Hey everyone. I'm seriously shopping around for a turntable. My last one is dead. I'll be picking one up in the next few days and be posting soon thereafter.Anyone have any suggestions? Models? Makers? Price? Should I get one with USB? Any models you would avoid?
All comments greatly appreciated.
26 comments:
I have an old 3 speed Glenburn I got on ebay for $40.00 that works just fine for me. Of course I have an amplifier that has phono in and out plugs which you need to transfer the sound to PC. I you don't have that then you can transfer LPs to cassete first and then transfer those to your PC through your sound card.
Dave
I've been using a Numark deck for a couple of years now, and I've been really happy. Primarily, I rip LPs to single-file MP3s with Audacity and fill my portable audio player with those. I have a 3-speed console, an old Marantz, a Technics, and a couple others, although all of those need some refurb work and alotta love. I think you should get the Numark USB, but only because I want you to review it so I can decide if I want to buy one or not :P How selfish am I? haha.
Interesting article about this in the NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/21/business/yourmoney/21novel.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
I use a Denon DP-29 F. It was low-cost ($129.99) and has a built in pre-amp, a necessity. I use the Griffin i-Mic ($30) to connect it to my Mac. From there I use Final Vinyl (a freeware program) to record my records to WAV files. Once I have the WAVs, I use iTunes to convert them to MP3. A little labor-intensive, but the results are pretty good. Good luck and keep up the good work! -greg
I don't know if you can get them in the U.s.A. but I use a Bush MTT1 mini turntable which fits neatly on a small shelf by my hi-fi and plugs straight into the amp. which has a CD recorder attached. It was about 45 quid which is about 100 dollars I guess. Its served me well for two years now but needs a new stylus cartridge as Ive been playing 78's on it!
Hear the results HERE.
I record vinyl to a CDRW then upload the tracks to the computer.
I then erase the CDRW & start over keeping the pleasure of the vinyl completely separate!
Having said that, I am going to look for a USB connector to make things less labour-intensive!!
FYI - here's where I order my stylus' from:
Kabusa.com
Dave
Numark & Technics are great. In my radio days, we beat the hell out of our Technics turntables, and they never failed....Ever! I've been using a Numark double CD mixer for years, and that is also bullet-proof. The ION USB Turntable may be an ideal purchase for your vinyl rips however..
If you want something that sounds really good and that you will never need to replace, nor be dissatisfied with get a Technics. Yes, the good one costs about $600 new but believe me if you love vinyl it's worth it. I can provide links to several shops which have them at sale prices if you'd like.
Whatever you decide I hope you get a table you enjoy.
did you see this post?
http://soul-sides.com/
I recommend one of the world's most expensive turntables:
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Chick's Dig It!
Save yourself some money, get a turntable at a thrift shop used, even buy several, for very little money...
I agree. For as few people that I've found with really high quality PC speakers anything expensive is really not required anyway. If in fact uploading vinyl to your PC is your goal. As I say my $40.00 table I got off ebay works just fine for PC uplaoing vinyl.
Dave
the numark pictured is the way to go
I've been a Dj for about 25 years and have always used a Technics 1200. My first one lasted about 10 years, it was a great litttle work horse. Sold that one off to a friend and still have a new one for going on 8 years now. Can't recomend these enough.
Check this man:
http://www.shakesauvage.com/mix/107/
I too am in the market to replace my old turntable (a crummy Numark), and there is only one choice for me: the Technics SL1200. Sure, it's expensive, but it's the Rolls Royce of turntables, and will most likely be the last turntable I buy. Those USB turntables that Numark make are interesting, but if I were to get one, it would be delegated strictly for digital recording.
Most reviews of USB-turntables haven't been that great. I'm a big fan of the classic Technics 1200MK2s -- the gold standard for most DJs around the world. Now I know you're not beat mixing or scratching -- at least I hope not on all those great old albums -- but I use mine regularly just for recreational listening, with often simultaneous ripping to ProTools via the Griffin phono (L-R-Ground) adapter and a Griffin iMic connector.
You can find a sony for about $100 at best buy, if your in the states. Not sure I am a new visitor. Anyways, the sony has a built in amp and with a stereo RCA to stereo minijack adapter would get you into your sound card. I also would recommend checking flee markets or thrift stores. My girlfriend got a great electronic turntable for $30. It doesn't however have a preamp, so we got that extra at radioshack.
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When you get your shiny new turntable :) any chance of reposting the Get Smart album please?
Best place for turn tables:
http://www.needledoctor.com/
uh, so did you fall down a cliff or something whilst searching for a turntable?
I use the Numark TTUSB for ripping only and it works great. Easy and quick. However it is not the player for every day use as has been sugested previously. If you just want a player that rips for under $200 this is a good un! LP
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Hi, I have the ION ITTUSB Turntable. It works great. Though it was a little pricey at $250.00 I believe if you do a search online you can find it cheaper. It does have a few drawbacks though. It only plays 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records, but with included DEMO version BIAS Sound Soap Software, you can play a 78 RPM at 45 RPM and with the software, convert it to 78 RPM It also has RCA output so you could connect it directly to your soundcard or to a stereo system. It doesn't have automatic return or a lever to lift the tonearm off the record. I like it though because it has a built-in Pre-Amp and also has a gain control. I use the included Audacity software to record the vinyl to my computer and then use CoolEdit Pro to remove any silence at the beginning or end of the track. I also use MAGIX Audio Cleaning Labs to clean up any pips or pops which does a pretty good job.
The other guys are correct, Technics 1200 is the way to go, but I have found that if you are short on cash, do this. Check your local pawn shops, local Goodwill Stores, then E-Bay. I have found some decent turntables for very little money. Also while at the local Goodwill Store, check their albums, as you can sometimes find some decent vinyl for as little as 50 cents an album. I have friend who shops the thrift shops and Goodwill on a regular basis and has picked up over 500 albums in the last year or so. Might as well kill two birds with one stone. Great blog you have here, keep up the good work.
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