So right now I've got a little turntable that I got for my 16th birthday ... nearly 10 years later, I think I'm due for an upgrade. I can't spend more than $300 on it and I can't afford to connect it to a separate stereo system, so I'll need to find one with built-in speakers. Any suggestions?
It sounds like you have the same situation that my son had last year. He was playing his vinyl on a Crosley all-in-one (record/CD/tuner) with built-in speakers that he got for about $80 at a department store. He wanted to upgrade with a budget of about $300. Of course, this is a fairly low number to work with, but this is what we ended up with:
Audio Technica AT-LP60 Turntable with integral cartridge using a replaceable stylus.
Sherwood RX4109 Receiver 2-channel 100 watts with built-in phono preamp and phono input.
Polk Audio Monitor 30 book shelf speakers.
Each of these components were about $100 each and he is very happy with this set-up. It will do nicely until he can upgrade further. With individual components, you can upgrade each piece separately as your budget allows.
I would be interested in what recommendations other contributors have to offer as well.
By the way, for a little extra money, the Audio Technica turntables come in a USB version that can be connected to the computer for converting to electronic files if you are into that.
Good luck and keep us posted on what you end up with!
Go to a pawn/junk/antique shop, I have found decent Technics SL-1200 MK2's used for a very great price, slap a $100.00 Ortophon 2M Red Cartridge on it, then you're good to go. Unfortunately, when I bought my Technics SL-1200 MK2 turntable, I ended up paying full price at close to over $500.00 about 10 years ago. The thing is built like a tank and will last you forever! In fact, not that you would want to do this, but even if you threw this turntable out the window, it would still be in working condition! No kidding!
On a much lighter note, I have seen used Technics SL-1200 MK2 turntables go for under $200.00. Sometimes if you go to Amazon, you can find cartridges both new and used for great prices! Another great cartridge would be the Audio Technica 440-MLA. That one is also great, but can be a little more pricey if you are looking for a decent cartridge for over the $100.00 range. Try the Ortophon carts, you won't be disappointed!
As a side note/ piece of advise: when buying anything used, try to make sure you ask all of the right questions. It is the questions you didn't ask that you should have, and it is also those questions that could have saved you all the time, money or heartache involved on a worthless purchase........
So it looks like Audio Technica makes the ATLP60 model you mentioned, and also the ATLP120. Does anyone know if there's enough of a difference in quality to justify spending $100 more for the 120?
Originally Posted By Chelsea: So it looks like Audio Technica makes the ATLP60 model you mentioned, and also the ATLP120. Does anyone know if there's enough of a difference in quality to justify spending $100 more for the 120?
As a general rule, it is all co-dependent upon the sound quality you are aiming for. Of course, the more you spend, the better the sound quality is going to get. But, most of the time if you are not an audiophile, it isn't going to really matter to begin with. It seems as if you are in the market for a budget of under $100.00. If this is the case, I would highly suggest you start with an Ortophon 2M Red and if you don't like the way that one sounds, then return the cartridge and try out something else within your budget. Most places online are understanding of this and that is why they always offer the option to return a cartridge if you do not like the way it sounds, then you can explore more options within your budgeted price range.
The place I go to online for my stylus/cartridge replacement needs is needledoctor.com. They are great and will also offer you excellent suggestions within your price range. Guaranteed, they will hook you up with the best cartridge/stylus set-up that is affordable and sounds great to your ears. They're return policy is the coolest! They will actually accept your cartridge back and let you try out something else in exchange for something else at the same price!
Hmm great suggestions, everyone. Thanks for the info about needle doctor, VJ - I'll give them a call and see what they say. I guess it's best to spend the bulk of my budget on the cartridge and the speakers, as opposed to the turntable itself?
Originally Posted By Chelsea: Hmm great suggestions, everyone. Thanks for the info about needle doctor, VJ - I'll give them a call and see what they say. I guess it's best to spend the bulk of my budget on the cartridge and the speakers, as opposed to the turntable itself?
No, actually you should have just as much of a decent turntable set-up as your cartridge, speakers or receiver that your budget can afford. If anything, I would highly suggest you save up more money before making any further decisions in this regard. The more money you save, the more well informed less hasty decision based buying power you will. In other words, take your time and continue to do research prior to making any other decisions.........
All great suggestions and advice guys. If it were me Chelsea I would continue to save my nickels, dimes, and quarters until that $300 budget swelled up to around $500-$600 and go with separate components. You've gotten by this long with your present stereo/turntable, a little bit longer won't hurt -- don't be quite in such a rush to buy and basically end up with a different and/or newer version of what you presently own, and/or end up possibly buying something you might not be totally pleased with later.
While electronics/stereo equipment has improved by leaps and bounds over the past 20-25 years and there are now some damn good-sounding self-contained stereo equipment out there, I personally like and prefer the sound of separate component systems then that of the self-contained -- and for around $600 you should be able put together a pretty good sounding system.
The advice/suggestions given to you by the others is great advice and they know their stuff. We had a similar forum on the topic of stereo equipment a while back, and some of the advice that came from that forum was that prior to purchasing any components, speakers, amps/pre-amps, etc. you need to hear and judge them for yourself because everyone has a different "ear" and tastes in what sounds good to them. We could name and suggest a hundred different brand names of components, speakers, etc., but it is you who will need an have to make the final decision of what sounds best to you.
For example, VJ mentioned the Ortophone cartridge, which is a good cartridge. But I have always sworn and stuck by Shure cartridges. Shure makes a very good needle/cartridge in the $100 range which is quite good and responsive -- a nice deep, non-muddy bass with crisp highs response. Others on the forum may suggest/recommend another brand cartridge that they like a swear by, but once again, it is you who will have to hear and compare and make the final decision. See what I mean?
As for me, I'm a stereo nut. Over the years I've built up and upgraded my stereo components/equipment to the tune of a system worth around $7,000-$8,000, give or take! To me a separate component system has it advantages over a self-contained system -- with separate components you can swap out, add other components, and/or upgrade down the road, and to me they sound better -- with the self-contained you are pretty much locked in, and it is what it is.
Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying that self-contained systems are garbage, I simply think it make more sense and it more advantageous to buy a separate component system in which you can add other devices or upgrade later down the road should you need to or desire.
I found the sound of a self-contained to be just a bit more "stuffy" or "congested" (for lack of better words) than that versus the separate components -- but that's my "ear" -- but it is your "ear" which must make the final determination.
Happy shopping, and good luck in whatever you decide! If you have any questions I will be happy to help, if I can.
Originally Posted By Cosmo M: All great suggestions and advice guys. If it were me Chelsea I would continue to save my nickels, dimes, and quarters until that $300 budget swelled up to around $500-$600 and go with separate components. You've gotten by this long with your present stereo/turntable, a little bit longer won't hurt -- don't be quite in such a rush to buy and basically end up with a different and/or newer version of what you presently own, and/or end up possibly buying something you might not be totally pleased with later.
While electronics/stereo equipment has improved by leaps and bounds over the past 20-25 years and there are now some damn good-sounding self-contained stereo equipment out there, I personally like and prefer the sound of separate component systems then that of the self-contained -- and for around $600 you should be able put together a pretty good sounding system.
The advice/suggestions given to you by the others is great advice and they know their stuff. We had a similar forum on the topic of stereo equipment a while back, and some of the advice that came from that forum was that prior to purchasing any components, speakers, amps/pre-amps, etc. you need to hear and judge them for yourself because everyone has a different "ear" and tastes in what sounds good to them. We could name and suggest a hundred different brand names of components, speakers, etc., but it is you who will need an have to make the final decision of what sounds best to you.
For example, VJ mentioned the Ortophone cartridge, which is a good cartridge. But I have always sworn and stuck by Shure cartridges. Shure makes a very good needle/cartridge in the $100 range which is quite good and responsive -- a nice deep, non-muddy bass with crisp highs response. Others on the forum may suggest/recommend another brand cartridge that they like a swear by, but once again, it is you who will have to hear and compare and make the final decision. See what I mean?
As for me, I'm a stereo nut. Over the years I've built up and upgraded my stereo components/equipment to the tune of a system worth around $7,000-$8,000, give or take! To me a separate component system has it advantages over a self-contained system -- with separate components you can swap out, add other components, and/or upgrade down the road, and to me they sound better -- with the self-contained you are pretty much locked in, and it is what it is.
Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying that self-contained systems are garbage, I simply think it make more sense and it more advantageous to buy a separate component system in which you can add other devices or upgrade later down the road should you need to or desire.
I found the sound of a self-contained to be just a bit more "stuffy" or "congested" (for lack of better words) than that versus the separate components -- but that's my "ear" -- but it is your "ear" which must make the final determination.
Happy shopping, and good luck in whatever you decide! If you have any questions I will be happy to help, if I can.
@Cosmo
I think Cosmo is right on the money Chelsea. Also, to go along with your thought Cosmo. I think it is an excellent idea to purchase separate components due to the fact that if something goes wrong with one of the components, all you would have to do is take them separately to get serviced, as opposed to taking just one bulky bookshelf unit............
@Chelsea
Chelsea, I think both Cosmo and I might agree that it is time for YOU to get weened off the milk of a cheaper portable one piece bookshelf unit, save up as much money as you possibly can, be patient and start drinking from the cup of the more experienced wine drinking audiophile adults. You seem like you are ready. Now, just be patient and don't waste all of your money in one place! Cosmo is correct. Just wait and save.......
Completely agree with you Cosmo & VJ. With the detail that vinyl is capable of it's certainly a false economy to buy a new all-in-one.
I'd also plug second-hand amplifiers and speakers, as there're usually very good deals on them and the components have had lots of time to wear themselves in. For example, if I wanted a decent 70s/80s separate amplifier I could pick one up at my local second-hand hifi shop for under £100. For your budget, either buy used which will get you into the market at a much lower price than buying the equivalent quality new, or do a bit of both. M
any swear that the 70s turntables were better than those today and many are available used, but makes like Rega do particularly good devices at entry-level prices (especially if you check eBay.) Do save up and make it worth your while though, otherwise you'll buy something that isn't really worth upgrading to, and not hear a difference!
Originally Posted By Chelsea: So it looks like Audio Technica makes the ATLP60 model you mentioned, and also the ATLP120. Does anyone know if there's enough of a difference in quality to justify spending $100 more for the 120?
I first bought the 60 and it actually sounded pretty good, but had very little as far as adjustments and it couldn't take my sub if I wanted some volume to it. I bought the 120 from zzounds "blemished" which looked perfect to me. Someone had must returned it. If you don't have a powerful sub I wouldn't sweat it too much, the auto return is nice if you fall asleep! An extra $100 for speakers would be better spent. If I had a small room I certainly wouldn't hesitate to get the 60 with the self powered speakers I mentioned before. I just heard the 2.1 version and was really impressed, and like I said before, if you ever upgrade you have some killer computer speakers.
Back about 10 years ago, I saved up my pesos and bought a Bose Acoustimass 5 series speaker set with 2 cubes and a bass module for like $600.00. I still have this set up, never needed to upgrade it since and they sound impeccable! Bose speaker systems are known to have their room filling sound, but yet smooth and solid. However, where the Acoustimass 5 series speakers come up trumps is that they are wall mountable, meaning that you will also have more preserved space in your bedroom!
Come on VJ! BOSE stands for "Buy Other Sound Equipment"! :-P Apart from their wave radios (my parents have one) which are pretty decent their stuff in my experience is poorly made, overpriced but very well marketed. They've created a niche for themselves where it seems like they're B&O to all the punters, but actually they're pretty much the IKEA! That's the opinion on the other audio forums I frequent anyway. However, perhaps they're different in the U.S.!
I distrust their methods of not publishing measured data for their speakers. The worst part of the "audiophile" market to my mind is subjective reviews, as how on earth can someone else's idea that a particular wire made their sound "clearer" or "less muddy" be sure to equal my perception of its effect? As very few hi-fi magazines do double-blind tests, of course the new component is going to have a difference. It's the placebo effect. As soon as someone thinks they've changed something, they will be listening for a change. Since they can't possibly remember the nuances of how it sounded before,unless they're switching 'on the fly', the test has no meaning. It's like horoscopes - every one can apply to you, as they're written so vaguely that they seem exact when they refer to you.
Anyway, I'm glad you like your setup so don't think I'm getting at you - it's always fun to have opinions I find! One of the things I like best about this hobby is that everyone has their own particular favourite music/setup/equipment etc. and will usually defend them to the death, especially if they have sentimental value. That's what I do with mine anyway, though there must be infinitely better systems out there.
That was a good point you made about wall-mounting VJ - that would be a fine compromise for a smaller space. At the moment my poor speakers are appallingly sited on the floor under many books (my shelves fell off the wall) and I look forward to the day when I can make them some stands so they can really sing!
I'll reiterate my earlier post Chelsea, get separates! You'll never regret it.
Originally Posted By Paralipomenon: Come on VJ! BOSE stands for "Buy Other Sound Equipment"! :-P Apart from their wave radios (my parents have one) which are pretty decent their stuff in my experience is poorly made, overpriced but very well marketed. They've created a niche for themselves where it seems like they're B&O to all the punters, but actually they're pretty much the IKEA! That's the opinion on the other audio forums I frequent anyway. However, perhaps they're different in the U.S.!
I distrust their methods of not publishing measured data for their speakers. The worst part of the "audiophile" market to my mind is subjective reviews, as how on earth can someone else's idea that a particular wire made their sound "clearer" or "less muddy" be sure to equal my perception of its effect? As very few hi-fi magazines do double-blind tests, of course the new component is going to have a difference. It's the placebo effect. As soon as someone thinks they've changed something, they will be listening for a change. Since they can't possibly remember the nuances of how it sounded before,unless they're switching 'on the fly', the test has no meaning. It's like horoscopes - every one can apply to you, as they're written so vaguely that they seem exact when they refer to you.
Anyway, I'm glad you like your setup so don't think I'm getting at you - it's always fun to have opinions I find! One of the things I like best about this hobby is that everyone has their own particular favourite music/setup/equipment etc. and will usually defend them to the death, especially if they have sentimental value. That's what I do with mine anyway, though there must be infinitely better systems out there.
That was a good point you made about wall-mounting VJ - that would be a fine compromise for a smaller space. At the moment my poor speakers are appallingly sited on the floor under many books (my shelves fell off the wall) and I look forward to the day when I can make them some stands so they can really sing!
I'll reiterate my earlier post Chelsea, get separates! You'll never regret it.
Actually, Paralipomenon, on the contrary, I really have nothing at all to defend. I have heard other systems within my price range, and for the inconvenient space I have always had, these speakers not only sounded good to my ears, but other systems, at least to my ears, were unexceptional!
However, with that said, for under $1,000.00, what inexpensive speaker systems do you suggest checking out Paralipomenon?
I mean, I am in the U.S. and you, I believe, are in the U.K., so perhaps things are going to differ. Do you know of any popular websites where I can find information on the most current speaker set-ups for audiophiles, but yet, NOT for an audiophile budget? Let me know.........
Originally Posted By Paralipomenon: Come on VJ! BOSE stands for "Buy Other Sound Equipment"! :-P
I always heard it as "No highs, no lows, it must be Bose!". Anyways, Bose it OK, but its certainly not what someone on a budget is looking for. No one has ever accused Bose as being the best bang for your buck.
Agreed Ken, but at the same time, Bose couldn't possibly be the worst either, say like on the level of Fisher speakers? As I say, there could always be worse.........
Originally Posted By Vinyl Junkie: Actually, Paralipomenon, on the contrary, I really have nothing at all to defend. I have heard other systems within my price range, and for the inconvenient space I have always had, these speakers not only sounded good to my ears, but other systems, at least to my ears, were unexceptional!
However, with that said, for under $1,000.00, what inexpensive speaker systems do you suggest checking out Paralipomenon?
I mean, I am in the U.S. and you, I believe, are in the U.K., so perhaps things are going to differ. Do you know of any popular websites where I can find information on the most current speaker set-ups for audiophiles, but yet, NOT for an audiophile budget? Let me know.........
Vinyl Junkie
That's all right then - I was in no way getting at you (as we all know it's difficult to convey tone online!) Just airing a bugbear of mine as a gentle jibe. I was particularly impressed with our Wave Radio when I first heard it, so they must be able to do some things right, I'm just not convinced about their cost/quality ratio for bigger things. Maybe I think there's a bit of the "Apple" about them, who I think are also a bit style over substance. In the BOSE shops everything looks so clean and sharp (hence theire good marketing strategy). I wouldn't care if you were a BOSE diehard, I'd just be intrigued to know what it was you liked about them.
That's a very interesting idea - a sub-$1000 shootout as it were. I'll have to look into that as it could prove very enlightening. I'm not hugely experienced in this area as I mostly frequent DIY websites where for that kind of money and some workshop time a huge number of different things could come out! Off the top of my head, the used prices in my area for rather nice Cambridge Audio amps are around the £200 ($300? I'm not sure of the exchange rate) mark and I've always rated them as a quality yet price conscious brand. There have been some really nice cabinet speakers (alas, too big for my room!) going at my local charity shops for under £100. The kind of high-end 70s gear that people drool over on eBay, so that's always my first port of call on the off chance.
At the moment my valve amp's under repair/upgrade, so I'm using an old NAD I found in a cupboard of my rented house. I haven't used any NADs before, but I've been pleasantly surprised. It's not amazing, and I expect new it would have been below your budget, but I expect their expensive stuff holds up well if this is as good as their cheap end sounds.
On a separate (ho ho!) note, it'd be interesting to see what people here want from their systems. Perhaps as a rock & roll guy you want more warm colour in your system than perhaps an electronica fan? I find my valves really suit acoustic/vocal music, which is great for my folk collection and classical radio. My full-range speakers, though they're small and undistinguished, have enough oomph to deal with bands like Massive Attack and early hip-hop too. I think there's also something to be said (perhaps Chelsea you can think of this for the future!) for a completely analogue audio path for playing vinyl - it certainly sounds wonderful to my ears!
I'm a bit wary of the term 'audiophile' as it can so easily mean one who listens to components rather than music! That's why I'm pleased I've found you chaps as the conversation doesn't degenerate into a flame war about which resistor is better (as it can on some of my DIY forums!) You might check out http://www.audiocircuit.com/ which I've got in my bookmarks for the DIY section, but it has a large database of ready made brands and their offerings.
If truth be told Paralipomenon, I am not in the least offended, but I wouldn't regard myself as a Bose brand name die hard per-se. Mainly, from what I had heard of them, I knew what I was looking for and I know what I liked at the time when I was auditioning them.
You wanted to know what I thought of Bose speakers that I liked at the time and still do like?
Well, mainly it is the solid balance and smoothness of the bass and the bright highs of the cubes. Frankly, I was quite amazed when I purchased the Bose Acoustimass 5 series II speaker set-up. The size may have been compact, but yet big, although despite not being earth shattering, it was still very well balanced to my ears. However, many audiophiles will tell you that the best Bose speaker systems were the original systems that came in the early 1970's!
As far as the other info you posted, I will most definitely have to check out the rest. Very informative! Thanks Paralipomenon!
If I may interject briefly in between you two guys for a moment -- Keep in mind what I had mentioned in thread #10 that everyone has a different "ear", and what sounds good to one might sound differently to another. Unless something is an obviously poorly designed or constructed piece of crap, there is really no 100% good or bad when it comes to what one's ear hears, likes, appreciates, or considers pleasing/pleasurable.
Do you want to hear a good one? I had a friend back in the 60's who really liked the sound and swore by Realistic speakers, which is a Radio Shack product. Yes, I know don't say it .. I already know what you are all going to say about Realistic! But it was what my friend's ear found pleasurable to him -- the problem was that he was launching those speakers through the roof about every two weeks! His amp was rated for less power than the speakers were rated to handle, but nevertheless he continued blowing speakers like clockwork about every two weeks or so!
I actually think there were ruts in the pavement from his house to Radio Shack from the number of times he went back and forth to replace them!
Finally, after a few years of that nonsense, despite the speakers sounding good to him and his ear, he got the message that they were junk and could not perform and moved on to another brand. I believe his next speakers of choice which his ear found pleasing were speakers manufactured by a company called Advent.
I don't know what kind of luck or success he had with those speakers because around that time I began losing contact with him.
So it just goes to show you what sounds good to one person and what appeals to someone's ear.
I'm surprised not to have seen Chelsea cut in and comment by now.
When I worked in Currys, we had some Advent computer speakers for £19.99. I don't think they were "audiophile quality!" The only thing I associate the brand with is computer products...
However they've got to be good enough so that listening fatigue doesn't set in, which I doubt those Advents are, however much he enjoyed the sound to start with. I can't personally see how anyone can listen to an iPod for any length of time without getting serious listening fatigue, especially with the abominations they call 'earphones' they supply them with!
I was reading something somewhere a few days ago about the subjectivity of music systems (if 'measured response' was everything, then of course we wouldn't have the plethora of forums dedicated to the subject, with thousands of posts a day!) and someone advocated a test that involved buying a set of really cheap speakers, then playing them about 6 inches in front of one's head on a desk. Apparently at that range, even the worst speakers haven't got the air distance to diffuse the sound and they can sound fantastic. Thus speaker quality is about separation at distance, which seems reasonable when one thinks about it. Since so few people have speakers in a place that is anywhere near ideal, imaging is for most people non-existent.
It was in a thread about how the best investment by far to improve sound quality is to treat the room one listens in, as any discussion about amplifiers and cartridges and the like is all specious before that basic step is taken. So everyone ought to make a dedicated listening room. I suppose we can all dream!T his isn't new of course, but it's the first time I've heard from someone who has done it just how vast a difference it makes.
Just as needle and cartridge are so important and vital to good/quality sound (using cheap ones result in garbage in and garbage out), many people do not realize that so too is speaker placement.
Speaker placement/distance apart will often depend upon the size of the speakers, Bookshelf size type speakers tend to not sound as good and become thinner sounding when placed too far apart. The larger floor model types can usually be placed further apart without the "bottom falling out" and provide nice stereo separation -- but when placed too close to each other do not sound as good as lose that fine stereo separation.
Some speaker manufacturers will sometimes recommend that you do not place speakers next to door openings (unless the door will remained closed while playing them), and some recommend placing them in corners (whenever possible) facing straight ahead and not angled -- but I personally feel that it up to one's "ear" and what sounds best to them. Some speaker manufacturers will also provide literature with their speakers and recommend/suggest speaker placement for the particular size/model purchased.
In my case, I have rather large speakers and have them placed about 15-16 feet apart facing straight and directly into the room, with my sofa and where I sit placed directly between them for excellent sound and stereo separation.
Then of course there are those who simply do not care and/or where "quality sound" or stereo separation is of no major importance to them and just want to "hear" the music. Its a shame, and I pity those types because they do not know/realize what they are missing, and how much more enjoyment and listening pleasure that they could/would receive from their stereo equipment if speaker placement and conditions were right!
Originally Posted By Cosmo M: Then of course there are those who simply do not care and/or where "quality sound" or stereo separation is of no major importance to them and just want to "hear" the music. Its a shame, and I pity those types because they do not know/realize what they are missing, and how much more enjoyment and listening pleasure that they could/would receive from their stereo equipment if speaker placement and conditions were right!
Yes indeed - the best speakers I've heard are my grandfather's that he built in the 60s. Massive cabinets about 4' tall with multiple drivers in. With the time they've had to run in, they give an orchestra a very satisfactory (to my untrained ears) 'expansiveness'. He has the advantage, like you, of having them well-enough sited to give a sense of where all the different instruments are in the soundscape. Oh I look forward to the day when I have the space to do the same! At the moment in my digs the only space I have is to have one behind me and another next to my feet. They're at 90 degrees to my head when I'm at my desk and only vaguely line up when I lie on my bed! Soon be back home though... sigh.
Listening pleasure has recently taken on a new meaning as one of my holiday jobs last year involved fraternising with a fellow who didn't buy any music, preferring to illegally download. So far, so awful. However what really struck me was that he didn't know what the vast majority of his 'collection' was. His way of thinking was that if someone came to his house he would have something they wanted to listen to, rather than allowing them to explore his tastes. I found that an incredibly boring way to go about the whole wonder of music, and certainly illegal download of mp3s is hardly a way to get 'listening pleasure'!
He was also the kind of fellow who was plugged into his iPod all the time, then when asked what he was listening to replied "err...I don't know," because everything was shoved on there and put on 'shuffle'. I couldn't get my head around it.
More on topic, have we scared off Chelsea? Perhaps she's already got her upgrade and our wittering isn't helping at all!
What do you all think of that setup? And I'm sorry for the insanely naive question, but is that everything I'll need to be able to listen to my records? I'm so new at all of this ...
I'd ideally like this to last for a long time. I recently bought some mono first pressings of Beatles albums I'm realy psyched about, and my little all-in-one rattles when I turn up the volume ... it's just too infuriating for me to wait any longer to upgrade.
This is an older thread so I only just now stumbled on it by browsing (the forum is pretty quiet this week). It sometimes seems that most don't value my opinion (pity party time) but it looks like you are on the right track. It's been 8 days so you likely have made your purchase anyway.
You asked if you would have everything you need to play records and I would say yes. For one thing, you will be very pleased with this upgrade if you are used to listening on your all-in-one. Since you are getting a used turntable, you should have the stylus (needle) checked for wear. You don't want to harm your records with a worn stylus. Look for an audio equipment expert who can check that our for you. At one of our local record stores they have a "vinyl consultant" who knows practically everything there is to know and he has the means to do that for their customers. You may have similar resources where you live.
It looks like the Onkyo pushes 50 watts per channel which should be respectable. I see that your speakers are rated for up to 200 watts. So I'm not so sure that you wouldn't get some distortion at very high volumes. If I were going for the long haul, I would get a receiver with more power - at least 100 watts per channel. But this should be good for "normal" listening volume in a bedroom or a small living area.
This is an older thread so I only just now stumbled on it by browsing (the forum is pretty quiet this week). It sometimes seems that most don't value my opinion (pity party time) but it looks like you are on the right track. It's been 8 days so you likely have made your purchase anyway.
You asked if you would have everything you need to play records and I would say yes. For one thing, you will be very pleased with this upgrade if you are used to listening on your all-in-one. Since you are getting a used turntable, you should have the stylus (needle) checked for wear. You don't want to harm your records with a worn stylus. Look for an audio equipment expert who can check that our for you. At one of our local record stores they have a "vinyl consultant" who knows practically everything there is to know and he has the means to do that for their customers. You may have similar resources where you live.
It looks like the Onkyo pushes 50 watts per channel which should be respectable. I see that your speakers are rated for up to 200 watts. So I'm not so sure that you wouldn't get some distortion at very high volumes. If I were going for the long haul, I would get a receiver with more power - at least 100 watts per channel. But this should be good for "normal" listening volume in a bedroom or a small living area.
Anyway, happy listening!
A fellow Beatles fan.
Hello John,
I have always "valued" your opinion regarding this discussion forum. Speaking for myself, I only don't post as much in here anymore, mainly because is seems as if all of the regular top posters aren't contributing as much here either. Sometimes this discussion forum can truthfully be dead more so than in the past for some reason. I don't know what is up these days either, but it is awfully quiet in here lately. You honestly don't hear too much from Onestep or Cosmo, whom both were amongst the first to greet me to this community, besides Brian......
In the meantime, what happened to Driz? Hmm, still missing in action. I used to post weekly what OUR favorite finds were weekly, and suffice to say, those threads hardly went anywhere because they had minimal participation from everyone. No matter how hard I tries to get people involved in what I was doing, it just never made a difference, again ghost town for my threads too sometimes John. Trust me, you aren't the only person with those feelings sometimes, but I have just mainly accepted that this discussion forum is what it is; I.E. dead most of the time. Until it livens up again, or we get some other posts of interests, I don't foresee a whole lot of contributing going on from my end. Oddly though, I must say that Cosmo has lost a certain amount of interest, as well as onestep. I have missed their contributions, but I guess they see no point in it as well.
Until next time, I will hear from you all again on the Dark Side Of The Moon. LOL
Thank you for your comments. You in particular are one who tries to acknowledge everyone who contributes to a thread. I first was an "observer" of the forum, enjoying the discussions of Cosmo, Onestep, Driz, Brian, and yourself. Then I decided to stick my toe in the water and get involved. I've really enjoyed it. I'm not one whose words flow easily so sometimes it is an effort for me to put something together to express my thoughts or offer advice or input. So it is frustrating when I put forth that effort and it gets ignored. Even if someone told me I was full of it I would be glad to get some feedback!
I liken this forum as a large cocktail party where there are various groups of people huddled together having different conversations and a person walks up and tries to engage. Most of the time that person is welcomed into the conversation but other times that person can be made to feel invisible. Ah well, it's then time for another drink!
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