Suggestions needed for a vinyl newbie

Jack said:
Jeff

The AT TT that Rob and I recommended is in my opinion a safer bet than the entry level TT's from Project, Rega and Music Hall as they at least keep accurate speed without add-on accessories and I own a Rega mid-line table that I never use and would love to sell. The Denon DP-300f is a better choice than them. I don't think Rob would own one and recommend it if it didn't work, plus if the OP doesn't like the format he can sell it on and not loose. As to vintage you are correct about that unless you buy from a trusted seller or can find one on CL that you can see and test in person. As a dealer I understand your perspective of buy new, but that is not always the best choice for people on a budget. If it was there would be no Audiogon. We all have different choices and opinion and that is why there are both kinds of markets.
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Jack,

There are pros and cons with both (vintage and new mid level) and since Matt is just venturing into all this he is safer not having to go down that path, unless someone that knows sees and checks out the vintage piece, more than half of the vintage stuff you see is worn out junk and needs work so I see it as a bigger risk. With new he at least has a warranty and they sound nice. As a dealer my suggestion was not based on buying new and or recommending brands I sell. The brands I recommended were Music Hall, project and Rega which I do not sell.....I'm very aware of conflict of interest when posting in a forum and doubt you would ever find a post of mine recommending the gear I sell in case that crossed your mind.
 
A/V Solutions said:
Then it may be worth a road trip, I'm sure there something with in an hour or two from where he is at.....better than throwing money after something that doesn't float his boat. Sorry but about the only good advise in this thread was the mid line Music Hall, Project and Rega tables and of course saving a bit more :) Flame suit is on.
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Jeff my friend, I love you buddy...but this is one time I have to disagree with you. You mention some great tables for sure and good paths but only for someone who:

1) Has a bigger budget
2) Is already sure he is into vinyl

As we any hobby, its always best to dip your toe first, stay in budget and work from there...take the journey. We have all done it. Not many people go from nothing to say, a VPI Scout, Phonomena or better and so on.

I personally own the AT (as a secondary table) and I have to say, it is my #1 choice for entry level...even over entry Rega's, Pro-ject, Music Hall etc. which have known issues right out of the box (speed and motor issues for example).

As to used, I have purchased (on Ebay of all places) some really fine used tables..but then again, I sort of knew what to look for and vetted the sellers.

Examples I would entertain if I was doing the vintage
Marantz 6100 Turntable Auto Return Mint Works Perfect Record Player | eBay

Extremely Nice Pioneer PL 530 Direct Drive Turntable w Micro Acoustics 282E | eBay

JVC QL Y5F Direct Drive Quartz Lock Turntable Technics Headshell Automatic | eBay
 
Jeff

No that never crossed my mind as your reputation is not in question or an issue. My point as a vinyl user for almost fifty years is that what is well reviewed in magazines and e-zines is that way sometimes for a reason, advertising dollars. The OP is better served by taking the advise of actual users and not reviewers. I am well aware that you do not operate in vinyl in that price point or with those manufactures. That is why Rob and I recommended that for his "first" venture into vinyl he go safe with the AT, that Rob has tested extensively and if he doesn't like all the ritual it takes then he will be out very little. If he wants to take the trip and venture out then good for him. I also said that with Vintage TT's you need to know who you are buying from and as a "newbie" understand the dangers and only buy what you can see and touch.
 
Fair enough Jack.....hey Rob long time no talk, hope all is well :)

I'm sure we all know where we stand and its best to wish Matt a happy journey if he so chooses to go down this road. Happy Listening!!
 
A/V Solutions said:
Fair enough Jack.....hey Rob long time no talk, hope all is well :)

I'm sure we all know where we stand and its best to wish Matt a happy journey if he so chooses to go down this road. Happy Listening!!
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Hey dude !!! Still LOVING my Concept / Phonomena II / Concept setup...Cart only got better and better as it broke and now its SUPERB. Been really WORK busy (I work for Microsoft so if you read the news you know why) ...don't get to play as much as I like...But when I do...heaven.

Been having fun playing with new MS stuff !! Hope you are well too !!

So when do I move up to the VPI Classic III or VPI Direct ... ;)
 
ohbythebay said:
Hey dude !!! Still LOVING my Concept / Phonomena II / Concept setup...Cart only got better and better as it broke and now its SUPERB. Been really WORK busy (I work for Microsoft so if you read the news you know why) ...don't get to play as much as I like...But when I do...heaven.

Been having fun playing with new MS stuff !! Hope you are well too !!

So when do I move up to the VPI Classic III or VPI Direct ... ;)
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Hi Rob, glad to hear all is good with you, I've been busy too, time sure does fly!!.....I just might have a VPI in your color :)

Be well my friend and happy listening :audiophile:
 
My take is in agreement with Rob. Since Matt is just wanting to get into vinyl I also suggest keeping within budget and starting easy. I would also agree to be careful not getting caught in making a bunch of lateral moves by going from a budget table to and entry level Rega, Music Hall, etc. If he ends up loving vinyl the better idea would be to use the budget rig while saving up for a nice $1300+ table and nice preamp or something to make the leap. That would be far more cost effective than spending a ton of money jumping from lily pad to lily pad moving sideways in the pond.
Since I am out of the vinyl scene now I think I've said about all I can on this.
 
Last night I ran across a new company called U-Turn Audio that got their start through Kickstarter. Their business model is making affordable, no frills turntables so everyone can afford to get into vinyl. So far they have two models: The Orbit Basic which features a standard platter and Ortofon Omega for $179 and the Orbit Plus which features an acrylic platter and Ortofon OM-5e for $279.

Since these tables have just hit the market, I couldn't find any meaningful reviews on them. I did run across a post saying that ToneAudio Magazine is going to have a review of the Basic in next month's issue and said that, "Its actually pretty good. We were all surprised at the final product."

What do you turntable gurus think?
 
Matt715 said:
Last night I ran across a new company called U-Turn Audio that got their start through Kickstarter. Their business model is making affordable, no frills turntables so everyone can afford to get into vinyl. So far they have two models: The Orbit Basic which features a standard platter and Ortofon Omega for $179 and the Orbit Plus which features an acrylic platter and Ortofon OM-5e for $279.

Since these tables have just hit the market, I couldn't find any meaningful reviews on them. I did run across a post saying that ToneAudio Magazine is going to have a review of the Basic in next month's issue and said that, "Its actually pretty good. We were all surprised at the final product."

What do you turntable gurus think?
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DONT. I can't say this on ANOTHER board for fear of being chastised. Its a toy.

If you want a really nice legacy table, PM me. I'll shop you one on EBAY, give you the link , and you can grab it. I can't 100% guarantee but I am 95% sure I can get you one trouble free. And help you get it setup. EXAMPLE...

This puppy is a performer
Pioneer PL 600 2 Restored 1979 Quartz Locked Full Automatic Turntable M75 | eBay

Vintage Sansui Fr 3060 Turntable | eBay

Pioneer PL 530 1978 Turntable Optional Stanton Headshell 681 Eee Excellent | eBay

Pioneer PL 115 Turntable Auto Return Belt Drive Reconditioned Original Box OM | eBay

Marantz 6100 Turntable Auto Return Mint Works Perfect Record Player | eBay

Marantz 6300 Turn Table Professionally Serviced | eBay

BARGAINS

Vintage Pioneer PL 115D Turntable w Grado FC Cartridge Works Great Free SHIP | eBay

All Original Pioneer PL 518 Direct Drive Automatic Turntable No Reserve | eBay

JVC JL A40 Turntable Professional Direct Drive Japanese See Video | eBay

The list goes on and on...I love DUAL turntables but they can have issues that the average Joe should not have to deal with. Thorens makes AWESOME tables but again, that's a hit or miss thing...some are superpb...but if not, they can be pricey to work
 
I appreciate the candid response. :) I thought the tonearm looked a bit suspect but I really have no clue. I like their idea of making a no frills TT for the masses but it seemed almost too good to be true.

There are some really nice TTs in those links on eBay. Honestly, I'd be happy to own any one of them. As I said in your other thread for me, I put a WTB ad up on CL and I'm going to see if I have any bites locally. If I don't in a week or so I'll probably take you up on your offer.
 
Bad idea buying a table off ebay in my opinion. I've read hundreds of accounts where the table arrives busted to pieces and that's for starters. Be very careful.
 
I understand the reticence on ebay...But I can honestly say out of 20+ purchased, I have only had 1 damaged in transit, 1 not as advertised. BOTH case, my money was recouped easily. I always tell them how it should be packed and like I said, I prescreen. You can often tell when you are dealing with someone who KNOWS versus the guy who thinks "throw it in a box with peanuts - or newspaper and it will be ffine".

:)
 
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