Looking for turntable, what should I get?

So I'm looking for a turntable so I can listen to my records in my bedroom (instead of with the player upstairs), and I'd like to get a good one, but I have no idea what to get/what brands are trusted/anything. 

I am not looking for anything super amazing, just a record player that will sound good and not scratch up my records.  I do NOT want a turntable for DJing, but just for listening (I believe that means I should get a belt drive but I dont know for sure).

Now I would like it if I could get one that also converts records to mp3s or whatever, but I dont know much about this technology, or what to get.

Can anyone recommend some good turntables for around $200 that kinda fit what I'm looking for?







Edited by asimplemistake - October 24 2007 at 19:02

Interesting question. 

Back in the day I think Dual was one of the highest regarded turntable manufacturers.  I had one, it was very nice.  When I tried to buy a new one not too long ago, I only found one place locally and they only had one model and I don't like it so I won't mention it.  Unfortunately at the moment I have no means to use it as I don't have any functioning amplifiers with an LP hookup or a preamp.

Thanks everyone who has posted so far, I'll look into the Project Debut Mk3 and the USB version of it (christmas is coming up pretty soon....)

I'm off to bed though, so I'll check tomorrow

Also, I can get one that is more expensive, I just used $200 as a kind of reference, but I wouldn't mind investing a little bit more in one.





Edited by asimplemistake - October 25 2007 at 02:40

                      Rega 3
              



Edited by oliverstoned - October 25 2007 at 06:49

darqdean wrote:   /edit: no modern amps have Phono input - I use a QED pre-amp that only cost about £30 and that works just fine.

On the other hand most modern turntables have line output ... unless they're specifically trying to be "retro".

Ok so I like the looks of the Project Mk3, but the only problem is that theres only one store in the USA that distributes them, and my parents want to get one that I can see in person and have a place nearby that I can go to for fixing it or whatever.

That being said, are there any other recommendations?  I'm kind of leaning towards one that has USB now because I'd like to have many of my records on my iPod for when I'm out and about.






Edited by asimplemistake - October 26 2007 at 23:30

For once I agree with oliverstoned here ... an used Rega Planar 3 would fit the price range. And these things look quite nice too ... 

Just a quick heads up.
What equipment will you plug the turntable into?
Are you aware that you'll probably need a phono preamp to go with the turntable if you have a modern amp? Basically the signal coming from a turntable is too weak to properly work with your amp and speakers, so it needs to ne preamplified with a phono stage. Some older amps have a built-in phono stage but most modern ones (from the CD era) have dispensed with this. Check the back of your amp to see if it has a section marked 'phono'.
Project make a turntable which has a phono preamp/stage but again this will increase your costs.
If you get a turntable that doesn't have a phono preamp/stage and your hi-fi amp doesn't have a phono stage (check the back of the amp for a section marked phono) then I'd go with either of these: Project Phonobox or the NAD PP-2 Phono stage. Both cheap and cheerful.

Presuming that you're amp has this or you're going to buy a phono stage then In terms of a good turntable I'd opt for a second-hand Rega Planar 3. You shouold get one for around $250 on Ebay and you'll love it. It's a little slice of how real music should sound. In terms of parts, servicing, carts, etc etc I'd advise taking a look here:

http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/Budget-Turntables

It's a US-based online store that should be able to sort you out buying-wise and with servicing should you need it. - which, if you go project or rega, you probably won't for at least five years if you look after the TT, tonearm and cart.

If you want to pursue conversion to MP3 after getting your turntable, have a look at this:

http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=206&product=10702&bypass=1

Just plug the phono plugs of your turntable into it, the usb connector to your computer, jam your headphones into the Creative, drop the needle on the record and hit record on the computer. Comes with editing software etc etc. Simple and if you get a 2nd hand Rega and this you'll save money on the Project USB (US retail of $449) and get yourself a turntable youll b happy with for years to come.

Sorry it all seems so complicated but that's hi-fi - needlessly nerdy.

Happy shopping. Once you go vinyl you'll never go back to ugly CDs and you'll also et yourself on the road to hi-fi bliss.






Edited by arcer - October 27 2007 at 20:39

^The Project has a built-in pre-amp, so can connect direct to line-in, as well as USB for direct PC connection.

asimplemistake wrote: So I'm looking for a turntable so I can listen to my records in my bedroom (instead of with the player upstairs), and I'd like to get a good one, but I have no idea what to get/what brands are trusted/anything.  I am not looking for anything super amazing, just a record player that will sound good and not scratch up my records.  I do NOT want a turntable for DJing, but just for listening (I believe that means I should get a belt drive but I dont know for sure). Now I would like it if I could get one that also converts records to mp3s or whatever, but I dont know much about this technology, or what to get. Can anyone recommend some good turntables for around $200 that kinda fit what I'm looking for?