Newcomer trying to Pick a first TT, and running into trouble!

[ae35unit]

Hi All
First off, im happy to receive a link to a thread where this has been discussed in detail.

Im new to Vinyl/Turntables, but not to HiFi in general. Currently i have a Yamaha A-670 amp, and am using an RCA switch to connect multiple devices. Its a compromise, as i have a Marantz pm66SE which i have posted about before, but it needs repair. My intention is to fix it but for now, my A-670 is doing the business for me. Cant praise the 670 enough in fact, but thats another post ..

My wife and I have wanted a turntable for a while, and iv been doing some research online. I had initially zoned in on several different models including the Audio Technica AT-LP60, and 70 - also considered several models from Lenco (L30, L85), Angel Horn (HP-H002) and Fluance R80. On another rather popular sub forum (unsure if im allowed to say the name here), i ran into trouble when almost everyone to a man described all of the above as TRASH. It was quite a difficult experience, but inbetween the insults and general shade throwing, i did extract some knoweledge about the need for pitch control, a counterweight, and removable cartridge.

I went back to the drawing board and came up with the Crosly T150 - im aware the speakers are garbage, as even the most optimistic reviews pointed this out. I consider this a non issue because i wont be using them. I would probably end up giving them away tbh. But it does have the adjustable tone arm, removable cartridge, picth control, etc - it also has both Line, and Phono out. Which will suit me fine given its likely to be used with both the Yamaha and the Marantz (Marantz has a phono stage of course).

Again, I received a lot of shade, and very little constructive discussion on this model, other than - trash, avoid, junk.

Genuinely looking for some constructive info on a viable TT for someone on a budget. The requirements would have to include the Line out (inbuilt preamp) so as to be useable with the Yamaha for now.

Id appreciate any and all advice that i can get - budget up to perhaps 200 euro - The T150 can be had second hand for 80 which is obviously appealing - do any of the models i mentioned hit the spot in ANY way?

Sincere Thanks in advance

Liam

 

[daytona600]

Genuinely looking for some constructive info on a viable TT

£200 Project / Rega / Technics Pick up a good used unit or New
£239 Project Primary E

Avoid all the chinese " Trash " as this will end up as landfill very quickly
Sound rubbish & ruin your records & offer shocking value for money

 

[RoA]

If you are that strapped for cash I would honestly not bother with vinyl.

 

[Entrigo]

I'd say avoid the naysayers. You can definitely find a decent turntable for €200 if you buy used.

Look on the usual classifieds sites for anything from Rega or Pro-ject if you like the minimalist and fully manual type and have a decent phono stage (don't know the Yamaha A-670). Alternatively, a little more "automated" you can find lots of Dual 505 or similar - my brother has one he found for £100 and he's quite happy with it.

Alternatively, if your amp doesn't have a phono (or it's not good) you can look for an Audio Technica AT-LP5 - pretty good direct drive (no belt) TT with built in phono preamp which costs £350 new, so should be able to find some used units around your budget.

Staying in the direct drive, you could look at older Technics models as well.

But if you are even only semi-serious about vinyl, I would really steer clear of the Crosleys and similar.

 

[camcroft]

Genuinely looking for some constructive info on a viable TT

£200 Project / Rega / Technics Pick up a good used unit or New
£239 Project Primary E

Avoid all the chinese " Trash " as this will end up as landfill very quickly
Sound rubbish & ruin your records & offer shocking value for money

I wouldn't call my Audio Technica LP120XUSB Chinese trash it delivers accurate speed and when you have a decent cartridge like the VM95ML it can produce a very good sound for the price yes it's got a plastic body unlike the Technics model that it mimics but with careful placement on a decent surface vibration can be kept to a minimum. Mine is a second turntable in a conservatory using an external phono stage and powered speakers and it produces a sound that satisfies my expectations.