Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with turntable

Find the power cord

bravowhiskey — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:21:49 -0800

Does anyone know where to find a power cord replacement for a Technics 1200 mk2 turntable European edition? 220v power cord? My dog chewed through the cable all the way to the base of the plug so I can't reuse it to do even a quick fix.

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.

Turntable To Fast

tanmandu — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:04:32 -0800

I have a 1970's Panasonic Turntable. I've noticed it runs fast( about 35.25 RPMS). It is motor driven and has been cleaned numerous times. Is it possible that it is just made this way? Or is there something I can do to bring the speed down? As of now I have a rubber band holding the speed selector a little offset. Any ideas?

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.

I want to listen to records, but I'm just not ready for that kind of commitment.

ewingpatriarch — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 15:36:28 -0800

I've got a year left of college and am going to be moving at least four or five times during the course of that year. I want to buy a turntable so that I can listen to some records I've bought over the course of this very same year, but I don't want something that'll weigh me down too much when I move. Does such a device exist? Once I'm out of college and can settle down in one place for more than three months at a time, I'll probably look into dropping some cash on a serious/respectable system, but in the meantime I'd just like to be able to listen to these records without too much fuss. I've done some digging, and it looks like it's possible to use one of these newfangled USB turntables with headphone-jack-style speakers like the ones I already own.

The only catch is, though, that every single review I can find about USB turntables is written exclusively from the perspective of a person who bought the gadget so that they could digitize their records. I've already got digital copies of all of these songs - I'm more interested in the ritual and, to some degree, the purported "warmth" associated with records. So, I suppose my main question is: is it possible to get a USB turntable and use it just like a regular turntable, in which you put in a record and get out music (preferably on my pre-existing, easy-to-move-with speakers) as the record spins? If so, is this advisable? If not, what would you advise for a person in my situation?

Thanks a bunch!

Help me protect my vinyl!

Go Banana — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:11:05 -0800

Where can I find a replacement dust cover for a technics turntable and replacement record sleeves? I've cracked the dust cover (or lid) on my technics turntable. I thought it would be pretty easy to find a replacement on google but no luck. I'm also looking for record sleeves--preferably the internal paper covers that go inside the outer cardboard sleeve, or external plastic to go over the cardboard sleeve. It would be nice if they were extra cheap as I have quite a lot of records. Toronto area would also be ideal, or a reputable on-line source.

Help my Frankenstein spin

csmason — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:42:02 -0800

What every day (or not so every day) inexpensive (<$75) item, (or part of said item) would make a good turntable spindle bearing? I'm attempting a DIY turntable build out of repurposed items. For example, the platter = an automotive disc rotor, driven by = floppy disc motor. Tonearm pivots out of hard drive actuators and bearings...

I'm familiar with the 'Altmann' intake valve and sleeve bearing, but for some irrational reason I'd like to try something different. I've read many stories of hobby millwrights carving out beautiful bearings, and I won't be joining them.

Using something for its not so intended purpose is part of the journey on this project. Maybe another automotive bit? (There must be a lot of bits in there, right?) Maybe a home appliance? Maybe something more... industrial? Might anyone think of an item that would allow that disc rotor to spin effortlessly, and silently?

Record player in need of repair

blithecatpie — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:38:46 -0800

Please recommend a shop that will fix my old record player here in the Bay Area. I have an old Newcomb record player (Model EDT-12C, like this one here) and it's starting to spin slighter faster than it should and the sound needs to be improved.

Can anyone recommend a place, somewhere in the Bay Area, where I can bring it in to get serviced?

Or would it just be cheaper to get a new record player...

Thanks!

How to fix my record player?

atoastedheart — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 06:41:21 -0800

Lately, my record player (not turntable) of four years hasn't been working correctly. When I turn it on, the platter part of it doesn't start spinning until I give it a slight nudge. Even after doing so, it still doesn't spin at the right speed (33 1/3 sounds more like 45, 45 sounds closer to 78, etc). Is there a relatively easy way to fix this or should I just buy a new one? My current model is really similar to the new 3-in-1 "vintage-style" Crosley.

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.

Baby, I Like Your Stylus

Lemon of Byzantium — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:18:14 -0800

Help! Where do I find a replacement needle for my record player? Actually, to be precise, it's my parents' record player, and I just busted the needle while listening to a stack of old records. Admittedly, I don't listen to records often, and I know nothing about record players.

The record player: a Telefunken TS-860. I'm not sure how old it is...perhaps from the 80s?

Any idea how much these things cost? Any stores you can recommend? Should I just try my luck on Ebay? I'm from Canada; if there are any good places I can order from, by all means let me know.

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.

Do there exist any combination USB turntables/tape decks?

quatsch — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:28:17 -0800

Do there exist any combination USB turntables/tape decks? I'd like to get my father a USB turntable and tape deck for Christmas, ideally in one machine (I seem to only be able to find them in separate machines). I would just get a vinyl and cassette ripper, but my parents don't have a working tape deck to connect one to. Does this chimera exist? There are mix tapes that need to be archived for posterity!

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

Is there a spin doctor in the house?

evil holiday magic — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 22:12:13 -0800

I need a turntable to spin. That's it. I bought the turntable part of an old record player on eBay. It needs a base, and it has some wires trailing from it. I don't need it to do anything except spin. Any ideas how I can get this puppy spinning from the mains power?

Photos.

Where can I find an inexpensive turntable and amplifier?

punchdrunkhistory — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 19:07:12 -0800

Help my family find a decent turntable + amp in the $100-$300 range. We just want to listen to records! We have a good set of speakers, but an amplifier and turntable that date back to the 1970s and desperately need replacing. Given our small budget, is it possible to buy a new turntable with a built-in amp (that would connect directly to the speakers) or a turntable AND amp that would fall within the price range? Price is the biggest issue - we're certainly not hardcore audiophiles. It would be nice to have a USB output or similar CD-converting options, but those aren't necessary.

(I've seen this question, which was helpful, but didn't specifically answer my amplifier question.)

USB turntable help

banjo_and_the_pork — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 03:42:33 -0800

USB Turntable- Why did it record my conversation but not the album? I have a brand new Ion TTUSB05 turntable, and I'm using a Mac (iMac running OS X, if that matters). I'm using the "EZ Vinyl Converter" software by MixMeister that came with the turntable. Last night I thought I spent a painstaking hour transferring an album, but what I had to show for it at the end was a lot of background noise and a conversation I had while transferring. No music at all.

Everything seemed to work fine, the record was playing, I could hear it through the speakers on the computer, and I was hitting "record" and "next track" according to the instructions. It appears to have been recording from the computer's mic and not the usb input. The turntable is definitely plugged into a usb port, and there are no settings that I can find in the software to fiddle with. Any ideas?

need to give my husband best USB turntable I can find

Lucinda — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 08:49:31 -0800

Audiophile/Gift Filter: Please help me figure out what USB turntable I should get. Mr. Lucinda is one of those "don't get me anything for Christmas, I don't need anything, grumble grumble grumble" types.

HOWEVER, he has expressed interest in getting a turntable that could plug into his computer via a USB port; he has an extensive LP collection that's gone unlistened to since he sold his high-end record player shortly after our son was born.

I want to surprise him with one on December 25, but I just can't buy the first one that appears on a google search; he researches the heck out of everything before he buys it. I've found the Numark TTUSB, which looks fine and seems to have good reviews (on Amazon, anyway) and I like the idea that I could transfer cassette tapes over as well (since I have a large collection of those).

But, I don't want to screw this up.

The nitty gritty: he has a Mac laptop. One of the better, faster ones.

He works with computers for a living, so he probably wouldn't have problems working his way through any software that would come with the turntable.

I'm willing to spend $200 or so.

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!

Where to find an awesome modern turntable?

PostIronyIsNotaMyth — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 23:20:33 -0800

Where can I find a kick ass turntable with built in speakers? I've scoured Target and K-Mart and while the results are pretty promising, I'm thinking that there have to be some websites out there with funky, contemporary versions of turntables with built in speakers. I'm not looking for anything too fancy, but let's say that theoretically right now, price is isn't an issue. I'd like to find something that can be both functional and decorative. And maybe just cool enough to get me laid.

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.

My special copy says Yoko is dead

jfuller — Thu, 24 May 2007 16:40:36 -0800

I have an old record turntable (in excellent shape) that I would like to use, but I'm stumped regarding to power it. Its power cable ends in a male DC jack, not a 110 or 220 volt AC plug. It was meant to be used with a companion amplifier, which had the AC/DC adapter and a female power jack on the backplane which supplied 15v 2.5w DC. I've got the turntable but not the amp.

Can anyone offer a suggestion for an alternative power source for this table? All the external power supplies and wall warts I've ever seen for audio-related equipment (or laptops) have male plugs on their DC cables and expect a female power jack on the equipment to be powered. Does anyone make sex-change adapters for DC jacks? I suppose at last resort I could cut off the plugs and solder the wires together. If I get the polarity wrong, will the table turn backwards? I'd rather not do that, heh. (I mean, you can only listen to "Paul is dead" so many times, right?) And where should I be looking for the supply itself? Googling lots of variations on "15 volt 2.5 watt DC adapter OR supply OR source hasn't located anything appropriate. Any info or tutoring from more knowledgeable folk will be greatly appreciated!

Turntable, cheapest that isn't junk

jfuller — Wed, 02 May 2007 12:45:46 -0800

Turntable help from vinyl geeks, please! Low-end but adequate direct-drive turntable recs? NOT for scratching or other DJ duty! I am setting out to digitize about 20 years worth of classical music on vinyl. I have, or had, a turntable, a cheapie belt-drive Sony from Best Buy. Today I was standing there playing Handel and contentedly watching the waveform appear in Audacity when hey whoops the music changed pitch on me. Down almost a half tone. The only thing I can think of to suspect is the turntable--I assume the belt is slipping so I want to replace the tt with a direct shaft-drive model and not worry about belts getting worn out or stretched and having to be replaced. But I'm seriously money-limited, so I'm looking at things like the STANTON T60X or the Audio-Technica AT-PL120. Both seem widely available for under $200, and I would be expecting to add $70-80 for an appropriate cartridge and stylus.

But before clicking "check out now" I'd like to have opinions from Those Who Know. Is there a better solution I've overlooked?

What's the arm like thing on old turntables?

PowerCat — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 18:37:15 -0800

I've noticed on some old turntables there's a kind of arm-like thing that can be put above the disk, and it's not the reading head, it's smaller and seems to have a spring... What is that for??

Turntable owners vs. Audiophiles

njm — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 18:12:47 -0800

I received a new turntable for Christmas. I’m having a hard time following the owner’s manual and on-line resources that explain how to achieve the best possible sound quality. If my LPs play fine, to my ears anyway, how important is it to perfectly adjust the cartridge, tracking force, azimuth, etc.? Besides offending obsessive audiophiles, do I run the risk of damaging the records or turntable? I spent a lot of time making the recommended adjustments yesterday, but it’s far from perfect. Although I have a big record collection, I never went overboard with the upkeep described in the links reference above. Is there any reason to start now?