A good friend of mine said if I needed to know anything about turntables... this was the best place around. So... lets get started on what ive done so far and what you guys think I should do. Last night... I bought this http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?c=1&b=g&catoid=-11422&qp=0&bookmark=bookmark_2&oid=58694

After getting home... I was pleased with the sound quality I got out of this guy. I am currently using an old Marantz 2230 directly into my Senn HD600s. I love the sound of vinyl and im now a full fledged record junkie! So... my question is this... Is there anything that this record player isnt offering in sound quality that another one will around the same price? I have beem told to take mine back and buy this one...http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3072214743&category=3283&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBWA%3AIT&rd=1

Im stuck wondering if its really worth taking mine back for?

So... any help would be great! Thank you kindly!

Vedder

Welcome aboard. Vinyl is a truly rewarding experience !

Seems you may have answered your own question regarding your new table. If your happy with it then don't let anyones views of it be reason alone for changing it out.

I have never heard that table. If you have the opportunity check out other tables and then make your decision. Good luck and keep us posted.

Grumpy

Sweet! Thanks man... I feel a little better about my puchase!

I also wanted to know if changing the cartridge might yield better results? I was tempted to buy this one while I was there...

http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?c=1&b=g&catoid=-11422&qp=0&bookmark=bookmark_1&oid=14620

In cartridges you can do much better then the garden variety AT that Best Buy or CC sells. unfortunately you are limited to P mounts ( at least I think so ) on that table. I would suggest you throw a Grado black on it. Set it and for get about it then on with the tunes.

Grumpy

Interesting issue. The new TT seems to be nothing extraordinary and you certainly could do better online/Ebay/thrifting.

My guess is that almost any Japanese turntable from Technics, Sony, Yamaha, JVC, Pioneer, etc would be as good or better and many can be had for under $30.00 plus shipping. Duals are also very common, but may need a linkage cleaning and relube, which would add to your cast. For the $100.00 you spent, you probably could find a nice Philips 212 or 312 with a cart in decent shape, plus shipping: the link below is an example. FYI, I have nothing to do with the auction.

Philips auction (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3071417330&category=48649)

Or you can scrounge around to thrifts and sales and find one for $5-$20. Sometimes they need a cart, sometimes they don't almost always need a new belt. At any rate, they usually are less and you don't have to sweat out shipping; packing a TT properly requires knowledge and care. You could also check out Ebay auctions in your area and arrange for a pickup; that would reduce your cost and sweat factor

Bottom line is that you can do better and probably will eventually want to upgrade, so why not return the AT now and get something more suitable at the get go??:D

I just want to take a minute to back up what Grumpy said.

Your enjoyment is ultimately what matters. also, a used table may take some work or have problems. Not the best way to introduce yourself to a wonderful new medium.

Keep your albums and stylus clean. The main advantage of CD's is they are easy. Regular care should ensure enjoyment for years to come.

Brad

ill do that! Im gonna order a brush for my vinyl. What is a stylus? How do I keep that clean? Thanks!

"What is a stylus? How do I keep that clean?"

No offence intended but if you know that little about turntables and cartridges keep the new one and DO NOT buy a vintage turntable until you have learned the basics.

That AT setup also has a built-in preamp. If you go to a vintage unit you will have to purchase a phono preamp which adds another layer of complexity and cost to the situation.

The stylus as you have likely discovered is the needle. FWIW I have used a turntable for about 50 years and do not use stylus cleaning fluids. I just make sure that no lint or dust accumulates on my stylus. That said I DO make damned sure to keep my LP's clean.

That AT setup also has a built-in preamp. If you go to a vintage unit you will have to purchase a phono preamp which adds another layer of complexity and cost to the situation.

Ummm... no. My Marantz has a great built in phono preamp.

Thanks for the help on the Stylus...

I just needed to know it was called a needle as well.

Originally posted by Vedder323
I just needed to know it was called a needle as well.

I still screw that one up :p:

Whatever you decide you will be opening yourself to the option of hearing a lot of great music that may not always be available on CD and which can usually be found at bargain prices.

I sense a bit of " nose outta joint " in your last response.

I assure you no offense was intended. My reasoning simply is that you are better off staying with the new unit until you become more familiar with turntables because vintage units can require some tweaking and repair to give their best. A straight out of the box solution such as the AT can be a great way to begin and at a very good price.

Enjoy!

Cool... I appreciate the help... sorry if that came out snotty... I am the rookie, you guys are the pros!

Quick question... Its already been suggested to upgrade my cartridge/stylus... How does one stylus sound better than another? I mean... if I get the Grado "black" will it be more accurate? Louder? Im wondering how a catridge effects the sound.

Every cartridge theoretically at least is designed to give the most authentic possible reproduction that can be achieved at a given price point. That said they do tend to sound different from each other.

Some carts are judged to sound "brighter" ( a tendency to sound rather louder in the upper midrange and highs than others ). Some cartridges are felt to give a stronger bass response than others.

Both of those statements may or not be true respecting a given cartridge but the interaction ( ie. match between the cart,playback equipment etc.) can also play a major role in how a particular cartridge might sound.

Grado cartridges are very good overall and some of their high end models are considered among the best available.

I would suggest that you live with the new AT and the supplied cartridge for a time before upgrading to a more expensive cartridge as you may find that you wish to upgrade to a better turntable at some point. The extra $$ for a superior cartridge might be better spent at the time of an upgrade.

One caveat about Grado cartridges - Grados tend to be more prone to picking up motor hum than other brands. This would not likely be the case with your AT as it is a belt drive unit but on the other hand my turntable is a vintage Ariston RD80se which is a belt driven TT and I got a bit of motor hum with a Grado which I do not get with my Shure V15 III.

Ideally anytime you purchase new audio equipment you should ask for a 30 day return option in the event that you are unsatisfied for whatever reason with the new component.