Turntable Buying & Upgrading Tips for Beginners

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[@elainealexander6390]

Thank you for all your wisdom around vinyl records and equipment. I really appreciate your down-your-earth way of imparting information. And most of all thank you for not being a vinyl snob and being humble and understanding many of us are just beginners wanting to learn. Thank you!

[@noblerecords]

Thanks so much!

[@tendraftsdeep]

I've had an Audio Technica AT LP60 for over 10 years. It's been through 5 moves, been stepped on, dropped, covered in wax from a falling candle, and it STILL plays well. Kept it clean and replaced the cartridge once. Highly recommended. Great video!

[@asaprabbit8305]

Not a bad player at all( no matter what haters says )

[@mickschnabel]

I have the LP60 and the 120 and I gotta agree, especially for the price, the LP60 is probably THE best "cheap" TT you can get, still.

[@MrKolcid]

Do you think replacing the cartridge in them is essential? Is it worth it?

[@Valnoten]

Been having mine for 7 years, aint gonna buy another one until I really have to... (and then I probably buy, once again, the LP60 :D )

[@deaniepops1]

Iv got the same too very popular and in my price range.

[@terriatmore1133]

I started with an AT LP120 in 2009 and had it for 11 years. That thing was a total workhorse! I donated it to someone in the VC community who asked others for cheap or free equipment and records for his middle school classroom. That were it is today, still going strong! I finally upgraded to a Technics SL-1500C and I absolutely LOVE it! This is likely the last turntable I'll need. I also have it connected to a Rega BRIO amp and use Triangle BR03 bookshelf speakers. Perfect set-up for a relatively small listening room. Another great video, Dillon!

[@nickspann89]

Haha I’ve got a Technics D-2 also, got it from my dad who bought it new when he was in college. Prolly close to 50+ years old and still runs like charm.

[@ericbeck6417]

Upgraded to a Rega P6 last year and it was like listening to the records for the first time. So much detail that just wasn't there with AT LP120.

[@jacquescousteau217]

I’m with you. I have an older Rega Planar 3 glass platter,and I can’t recall the new cartridge I put in a couple of years ago. You have a 6 !

[@latbomblatbomb7540]

I’ve had the AT LP120 for 5 years. Love it. No problems after 100’s of hours of use.

[@txoilfield]

I have a Technics SL-D5 record changing turntable, which I bought in 1980. NINETEEN EIGHTY! Yes, I've owned it forty one years and it still performs flawlessly. Wheel of Steel indeed!

[@VinylNostalgia]

At 71 years old I still have the vintage stereo equipment that I bought new back in the early 70's. I have two vintage turntables I bought in the 70's and one Audio-Technica USB turntable that I bought back in 2008 to record my 45 rpm records on, to upload to my VinylNostalgia channel which I use every day. My vintage turntables are a Thorens TD 115 and a Dual 1216. They are connected to a Marantz Model 2270 Receiver and a Sherwood S-9400 Amp. My Altec University Sound floor speakers I had to have reconed a couple years ago and are now like new. I few years ago I also had my Marantz and Sherwood recapped so they are like new too. I think my vintage equipment is a lot nicer looking with it's real walnut cabinets than the equipment available today. I'm enjoying your videos...Thanks!

[@dumbrecords3937]

in kindergarden they had us build our own turntable using paper plates, thumb tacks, a dixie cup and some yarn. still use mine sounds good

[@dmnddog7417]

I own an AT-LP120XUSB and I can vouch that it's a great turntable to start with. The included cartridge is compatible with higher quality styli from Audio Technica, so you don't even need to swap out the entire cartridge to get better sound. I did this by replacing the included stylus with their Microlinear model. However, if you do want to get a better cartridge from AT or a third party, you can. I also replaced the felt platter mat with an acrylic. The only issue I encountered with the unit is that the damping fluid for the tonearm had to be refreshed, so it was dropping the tonearm too fast. It's an easy fix you can do yourself, though.

[@alexm.8674]

Second this. Phenomenal TT

[@MeriaDuck]

I own one since January this year and I like it quite a bit. It comes with bells and whistles like the 16 bit audio interface and built in pre amp that I wouldn't have needed per se. I have two quite good 24bit 192kHz audio interfaces, so if I would digitize I'd be using that. I keep in mind the stylus upgrade for a future me.

[@sylvainripaud]

I love the way you talk, very calm and conforting. And it makes me love my vinyls and my music :)

[@camero220]

I'm not an audiophile, so my goal was something aesthetically pleasing that wasn't going to damage my records and wasn't STUPID expensive. Bought the u-turn orbit and absolutely love it. Their customer service is the best i've ever interacted with, whether they were helping me solve a problem or just answering a question, they respond super fast and are always willing to help. Also highly recommend the andover audio spinbase speaker for those living in smaller spaces. Fantastic setup, small footprint, not crazy expensive, and looks beautiful.

[@andrescadabid3022]

Best advice on the internet for turntables

[@thomaslytle5519]

I bought the Fluance RT-83 about 2 years ago. After about 6 months, I upgraded the stylus to the Ortifon Blue and then upgraded the platter to acrylic. Essentially turning it into an RT-85. Let me tell ya, Fantastic!! I am so happy that unless something goes wrong with it, I can’t see myself ever buying another turntable. In fact I’m so happy with the quality and unbelievable affordability of Fluance gear that I wound up buying their XL8f tower speakers and subwoofer. I’ve never heard my records sound better! I highly recommend Fluance gear. I Have heard that the lower end models of my turntable (i.e. RT80 - RT-81) have some speed instability issues, which they fixed with the RT-83. Which is why I opted for that model. And lastly, if you get their gear with the walnut finish, they are beautiful and look like brand new Vintage gear. So my Fluance components match my vintage Pioneer receiver Perfectly! 👍

[@noblerecords]

Awesome! Thanks for the review!!

[@froglevelfilms]

@Thomas Lytle, if you've not played a Japanese pressing on your rig, let me suggest that you do so and soon. I am a big fan of SRV. I know his records well. I bought a Japanese pressing of 'Couldn't Stand the Weather' and was floored. It was like hearing it for the first time. You could tell every time he stepped on a different pedal. Blew my mind!!

[@mickschnabel]

So you would suggest an acrylic platter over a rubber or cork slipmat? I've heard conflicting things. I just want whatever attracts the least amount of static!

[@Carback27]

I have the RT83 as well. Did you upgrade just the stylus, or the whole cartridge? Thanks!

[@nix10kodeey]

@@Carback27 depends on what you're upgrading the stylus to. If you're going from the red stylus that table came with to the blue one I believe they use the same cartridge so in that case just the stylus. Otherwise if it's a different stylus it will need a different cartridge

[@Shattuck66]

I would definitely recommend the Audiotechnica ATLP120, I’ve had it since Christmas of 2015 and I upgraded the cartridge to an Ortofon 2M Red and it’s served me well the past 5-6 years with my basic Yamaha receiver. I’m only now upgrading my turntable, phono pre amp, and integrated amp because I have a little more disposable income, but ATLP120 is great for customizing and getting a decent enough sound to understand why records sound so good

[@mickschnabel]

Yep, I LOVE my LP120 for sure

[@R3TR0R4V3]

Way better than the 60, that's for sure.

[@kevinmonceaux2101]

I'll second that motion. I've had an AT-LP120 with an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge for a little over a year now. It's currently paired with a Suca Audio tube preamp and Harman Kardon receiver. I upgraded the preamp with a pair of matched GE 5654W tubes. I've been pondering where to go from here. I acquired the receiver used from a local pawn shop. It's starting to develop some input switching issues, so a receiver upgrade may be needed before long.

[@thomasenters5882]

I have the same setup. Love it! Sounds great with my Audioengine 5 bamboo speakers.

[@patrick3926]

Love mine too

[@spindoctorandhisvinylmayhem]

Probably one of the best explanations on turntables and quality. Enjoyed it

[@noblerecords]

Thanks man!!!

[@iankirk4660]

Great video. Will definitely use your very valid points on securing my new turntable 👍

[@bella7613]

Started with a Jensen 12 yrs ago then got a luggage box record player as a gift. Looking forward to getting a audio technica at-lp3xbt soon. Eventually when I'm more educated on this topic can hopfully move onto the fluance 83 and customize it from there

[@leekro1]

Rockin' my Technics SL-3300 since the 70's. Solid reliable unit. If turntables could talk the stories this one could tell. It performed at the head of the class back then, and it performs there today. You can still find them in decent condition and my 50 years listening experience tells me you'll be getting a fantastic turntable.

[@sebastiencrusener4968]

Absolutely Sir, I always stick to Technics turntables too. I bought two Sl 1200's in 1996 (I'm a DJ so I needed two)and they still do the trick tot this dat. Technics turntables are like tanks 😉

[@paulboyce8537]

That was then. Today you can get cheap turntables that match or are better. It is same with everything. 70's luxury car today is worth nothing vs the today's cheap car that is better. Hard to compare the tech as yours were at the top but today it is used on the cheapest options available. Not to put your TT down because it is also the taste of sound. 70-80's sound is very different what we get today.

[@leekro1]

@@paulboyce8537 we have to agree to diasagree. agree that today you can buy cheap turntables. diagree that they "match or are better". the history, the materials, the construction, and the years of outstanding performance simply speak for themselves in this case. not to mention technology that is matched to the vintage sounds of those eras. if you want new, then buy new. if you want proven performance lasting decades you should consider rock solid vintage Technics.

[@jasonarsenault3791]

Great stuff man. Always look forward to your videos

[@bjarnesolhaug6698]

Thanks. Great turntable intro. Decided to go for the Rega P1 Can’t wait to get it hooked up

[@francescotenti193]

Nice video, thanks for your positive comments on the SL-D2, truly built like a tank. I bought this in 1980, or so, and it still looks and plays as if brand new. Last year I upgraded the cartridge to an Ortofon 2 Blue with great results. Removable headshells, as the Technics has, should be a factor when looking at turntables, it makes the changing of the cartridge a breeze.

[@mjg086]

I have the Fluance RT85 which is basically the previous model (83? i think) with a Ortofon Blue pre-installed. Fantastic turntable, looks and sounds awesome (I got the wood finish style)... highly recommended!

[@noblerecords]

Awesome!

[@alekhidell3644]

Same here: RT85, wood finish. Love it!

[@lololop58]

As someone who recently bought a turntable for the first time, I really appreciate this! So many good pointers mann, i got the counter weight on my to-buy list 😃👍

[@tedjensen8841]

A perfect approach to turntable purchase and upgrade.

[@ronf5025]

I purchased a Fluance RT85 turntable with the bamboo like finish from Fluance. One of features I like is that when it comes to the end of the record you have a set switch that will stop the record from turning, good if you fall sleep. My grown up kids and my wife said they'd make a Christmas donation to help me purchase it. I thought that was great until it showed up a couple of days ago and found out that it is now a Christmas present 🎁 and it's under the tree😂, I should have known.

[@seanflannery777]

Great video, very helpful for many I am sure. I am still rocking my 1979 Technics SL- Q3 with a 1978/79 Audio Technica LS500 cartridge, (just replaced the stylus with an excellent factory reproduction from LP Gear, sounds fantastic). I love this big heavy turntable. All I have ever had to do, so far, is general maintenance like oil the spindle every couple of years... oh, had to repair one of the dust cover hinges, poor design but an easy fix.

[@Onteo1]

Great reviews. My only beef with the LP-120 is when connected to an old school amp, you can never truly turn the preamp off. This causes a muffled sound out of the recordings. I bought one for the versatility of playing 78s, but my Carver amp and preamp don’t work well with that table. I Even sent it back to the factory to have it checked out. What they told me is even with the preamp switched off , it is never really taken out of the “loop”. There are videos on how to actually remove it from the until on KZbin, but that’s too drastic for me. I also have a 70s pioneer PL-71 that works just fine with that setup. If you have a modern amp that requires a preamp it works just fine. Just an FYI for people looking at these. Otherwise a very nice unit.

[@ab3000x]

I picked up an old and very beat ROTEL RP-3000 (for dirt cheap - under $20) and had it serviced. I pealed-off the old fake wood wrap and laid-down a new fake wood wrap. I also added 3/4" strip of wood to the bottom of the platter just to make it taller - it looked skinny compared to the height of the dustcover. I also bought a new dustcover because the old one was cracked and warped. I added an acrylic platter mat made by Hudson HiFi. I use a pretty chunky center weight. I changed out the old cartridge and stylus to an Ortifon 2M Red. It's a direct-drive deck and keeps speed extremely well and runs very quietly. It runs through a Pioneer SX-780 out to some DALI bookshelf speakers with dual subwoofers (one below each speaker to sound like big towers). Love my setup. Almost forgot... DJ Pre II pre-amp is a great pre-amp and I highly recommend it. If I went new I'd go with the RT85 by Fluance. good video as always Dillon.

[@26Jorgeb]

I hope you keep doing these videos!

[@joemartucci4786]

I’ve had the Audio Technica LP120 with Onkyo receiver pre amp & Klipch speakers. Love the set up.

[@NickP333]

Fantastic advice, Dillon. Ha! The story about the SL-D2 is hysterical but not surprising. I gave one of those to a buddy of mine. An external phono pre will almost always sound better when one is to the point where they’re starting to look for better sound. The iFi Zen and Schiit Mani are two I recommend to people just starting to upgrade. Thanks, Dillon.

[@jtwray67]

I have a FLUANCE...and I love it ...easy to use preamp switch...and it is a real beautiful piece of equipment for a very affordable price.

[@ContreRiposte]

Loved your shout-out to the Technics SL-D2! I bought one at a local car boot sale for 200 Belgian franks (that currency has gone out of business 20 years ago, it translates to about 5 euro / 7 dollars) back in 1992 when I was 15... That thing was already old back then, but I'm still listening to it today... only upgrade I ever did was put an Ortophon 2M Red cartridge on it...

[@chrisloomis4921]

I recently bought a Technics SL-D2 based on your prior recommendation and can confirm it is a nice, solid turntable. It had been fully serviced so should remain trouble-free for a while. That’s the key with vintage - if you don’t want to fix one up, there are people out there who service and sell them.

[@noblerecords]

Exactly! Thanks for watching! 🙏

[@705johnnyboy]

i had a d2 ,i thought it was a nice deck better than todays mostly junk low end,it can take a few cart upgrades to

[@stevesrecordbox6697]

I’m vintage so I have vintage tables. Yes, you should have them serviced and there are plenty of guys out there keeping them in top shape (for a price). An advantage with vintage is that despite being 40 or 50 years old, the material quality and Japanese build standards were for the most part much better than modern day equipment.

[@toddthewodd]

Thanks for making this one Cool platter cover, just put in on my Christmas List!

[@grandpaberniesbasement8186]

Thank you so much for this! This helps drastically!

[@noblerecords]

Thanks for watching! 🙏

[@kennycunningham8721]

I just upgraded from a 1978 technics sl-335 that I used for 14 years and just had to change the belt now I got a fluance 85 and so far I love it

[@bridgettefuller2234]

Thank 😊 you! Dillon I'm a newbie so this help alot !!

[@noblerecords]

Thanks for watching! 🙏

[@ericowens3308]

I have a Fluance RT82 and love it. I would definitely recommend it.

[@33RPMVinyl]

Several years ago I needed a turntable for my second system. My friend has a Kenwood turntable with a Denon arm for sale. He said one like it was up for auction on eBay. We agreed that I would pay him whatever the turntable on eBay sold for. I'm thinking Kenwood, entry level turntable, 50 - 100 bucks. What I didn't realize was that particular turntable model was a highly in demand audiophile vintage turntable. I fainted when I saw what it sold for on eBay.

[@boborman5537]

Always great info

[@sixwhip14]

I enjoy your videos. Good content for sure. I have Technics 1210 mk2. It was my dream table. I thought about buying new but had to have the legendary Technics 1200. As far as vintage goes. Sometimes I wonder about my deck. It was built in the 90s. Oh well. Now I dream about the 1200 G. Expensive.

[@chamathke]

I dont own any records or have space for them but this chanel makes me want to keep learning about them.

[@tebpixels3409]

I have always used Rega TT's, had a planar 3 for donkey years. Just upgraded to a P5, bought used for $250 and luv it. Will probably never stray from that brand!

[@scrawltrawler6962]

Good advice all the way around. Maybe do a video on cartridges & needles sometime? I bet you’d have a commonsense take on things!

[@sundayvinylshow]

I have a 1byone, loved the look of it (vintage wood style) and only $250 for the full setup including the speakers. It also has a bluetooth setting so if I want to switch from vinyl to Spotify I can easily do that. I think if you are upgrading and don't want to completely break the bank it is a great option as well.

[@metal-adventures-joerg]

As born and grown up not far from the Dual turntable factory in the Black Forest, Germany,i prefer their turntables of course,especially the fully automatic ones and only the vintage turntables from the '70/80s (refurbished of course). Located here in the great state of "Baden-Württemberg" we also have one of greatest turntables companies of Germany anyway: Acoustic Signature, Acoustic Solid, Perpetuum Ebner.... Greetings from the Black Forest, Germany! Like your Channel, keep up the good Work!

[@djsoulfilter]

Still using and loving my Technics SL-1300 that I bought many years ago for $50. Recently bought a NAD C558 (Pro-ject tone arm) w/ Ortofon 10 stylus and love it. Going to upgrade to the Ortofon 20 stylus soon.

[@giulianavizcarra4608]

I used to have an ATLP60. I had it for about a year and I loved it! But it would skip on some records (given, not frequently). It would happen mostly with used records. It hit a nerve when I got an early pressing of DSOTM and it skipped on some tracks, but it wouldn't on a TT with a counterweight. So I upgraded to a Technics SL-1600 + Ortofon 2M Red. Couldn't be happier : )

[@R3TR0R4V3]

Hell yeah, another big SL-1600 fan here! I've upgraded and modified it to the max. Running a AT-VM540ML on it. It's the bomb! 👍👍

[@giulianavizcarra4608]

@@R3TR0R4V3 Awesome!! Nice cartridge 🤘🏼 I love how Technics turntables are so good despite their age 🖤

[@toneyisaiah3556]

I can relate to that because I had a J.C. Penny model with a dual cassette player and AM/ FM radio.with speakers.

[@markwissman2452]

My rig is a fully restored vintage Sansui 9090DB receiver, Fluance RT-85 (which is an amazing turntable for the money) and I switch between Klipsch RF7III and vintage JBL L100T speakers. Sounds amazing, tons of power and I'm pretty sure the neighbors hate it. I highly recommend the Fluance line of products and they have something for almost any budget

[@timongreen2230]

I have used pro-ject deck for 12 years now. Can’t fault them.

[@johnconway7484]

From 1997 until 2019i used the same pioneer turntable with a belt drive the red plastic cartridge and no counter weight man I love that thing, and would put the sound reproduction against any million dollar turntable, I up graded in 19 to that Audio Technica lp 140 xp

[@icpizzaboy]

My favorite turntable I own is a Technics SL-1100a My workhorse is a Technics SL-1210m3d with a Jico SAS stylus and it sounds amazing

[@big_burly_bro]

I've had people get after me to replace my Audio-Technica but it just keeps doing right by me. Got it used and it's been putting in work ten years strong.

[@noblerecords]

It’s a great table!

[@asupremelove5149]

U enherited my dads Thorens TD-190-1 and it has been my go to..

[@SuperGinkgo]

Turntables were built to a better spec than modern budget ones are now... A cheap one isn't always cheerful. Look for second hand in good condition, DUAL, Rega, Systemdek and older Pioneer are worth looking for. Belt/Directdrive are different animals, buy to your budget and consider the cartridge as well, super cheap have styli and not cartridges and depending on age they may be rockin horse muck... I run a 1976 era Thorens TD126 Mk 2, it plays 78s... and I love it, it ways 20kg and is built like a tank. My first deck was a cheap Panasonic , then an Aiwa from a 70s stack, then a B&O music centre. Condition is everything and old audiophiles tend to look after their kit, do your research and consider it a journey. Good vid 👍😊 (p.s UK perspective here so take what you can from my advice)

[@noblerecords]

There are some turntables being made now that are better than any vintage one, just depends what you wanna spend. Thanks for watching! 🙏

[@psychedelicpunkster6840]

Hey Brother👍 you slway throw together. Super cool videos , quite entertaining and very knowledgeable. Im sporting 2 TT, two that you have mentioned... Audio Tecnica lp 120 direct drive and the Fluance RT81 belt driven. I love em both and for the money they're are outstanding TTs. One of these days im going to splurge and upgrade my cartridge/ Stylus. But i can say , i do recommend either or to the entry level collector @ $250.00 its well worth the investment... Thanx Dillon Rock🎸 On!

[@arnelarson2849]

I still have my Technics SL-230 with an Audio Technics cartridge that I bought in 1979. It was stored for years, so of course when I took it out it didn't function at all. Had to replace the belt, take the bottom off, DeOxit the controls, and oil the motor and clean and grease the mechanism. It works great now, although I will probably change to a Ortafon Red or Blue cartridge soon.

[@MrGuitarman84]

I bought Audio-Technica AT-LP1240-USBXP a year ago and I absolutely love it. I spent like $500 for it, but it was well worth the investment.

[@noblerecords]

Very cool. Thanks for watching! 🙏

[@briefeclipse1142]

Thanks for the video

[@PetesCDVinylWorld]

I upgraded to a Fluance Rt85 and am very happy with it. Before that I had a Teac feom the mis 90s

[@raggeragnar]

4 years into my Audiotechnica LP60 , and still going strong with good sound. I have yet to feel the need to upgrade.

[@georgearnold8573]

I got the technics 1210 GR Love it ...

[@ashleyturner9227]

Keep the videos coming! I recently upgraded from a Sony PL-990 I had for like 10 years to a Fluance RT81. Blew my mind how much better it sounded (still using the built in phono stage) and I keep thinking how much better can it get? Definitely staying with the Fluance for now. They’ve built a fantastic brand complete with real customer service.

[@Error2username]

A lot, go mc and phono preamp.

[@walterpen371]

I totally agree with your choices and many more brands could be added. Suitcase type (low budget) or any portable record player with both AC and battery operated are good. Benefits are for sampling what a record sounds like before buying at record shows, flea markets, antique malls, thrift stores...if you're allowed. The other is for cleaning purposes and repairing skips, loops and scratches. Expensive cartridges should only be played with very well cleaned records.

[@gingernutpreacher]

Nice and balanced vid great job as v west life has said you can get diamond stili for those crosely and will a bit of blue track to take some weight off their "ok"

[@RoaroftheTiger]

Full Disclosure - I had, "a mispent youth" in the Audio Industry. (nearly 20 years) Quite a few working for Technics. Obviously, You can't spend Money, You Don't have ... So I'll pass on the Question of The Recomendation of "holding on, to that Suitcase Record Player". BUT, like on the 'LP 60' ; They Use a SPRING for Down Force of the Stylus (the actual TIP that "rides the groove") Trust me, that Spring is NOT of a Fine Quality; like what's found in a Good Swiis or Japanese Mechanical Watch. So That's why, I'd get rid of a suitcase set-up, as soon as possible. Any of the other recommendations are fine. The thing to remember overall is; a Phono Cartridge with It's Stylus (the so called "needle") are like CAR TIRES... Better Tires ... Better Performance. (*NOT to worry on the following; but be aware that like SPEAKERS, even the Best Ones, DON'T Sound alike - ALL SINGERS Don't Alike / But that's why some Folks like to Interchange Them) Just consider, that only a "decent" Turntable's Tonearm will accomodate the better Phono Cartridges. Those Track at the Lowest "Down Forces "- Generally in the area of 2 Grams or Lower ... look to, Grado ... Ortofon ... and Audio - Technica, for those. And Always, Use It's Recomended Tracking Force "range"... Start at the Higher End. Then Work Down, if you must. BUT, Records with DEEP LOW Bass will be happier with the Higher End of that Recommend Range. As it will track better. Again, It's like Car Tires & "air pressure". P.S. even CROSLEY is making BETTER Turntables. One is even made by a famous Hungarian Manufacturer, for Crosley ! ... "Good Hunting" ! 😉

[@Zapp1972]

I have a Project, sounds great through my vintage Kenwood

[@froglevelfilms]

Hey, Dillon. I bought a Fluance RT 85 and added an Ortofon bronze. It's crazy that this table is considered a budget model. It is so much better than anything else in the budget category. Best table I've owned to date. Enjoyed the email chat.

[@markwissman2452]

Do you feel that the Bronze upgrade from the Blue made a big difference?

[@froglevelfilms]

@@markwissman2452 The differences are audible to me though they are subtle. I am one who listens for breath sounds, the rosin of a bow against the strings or that woody, creaking sound that comes from an upright bass. So, the difference is big to me but probably not to someone who is not paying much attention to the music. I have gotten a couple of comments from friends who noticed my system sounded better. I think the difference is worth the price.

[@alj521]

great info Cheers

[@DanIAmIBe]

I got the Audio Technica AT-LP120XUSB - less expensive than the regular 120, but super reliable, customizable, and sounds great. I opted for bluetooth because of my room configuration and where I wanted the speakers. Was a little apprehensive about BT, but it sounds tremendous! (PS: I wound up getting a mono cartridge, which splits the bluetooth channel back into L/R.)

[@jasonburns1407]

I got a sansui sr-212 given to me by my dad it is so good.

[@912582]

A nice balanced introduction you've put together here; I realise this is opening a bag of worms but the tonearm quality between decks varies immensely, more than the motor unit for the first few hundred bucks. If you get a Rega, you're already a couple of steps up from the Project, also remember the Project has an even bigger upgrade selection, by the time you're on parity with Rega you've spent a lot more of your cash to get to the same place. Would be interesting to hear your thoughts about the $400 and upwards directed towards beginners. I started witha Sugden Connoisseur B1 and now have 301's and 401's with SME 312S's etc. so am not in a place to help at the real starter end, but emphasising the arm is the start point. Lenco L75's are a great manual starter value for example; they're 60 years old and still go, the AT's won't, electronics when dead are just that. Will be interesting to see if Project go upmarket rather than upsales in method now they've bought Musical Fidelity, which is a step up from their traditional market.

[@oak1327]

I recently upgraded from a Teac TN-300 to a Fluance RT-83 and I could not recommend it enough!

[@mikeevans5412]

Good stuff

[@TychoVan]

Currently using my grandparents old pioneer pl 200 x and its great (i believe its from 78/79)! Also nice video :)

[@noblerecords]

Nice! Keep spinning!

[@brianstalker1]

I have the LP120 and upgraded the cartridge to Audio Technica VM54OML - way better than the cartridge provided with turntable. Clearer sound quality and although cartridge cost just as much as the turntable - there is a significant enough improvement to say it was well worth it

[@robertroe3483]

i picked up a SL-1900 a few weeks ago on the marketplace for $30 it sounds amazing.

[@vinyl1Earthlink]

I often recommend late-model used turntables. You can get a turntable that cost $1000-1500 when new for $500-750 if you shop around. I have a Basis 2001 with a Graham arm, a Project RPM 9.1, and a VPI Scout. The Basis was new in the box but a reviewer sample at 40% off, and the others were used at half price. Of course, they still were quite expensive.

[@noblerecords]

Good to know!

[@helgar791]

You're not only a smart buyer, but a discerning one as well. Happy listening. Keep your stylus clean (a nice stiff brush and occasionally a non solvent stylus cleaner), carefully calibrate and align your cartridges (overhang, azimuth, zenith, VTA and downforce) and enjoy the ride.

[@davidjohns.3065]

I really enjoy my Technics sl1210 with an ortofon 2m red .

[@toneyisaiah3556]

When I was getting started, it was a nightmare but I got through it.

[@analoguecity3454]

I upgraded a "sony- ps-lx300usb " to a "fluance RT-84 " with an "ortiphon blue " cartridge, and I paired it with a "schit mani" ! To me it was like going from VHS to blu-ray, to yall it probably nothing! But to me it made a world of difference!

[@GreenZebraGardening]

I started on a $50 Crosley with Edifier R1280T speakers. I just upgraded to a Fluance RT81 and I’m still using the same speakers. I think I may stick with this Fluance for a long time. I may upgrade to an external preamp.

[@noblerecords]

Awesome! Congrats on the upgrade!

[@NextPlayRecords]

I’ve got the Fluance 80. I think an upgraded stylus is needed but it has been awesome, especially for the $.

[@johnsmith-nm1hk]

there is a really good in depth yt vid on the 120 pre amp in vs pre amp taken out. has a pretty substantial sound diff for that reason i got a fluance.

[@scootb7400]

So many people starting out think they need an SL1200 or a classic turntable with a walnut base. But for very little money ($40-$150) you can find less popular models from some great brands. I have had excellent luck with several of the Technics models from the early 1980s! Ina few instances I’ve found excellent upgraded cartridges worth more than the price of the table.

[@deancronin6934]

Enjoying the Noble Records video advent calendar lol

[@200crates]

agree . audio technica lp120 direct drive , its all you need

[@R3TR0R4V3]

Vintage all the way around for me. 👍 Can't go wrong with a vintage Technics turntable from the SL family.. I prefer the SL-1600 & SL-1200 MKII personally.

[@bf9616]

I dont see many people talking about the Audio Technica Lp5X... I bought one a year ago and I loved it since the first day, I found it really cheap at a store in Barcelona(Only 270€, they had special ofers due to the pandemic...) I prefer it to the Lp120 it has a more simple look, and it plays at 33, 45, 78rpm and It is also very thick!(weights 7Kg) I use it everyday and works perfect. I think that is more expensive than the Lp120, but it could be a good option if you're getting started in this crazy world (Sorry for my english)

[@noblerecords]

Awesome thanks!

[@raygarafano3633]

Sometimes u can have a good Tt w a good amp.or rcvr, and getting better speakers can make a big difference. I have a,Toshiba SR-A200 pioneer sx950 rcvr and jbl-A180. Much better w the cerwin vega SL-12. A Stanton 681 EEE cartridge is very good.

[@GaOutlawVinyl]

I have just upgraded from a suitcase model. The wable is something I’ve noticed with most albums but I’ve only had one album skip on it. Tom Petty’s Full Moon Feaver on blue vinyl is the only new record that has skipped on the suitcase. The new turntable I bought is from Amazon & arrives today. It was $140 from Jancane. It has 8 reviews & is rated 3 & a half stars. It’s not the best but it has all the adjustability that I’ve heard people recommend. Adjustable counter weight, anti skating control & it comes with the audio-technica at3600L.

[@912582]

Don't have your expectations too high, undrneath it is a suitcase model

[@dawnofmayhem5691]

Worth mentioning that you need a receiver with “phono”. Can’t tell you the amount of friends who have bought a modern amp and tried putting grand pa’s turntable through the aux input and then tell me “it’s not working”

[@elliottcrews4997]

or an external phono amp and it though and aux or CD input.

[@beans7831]

Great video Dillon! I have a technics 1200 I used for a while ( I just got back into vinyl about 2 years ago) then I got an audio technica lp 120. I recently got a u turn orbit plus and I absolutely love it! Its been my go to turntable for a year now. Cheers!!

[@noblerecords]

Awesome! Thanks for watching! 🙏

[@vinylrules4838]

A word of caution on used Technics SL1200Mk ii's turntables. Try to find out the history of the table. I know some people that had to replace the bearing due to years of heavy dj use. This may not be the norm, but something to look out for.

[@michaeljozwiak5716]

I have a 1979 Technics SL-3350 turntable. The strobe light is out and there is a hum when playing an album. I did slightly move my equipment by a tenth of an inch and the ground wire to the Technics receiver is probably slightly out of line.

[@koenraaddm2582]

I use an old idler drive turntable, Lenco L78, over 40 years old, works brilliant although I wonder what better cartridge to use on an idler drive. But yeah, all original. Cost me 125 euro.

[@helgar791]

Great old tables. Since it's an old 'table have you had it cleaned internally or refurbished? If not the improvement in sound would be significant when you do. Sometimes the bearings in those old idler motor get ground down. Sometimes it's noticeable from a grinding or rumbling noise, sometimes not. They at least need re-oiling by now. Have it looked at and you'll thank yourself.

[@jacquescousteau217]

Dillon. Vintage 1970-80s Thorens you can still get parts for if one wants vintage. I’m curious why you appeared to like the Eastern Euro Music Hall or their brethren Project - over Rega . I have an older sister Planar 3 with glass platter , swapped out cartridges. I track at 1.5-6 no groove wear ever . Love it ( I’m old , I used to have Thorens table-Studer Revox speakers Phase Linear when I was younger,and still had my high hearing ) . In any event the Rega -Project as well I think - You may have mentioned or demonstrated that they only have two speeds,and you have to manually lift the table to change the belts on the capstan . I say this as you mentioned in the other video I saw that you had no problem having to change a side on a 45 - 12 inch , meaning listening is a dedicated experience. Also the fact that when the stylus hits the dead wax you have to manually cue the arm up ,and lift record off the platter. Great video . It does an old man’s heart good to see people like yourself that are so educated in respect to vinyl ( I know, I’m just using the generic term ) records that your getting people into really listening to the old analog format … Kudos