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Starter Turntable
#88483 04/02/05 08:23 AM
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Now that my plasma is wall mounted and the HT "remodel" is almost complete (waiting for 1 grille and some speaker wire for the rears), I'm itching for another upgrade. Yeah, one option is for M22s to become M60s but heck, I just got the FMS16s.

My receiver has a phono input and I have a small collection of old vinyl, though they're not the most well cared for. I also have some access to vinyl thru friends and some older ones at my parents house. All my buddies used to DJ back in the day so most of my experience is w/ SL1200's.

I'm looking for starter suggestions on turntables. Really not looking for anything more than $200 at this point. I would REALLY want a yellow Rega P3 but at that price point I could buy another bike. (Forget the fact that it would be my 5th bike in a year and my wife would kill me but that's another story.) Just looking to test the vinyl waters to see if I'm willing to stick w/ it long enough to invest in a quality table.

Thanks.

Re: Starter Turntable
#88484 04/02/05 02:45 PM
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I bought the Stanton STR8-30 and am quite happy with it. Apparently, Stanton has recently discontinued the STR8 (Straight) line of turntables, replacing it with a similar, but more expensive line. Doing a quick search, the best price I could find on the STR8-30 is $149 with free shipping.

I would recommend replacing the cartridge that comes with the turntable with a Shure M97XE cartridge. Another quick search turned up a $57.99 price, with free shipping, which is considerably better than the $80, or so, I paid for mine. However, you might first try the turntable with the cartridge that comes with it to see if it will suffice.

Should you be interested in either of these, be sure to do a search to see if you can turn up better prices. As I said, my searches were just quickies.


Jack

"People generally quarrel because they cannot argue." - G. K. Chesterton
Re: Starter Turntable
#88485 04/03/05 05:56 AM
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Thanks Ajax.

That Stanton looks a lot like a 1200. Would it be considered the same quality?

What would be the reason to change to the cartridge? Is there a sound difference?

Re: Starter Turntable
#88486 04/03/05 07:58 AM
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Here's what I posted on audioreview. Maybe others have input.

I'm not looking to spend more than $200 to $300. I like the idea of the Rega P3 but not ready to spend that kind of coin yet. I have a couple of questions and requests for opinions on choices.

1) Curved arm vs. straight arm. I've seen some mention of this on various threads but what difference does it make?

2) As a starter TT, what difference does it really make if I get a DJ table?

3) Any thoughts on the list of TT's below?

Stanton STR8-30 Direct Drive Turntable
Pro-Ject Debut III w/ ORTOFON OM-5 MM CARTRIDGE
Music Hall- MMF-2.1 Turntable w/ Tracker MM cart
Music Hall Goldring GR-1 Turntable with RB-250 arm and Electra Phono Cartridge

4) I know the Stanton is the half the cost of the others, but am I really going to notice that big of a difference as a newbie?

5) Can someone explain the differences btw the MMF2.1 and GR-1?

Re: Starter Turntable
#88487 04/03/05 08:47 AM
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The SL1200 is a serious workhorse "DJ" turntable. the Stanton is an entry-level turntable. My dad also has the Stanton SR8-30. It works okay. He has a Grado cartridge but has yet to put it on. Personally, I would go with a Stanton and upgrade to a Grado or Shure cartridge. This can be done for under $300.

Re: Starter Turntable
#88488 04/03/05 12:53 PM
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In reply to:

1) Curved arm vs. straight arm. I've seen some mention of this on various threads but what difference does it make?


I think the straight arm is an advantage for scratching DJs, but I don't really know for a certainty. I don't think it makes much difference for the average listener.

In reply to:

2) As a starter TT, what difference does it really make if I get a DJ table?


Absolutely none. I went for the STR8-30 because it is direct drive, a known brand, inexpensive (relatively speaking), and does a good job. Like you, I wasn't looking for "audiophile" quality, just a solid entry level table.

In reply to:

3) Any thoughts on the list of TT's below?


Don't know a thing about any of the other tables. I've heard of them, but that's all.

In reply to:

4) I know the Stanton is the half the cost of the others, but am I really going to notice that big of a difference as a newbie?


Only in the wallet. Since, I'm not familiar with the others I can't say if you will notice any other difference.

In reply to:

5) Can someone explain the differences btw the MMF2.1 and GR-1?


Well I can't. I hope some other's can. There is a fairly small but knowledgeable bunch of guys who hang out at the Turntables/Vinyl - It Ain't Dead Yet forum at the Home Theater Spot. You might pose your questions there, and/or perform a search for each of the turntables you've listed. You might get more info there. I suspect the Stanton would not be highly respected there, but you might learn more about the other turntables you've mentioned.


Jack

"People generally quarrel because they cannot argue." - G. K. Chesterton
Re: Starter Turntable
#88489 04/03/05 03:47 PM
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Cool, I'll try the spot. Taking a quick look, the Stanton might give cause to "eye"...

Re: Starter Turntable
#88490 04/04/05 06:15 AM
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I'm perty much where your are at. Have about 400 vinyls that havent seen the lite of day in over a decade. I was at Best Buys last week and noticed a Sony table with cartridge and built in phone amp for $175. Might be worth checking into. Not many retailers carry TT and if theres a BB close to you you can save on shipping and other hassles of the internet and return it in a week or so if you don't like it.

BW Maxx

Re: Starter Turntable
#88491 04/04/05 05:36 PM
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I'm torn. Do I try a starter one like the Stanton STR8-30 that already has a cartridge for $150 or upgraded cart for $200? Or do I spend $100 more to go w/ an entry level audiophile? I'm tempted to go the latter route. Audio Advisor has a $300 one from Music Hall that's basically a Rega P2. I'll probably get that, unless I can make a deal on a local seller that has an MMF-5 for cheap.

Re: Starter Turntable
#88492 04/04/05 07:10 PM
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Adding another idea to the mix... something like this.

Bren R.

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