Are some turntables better with old, abused records

[splasher]

 

[splasher]

Since it won't allow me to put my question on the OP, I'll try again....

Hi,

the kids are old enough now that I can chance getting a turntable without them ripping off the tone arm.

However, my "vinyl collection" is just my old records from when I was a teenager and is in average-poor condition.

My question is with a budget of £300, should I buy something like a Project Debut Carbon for it's sound quality, or would something more robust like a used Technics SL1210 cope better with the state of the records.

Any experience shared would be appreciated.

 

[chebby]

My question is with a budget of £300, should I buy something like a Project Debut Carbon for it's sound quality, or would something more robust like a used Technics SL1210 cope better with the state of the records.

Firstly, the Technics (even with a stock arm) would be substantial competition for the Pro-ject (assuming the same cartridge were used on both).

It's a misconception that the Technics was designed as a DJ deck. It wasn't. It was first designed and made as a good quality hi-fi turntable. It subsequently got 'adopted' as a favourite amongst DJs but that was not intentional.

Secondly, the 'robustness' (or otherwise) of the two decks would be irrelevant when it comes to playing knackered records.

Any damage would be to the stylus and that would be the same no matter what turntable you bought.

 

[Anonymous]

You may also be surprised how well your records play especially after a clean.

I've got some that look terrible but play very well and others that look mint that skip.

As chebby said its the stylus that takes the hammering.

 

[gregory]

Not all records that look damaged are, granted scratches will still be a problem and chebby's right in saying the stylus would be in jeopardy but not to the point where you could not play a record, otherwise no one would, we all have less than perfect records. A good quality turntable and cartridge should play through any imperfections although warped disc's should be avoided and the turntables mentioned would be fine choices with a quality cartridge and proper alignment. I myself prefer vinyl over all other mediums, imperfections and all but for me it's not a hassle. I clean my records my way and it works, other members have their way and it works for them but a rule of thumb is get a decent carbon fibre brush, sweep it over the record and let the stylus do the rest, if you wish to delve into the world of vinyl good on you, it's enjoyable, ask questions on this forum and you will normally get the answer you need, lots of knowledgable members here.

 

[floyd droid]

Firstly, the Technics (even with a stock arm) would be substantial competition for the Pro-ject (assuming the same cartridge were used on both).

It's a misconception that the Technics was designed as a DJ deck. It wasn't. It was first designed and made as a good quality hi-fi turntable. It subsequently got 'adopted' as a favourite amongst DJs but that was not intentional.

Secondly, the 'robustness' (or otherwise) of the two decks would be irrelevant when it comes to playing knackered records.

Any damage would be to the stylus and that would be the same no matter what turntable you bought.

Nuff said. 🙂

 

[splasher]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

So in summary, you don't think one turtable is more or less likely to "jump" or "skip" than another.

I knew the old SL1200s were originally designed as hifi decks because my last turntable (pre-kids) was a Technics (albeit bottom of the range) but I had the brochure showing the full range. I really wanted one then but couldn't afford it so I guess nostalgia is probably influencing me somewhat.

So Rega SL1 with Performance Pack or Project Debut Carbon? Any opinions?

 

[Al ears]

If you go for the RP1 forget the 'performance' pack and put the extra saved aside for a second cartridge.