I'm looking into getting a turntable. Any advice on specific models? I don't need anything too fancy, just something to listen to records (no DJing).

Should I go new or just get one from a thrift store and pick up a new cartridge and preamp?

Any advice would help. Thanks!

How much do you want to spend?

I did a lot of research on this topic a couple of years ago when I was back in the market for a TT. Based on that research and advice from several obnertricians, I bought a Music Hall MMF 5 and have been quite pleased.

Here's a link:

http://www.musichallaudio.com/mmf_produ ... show=false

Not too much. I'm not particularly an audiophile, nor do I need anything particularly fancy, so I guess basically I'm looking for the best I can get for a reasonable amount of money.

I got a functional TT off Craigslist (plus two Infinity bookshelf speakers and a awesomely sturdy shelf) for $45. It's not fancy, and I'd like to upgrade when the right diamond in the rough sparkles at me, but it plays, and that was my main concern.

I just bought a Numark for my girlfriend for Christmas.

www.numark.com

That looks awesome, but unfortunately, it falls in the category of too much dough.

Check out the MMF 2.1's---I got my 5 for much less than the suggested retail price listed on this website. You can probably get a 2.1 for less than $300. If you're looking new with some quality, I don't think you're going to find much for less than $200.

All you really need is a Technics SL-1200M3D (or any of the other SL variations), which runs in the $450-$600 range. It is the sole, undisputed classic of professional turntables, and is a good investment (given their durability and reliability).

You arent going to find much in the less than $500 range if looking for a new TT. The best would be, as previously mentioned, the MMF 2.1 (@ $300.00).

The key here really is how often are you actually gonna be using it? I use my turntable to burn vinyl to CDR mostly - use it maybe 5-6 times a year.

I had an great old Rotel dinosaur that conked out a couple years ago, & replaced it with a $50 refurbished Kenwood. Works fine.

My dad just gave me an Audio Technica AT-PL50 for Christmas. It's a cheapie, but will definitely get me by for the next few years. Time to start yardsaling again! I'm glad to be able to use my vinyl again.

I might give this a try. I'm just using it to play some cheap vinyl I pick up, so I really don't need anything fancy. Any other similar recommendations?

Maybe something like this...http://products.consumerguide.com/reviews/product.epub?productId=24214#FullReview

or this...http://cgi.ebay.com/Denon-DP-30L-turntable-with-new-Grado-phono-cartridge_W0QQitemZ5847043577QQcategoryZ3283QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

eBay, then take your pick.

Another question. Is it gonna be worth the money to get direct drive over belt drive? Any serious differences?

Half off

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... 1384499984

Since it's just for listening, get a nice belt drive, they have less background noise then direct drives, which are better for mixing and scratching.

Both have downsides, but for what you want to do, get a nice belt drive.

At least they can't imbed their anti-piracy viruses in it.

,

Whatever you get, make sure that the cartridge is aligned properly. Either get a cheap and dirty protractor and do it yourself, or take it to a local shop that does TT set-up and gewt them to do it. If you don't you run the risk of permanently damaging whatever vinyl you end up spinning.

My vote goes to the Music Hall, or the Goldring 2.1, both come with decent cartidges, (the most important thing at this price level) and pre-mounted at the factory, though I'd still make sure it was mounted correctly.

I'd also get a Shure stylus pressure guage to make sure that the stylus pressure is correct, don't rely on the crappy mechanism that a $100.00 turntable is likely to have.

I'm considering getting the Technics SL-BD20P: http://kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/index.htm

Does anybody have any experience with this table?

I'm also looking at some ebay auctions for MMF 2.1s.

The MMF is the superior table. My parents sold my 5 at a garage sale when i was living in Cleveland in between jobs.

Assholes.

I'm guessing they didn't get nearly enough money for it, either.

I think I'm between the MMF 2.1 and the Goldring GR-1.2. I think I can get them both for basically the same price:
Goldring: http://hcmaudio.com/comp.asp?compID=867
MMF 2.1: http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=3682636

I know the Goldring has a better cartridge, but is there a difference between these? Should I go with the Goldring?

Haven't heard the Goldring, but the MMF is a nice TT for the money. Flip a coin, and I bet you'll be happy with either for a while.