Getting Into Vinyl?

[DrkNinja]

So I really want to get into vinyl, I just like the feeling of having something material and the record sound is so good. So I really don't want to spend more than the like 300 on it, preferably I'd like something less than the that; however I want good sound quality and normal song length. As I've read around I have found that the record player playing a record faster than intended seems to be a common issue. Also I don't know what else I need; I don't have a speaker system and from my knowledge I need an audio receiver... Which as I checked is quite expensive... ( -_-') So all that is kinda what I'm trying to figure out; What components will i need for an entire system? What is the cheapest I can get this system with a decent audio quality? Lastly, please don't treat me like i'm an idiot... 

[AMICLG]

I've heard good things about the lower end Pioneer decks. You need a phono pre-amp then put the line level side into speakers.

[SonoDanshi]

however I want good sound quality and normal song length. As I've read around I have found that the record player playing a record faster than intended seems to be a common issue.

The records playing at different speeds is down to the fact that they are mastered at either 33.3 rpm, 45 rpm or in very rare cases 78 rpm. You basically just need a deck that can switch between 33 and 45 so you don't suffer from speed issues on playback (i.e. a 33 record running at 45rpm will be fast and sound like Alvin and the chipmunks whereas a 45 record played at 33rpm will be very slow).

[Stagea]

So I really want to get into vinyl, I just like the feeling of having something material and the record sound is so good. So I really don't want to spend more than the like 300 on it, preferably I'd like something less than the that; however I want good sound quality and normal song length. As I've read around I have found that the record player playing a record faster than intended seems to be a common issue. Also I don't know what else I need; I don't have a speaker system and from my knowledge I need an audio receiver... Which as I checked is quite expensive... ( -_-') So all that is kinda what I'm trying to figure out; What components will i need for an entire system? What is the cheapest I can get this system with a decent audio quality? Lastly, please don't treat me like i'm an idiot... 

 

Where are you located? Do you have an existing audio system?

 

If you have an existing audio system, check if it has a phono input or if it only has line inputs. That will let you know if you need a phono preamp/equalizer, or a turntable with a built-in preamp/eq.

 

There are decent turntables at a low price (especially if you're in the UK). The price point really depends on your sonic standards. If you'd be plopping money on expensive vinyls, then the cost of a nice turntable wouldn't matter so much.

 

Something like this might work if you're after decent sound quality at a low price:

http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Ject-Elemental-Turntable-Tonearm-Cartridge/dp/B00EL6RJ08

 

Do not use a hifi turntable for DJing however. They are not meant for that abuse (they are designed for output quality).

 

If your purpose is DJing, then something like this would do:

http://www.amazon.com/Stanton-Direct-Drive-Turntable-Cartridge-Pre-Mounted/dp/B001JY9MB4

[DrkNinja]

I do not have a preexisting audio system, so what would be a good recommendation on a system with a phono or separately.

[Stagea]

I do not have a preexisting audio system, so what would be a good recommendation on a system with a phono or separately.

 

How much are you willing to pay for the system?

 

If you want to stay as close as possible to $300, please see below:

 

Perhaps one of these turntables as they come with built-in phono preamps/eqs:

http://www.amazon.com/Technica-AT-LP60USB-Automatic-Turntable-USB/dp/B002GYTPB8 (w/ USB out)

http://www.amazon.com/Technica-AT-LP60-Automatic-Stereo-Turntable/dp/B002GYTPAE (Analogue out only)

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-PSLX300USB-USB-Stereo-Turntable/dp/B0015HOFZI (w/ USB out)

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-PL-990-Automatic-Stereo-Turntable/dp/B00005NDMR (Analogue out only)

 

Couple the turntable with a basic receiver like one of the below:

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-R-S201BL-2-Channel-Stereo-Receiver/dp/B00F0H88SY

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH130-Channel-Stereo-Receiver/dp/B006U1VH2S

http://www.amazon.com/Sherwood-RX4508-Stereo-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B00OZ5852Q (w/ Bluetooth input)

 

Then get a decent pair of entry level speakers like this:

http://www.amazon.com/MTX-Monitor-60i-Tweeter-Bookshelf/dp/B000FAAYBK

 

Or 2 units of this:

http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-Two-way-Bookshelf-Satellite/dp/B0045NCB32

 

You can hookup an old DVD player and a Bluetooth receiver for media flexibility (or connect your PC for even more options). Get some lamp cord from your local hardware to wire up the speakers, then you are all set. 

 

 

There are also all-in-one options like the one below, but the weak amplifier and smaller speakers make them more suitable for bedroom use (speed regulation also isn't as good, and the tonearm needs finger intervention for playback).

http://www.amazon.com/Teac-LP-P1000-CH-Turntable-Speaker-Bluetooth/dp/B00H1OVGTW/

 

 

Since this would be your first turntable system, take note of these two things:

1. Keep the system away from sources of vibration, as this vibration will be picked up and amplified by the system.

2. Read up on Vinyl care. Unlike digital media, analogue media is sensitive to scratches and dirt.

[Stagea]

Just to add: You may find good deals in the used market if you know what to look for. It may take some effort though.

[Thedude886]

So I really want to get into vinyl, I just like the feeling of having something material and the record sound is so good. So I really don't want to spend more than the like 300 on it, preferably I'd like something less than the that; however I want good sound quality and normal song length. As I've read around I have found that the record player playing a record faster than intended seems to be a common issue. Also I don't know what else I need; I don't have a speaker system and from my knowledge I need an audio receiver... Which as I checked is quite expensive... ( -_-') So all that is kinda what I'm trying to figure out; What components will i need for an entire system? What is the cheapest I can get this system with a decent audio quality? Lastly, please don't treat me like i'm an idiot... 

 

I've been using the Numark TTUSB (http://amzn.to/1K7CJU8) and I love it! It comes with software to rip records to your computer via USB and RCA output. It has a preamp so you can plug don't have to worry about needing a receiver, a old stereo should work. 

 

The only downside is you have to balance to tone arm, but it's not hard. The tone arm is also manual, so you're going to be putting the needle on the record yourself. This may be a issue if you're a audiophile, overtime this can diminish the quality of the sound due to; potential scratching, inconsistent force on the needle/record. inconsistent placement of the needle.

 

Definitely worth it IMO though. It's a really good price for a quality player to get started with!  

 

*Edit* You can find decent receivers and speakers at thriftshops or Goodwill.

 

*Edit* Invest in a decent record brush too (http://amzn.to/1eFzQyx). Removes surface dust, so dust doesn't grind into the grooves, and static for a overall better sound.

[Dredgy]

Completely wrong topic.