Pros and cons of turntables?

[70sMac]

It's been a while since I visited the lounge. This time I'm looking for some thoughts on "going back" to LPs. I often find LP versions of the music I prefer that are relatively cheap when compared to the CD variations.

In addition to the pro and cons of turntables, I'd appreciate some thoughts on which brands/models give one good bang for the buck.

Thank you kindly for your time ~ Bill

[Antonmb]

If it’s just to be able to pick up a few deals vs the cost of CDs, then I’d say it’s not worth it. If the cheaper vinyl is new, then the quality probably won’t be great - good new pressings aren’t usually cheap. If you’re shopping used, some real gems are out there, but the good used stuff isn’t usually cheap either, the waters can be treacherous, and you’ll want a record cleaning machine to get the most out of used purchases. In either case, a streaming service subscription or buying used CDs on eBay might be better, cheaper options.

If, on the other hand, you already have a preexisting vinyl collection you haven’t played in a while, or if you want to be serious about playing vinyl because you enjoy the sound and like to collect great vinyl, then of course it’s worth it. There are some very nice turntables to be had for $3-5k from brands like Rega, Pro-Ject, VPI, and several others. What’s your budget?

[70sMac]

Originally Posted by Antonmb

If it’s just to be able to pick up a few deals vs the cost of CDs, then I’d say it’s not worth it. If the cheaper vinyl is new, then the quality probably won’t be great - good new pressings aren’t usually cheap. If you’re shopping used, some real gems are out there, but the good used stuff isn’t usually cheap either, the waters can be treacherous, and you’ll want a record cleaning machine to get the most out of used purchases. In either case, a streaming service subscription or buying used CDs on eBay might be better, cheaper options.

If, on the other hand, you already have a preexisting vinyl collection you haven’t played in a while, or if you want to be serious about playing vinyl because you enjoy the sound and like to collect great vinyl, then of course it’s worth it. There are some very nice turntables to be had for $3-5k from brands like Rega, Pro-Ject, VPI, and several others. What’s your budget?

I don't think that I provided enough detail in the OP. I'm not considering a turntable simply because LPs cost a few bucks less. Instead, I'm considering it because there are numerous titles that are either being used to make silly profits -- on the used CD/SACD/HDCD/DVD-A/BD-A market -- or are simply no longer available in any of the various 120 mm "CD" forms. I also have some very old LPs, like a complete Chicago collection I won in a contest (circa '76), that has been collecting dust for far too long.

As we already have about as much as we can handle into our Mac gear -- and plans to add more at the end of this summer -- the turntable would have to be reasonably priced...say $1,500 or less. Given what I've read in this thread, thus far, it would seem that this budget doesn't even get one close to even a "decent" platter spinner...so, perhaps, we should be looking for a used unit?

If anyone has any recommendations about good used makes/models, I'd be much obliged.

Thanks again for your time

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by 70sMac

-- the turntable would have to be reasonably priced...say $1,500 or less. Given what I've read in this thread, thus far, it would seem that this budget doesn't even get one close to even a "decent" platter spinner...so, perhaps, we should be looking for a used unit?

If anyone has any recommendations about good used makes/models, I'd be much obliged.

Thanks again for your time

Au contraire, mon ami. As has been suggested, the Rega P3 is an excellent place to start and is very musical with any number of cartridges. One in particular that would fit in your budget is the Audio Technica VM750SH. You can always go up or down from there. Same with the Technics SL-1200GR, which is direct-drive and meets your budget.

As you mentioned used, you might be able to find a good, used TT/TA with or without a cartridge in the classifieds here or Audiogon or U.S. Audio Mart. There is what appears to be a nice Rega Planar 6 (step up from the Planar 3) with a Denon DL110 (very popular MC cartridge) available at the moment within your budget, as well as a Planar 3. If purchasing used, try to find one with the original packaging materials to insure safe shipping.

Good luck in your search and keep up posted.

[crwilli]

Solid advice

[bart]

Originally Posted by crwilli

Solid advice

+1, from another digital only audiophile.

[George Prentice]

I have maintained my vinyl collection since I bought my first LP in 1967. I have upgraded the analog end with the rest of my system, the digital end getting more and more play during the ‘90s. Over the last ten years I have had competing digital and analog ends, I’d upgrade one... then the other would sound better, back and forth. Although less expensive by about $10K my current analog end is a bit better than my digital end... more detailed and a bigger sound stage... but both are equally satisfying to listen to... equally. I really enjoy vinyl and picking up used recorded or new audiophile vinyl once in a while. I listen to vinyl about 15% of the time. It is an enjoyable pursuit.
.

The pros is dollar for dollar generally better sound. A good system virtually eliminates surface noise and maximizes soundstage and musicality. This is still the way to maximum fidelity. Great fun finding special recordings that have never been released digitally. Used records cleaned with a record cleaner can usually sound perfect.

Cons: Less convenient than digital (my streamer is equal or better than all my CDs, but also less convenient than CD). probably need a cleaning machine to clean incoming disks and used finds. Turn over disk every 20 minutes. Takes up space.


It is a question of how much can you afford. If possible I would recommend something like a Linn LP12 Majik (or similarly priced VPI)... you get the table, arm, and cartridge, and it is highly upgradable if you get the urge. Then you would need a good Phonostage... i would recommend something in the $3.5k range to match the capability of the LP12. You seem to like McIntosh... so maybe their Phonostage.


There are lots of approaches that are less expensive... Rega... but if you want solid performance, something like above... or there are a number of solid brands.

[W9TR]

I too have vinyl I bought as a teenager. I never stopped playing records after CD’s came on the scene.

I’m not sure I’d get into vinyl now if I didn’t already have a large vinyl collection.

[cleeds]

Originally Posted by W9TR

I too have vinyl I bought as a teenager. I never stopped playing records after CD’s came on the scene. I’m not sure I’d get into vinyl now if I didn’t already have a large vinyl collection.

Same here. I have no plans to give up on LPs, but only because I've been into them for so long. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't bother with LP if I were starting from scratch today.

But I'm old school. I still don't think of LPs as "vinyls" any more than I think of CDs as "polycarbonates."

[Antonmb]

Originally Posted by cleeds

I still don't think of LPs as "vinyls" any more than I think of CDs as "polycarbonates."

[emoji106][emoji106][emoji106][emoji106]
And the plural of vinyl is vinyl.