Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with stereo and turntable

Converting vinyl records to digital files using an existing turntable...

You Should See the Other Guy — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:14:35 -0800

I like my vinyl records. I want to make digital files out of them. What are my options ... which don't include a new turntable and, preferably but not absolutely, don't require my computer and stereo to be in the same room? I'm on a Mac.

I'm not sure what it's supposed to do, but I'm pretty sure it works

kid_dynamite — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 10:52:55 -0800

What is this mystery spindle that came with the turntable I just got? I just was given a Technics SL-1950, in really nice shape, but I'm a little bit flummoxed by the spindle setup. Mounted on the turntable was a long autochanger spindle, which is easily removed and reattached with a bayonet action.

The turntable also came with another object that looks like another spindle housed in a black plastic box. The bottom (bayonet-mount) end of the spindle is exposed, and I can mount this object on the turntable. The plastic box has 2 tabs on the side that don't seem to do anything when I press them; I would expect that they would release the spindle but that doesn't seem to be the case.

So, then, how can I get a 'short', single-play spindle on this turntable, and what is the mystery spindle in the black box?
Any guidance is much appreciated.

Recommend a budget phono preamp

The Michael The — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:14:53 -0800

Which budget phono preamp (less than $50) should I buy? I've got a Technics SL1650 that I'll be connecting to a Yamaha RX-V540, neither of which has an integrated phono preamp. I'd like to pay as little as possible for that separate preamp, certainly under $50. I understand that I'll be sacrificing sound quality vs. a higher-low-end $100-$200 model, but frankly I just want to play my records. So, let's have your recommendations for something that's less than $50 but doesn't sound like complete crap.

Playing records and listening to my iMac through one system

Foam Pants — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 01:32:39 -0800

I would like to set up a system where my turntable and my iMac all flow out of a nice set of speakers. I have no idea where to start. This is the junk I have:
1. iMac
2. Pioneer belt-driven turntable with audio out hardwired and no amplifier
3. a super crappy stereo with half of the speakers missing. Funny story, I had to toss one because a mouse made a nest in it. I want to make this ugly, usable-space-sucker go away.
4. Basic Airport
5. Record collection that I like to play AS RECORDS
6. a sizable MP3 collection that I play through iTunes

Stuff I am willing to purchase
1. New turntable, even though my current one sports a kick-ass sticker collection
2. amplifier
3. Another Airport
4. Sweet speakers
5. Something else a dunder head like me doesn't realize she needs.
6. The services of a male escort.

While I love my music, I am an idiot who doesn't know jack about setting up an audio system. Please advise me, you can be condescending if it helps it come out.

Looking for a Nice, Relatively Inexpensive Turntable+PreAmp

robdon — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 12:12:21 -0800

VinylFilter: Looking for a quality Turntable and PreAmp to fill the needs of a poor audiophile ($500-650 Budget) I've been easing into the world of audiophilia for quite a while now; I've spent my time combing through countless issues of Stereophile, practically live on the Head-Fi forums, and have replaced all of my digital music library with tasty, tasty FLAC. However, after living next to someone with a turntable, and hearing the warm, buttery sound emanating from his turntable rig, I want one. I plan on listening mostly through a pair of DT770 Pro Headphones [80 Ω] (and to a lesser extent a pair of Grados) but will likely purchase a proper Power Amplifier and set of monitors at some point in the future. Just looking for something that will last me awhile and make the vinyl I've had my eye on sound fantastic through my cans.

I've heard fantastic things about the Rega P3, but I feel it might be a touch pricey when you factor in a preamp...

500-650$ Total Budget

Where to find a quality record player?

Braeog — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 11:16:46 -0800

I'm looking for a record player for my parents for Christmas, the highest quality within a budget of $400-$500. This has been addressed in the past, but that was a year ago, and my budget is greater. Can any audiophiles give me recommendations on equipment? My parents have a 20-30 year old record player and speakers set up in their house, but some years ago, the record player stopped functioning (smoke comes out whenever they try to use it). The speakers should be still in solid working order, though I'm not certain whether or not they have a pre-amplifier (a term I discovered while reading previous threads). Since I don't have the equipment here in front of me to look at, I'm uncertain as to whether or not the turntable could have a pre-amplifier built into it. I have no problem buying one of these as well, but I could also use the help figuring out what I'm looking for in that respect, or any other equipment I'll need.

Thanks for the help and advice!

Home Audio 101

10ch — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 06:49:09 -0800

What components do I need to buy to have a solid stereo system for my home? I know nothing about home audio and I want to buy a quality turntable for playing records (including 78s) as a gift for my one and only.

I took a look at other mefi questions about turntables and found some good resources, but I quickly realized that there's a lot of vocabulary and hip-bone-connected-to-the-assumptions going on that leave me clueless. I need someone that isn't trying to sell me something to help me figure out what I need.

Fer'instance... am I better going with separate parts (and if so, what are those parts specifically) or with a "home system" (I want to avoid crappy parts just to get the 78 feature, for example).

Here are the things I'd like the system to do, in priority:

- Cost around $500
- Sound good
- Play records (78s, 33s and 45s)
- Play cds
- Play cassettes
- Play FM/AM radio
- BONUS, BUT NOT REQUIRED: Record across the above (ideally on CD)
- BONUS, BUT NOT REQUIRED: Be aesthetically pleasing

Speak jargon as long as you provide clarification (parenthetically). Links and specific make/model recommendations are appreciated. I'll be happy to converse in thread if I'm leaving details out. Thanks for your help.