Record Players

[DIGITALBATH]

So, I'm curious, even though I listened to records as a kid, I haven't in years. What makes a good record player? Brand, features, components. How would you spot a good one? What is the most expensive one you've seen. New tech, or old school?

What about turntables? Do dj's still use real record players, and if so, what differentiates the good from the bad if you're mixing music?

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by DIGITALBATH

So, I'm curious, even though I listened to records as a kid, I haven't in years. What makes a good record player? Brand, features, components. How would you spot a good one? What is the most expensive one you've seen. New tech, or old school?

What about turntables? Do dj's still use real record players, and if so, what differentiates the good from the bad if you're mixing music?

A good turntable must be stable, have steady rotation, have a good tonearm and a high quality cartridge. Many DJ's still use turntables and almost all pro shops sell many different models of DJ turntables. Turntables and LP's are also making a comeback in the consumer market.

Read https://forum.blu-ray.com/vinyl-old-...urntables.html.

We have a turntable section under Music. I will move this thread there. You will find plenty of useful threads there.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Nice to see another person interested in "record players", although that term isn't used much anymore.

The least expensive "turntable" starts at approximately $350USD, and usually comes premounted with both the tonearm and cartridge/stylus. The most expensive ones are priced around $150,000USD. Yes, you read that right. One can easily find used turntables on Audiogon (US) and/or CanuckAudioMart (Canada) for much less, and this is certainly a good way to get into the game.

Most, but not all, audiophile turntables are of the "belt-drive" variety, and DJ's prefer "direct-drive" turntables, such as the workhorse turntable of all them, the Technics SL-1200. This thing is built like a tank. I would consider this sort of turntable if I wanted to "mix" as you so put it.

If your preference is to enjoy music at home and having a turntable to integrate with your current setup, or for a 2-channel only setup, then I strongly recommend looking at the belt-drive variety.

I'm hesitant to provide brands, as everyone has their own preference, but good entry-level turntables can be had from companies such as Pro-ject, Rega, MusicHall, Thorens, Denon and others. To give you an idea of what's available, check out these sites:

AcousticSounds
Elusive Disc
MusicDirect
Jerry Raskin's Needle Doctor

Additionally, here are 2 stickies from the Vinyl & Old School Music forum:

A Guide To Turntables
List of Turntable Manufacturers

Hope this has given you an idea of what to consider, and if you have more questions please post away. We'd all be happy to help you out!

John

[DIGITALBATH]

Originally Posted by John72953

Nice to see another person interested in "record players", although that term isn't used much anymore.

The least expensive "turntable" starts at approximately $350USD, and usually comes premounted with both the tonearm and cartridge/stylus. The most expensive ones are priced around $150,000USD. Yes, you read that right. One can easily find used turntables on Audiogon (US) and/or CanuckAudioMart (Canada) for much less, and this is certainly a good way to get into the game.

Most, but not all, audiophile turntables are of the "belt-drive" variety, and DJ's prefer "direct-drive" turntables, such as the workhorse turntable of all them, the Technics SL-1200. This thing is built like a tank. I would consider this sort of turntable if I wanted to "mix" as you so put it.

If your preference is to enjoy music at home and having a turntable to integrate with your current setup, or for a 2-channel only setup, then I strongly recommend looking at the belt-drive variety.

I'm hesitant to provide brands, as everyone has their own preference, but good entry-level turntables can be had from companies such as Pro-ject, Rega, MusicHall, Thorens, Denon and others. To give you an idea of what's available, check out these sites:

AcousticSounds
Elusive Disc
MusicDirect
Jerry Raskin's Needle Doctor

Additionally, here are 2 stickies from the Vinyl & Old School Music forum:

A Guide To Turntables
List of Turntable Manufacturers

Hope this has given you an idea of what to consider, and if you have more questions please post away. We'd all be happy to help you out!

John

Wow $150,000? I think I saw one on AVS for ~$99,000 + and muttered to myself, "he must have done that by error". What could possibly justify that cost? -It must be an antique?

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by DIGITALBATH

Wow $150,000? I think I saw one on AVS for ~$99,000 + and muttered to myself, "he must have done that by error". What could possibly justify that cost? -It must be an antique?

Here it is!

John

[FreddieFerric]

This one too: http://www.continuumaudiolabs.com/caliburn.html

[richteer]

Originally Posted by DIGITALBATH

Wow $150,000? I think I saw one on AVS for ~$99,000 + and muttered to myself, "he must have done that by error". What could possibly justify that cost? -It must be an antique?

Nah, it's just very, very good. As it is with other fields, the best costs lots of money. The Clearaudio Statement and Continuum Audio Labs Caliburn are two examples of the current state of the turntable art, and unfortunately they're priced accordingly...

[Morrissey]

Originally Posted by richteer

Nah, it's just very, very good. As it is with other fields, the best costs lots of money. The Clearaudio Statement and Continuum Audio Labs Caliburn are two examples of the current state of the turntable art, and unfortunately they're priced accordingly...

They are beautiful looking aren't they.
I don't think I could justify that price to the wife though.

[richteer]

Originally Posted by Morrissey

They are beautiful looking aren't they.

Yep! I've had the pleasure of listening to the Caliburn (albeit under show conditions); mighty impressive it is!