Vinyl Setup for a Non-Audiophile
Discussion
Firstly, my budget is £200 all in...
Basically I've found some of my old vinyl, and recently started buying limited edition versions of my favourite albums. I'm after a minimal setup for as cheap as possible that doesn't come in a suitcase.
I appreciate good quality of music playing, but when you're listening to death metal, grindcore, thrash etc, nuance isn't really on the cards, and whilst I can hear the difference with vinyl, I've never had an issue with the audio quality of CDs or even (wash my mouth out) Mp3s.
I will be buying some good quality headphones, but it will be mainly played through speakers at bedroom volume level.
My question is: would it worth spending on an adequate turntable, amp and speakers, do I spend a bit more on turntable and buy active speakers and not have the amp? Do I just buy the tidiest slimmest setup I can find?
I had been planing the Sony PSLX300. I've no desire to plug it into my computer, or anything.
What do we reckon folks?
You need to be clearer here about what you need. Can you use your current amp and speakers? If so, a used Rega turntable would easily deliver the goods.
If not, again buy used, but beggars can't be choosers. Buy whatever comes up within budget and try it out.
Bear in mind you'll probably need a phono amp as most budget amps built in the last 25 years don't have them.
£200 is at the very bottom end and won't do 'special edition' vinyl any justice whatsoever.
My advice? Spend the £200 on music and beer.
If not, again buy used, but beggars can't be choosers. Buy whatever comes up within budget and try it out.
Bear in mind you'll probably need a phono amp as most budget amps built in the last 25 years don't have them.
£200 is at the very bottom end and won't do 'special edition' vinyl any justice whatsoever.
My advice? Spend the £200 on music and beer.
I'd go with the Projekt Essential as a Base line. The Japanese can build some incredible Turntables but they cost and the Cheaper end can be a curates egg. If you are wanting new. A Topaz Amp with a MM Phono Amp and a pair of Diamond speakers could cut it. I would arrange a few hours trying the components at a Local store. Richer sounds and Superfi at your Budget are Good starters but a Specialist might just do a system in the same financial ball park so don't discount them. Second hand is a bit more of a minefield. The Amp and speakers are not a problem. Getting a well looked after T/T might be.
I just turned up at a secondhand shop and bought a used Japanese brand (Technics I think) turntable from the 1980s. Cheap. Then new stylus and you may have to buy a new drive belt if it has degraded.
You do need an amp with a phono input or otherwise you will have to buy a phono pre-amp.
You do need an amp with a phono input or otherwise you will have to buy a phono pre-amp.
boxxob said:
The Denon tt looks nice but it is most of your budget. It may be worth mentioning to your budget/plans to RS, as they may have clearance items available.
Without meaning to patronise, if you are buying 2nd-hand/ebay, make sure the amp is confirmed to have a phono stage. An old Arcam Alpha 7/8/9 would be a good choice.
The Denon turntable has a built in, switchable phono amp, I think. Without meaning to patronise, if you are buying 2nd-hand/ebay, make sure the amp is confirmed to have a phono stage. An old Arcam Alpha 7/8/9 would be a good choice.
I think there's a couple of things you need to think about:
1). Not wrecking the vinyl you have - possibly the most important consideration at your budget, as Crosley type s
t will actually wreck your records.
2). Playback sound quality
Given your budget, I'd prioritise point 1) and upgrade to cover point 2) as and when. As others have suggested, the Rega and Pro Jekt turntables are superb for the money but will require a phono stage, an amp and speakers.
In your shoes I'd have a look at an Audio Technical lp120. It's not the greatest turntable in the world but comes with an 'ok' cartridge and needle and tracks at a low enough weight not to shred your vinyl, so you're safe to listen on it. Additionally, it comes with a built in phono stage so can output directly to an amp or even some powered speakers.
Nothing here is audiophile quality but it will be good enough to let you enjoy your collection without doing damage.
As an example, I have one in my studio for sampling, and a pro jekt connected to the lounge system for proper listening.
The point is they are way under budget, are well made and will keep your vinyl safe. You can then upgrade speakers and amp as and when and finally replace the turntable when you're ready to.
Just a thought!
1). Not wrecking the vinyl you have - possibly the most important consideration at your budget, as Crosley type s
t will actually wreck your records.2). Playback sound quality
Given your budget, I'd prioritise point 1) and upgrade to cover point 2) as and when. As others have suggested, the Rega and Pro Jekt turntables are superb for the money but will require a phono stage, an amp and speakers.
In your shoes I'd have a look at an Audio Technical lp120. It's not the greatest turntable in the world but comes with an 'ok' cartridge and needle and tracks at a low enough weight not to shred your vinyl, so you're safe to listen on it. Additionally, it comes with a built in phono stage so can output directly to an amp or even some powered speakers.
Nothing here is audiophile quality but it will be good enough to let you enjoy your collection without doing damage.
As an example, I have one in my studio for sampling, and a pro jekt connected to the lounge system for proper listening.
The point is they are way under budget, are well made and will keep your vinyl safe. You can then upgrade speakers and amp as and when and finally replace the turntable when you're ready to.
Just a thought!
Great info thank you. Not patronising at all I actually only found that out about needing an amp with a phono stage about a week ago.
I've found a few items on Richer Sound's clearance list on their website, could there be items in store that aren't online?
To be honest I'm leaning towards that Denon TT and some active speakers to make everything super single and minimalist, and also for Bluetooth streaming. I think that will judge me to about £300.
Does that sound wise? I'm cautious about buying used as I have high standards with regards to condition.
I've found a few items on Richer Sound's clearance list on their website, could there be items in store that aren't online?
To be honest I'm leaning towards that Denon TT and some active speakers to make everything super single and minimalist, and also for Bluetooth streaming. I think that will judge me to about £300.
Does that sound wise? I'm cautious about buying used as I have high standards with regards to condition.
I would try looking at NAD Amplifiers on ebay. Most sellers state they have a MM/MC Phono input or not and prices are reasonable. Speakers are an area where you need to see them and make sure they work before you buy. I would still say go for the Rega Projekt option on Turntable with a decent cartridge, Vinyl sound quality is why you are buying a Turntable so don't skimp on it. Oh and whne you buy an Amp make sure if it is MM/MC that the switch on the back is set correctly before firing anything up.
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