Pro-Ject Carbon Debut or Audio Technica AT-LP120 ?

[Denis]

Hey guys,

I'm new to the vinyl world and I'd like to buy my first turntable. I have two models in mind right now :

- Audio Technica AT-LP120

or

- Pro-Ject Debut Carbon + Pro-Ject Phono Box MM

Not the same budget, and I think the Pro-Ject will give me a better sound quality, even if the AT seems to be a really good turntable for the price! Which one should I buy between the two? Oh, and I have a pair of Yamaha HS8 btw.

Thanks a lot! 🙂

 

[Al ears]

Hey guys,

I'm new to the vinyl world and I'd like to buy my first turntable. I have two models in mind right now :

- Audio Technica AT-LP120

or

- Pro-Ject Debut Carbon + Pro-Ject Phono Box MM

Not the same budget, and I think the Pro-Ject will give me a better sound quality, even if the AT seems to be a really good turntable for the price! Which one should I buy between the two? Oh, and I have a pair of Yamaha HS8 btw.

Thanks a lot! 🙂

The Project but I don't know how you are going to connect it to those speakers as they only take a jack plug.

 

[Denis]

My Yamaha HS8 are linked to a FireWire Audio Interface (TC Eletronic Konnekt 6). Is it necessary to buy a Pro-Ject Phono Box MM by the way ? I could plug the turntable right in the recording inupts of the interface by using RCA to Jack adapters, isn't it ?

 

[Al ears]

My Yamaha HS8 are linked to a FireWire Audio Interface (TC Eletronic Konnekt 6). Is it necessary to buy a Pro-Ject Phono Box MM by the way ? I could plug the turntable right in the recording inupts of the interface by using RCA to Jack adapters, isn't it ?

The phono box is usually necessary to amplify the weak signal from the cartridge up to line level so it can be connected to a normal amplifier. I would imagine it would need to do the same to provide sufficient signal to your Audio Interface but I am not familiar with it.

 

[Denis]

Ok, thank you very much 🙂

 

[Petherick]

And by the way, the Phono pre-amp doesn't just amplify, it also provides equalisation. If you're interested just Google RIAA and you'll find an explanation.

 

[Denis]

Thanks for the info ! Indeed, so maybe it's not that useless after all 😉

 

[MrReaper182]

I have a Pro-Ject carbon and it's a lovey budget truntable.

 

[Al ears]

The new Audio Technica AT-LP5 is better, but I would still take the Project.

 

[Denis]

The new Audio Technica AT-LP5 is better, but I would still take the Project.

The AT-LP5 looks really good indeed. Why would you take the Project instead ? 🙂 It's almost the same budget, and both have good specs.

 

[Al ears]

The new Audio Technica AT-LP5 is better, but I would still take the Project.

The AT-LP5 looks really good indeed. Why would you take the Project instead ? 🙂 It's almost the same budget, and both have good specs.

The Project has had more money spent where it counts and with external Mm box has better upgrade potential.

 

[chebby]

The new Audio Technica AT-LP5 is better, but I would still take the Project.

The AT-LP5 looks really good indeed. Why would you take the Project instead ? 🙂 It's almost the same budget, and both have good specs.

The Project has had more money spent where it counts and with external Mm box has better upgrade potential.

I'd take the AT LP5 but probably mount a better cart. (AT120E or similar.)

The matter of internal/external MM phono pre-amp is moot as the AT's built-in pre-amp is switchable.

Direct drive has a real 'urge' and impetus to the sound that cheaper rubber band driven decks with lightweight platters and weedy motors can't quite do. That kind of 'grab scruff of neck and drag to dance floor' force is present when the needle drops.

 

[Al ears]

The new Audio Technica AT-LP5 is better, but I would still take the Project.

The AT-LP5 looks really good indeed. Why would you take the Project instead ? 🙂 It's almost the same budget, and both have good specs.

The Project has had more money spent where it counts and with external Mm box has better upgrade potential.

I'd take the AT LP5 but probably mount a better cart. (AT120E or similar.)

The matter of internal/external MM phono pre-amp is moot as the AT's built-in pre-amp is switchable.

Direct drive has a real 'urge' and impetus to the sound that cheaper rubber band driven decks with lightweight platters and weedy motors can't quite do. That kind of 'grab scruff of neck and drag to dance floor' force is present when the needle drops.

Will have to disagree with chubby for once. The internal pre amp is not moot, if you're not going to use it then why the bell pay for it.

There is a point to be made for direct drive but at this things price point don't expect it to be another SL-1210.

 

[Al ears]

The new Audio Technica AT-LP5 is better, but I would still take the Project.

The AT-LP5 looks really good indeed. Why would you take the Project instead ? 🙂 It's almost the same budget, and both have good specs.

The Project has had more money spent where it counts and with external Mm box has better upgrade potential.

I'd take the AT LP5 but probably mount a better cart. (AT120E or similar.)

The matter of internal/external MM phono pre-amp is moot as the AT's built-in pre-amp is switchable.

Direct drive has a real 'urge' and impetus to the sound that cheaper rubber band driven decks with lightweight platters and weedy motors can't quite do. That kind of 'grab scruff of neck and drag to dance floor' force is present when the needle drops.

Will have to disagree with chebby for once. The internal pre amp is not moot, if you're not going to use it then why the hell pay for it. The upgrade cartridge is probably right but that'll cost another £93.

There is a point to be made for direct drive but at this things price point don't expect it to be another SL-1200

See quotes #48 and 49 in this thread:-

http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/project-debut-carbon-complete-noob?page=3

In fact if going down this route you might as well buy a second-hand SL-1200.

 

[chebby]

See quotes #48 and 49 in this thread:-

http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/project-debut-carbon-complete-noob?p...

In fact if going down this route you might as well buy a second-hand SL-1200.

Until I ever get the chance to hear one i'll use the very favourable Hi-fi Choice and AVF reviews as guidelines for now. They have (presumably) actually listened to it rather just than formed an impression from a photograph. (The DM post #48.)

Post #49 defeats your point 'cos the guy actually owns a similarly priced DD product and not a Pro-ject.

SL-1200s are a red herring. We all know they'd probably cost about a grand each by now (or more) if they'd remained in production. I am talking about a deck that retails for £330.

 

[brownz]

AT-LP120 is a great deck, I use one at work on a daily basis. Of all the various Technics wannabes out there they are about the best. Solid, heavy, well engineered, reliable - as previously mentioned would benefit from a cartridge update - will take any of the direct mount ortofon PNP cartridges or throw something nice at the headshell.

 

[MrReaper182]

The Rega P1 turntable as its probably the best budget turntable out there. You can probably find a good one online for about £300 or so.If I listened to more vinyl then I would replace my carbon with one.