I'm interested in buying a small turntable

[BlackVelvetElvis]

In the old days we called them "record players".
Where's a good place to buy a decent sounding system w/ a turntable fairly cheap?
I'm in the mood to hear vinyl again. I bought all my cousin's records: mostly 50's -60's soul and rock to add to my collection of albums that I haven't heard in 15 years.
Any suggestions? I've seen some for around $200. Anything cheaper?

[T Roosevelt]

1. Check ebay

I've seen quality ones there for ~$150.

[lazarus]

2. RadioShack

99.99

http://www.radioshack.com/category.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F007%5F004%5F004%5F000&Page=1

[DancingBear]

3. Sorry to bust your bubble

But anything that inexpensive will sound like shit. If the LP's are dirty (and I'm sure they are) it will only make matters worse.

Look to spend $400-500 (if you can swing it), including cartridge. Check out some stereo shops in your area - they'll usually have a "cache" of traded-in equipment - you might get lucky. Thorens made some in that price range a while back - and I think I've seen used ClearAudio tables around that figure as well.

BTW, in case you're wondering, high end turntables in the realm of the audiophile can run $20,000 + !!!

Now VPI makes this really neat record cleaning machine for about $500...


:) :)

DancingBear, confirmed audiophile and vinyl nut

[LowerManhattanite]

5. Ahhhh...vinyl...

still sounds great on my vintage BIC, Thorens and my sweet old Garrard. (Have a newer Technics MKII 1200 but for some reason, the vinyl just sounds best on these old vintage spinners)

One has NOT heard Al Green until one has heard a clean vinyl record of
his on a good turntable.

:)

[harper]

4. Best Buy

Best Buy has one similar to the radio shack one for around $120.

I'm looking around for one also, may check out the local radio shack tomorrow.

And the records I want to play are all old and scratched anyway, I certainly don't care if I don't have the ultimate in sound when I listen to them.

[GAspnes]

6. check places that handle DJ equipment

Panasonic still makes a very good turntable and arm. But replace the Stanton 500 cartridge *immediately*. It's built for ruggedness, not tonal quality.