I'll preface this with the acknowledgement that I searched the forums full of I don't know what I'd do without my turntable, it's broken, et al.
Any recommendations of something not hidden in the back of some guy's shop out in..anywhere?
I'm not a fan of the DJ turntables.
I'd prefer something allowing me to stack 45's and shut off at the end of record instead of burning out a needle.

That reminds me, I have a Technics Quartz Direct Drive Sp-25 that I need/want to sell.

Sounds like you want something from the 60s or 70s like this:



or this:

Yes. I'm looking for something similar to this. As far as new turntables go, automatics are a minority and I have yet to find a model allowing one to stack 45s.

This one would be perfect:


Technics SL-D5

why is there a manikin sitting on that sofa

There's a Starship record playing?

Yeah, you're looking down the right path I think. I'm pretty certain no new tables let you stack 45s. And if you go vintage, the most reliable decent sounding models you will get at a decent price are the Technics models.

Personally, I preferred something a bit more retro, but the older machines generally either cost a bit more if in trouble-free shape or you need to fix 'em up a bit or like to tinker. But, if you're cool with all of that, I'm really happy with an old Dual changer that shuts off, stacks 45s and 78s and all that you ask for. You can even get a fat spindle so you can stack 45s without those little yellow things to make them fit on the narrow spindles.

Here it is in action dropping 45s:


You can get some nice sounding new tables, but none of them will have all of the features you ask for. But, you can certainly get something shiny and new in perfect shape that will sound great and work reliably if you go that direction.

There's actually a ton of great looking stuff and well reviewed turntables from the late '70's through the 80's on craigslist.
And everyone selling them definitely knows what they're worth.

If you can find something on Craigslist, go for it. Prices usually beat Ebay and you get to check out condition in person and don't have to worry about the all too frequent shipping damage buying on Ebay. Check around town for second hand electronics shops or at local record stores too. And no need to rush, patience is good because there are great deals on used gear if you keep your eyes open.

I picked up a fully functional Technics SL-Q2 off CL this evening for $25.
Direct drive. Quartz locking. Super heavy platter. Auto-off.
I can't stack 45's, but I couldn't pass this up.
Hell.of.a.deal.



Now I'm going to buy a nice cartridge for it.

Shit man that's awesome.

Yeah, I used an SL-Q3 for a few years and it was a really solid, hassle-free and good sounding table. Only difference I think is that the Q3 has a repeat function that I think the Q2 doesn't. But that is a perfect way to get into vinyl cheap. Slap a decent cartridge on their and you'll be golden. And make sure you have a phono stage to hook into as you can't just plug it into a random input on a receiver.

And if you don't have a phono stage input to plug into, ask me what I got to solve that problem on my receiver because it's awesome but I can't remember its name now.

Thanks for the helpful recommendations. I already have a turntable set-up with an early '90s Pioneer receiver containing a built in phono input amp. After purchasing a Numark TT200 that shit the bed after six months a few years ago, I've just been using a low-end hand-me-down Marantz turntable that's recently become more annoying than tolerable.

FYI, my numark TT200 has yet to have any problems. 7 years of almost daily use. I changed the needle for the first time about 2 months ago. Don't even think I needed to do that.

I think you're talking about a preamp. I need to pick one up for my digital receiver.

Yes I am. Mine was recommended by tentoze - he actually searched a local shop's online listing and found a GOOD one used for $100 I think, and it even came with ripping software as a bonus.

I settled on an Ortofon 2M Red Phono Cartridge


http://www.needledoctor.com/Ortofon-2M-Red-Phono-Cartridge

The table came with a burnt out stylus on a moving iron Grado cartridge that I'll eventually replace for sound comparison.

Not trying to highjack here, but I'll take suggestions on make/models for $100 or less. Amazon has some for $40, which I'm sure aren't high quality, but it's cheap.

The question is, is the quality of your setup worth the extra cash?

nice choice on the cart

Thanks...
I was close to getting the 2M blue (~$100 more)
But I figured I'll see if there's any discernable difference between the Grado moving iron cartridge and the Ortofon 2M red moving magnet cartridge on my current setup before I start getting obsessive about this stuff...although I think I'm well on my way.

Instead of spending $100 on a forged piece of aluminum worth ~$5, I'm going to make a DIY record weight this weekend out of a training hockey puck:

http://canadahifi.com/index.php/diy-hoc ... ord-clamp/
it'll only be about 1/2 the weight of the forged pieces, but I'm sure it will be fine for the the shitloads of slightly warped vinyl sitting on my shelves
If need be I'll attach some wide aluminum washers to make up the difference.

I've never heard of having a record weight until now. Does it actually make a difference?

Reportedly it tightens up the extreme sonic ends of the record (low bass and high treble) by reducing record vibration introduced into the needle. Theoretically it makes sense but I'll let you know if it actually makes a difference.