Been collecting records for years but never owned a turntable (lol)
Wondering if it’s a better bet to buy a brand new turntable, or a vintage turntable? I like the idea of buying a vintage made in Japan turntable but not sure if there is actually a difference in terms of technology.
Also, I am interested in ripping some records I have, can any turntable do this? I have a focusrite audio interface already.
Recommendations appreciated. My headphones are AKG K7XX but likely I would be using the turntable with my inexpensive powered Edifer bookshelf speakers.
Vintage is definitely the best way to go for a good quality first TT. I wish I had actual recommendations but atleast stick to vintage.
What country are you in? Very different options sometimes.
What’s your budget? This is probably the biggest factor in answering your questions.
The AT-LP60X or AT-LP3BK are the cheapest turntables you can buy new or refurbished that are actual turntables and not junky plastic pretending to be audio equipment. Link: https://outlet.audio-technica.com/catalog/category/view/id/1115/?product_list_order=name
Do not buy a suitcase or retro-style player. They’re literally all the same cheap Chinese part that is just junk.
For double to ten times the price, you can get vintage turntables in decent condition that are much better equipment. Especially if you can find a place to go in and shop instead of ordering online. That said, I’ve had good experiences with Reverb and eBay (but it helps if you’re a shrewd buyer). I’ve heard lots of people get great gear from Facebook, etc.
I have a vintage turntable (70’s Technics SL1300). Two years ago my kid wanted a turntable, and based on recommendations from r/budgetaudiophile, I got him a Fluance RT82. It sounds good, and has been trouble free, unlike my vintage one. I recommend it as a first turntable.
Fluance offers great value for the money, using higher quality cartridges at their price points than most.
The vintage market will vary depending on where you are. If you want vintage, try to shoot for the sweet spot between the 70s and mid 80s. Japanese turntables we very reliable and the market hadn’t been overrun with cheap plasticky P mount decks yet.
I’ve bought all of my decks from FB. I try to stick to Japanese decks because that’s what I have experience in, and my current deck is a Technics SL-Q3, with a Q2 as backup. I payed $150 AUD for each of them, both needed a little TLC cosmetically, but are rock solid performers and sound fantastic with a nice cartridge.
The SL-D2 is also a good option and there are plenty around, but JVC, Kenwood, Yamaha and Sony all made good stuff too. Even Akai made a few gems that still fly under the radar so can be particularly affordable.
Audiokarma is your best friend for information, but they will almost always direct you towards vintage rather than buying new.
PS. If you go vintage and want to use the edifers, you’ll likely need a preamp. I have a Project Phono Box E that was cheap enough and sounds fine to my ears, but I prefer to use the built in pre amp in my stereo amplifier.
Check out Rega a British manufacturer. The Rega planner 1 is a great 1st TT. You can also get a version with a built in phono stage if your amp doesn’t have phono input. I still have mine but I now own a Planner 6. You can also upgrade the planner 1 with a glass platter from a planner 3. A worth wile upgrade.
