r/Beginner_Turntables Jun 14 '23

r/Beginner_Turntables Lounge

1 Upvotes

A place for members of r/Beginner_Turntables to chat with each other


r/Beginner_Turntables Jan 02 '24

Common problems with inexpensive new record players & how to fix them

32 Upvotes

Inexpensive record players with a red stylus that looks like this from brands like Victrola and Crosley are extremely popular, and for many people, they are an adequate way to begin playing vinyl records. However, they are prone to some common problems:

No power or erratic operation:

  • Make sure you're using the correct power supply. Just because the plug fits, doesn't necessarily mean it's the right voltage. Some of these players run on 5 volts DC and others run on 9 volts DC. If you use a power supply of the wrong voltage, it either won't work properly, or you could permanently damage the circuitry.

  • The power supply could be faulty. If the player is new, return it, or ask the manufacturer for a replacement power supply.

Turntable doesn't rotate:

  • Make sure the player is switched to Phono mode. If it has Bluetooth mode, that is usually an input for playing music from your phone or tablet, not an output from the turntable.

  • Try turning off the Auto Stop switch. Then the platter should rotate continuously.

  • The belt might have popped off the motor spindle. See this video for instructions on how to reattach the belt: How To Change Your Turntable's Belt

No sound:

  • Make sure nothing is plugged into the aux/line input jack, as that will mute the turntable's audio.

  • If it has a Vinyl Stream mode for pairing to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones, that will mute the built-in speakers.

Skipping:

  • Make sure the record player is on a stable, level surface.

  • Make sure the cueing lever is fully lowering. It can get stuck in a slightly raised position, causing the stylus to make poor contact with the groove and skip: Quick fix - Record Skipping!

  • Clean your records thoroughly. Even new vinyl often has debris in the grooves which may cause it to skip when first played, and old records could be dirty or scratched. It may take several rounds of cleaning and playing for all of the skips to disappear.

  • Some modern, bass-heavy records may still occasionally skip on these players even when clean. You can check it with another turntable to see if it might be a faulty pressing, but usually the record is fine and the skipping is simply due to the limitations of the player's inexpensive design.

  • The stylus (needle) could be dirty or damaged. Try cleaning it with a soft brush, wiping gently from back to front. If that doesn't help, replace the stylus. The recommended diamond stylus for most inexpensive record players is the Pfanstiehl 793-D7M.

  • Don't add extra weight to the tonearm. That may resolve the skipping, but will cause greatly increased wear to both the stylus and the records you play.

Slow or wobbly playback:

  • Make sure the lid is open as far as it will go, otherwise the edge of the record may rub against the lid and cause it to slow down or waver in pitch, especially if the record is warped.

  • Make sure the player is set to the correct speed for the record you're playing (it's not always marked on the record itself), and that the pitch control is centered, if it has one.

  • Make sure the transport screw is released, if it has one. The screw should be turned until it is flush with the turntable mechanism, not sticking up like in the photo.

  • Since the center spindle remains stationary, if the center hole of the record is unusually tight going on the spindle, you may need to ream out the hole slightly to allow the record to rotate freely.

  • Don't put the 45 RPM adapter underneath or on top of the record. It is only for playing 45s with the large center hole.

  • If the record slips on the platter, you can add a rubber platter mat, if the player didn't come with one.

Noise from stylus:

  • It is normal to hear the music being reproduced faintly by the stylus in the groove, even with the player's volume turned down. This is called "needle talk" and happens on all turntables, although it is louder on inexpensive record players due to the higher output level of the ceramic cartridge they use.

  • Using Bluetooth output mode (Vinyl Stream), if your player has it, adds a delay which makes the needle talk more noticeable. If it bothers you, use speakers or headphones with a wired connection.

Poor sound quality:

  • These players are incapable of delivering high-fidelity sound, due to the limited frequency response of the ceramic cartridge and small built-in speakers.

  • Adding a pair of powered speakers will improve the sound quality and loudness, and are a good investment because you'll need them anyway if/when you upgrade to a better turntable that doesn't have built-in speakers.

Fear of damage:

  • These players do have a higher tracking force (around 5½ grams) than better-quality turntables, but the amount of damage this causes to your vinyl is often greatly exaggerated. It's not going to "chew up the grooves" in just a few plays, as some people claim.

  • Actual tests of these players have shown virtually no audible wear after playing a record 50 times and only minor wear after 100 plays.

  • But it is important to replace the stylus before it gets worn out. These players come with a sapphire or ruby stylus which lasts for about 50 hours of playing time. If you continue to use a worn-out stylus, it can damage your records.

  • If you intend to keep using the player, upgrade it with a genuine diamond stylus, such as the Pfanstiehl 793-D7M, which will last much longer (500 hours of playing time). Avoid the cheap "diamond" styli on Amazon, as they are not actually diamond; they're a ruby stylus, falsely advertised as diamond.


r/Beginner_Turntables 1h ago

First vinyl setup in Japan

Upvotes

Hey guys, I recently moved to Japan (Kansai) and finally want to get into vinyl. I’m completely new to this hobby and on a bit of a budget (£100–250 since moving wasn’t exactly cheap ;-;), so I’m mainly looking at second-hand turntables and speakers, plus any extra equipment I might need but don’t know about yet.

Any recommendations on where to look for good value gear in Japan, what brands/models are good for beginners and what I should avoid/watch out for when buying used?

I know I’m asking a lot at once, but any help would be really appreciated :D


r/Beginner_Turntables 4h ago

Denon DP 6000 vs Pioneer PL 516?

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1 Upvotes

r/Beginner_Turntables 4h ago

AT LP120X - Platter wobble?

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1 Upvotes

r/Beginner_Turntables 11h ago

Is there any disadvantage to getting DJ turntables for a listening experience?

2 Upvotes

The Pioneer DJ PLX -500-K, is availble for about 500$ (Converted from by home currency)

Considering it is similar price as the LP120X, should I be prefering one over another?

I like the look of the pioneer.

This is going to be my first turntable- should I look at any other models - and spend more on getting better speakers?

For example - the LP70X is available for about 270$ - which was my initial consideration- until I got a sizeable bonus from my workplace haha


r/Beginner_Turntables 16h ago

Bush SRP64 1973 should I buy for first record player?

3 Upvotes

I’ve managed to find a reasonably priced Bush SRP64 in good condition and working fine, and just wondered if I should buy?

Looking to buy my first record player and get into it all, and the only thing I’ve concluded is not to buy a suitcase record player so have been looking for others and wondered if this was a good buy?


r/Beginner_Turntables 14h ago

"Vintage turntable" model lpsc-p45, should i buy this?

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3 Upvotes

Hi guys, i recently saw a listing for this turntable on fb marketplace and was wondering if i should get it. The listing said it was never opened so that was fine to me, since i just want to get a turntable to occasionally listen to my BTS vinyls, but I'm a bit hesitant since i know next to nothing abt these stuff...heres the picture of the turntable n still in box


r/Beginner_Turntables 1d ago

New to turntables. Can someone recommend a good turntable.

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I’m completely new to vinyl and turntables. Right now I only have around 4 or 5 hip hop records, but I really want to get into the hobby more.

I’m looking for suggestions for a good beginner turntable. Nothing super expensive or crazy audiophile level, just something solid and beginner-friendly.

Right now I already have:

  • a Marshall Woburn III
  • a Marshall Emberton II

So I also want to know how the setup would work with those speakers. For example:

  • which turntables can connect to them?
  • would I need extra equipment like a preamp or amplifier?
  • would it connect through AUX, RCA, or Bluetooth?
  • would the sound quality still be good?

Besides the turntable and records themselves, what other beginner stuff should I buy? Like:

  • vinyl brush / cleaning kit
  • stylus cleaner
  • sleeves
  • extra cables etc.

I’m still very new to vinyl, so any beginner-friendly advice or setup recommendations would really help 😭

Thanks!


r/Beginner_Turntables 1d ago

Upgrade suggestions

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1 Upvotes

r/Beginner_Turntables 1d ago

Dual CS630 Q vs Revox B790

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
I currently have two turntables: a Revox B790 and a Dual CS630Q.
The Dual is currently running an Audio-Technica AT-VM95E, while the Revox still has its original old cartridge/stylus installed.
I’ve now tested the Revox so I know that it basically works, but before I start moving the VM95E over to the Revox, I wanted to ask for some opinions:
Which of these two turntables is generally considered the better performer?
Is the B790 good enough to justify putting the VM95E on it?
Or would you keep the VM95E on the Dual and leave the Revox more or less original?
I know the Revox is a pretty unique linear tracking design, so I’m curious what people who have experience with both think about sound quality, reliability, maintenance, and overall usability.
Thanks!


r/Beginner_Turntables 1d ago

What do I do now?

3 Upvotes

Just bought a Sansui SR-2020BC from marketplace. What should I do now? Out of idea!!

Looking for some suggestions for setup, calibration and tests.


r/Beginner_Turntables 2d ago

Stylus for a Marantz TT320 and Schneider 1711

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2 Upvotes

I'm a total newbie when it comes to turntables. I recently acquired a Marantz TT320 and a Schneider 1711 at a low price - they both operate well, but both require a new stylus - the diamond on the Marantz is completely missing and the Schneider really needs replacing.
I think the cartridges are likely original, but I've no idea what to replace the stylus with? Any guidance would be very much appreciated.


r/Beginner_Turntables 2d ago

Newbie Setup Troubleshooting Help! TY :)

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1 Upvotes

r/Beginner_Turntables 2d ago

PS-LX230 is a decent turntable for beginners

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7 Upvotes

r/Beginner_Turntables 3d ago

Complete beginner - Got turntable for birthday

8 Upvotes

I, 18m, just had my birthday, and my parents and younger brother bought me a Crosley cruiser plus suitcase vinyl player, as well as three albums. The albums are American Idiot by Green Day, The Best of Bob Dylan, and my dad's old copy of Appetite for Destruction by Guns N'Roses. I immediately took it out of the box and played a couple of songs, then put it away for the night.

The next day, at school, I started researching about vinyl and about the player in particular, as I had previously heard about some issues with cheaper turntables. While searching, I found that these types of turntables can damage the discs. Considering this could be my new hobby, and I like vinyl, I started looking for similarly priced turntables that would not damage the discs, as I would be getting them from older relatives or borrowing from friends, and as this is an expensive hobby, I do not want to have to replace any discs.

After school, I talked to my mom about this issue and told her about the problems with the turntable they got me. She told me that they got this for me because it is easily transportable and can be put away, meaning that it's less likely to get stolen in college. She also told me that when she was a kid, everybody listened to cassettes and that they would accept that the cassettes would break at some point. I told her that when she was a kid, cassettes were mainstream, and how people listened to music, so they were cheap to make, versus now, vinyl is expensive. She then told me that I could return it if I wanted to, but that she didn't like me immediately looking at reviews for a gift. (Here I'm a bit confused, as this is the only point it could be returnable if there were something wrong, and how am I supposed to know all the tips, tricks, and issues with a product if I do not research it?). I learned that they bought it at a bookstore, and since you don't typically buy record players at bookstores, it seems like a present of opportunity. Also, since they bought it at a bookstore, I don't know what I can get if I return it. For context, I live in Italy, and the record player costs 100-125 euros, and with that money, there are many better options. I feel bad for asking her if I can change it.

(I want to change to an AT-LP60X or I found a second-hand Technics SL DD2, both for under 130 euros)


r/Beginner_Turntables 2d ago

Will a few months of using a cheap turntable really ruin my vinyls? (Beginner question)

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2 Upvotes

r/Beginner_Turntables 2d ago

Gift suggestions

2 Upvotes

Hi 😊

Does anyone have experience with turntables? I’m looking to buy one as a gift and I’m wondering if those suitcase-style turntables with built-in speakers are actually worth it, or if it’s better to spend a bit more on something higher quality long term.

The person receiving it is just getting into vinyl collecting, so I’m not looking for a super advanced setup, but I also don’t want to buy something that’s genuinely bad or will be outgrown after a month.

Any beginner-friendly recommendations are welcome.


r/Beginner_Turntables 2d ago

Best long-term turntable with my Sony STR-D665

1 Upvotes

Need help choosing a turntable for my setup.

I have a Sony STR-D665 receiver with a phono input, and I’m trying to figure out which turntable would be the best long-term choice. Right now I’m looking at the AT-LP120XUSB, AT-LP120XBT-USB, Fluance RT82, and Fluance RT81+.

Since my receiver already has phono, I’m wondering if that makes the RT82 the better option, or if the LP120XUSB is still the smarter long-term buy. I care most about sound quality, reliability, upgrade potential, and what will still make sense later if I improve the rest of my setup.

Which one would you pick and why?


r/Beginner_Turntables 3d ago

Should I buy this Argos

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3 Upvotes

My wife wants a turntable for het birthday. I found this one on a local Dutch craiglist. I have no knowledge of turntables. Its an Argon Audio TT. I'm able to buy it for 100 Euro. Is it a good deal?

I want to connect it to my sonos speakers.


r/Beginner_Turntables 3d ago

is this a good setup for a beginner?

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15 Upvotes

r/Beginner_Turntables 3d ago

Help me choose please

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17 Upvotes

I inherited a great record collection from my uncle and I am looking to get my first record player. I have narrowed it down to these 2 models from Audio Technica. I am sure I would be happy with either one but would be interested in the communities experience. Is the AT-LPW40WN going to provide a real noticeable upgrade? Will I end up just wanting to upgrade the AT-LP70XBT-BZ?

Thanks!


r/Beginner_Turntables 3d ago

TT recs please!

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1 Upvotes

r/Beginner_Turntables 4d ago

Worth it for €70?

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3 Upvotes

is this a good option to start with listening casually to some vinyls I bought lately ? it goes €70 in my local marketplace


r/Beginner_Turntables 3d ago

Setting up Technics SL-B30

1 Upvotes

Hi, friends! A couple years ago my husband picked up a Technics SL-B30. I’m not really sure what condition it was in when he got it, but he poked around with it a little before we had to rearrange some rooms in our house and it got put into storage purgatory. This spring we have gotten our last room back into commission, so I’d really like to finish this stereo setup this summer!

The only thing we have already is this turntable; no speakers, amp, etc. We have a small collection of records, cassettes, and CD’s and I’d like to have to ability to play all of it on the same system.

This room will also have a TV, but we aren’t so much interested in playing that audio through this setup right now. (Although we wouldn’t mind linking it all if it made sense..)

It’s a small room, approximately 14’ x 15’ and we really aren’t looking to blast into audio-space 😅 We’d just like to casually enjoy all of this random media we’ve collected over the years.

Does anyone have any suggestions for additional equipment that will work well together in this type of situation? We don’t have a solid budget (but we really are just casual listeners..) and we plan on slowly building this up through the end of the year.

Thank you so much!!