Choose USB Turntable for your Children

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http://www.unitedmusicians.info
Contributor Since: Nov 11, 2007

I am in the market for turntable. Are there any brands out there that you guys would absolutely recommend?

For now...my only interest is to listen to some records I have. I don't see myself doing any scratching or anything of that nature...but it might be something interesting to play with...I dunno. What's the deal with the USB variety? Do they have built in AD converters?

Pretty generic, but I'm open to ideas.

Hint: I know nothing of turntables/record players. Complete ignorance.

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Frisco's Most Underrated
Member
Since: Jan 28, 2003


Dec 03, 2009 06:35 pm

I think the USB turntables are meant to get your vinyl into digital format. I don't know really too much about turntables except Techniques 1200s are the standard bearer for DJs... however they are being discontinued very soon (which sucks). Those might be more than you need however. Don't have much more for you unfortunately.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Dec 03, 2009 09:21 pm

Ya, I'm not a big fan of the USB turntables at all. The converter's are usually not extremely good. My personal take is the USB turntable thing is more of a novelty thing. As coolo stated for those that want to get the vinyl turned into mp3's.

And yes, if your willing to spend the dosh the Techniques SL1200 is the bomb.

What kind of $$$ are you looking to spend? I can help you find something within your budget.

Duke of Stewed Prunes
Member
Since: Jun 01, 2007


Dec 05, 2009 03:20 pm

Do you have any shops the specialize in vinyl sales around you? They might be able to recommend something.

Otherwise, the only thing I'd suggest avoiding is going for the cheapest model out there.

I inherited a rather nice turntable from my grandfather, so I was able to side-step this problem, but a friend once bought one of those 99 or so dollar models. Assembled fine and it's working well now, but the stylus cartridge actually POPPED OFF the actual stylus when it was first mounted on the tone arm.

Now, my friend isn't the most technically savvy, but the first replacement did the exact same thing and I installed that one (never had a problem with my own, so I don't think I was being mechanically challenged).

Now, the third replacement ended up being fine and you may not have any issues whatsoever, but the whole thing seemed a lot more chinsy and not particularly well made. It plays records, but I'm still not sure how long it could be expected to hold up under consistent use. My friend was fortunate that he bought from a company with an accommodating customer service department.

http://www.unitedmusicians.info
Contributor
Since: Nov 11, 2007


Dec 06, 2009 02:23 pm

Well I suppose there are two tiers of espense I'm willing to make:

around $100 dollars for something that will simply play a record with high fidelity...

$200-$250 for something that I could occasionally try a little of that scratching business I hear you kids talking about these days.

Either way, is it pretty much standard that these things output to RCA? Would it make sense to run the output through a pre-amp and then convert, or just run the output straight into the converters?

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Dec 06, 2009 10:37 pm

RCA is standard, yes indeed. If your into trying a bit of scratching then I do highly recommend the 1200 for sure. You will have to find a used one though in that price range. But event hen you might be hit or miss. But I would look for that if you can used. As new you won't even come close to touching the newer 1200 series for under $500.

But another good DJ style table that is in your price range is the Stanton T.62B www.zzounds.com/item--STAT62B

For the price it is a very good turntable and can be outfitted with some pretty good cartridges.

On the pre amp thing. Well now that is another story. You can't just hook a turntable up to any old pre amp my friend. It uses a specialized pre amp. You can get a cheapo from the likes of Rradio Shack or my suggestion is to find your self a used DJ mixer. Just a simple low dollar one will have a better pre in it then you will get at Radio Shack. But I keep a couple in the house just for that purpose. Although I do have a couple of other pre that are made for turntables, I like the pre in my Vestax for quick and simple use.

http://www.unitedmusicians.info
Contributor
Since: Nov 11, 2007


Dec 07, 2009 12:47 pm

Hmmm...that Stanton has the price I'm looking for. Since I have no idea how I might use it I think I might just get it instead of searching for a 1200, good to know that those would be a good upgrade if I end up needing one.

Thanks!

http://www.unitedmusicians.info
Contributor
Since: Nov 11, 2007


Dec 07, 2009 01:34 pm

kansascity.craigslist.org/ele/1457396375.html

You say this Vestax business is a good deal...this seems too good to be true...thoughts?

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Dec 07, 2009 09:51 pm

Ya, the Vestax Turntables are good as well. I'm not fond of their balance but a ffew DJ's I know of use them and like them.

I like their DJ mixer's for the pre amps they use. Very clean units.

But ya, that is a good deal as long as its in good shape.

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