Record Players

[Goodliz]

Hello, I would like to buy a record player. Been looking online and the main ones I find are Steepletone brand. The reviews are mixed. some people saying they sound great and others not.

Just wandered whether anyone else has bought one of these systems with built in speakers and USB. Do they sound really tinny?

Or any other recommendations please. The house is only small so not looking for anything top of the range but being able to hear the bass would be nice.

Thanks.

[david_carnell]

Get a Project.

Best budget turntable bar none. Latter models come in pretty colours too.

[Otta]

How much do they go for DC? I've been thinking of investing too, but wouldn't use it enough to justify a big spend.

[RosieH]

I had this exact same question last year.

I looked at Project, as well as a lot of way more expensive turntables. In the end, I went for aesthetics, and got me a mighty purtee early 70s Bang & Olufsen with cherry wood plinth.

It required the additional purchase of a pre-amp (about ?80 from Richer Sounds, but there are cheaper ones). The pre-amp's only small, about 5x7" so doesn't take up much room, and then you can just plug your turntable into that, and then that into your usual stereo.

D_C, am guessing the Project also requires a pre-amp?

[ultraburner]

Just wandered whether anyone else has bought one of these systems with built in speakers and USB. Do they sound really tinny?

It'll sound pretty crap compared to a proper deck.

Linn Axis's go for about ?200 on ebay. Rega Planer is another good deck, and will be cheaper than a Linn.

As to if you need a pre-amp, you will if the amp doesnt have a phono (RIAA) input. A good phono to line level pre-amp shouldn't cost much.

[david_carnell]

Nearly all turntables will require either an additional pre-amp or a built-in phono stage on your amp. Few come with it built in these days I think.

Otta - I have a Project Debut II which (I think) cost ?150 new but seem to be very reasonable on ebay..

Buying second hand is risky with turntables though since the catridge could be knackered and it's more sensitive in transit than something more solid like an amp or cd player.

New, you could get something pretty like this....

http://www.project-audio.com/inhalt/bilder/debutesprit.jpg

Shop around and it'll be close to ?200.

[titch juicy]

i bought a project debut III from richer sounds a few years ago after endless recommendations. it's a lovely thing, and paired with an ok amp and speakers gives lovely sound. Simple, stylish looks too.

http://www.richersounds.com/product/turntables/project/debut-iii/proj-debut3-blk-new

[Goodliz]

Thank you for these replies. Looks like I have a bit more research to do and set a proper budget for it. I am of course regretting chucking out my 1980's midi system all those years ago.

[ultraburner]

I am of course regretting chucking out my 1980's midi system all those years ago.

All the players talked about here will be much better sounding than your average midi system, so I guess it comes down to how much that matters to you and how much you want to spend....

If you're just gonna mp3 the records and listen on your ipod/car stereo then maybe its not worth it. (i'd get the tunes from youtube in that case)

But if you want to listen at home through a good amp and speakers it probably is.

[tallulah71]

Don't forget the cable - good speakers / amps are nothing without good cable.

[ultraburner]

Cables? I wouldnt worry too much about that as long as you spend 20 quid or so, they wont affect things at this level as it's mostly snake oil rubbish.

A big paving slab under the deck will do far more for the sound, as will putting your speakers in the right place for your room.

Only if you can be arsed, mind....

[Jeremy]

Surely you can pick up a very cheap one on ebay. Even if the cartridge is knackered, it's probably worth a punt, and a replacement wouldn't be that expensive. Add ?25 for a basic phono preamp. I get the impression that Goodliz isn't looking for anything too fancy.

[Jah Lush]

Failing that get a Dansette

[Jeremy]

Cool.

I quite fancy getting something like this, and fitting it with modern electronics:

http://www.bethanydesign.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Radiogram.jpg

[Jah Lush]

OMG! I remember my parents had one just like that Jeremy.

[David A]

Same here.

Just that model.

I can't remember what brand it was, but knowing my dad it wouldn't have been top of the range.

It used to start with quite a satisfying thrum when you turned that on/off knob on the right though.

I think it's still in my Mum's garage, can't imagine what state it's in now or the K-Tel and Ronco records that are with it.

[Undisputedtruth]

Jeremy Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Cool.

>

> I quite fancy getting something like this, and

> fitting it with modern electronics:

>

> http://www.bethanydesign.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/

> 2011/08/Radiogram.jpg

It's about time M&S revamp their audio stocks.

[maxxi]

I bought a bog-standard Bush turntable for about 30 quid - has it's own tinny speaker and tiny amp built in but will also play through my kenwood amplifier; most of my platters are a little worn anyway so the quality is nice 'n hissy with a side order of crackle.