Tips and info for buying new turnable. Dj or Hifi Gear?

[hybridauth_Facebook_10152943045349926]

Dear Forum Members,

I am looking for a new turntable, as the current piece is doing more damage to my vinyl then anything else.

My budget is around 240€/268$/177$.

The main point of confussion is the following question: should I buy a direct drive Dj Turntable or a more hifi (commerical) based turtable? The popularity of the Technics SL 1200 among as well Audiophiles as Dj's, makes me wondering.

I think a lot of you will say I should get the Pro-Ject Elemental, but I don't like the design and I don't think it's that strong or durable at all. So I was thinknig to buy the Reloop RP-2000 Mk3.

http://www.reloop.com/reloop-rp-2000-mk3

So I am looking for a decent pickup, which last a few years, which will protect my vinyl, has good user experience and is strong. Besides this, it could be handy to mention I am on a student budget and that I will not reach the Audiophile stage in the next few years.

Thanks in regard for everybody who can help me out.

Cheers.

 

[bebelacus]

Hi

I dont have much experience with turntables and vinyl, so i might be the last person to offer a proper advice. I own a Rega RP6 after trying a few others and i know it's another budget.
But during my travelling i went into a record shop and theg were playing second hand vinyl on an Audiotechnica turntable, one of those review here by WhatHiFi. I must say, the sound was really good and it looked the part. Nice design, lots of features, cool hi tech looks, i liked it a lot. But above all, the sound it made was impressive. I am thinking now of buying one just for the looks and decent sound, building a second system in my attic.
I cannot recommend any of the belt drive alternatives because i have only tried the options around RP6 price. No idea how Elements or RP1 sound like. Go try them yourself. I followed this advice from the forum guys and they were right. Now, very happy with my purchase but i let my ears to decide.

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_10152943045349926]

Thanks for your answer, I know Audiotechnica is the prime of the crops. Maybe I should save up for such a pickup.

If anybody has an opinion on this RP-2000 turntable, please be my guest.

 

[iMark]

If you're a DJ, buy a DJ turntable. If not, buy a HiFi one.

 

[bigfish786]

for me, there wasn't much in it. My DD turntable was very enjoyable. My current belt drive is fabulous. I've used the same cartridge/stylus on both, and to be honest, they sounded the same to me.

I prefer the belt drive, because it is much better looking, but I would not be disappointed if I went back to the DD turntable.

 

[ksoundwerx]

May I ask why you mention strong and durable? Are you likely to be carting the deck about a lot?

By nature all turntables are delicate, although I do agree a Technics are the sturdiest of the lot.

I am (was) a vinyl DJ in my younger years and still have my SL1200mk2s boxed up safe in the loft. But I have a Project Carbon Esprit for listening, and it's absolutely sublime in it's sound, functionality and aesthetics. The Technics will stay in there boxes unless I want to mix and scratch-cue plates for a party.

I would suggest if you want the turntable primarily for home listening / playback of your collection, then get a proper record player from Rega/Project etc. I wouldn't even bother with a cheap Technics clone (such as the one one linked). Buy a Technics or nothing if you must go DJ deck - they're worth it and wont lose a penny.

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_10152943045349926]

Thanks to all of you for the input!

@Ksoundwerx: your asnwer made very much sense. The only thing that got me thinking to buy an Dj pickup, is the fact that I know a audiophyle, massive vinyl collecter from 50 years old, who spins his black gold on a SL-1200mk2s. But because I don't have the money, I will look for somewhat more hifi based stuff from Rega/Project.

Thank you very much.