Finally got this one hooked up and played an album last night. It was made in the late 70s. Definitely an improvement over the turntables that I've had over the years (simple tonearms/cartridges, no tracking weight/anti-skate adjust, etc.). I realize that there are slews of better ones out there, but the $75 paid was well within my budget so I pulled the trigger.
It's a beauty - and I'm impressed with the build quality. I didn't hear a single noise until the needle was on the vinyl. Dead silence and then wonderful music. The Digitrac/Ortofon cartridge is in fine condition. The arm lifter mechanism is a thing of wonder. Very smooth and gentle. The strobe/pitch control is pretty cool. I like the simplicity of it all - no auto pick up. It engages you. I love it.
You see, I'm bucking the current trend these days - to make everything "on demand," portable, always accessible. I originally was planning to continue my playing vinyl just to record to my computer and then to cd for use in my car. With this baby, I'm carving some time out of my day, sitting down in my chair, and beginning the ritual that many of you practice on a regular basis. It's a moment in time, just me and my vinyl records - no recording necessary.
A very special thanks to the AKers who helped me out: JH with the manuals and recommendation, www.records and bohhey with cleaning up the mat. And of course all the others who I've learned from just by reading your postings. Thanks!
It's a beauty - and I'm impressed with the build quality. I didn't hear a single noise until the needle was on the vinyl. Dead silence and then wonderful music. The Digitrac/Ortofon cartridge is in fine condition. The arm lifter mechanism is a thing of wonder. Very smooth and gentle. The strobe/pitch control is pretty cool. I like the simplicity of it all - no auto pick up. It engages you. I love it.
You see, I'm bucking the current trend these days - to make everything "on demand," portable, always accessible. I originally was planning to continue my playing vinyl just to record to my computer and then to cd for use in my car. With this baby, I'm carving some time out of my day, sitting down in my chair, and beginning the ritual that many of you practice on a regular basis. It's a moment in time, just me and my vinyl records - no recording necessary.
A very special thanks to the AKers who helped me out: JH with the manuals and recommendation, www.records and bohhey with cleaning up the mat. And of course all the others who I've learned from just by reading your postings. Thanks!