Considering entering the world of Vinyl and need some tips

[chebby]

The other option, which I saw in the shops the other day, is the Audio Technica AT-LP-L120. Looks like a decent copy of the Technics SL1200, though I know some hate it, while others love it.

Even WHF gave the AT-LP120-USB four stars

Throw away the freebie cartridge and mount any decent budget AT cartridge (up to a 440MLa) or a Shure M97XE.

It is very well engineered, weighs a ton, has a half decent arm and a switchable built-in phono pre-amp (USB output too if you want to rip your vinyl).

I have given it more than a passing glance in the last couple of months.

Not quite an SL1200/1210 but not far off.

It won't impress the snobs, but i'll bet it's fun. (Audio Technica do know a bit about turntables/arms/cartridges).

Look at feedback for it on the USA Amazon site. Extremely positive.

Costs anywhere from £179 (Superfi) up to around £255 (Hifi Gear).

I may even get one. (That'll hack off the purists.)

 

[altruistic.lemon]

Funny about that, Chebby, thought that myself. Silly, really, no LPs in ths country, but it did look good.

 

[the record spot]

I think, if it's the AT turntable I'm thinking of, this has a very plasticky build. It's likeness to the SL1200 is skin deep - no bombprood build here and while it might sound okay and have USB connectivity, £275 will get a better option in a used or ex-dem P3 and maybe even with the offboard power supply for not much more.

 

[altruistic.lemon]

I wouldn't have said plasticky myself, seemed pretty solid to me. Weighs enough.

 

[Charlie Jefferson]

Funny about that, Chebby, thought that myself. Silly, really, no LPs in ths country, but it did look good.

I know about the paucity of vinyl in Oz. I drove from Brisbane to Cairns a few years ago, and we spotted about three shops that had any at all.

Bought a great copy of an early Paul Kelly album in Port Douglas though.

 

[chebby]

Silly, really, no LPs in ths country...

I know about the paucity of vinyl in Oz. I drove from Brisbane to Cairns a few years ago, and we spotted about three shops that had any at all.

I think AL meant that him buying a turntable here in the UK would be siily because all of his LPs are back home in Australia.

(I could be wrong.)

 

[chebby]

I think, if it's the AT turntable I'm thinking of, this has a very plasticky build.

Probably not the same then. It weighs 10.7 kgs and..

Quote...

"The AT-LP120USB features a rugged cast aluminum construction"

 

[Gareth82]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I think i will check out the Audio Technica AT-LP-L120. It looks like quiet a good bargin from super fi for £179.95 the build quality seems pritty good.The reviews on Amazon are good for it as well.

One question though, on a photo on Amazon i noticed that there is a weight of some sort on the centre of the record, is this some sort of mod to help improve the sound?

 

[floyd droid]

I think, if it's the AT turntable I'm thinking of, this has a very plasticky build.

Probably not the same then. It weighs 10.7 kgs and..

Quote...

"The AT-LP120USB features a rugged cast aluminum construction"

Sorry to wee on your fireworks Chebby but Mr Record Spot is ,erm,spot on. The AT may well appear to have a 'rugged construction' and some weight in it. But thats literally what it has 'weight in it'. Take the 4kilos of ally ballast out of it and you are left with a biscuit tin. The SL weighs what it does because it is built like a tank !!. The AT isnt, sorry.

So tell me . Would you still buy one for the hell of it ?.

 

[chebby]

Not my 'fireworks'.

I was quoting from Audio Technica and reporting on reviews (including that from WHF) and getting an impression of the thing from user feedback.

I am yet to see or hear one.

I guess WHF were a bit fooled by the build too as they also mentioned it's sturdiness...

"But that doesn't alter the fact that this is a sturdy record player that does everything one could expect, at a very reasonable price."

Ah well. Back to surfing ebay in the New Year for old Thorens again.

As for 'biscuit tins' I guess one could describe most old Regas as being made of plastic laminated chipboard.

 

[altruistic.lemon]

I think an old Thorens or an old AR will probably be much better. Even so, I might head down to look at an AT to-morrow - looked OK from a cursory inspection.

 

[floyd droid]

Not my 'fireworks'.

I was quoting from Audio Technica and reporting on reviews (including that from WHF) and getting an impression of the thing from user feedback.

I am yet to see or hear one.

I guess WHF were a bit fooled by the build too as they also mentioned it's sturdiness...

"But that doesn't alter the fact that this is a sturdy record player that does everything one could expect, at a very reasonable price."

Ah well. Back to surfing ebay in the New Year for old Thorens again.

As for 'biscuit tins' I guess one could describe most old Regas as being made of plastic laminated chipboard.

Off Topic chaps sorry.

Chebby, if you are struggling to latch onto a Thorens which ticks all your boxs condition wise. One option is find a mechanicaly sound one and wop it up to Robert at Inspire . He does re-plinths and flippin good they look too. Just a thought.

 

[floyd droid]

I think an old Thorens or an old AR will probably be much better. Even so, I might head down to look at an AT to-morrow - looked OK from a cursory inspection.

Get them to dismantle it,lol.