thought. I probably could have specified more that I'm talking about Plinths with hollow spaces (not necessarily entirely hollow and where the tonearm is connected. As you said, the TD 160 is separated and that plinth is hollow.
A hollow plinth (with a connected tonearm) can act like a drum, amplifying any vibrations it picks up. These vibrations can come the motor, the platter, or even external sources like footsteps or speakers. A hollow plinth may resonate at frequencies that fall within the audible range or the range of frequencies picked up by the cartridge, leading to unwanted noise and distortion in the playback.
Not sure if that fully answered your question. Maybe it needs an entire video so I can avoid generalizations?
Just saw your review of that Mark Levinson amp on The Music Room site!
Wow. That was fast! Thanks! Nobody reads the byline. First article of many there.
you should watch the show Loudermilk in which they walk around with the suitcase turntable like they are looking for a missing sock! It's hilarious.
On the topic, great video as always. Do you know of any web site that lists turntable brands and models with prices and features, pros and cons? When one starts out, they will definitely miss one of the criteria you mention, especially upgradability.
Also, one thing I would add is buying used. Vintage turntables may be a good way to start if they have a decent plinth ad tonearm, the cartridge has to be replaced anyway. I bought a Dual for my daughter - 30 years old, and it works great.
We watched that! Great show. The cast was brilliant and each season improved on the last one.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords wow, we have similar taste :)
Im looking for an entry level record player that is between 150 to 300 as a xmas present for my son who is really into vinyls. He inherited all of my father in laws vinyls.
A really good automatic turntable for an entry level user would be the Audio Technica. amzn.to/4f0yZpZ. They would also need a pair of powered speakers (or BlueTooth speakers) to go with it.
I’m seeing some videos online which are recommending that you only play a record once, and then let the vinyl recover for 24 hours which in turn result in less wear. Is this a good practice or a wives tale.
It's an old wives tale. The thinking is that the stylus being dragged through the groove causes heat (which it does) and that by playing the record again, it will not have had time to cool down and will make the groove susceptible to wear. It has plenty of time to cool during the playing time.
First! Great video! 😊
Thank you! 🍺
Rick, i'd like your opinion on an amplifier that has an OPTICAL input for cd player, rather than RCA connectors[normal].Which is the better of the 2...?
Hi Roger! I'm probably not the best person to answer this being an analog guy - BUT when I used to play CDs the rule of thumb I always heard was that If you have a high-quality DAC in your receiver or amplifier and you want to avoid potential interference, go with the optical connection. If your CD player has a superior DAC then RCA might be the way to go.
Longer distances fare better with optical (to avoid interference).
I hope that helps - but I'm sure others are more capable than I am of a great answer.
Roger, I have played around with my CD transport using optical, paired RCA and single coaxial RCA to my DAC. I found the best sound came from the single RCA coaxial connected to my DAC. Hope this helps. Your ears will tell you! Ron
The thing is people who buy those suitcase record players don't have a hifi system so they can't just buy a separate turntable.
If you've ever gotten on the Drop website they have an Audio-Technica turntable made to their specs called the Carbon VTA that has all of the necessary features and is only $329. Looks like a good one.
Oh, and they also have my Cayin MT-12N tube amp back in stock for only $479. I consider it a real bargain.
I have a lot of respect for AT - always have! Thanks for bringing that one up.
You don't need a hifi system to start off with a good turntable. There are a number of good turntables that can hook up to Powered Speakers either by cable or Bluetooth but can hook up to a hifi system later if you want to upgrade.
@@davidrichardson3230
Maybe, but how many of these people know that? They don't normally watch hifi channels on RUclips.
I think this is very "sound" advice. Pun intended. To me, upgrade ability is huge. If you can change the cartridge, the tone arm, and or the platter, plus add or change the phono stage, you give yourself a long life with the turntable. Without upgrade ability, you are constantly replacing to improve. Since turntables have many elements to them, getting one that you can grow with makes sense. Of course, eventually, you will max out with upgrades and have to buy a better one. But, if done right, that could be far down the road.
Excellent point, Neil!
Three reasons to still use a turntable in 2024:
1. Inconvenience
2. Expense
3. Bad sound quality
Hello - I’m trying to determine the best way to decide on what needle to buy from my turntable. Any advice? I have an audio technica lp 120.
Hi Stephen - you would want to get an ATN95E (amzn.to/4c6BZPN) for the LP120.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords is that the stock one? Is it worth upgrading? Or just get the same one it came with?
@@StephenRivera-d7s Sorry - I completely misread your question and took it as a direct replacement.
Yes - it is worth upgrading, And there are quite a few possibilities. You can use the same body and upgrade to a AT-VMN95ML or a AT-VMN95SH without changing the cartidge (only needing to buy the stylus.). The ML is microlinear and the SH is a shibata stylus.
You could also upgrade the cart to a Nagaoka MP-110 or even an Ortofon Red or Blue.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords thank you so much for the advice. Apologies, I should have been more specific that I was looking to upgrade. 😊
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords if I am switch to a different brand from the stock do I need a different headshell or can I use the same one that came with my table? When looking at RUclips videos it seemed like I could just swap the cartridges out but my buddy said I need a new headshell for whatever brand cartridge I am getting. Note, I’m looking at getting the Ortofon Red.
Great advice…you left out one thing tho …are you inheriting a “large” vinyl collection or are you buying in the used market or ..are you starting from scratch.
Inheriting a collection of let’s say 500-1000 records may give you the opportunity to go for an upgraded turntable like an AudioTecnica,ProJect,Rega or a Technics …with a decent arm and cartridge.
Buying used ..if you’re not willing to deep dive into vinyl..you have to be educated to understand what you’re buying..that’s more background in the hobby…
The last ,buying new …that’s going to get pricey ..new vinyl isn’t analog as it really is an analog rip of the original digital files ..some are poor and some are premium UHQR ..but not cheap.
Also ,if you’re not going to have a decent mid tier set up.. gear ⚙️ great room treatment and isolation ..to get the benefits of vinyl..again an education is next.
Have a great week.
It really is all about education, Carmine! 🍻
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords bingo
@0:00 "Are you buying your first turntable, or looking to upgrade?"
The latter...
...in perpetuity.
Sounds about where I am too 😂😂😂
you have a problem :)
@@rofgabor Can't deny that 🍺
why ddont buy a 70ies te hnics
i bought an sl23 for50 bucks
Always Great advice !!! watching take me back to being allowed at 5 to put the needle on the record and cleaning records with rubbing Alcohol.
Hopefully in the next 5 years I can start to rebuild at the moment my SPL playback preference is to high for Vinyl.
I've got to connect with my MELLOW side like you have absolutely MASTERED!!
Oh right! Rubbing alcohol! I think I did that too!
Start by learning what makes a piece of equipment good,
then step your sights well up from the minimum requirements before you spend even one cent.
These days, a person's first turntable, if bought new,
should cost no less than $1,500, or at least $2,000 if the cartridge is included.
Yes, you can spend a lot less than that... but you should not.
Great. If I went with that I would have exactly nothing.
I believe that what you can afford, even if it means putting off your purchase. People are too interested in the "here and now" mentality. It's just like making love. You have to have a bit of foreplay before you get down to business! Have a good week.
😂😂😂 Good analogy, Stanley! Cheers! 🍺
Do NOT buy a suitcase type turntable under any circumstances. Once you play a record on one of those it will be ruined forever. If your budget is low and you can’t afford anything else then don’t bother with vinyl. Against my advice my son bought a crossly type but I bought him an AT120 a couple of weeks later. Those records that had been played on it sound terrible, completely ruined
That's heartbreaking.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords and expensive as the type of music that he listens to is modern indi bands who’s records tend to be over £30 each and he has ruined quite a few.
I cringe when people praise these suitcase record players
Got a audio technica LPGOBT from Walmart for 60$ is that a cheap build record player?