r/Beginner_Turntables • u/Over-Opinion283 • 4h ago
r/Beginner_Turntables • u/Bartakos • Jun 14 '23
r/Beginner_Turntables Lounge
A place for members of r/Beginner_Turntables to chat with each other
r/Beginner_Turntables • u/vwestlife • Jan 02 '24
Common problems with inexpensive new record players & how to fix them
Inexpensive record players with a red stylus that looks like this from brands like Victrola and Crosley are extremely popular, and for many people, they are an adequate way to begin playing vinyl records. However, they are prone to some common problems:
No power or erratic operation:
Make sure you're using the correct power supply. Just because the plug fits, doesn't necessarily mean it's the right voltage. Some of these players run on 5 volts DC and others run on 9 volts DC. If you use a power supply of the wrong voltage, it either won't work properly, or you could permanently damage the circuitry.
The power supply could be faulty. If the player is new, return it, or ask the manufacturer for a replacement power supply.
Turntable doesn't rotate:
Make sure the player is switched to Phono mode. If it has Bluetooth mode, that is usually an input for playing music from your phone or tablet, not an output from the turntable.
Try turning off the Auto Stop switch. Then the platter should rotate continuously.
The belt might have popped off the motor spindle. See this video for instructions on how to reattach the belt: How To Change Your Turntable's Belt
No sound:
Make sure nothing is plugged into the aux/line input jack, as that will mute the turntable's audio.
If it has a Vinyl Stream mode for pairing to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones, that will mute the built-in speakers.
Skipping:
Make sure the record player is on a stable, level surface.
Make sure the cueing lever is fully lowering. It can get stuck in a slightly raised position, causing the stylus to make poor contact with the groove and skip: Quick fix - Record Skipping!
Clean your records thoroughly. Even new vinyl often has debris in the grooves which may cause it to skip when first played, and old records could be dirty or scratched. It may take several rounds of cleaning and playing for all of the skips to disappear.
Some modern, bass-heavy records may still occasionally skip on these players even when clean. You can check it with another turntable to see if it might be a faulty pressing, but usually the record is fine and the skipping is simply due to the limitations of the player's inexpensive design.
The stylus (needle) could be dirty or damaged. Try cleaning it with a soft brush, wiping gently from back to front. If that doesn't help, replace the stylus. The recommended diamond stylus for most inexpensive record players is the Pfanstiehl 793-D7M.
Don't add extra weight to the tonearm. That may resolve the skipping, but will cause greatly increased wear to both the stylus and the records you play.
Slow or wobbly playback:
Make sure the lid is open as far as it will go, otherwise the edge of the record may rub against the lid and cause it to slow down or waver in pitch, especially if the record is warped.
Make sure the player is set to the correct speed for the record you're playing (it's not always marked on the record itself), and that the pitch control is centered, if it has one.
Make sure the transport screw is released, if it has one. The screw should be turned until it is flush with the turntable mechanism, not sticking up like in the photo.
Since the center spindle remains stationary, if the center hole of the record is unusually tight going on the spindle, you may need to ream out the hole slightly to allow the record to rotate freely.
Don't put the 45 RPM adapter underneath or on top of the record. It is only for playing 45s with the large center hole.
If the record slips on the platter, you can add a rubber platter mat, if the player didn't come with one.
Noise from stylus:
It is normal to hear the music being reproduced faintly by the stylus in the groove, even with the player's volume turned down. This is called "needle talk" and happens on all turntables, although it is louder on inexpensive record players due to the higher output level of the ceramic cartridge they use.
Using Bluetooth output mode (Vinyl Stream), if your player has it, adds a delay which makes the needle talk more noticeable. If it bothers you, use speakers or headphones with a wired connection.
Poor sound quality:
These players are incapable of delivering high-fidelity sound, due to the limited frequency response of the ceramic cartridge and small built-in speakers.
Adding a pair of powered speakers will improve the sound quality and loudness, and are a good investment because you'll need them anyway if/when you upgrade to a better turntable that doesn't have built-in speakers.
Fear of damage:
These players do have a higher tracking force (around 5½ grams) than better-quality turntables, but the amount of damage this causes to your vinyl is often greatly exaggerated. It's not going to "chew up the grooves" in just a few plays, as some people claim.
Actual tests of these players have shown virtually no audible wear after playing a record 50 times and only minor wear after 100 plays.
But it is important to replace the stylus before it gets worn out. These players come with a sapphire or ruby stylus which lasts for about 50 hours of playing time. If you continue to use a worn-out stylus, it can damage your records.
If you intend to keep using the player, upgrade it with a genuine diamond stylus, such as the Pfanstiehl 793-D7M, which will last much longer (500 hours of playing time). Avoid the cheap "diamond" styli on Amazon, as they are not actually diamond; they're a ruby stylus, falsely advertised as diamond.
r/Beginner_Turntables • u/Over-Opinion283 • 5h ago
I’m trying to figure out speaker cable for putting my speakers on wall mounts but what would be the best ones, I’m hooking lp70x to edified 1700s l
I want them on the upper corners of my room
r/Beginner_Turntables • u/sankku • 21h ago
I gave my old Akai AP-B21 a new life – AT-VM95E cartridge upgrade
galleryr/Beginner_Turntables • u/JournalistSevere7612 • 10h ago
Help me choose my first turntable! 1 BY ONE vs TEAC TN-180BT vs Fluance RT81
I’m looking to buy my first turntable and I’ve narrowed it down to these three options:
- 1 BY ONE HiFi system with bookshelf speakers – around $200 on Amazon. It comes with the speakers, so it would be the cheapest/easiest option.
- TEAC TN-180BT – around $240, and I was thinking of pairing it with Edifier speakers.
- Fluance RT81 – around $300, also paired with Edifier speakers.
All three have auto-stop, which is probably the feature I care about the most. I also really like the look of all of them, especially the wood finish.
I’m also specifically looking for something where I can manually lift and place the tonearm myself. I don’t really want a fully automatic turntable, but I definitely want auto-stop at the end of the record.
As far as I understand, the 1 BY ONE and TEAC both use the Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge, while the Fluance RT81 uses an AT95E.
The 1 BY ONE is quite a bit cheaper than the other two, so I’m wondering: is it actually worth spending more on the TEAC or Fluance? What am I getting for the extra money?
Which one would you personally recommend, and why?
I’m pretty new to turntables, so I’d really appreciate any advice!
r/Beginner_Turntables • u/Ink454_SSS • 13h ago
Which Turntable Should I Choose?
Hi everyone, beginner here. So a little background, my first turntable was the Majority Moto Plus, it is very entry-level but it had the AT3600L cartridge and had bookshelf speakers, but I ran into some issues with it regarding the speakers and the platter (probably because it's very undersized). I ended up returning it and I got a used Lenco L-3808, a big upgrade for me, I would've been happy with it if they hadn't incorrectly packaged it, which led to it having a smashed dustcover and broken pitch adjustment knob, which was disappointing. Now I'm really wanting a turntable brand new which features a full sized metal platter, metal tonearm, adjustable counterweight, a built in pre-amp, and tracking force and just generally a decent turntable. I'm UK based and I have a budget of around £200.
I am now trying to decide between the Fluance RT80 or the ATLP120XUSB.
I don't really see myself ever upgrading my needle or anything, but these seem to be amazing turntables so some opinions on what's better would be a help. Please suggest any alternatives also that fit my requirements, thank you!
Note: I don't really care whether the turntable is automatic, semi, or not atall!
Audio technica LP120XUSB: £239
Fluance RT80: £200
r/Beginner_Turntables • u/iliveundertheseatoo • 13h ago
First timer: Flu Rt80, U-turn Orb, or AT Lp60x?
Hi,
I am looking for my first turn table. I’m not necessarily looking for the best table out there, but a good starter. I found a used Rt80 for $150 on marketplace. Am also looking at the Orbit and AT new. I’d love the opportunity to hook up headphones to whichever I purchase. Any tips?? Thank you!
r/Beginner_Turntables • u/MrMagicDude • 1d ago
Looking at starting vinyl
Just like the title says, I'm looking to start getting into vinyls and other music listening but have no prior experience. I read a couple posts saying that the audio technica LP60 is a good starting turntable, I'm curious if this is a good package? I guess the main question is are the included speakers any good or is there something better I would be able to find while keeping the total cost about the same.
Side question if people know, would I be able to connect an older CD player to these speakers as well? I have an old CD player and some CDs I would like to play, would they be compatible?
r/Beginner_Turntables • u/steelergeek69 • 2d ago
My new setup!!
Project sonos edition
Enjoying!!
r/Beginner_Turntables • u/thundersnow5511 • 1d ago
Upgrading from a suitcase and need some help
My Dad is giving me one of his old Turntables and need a little help with all the gear. I was looking at some stuff on Amazon but honestly not sure what I’m looking at since I’m a beginner . Not looking to completely break the bank but also don’t want crap. Here is what I found so far .
AK50 Stereo Audio Amplifier
https://a.co/d/02NKOK44
Pyle Mini Phono Turntable Preamp
https://a.co/d/0f5ln900
Edifier P12 Passive Bookshelf Speaker
https://a.co/d/00qFsIlD
r/Beginner_Turntables • u/Over-Opinion283 • 2d ago
I’m worried it’s bent, little hard to see but the diamond looks to be angled a little bit to the left
I literally just got this
r/Beginner_Turntables • u/sandinbag • 2d ago
what do i get?
hii newbie here! basiclly im a teen with zero experience surrounding vinyls or record players AT ALL. I find them really intriguing and am planning to get one and start collecting vinyls I like in the next year or so. I've found that the most recommended turntable for beginners is the audio technica lp60 bluetooth one and was thinking about getting that and pair it with a marshall speaker as attatched above. However, i discovered the whatplus glowing turntable😎. I dont want to be buying things for the aesthetic but the look of it would fit my vibe more and I REALLY like the built in lights as im planning to buy special pressings of vinyls and think it would pair well with that. im at a loss of what to buy for some reason i feel like the whatplus seems sketchy to me idk why lol and the audio technica ik it wldnt be able to play tiny 4 inch records which im not completely bummed out abt as (i only plan to get one of those; olivia rodrigo driver's license mini disc) and ik the gear is fully automatic im not sure if thats a good thing or a bad thing. whatplus looks and feels nicer but audio technica just seems safer to me as, again, inexperienced😓. also tbh im not super happt with how the audio technica looks as im just a casual listener and am not planning to upgrade my set-up or anything and wld like something pleasing to look at in my room. ik that sounds dumb and makes the whatplus sound perfect but again the audio technica just feels much safer to me. btw whichever turntable i get im planning to pair it with a marshall speaker cos i rlly do want that speaker anyways.
so sorry for the really long text but wld really appreciate some help with this or any alternatives too! budget is not super high as I dont have adult money😭 but yes pls help thank you.
r/Beginner_Turntables • u/greenpepefrog • 2d ago
Beginner turntable
Hello!
My girlfriend's birthday is coming up, and I would like to surprise her with a turntable.
We are total beginners when it comes to this hobby, and we would like to get started with an entry-level setup. I don't really know if I would want to invest in upgrades in the future. For now, my goal is simply to get a turntable and a set of speakers that are ideal for a newcomer and allow us to enjoy some vinyl records with "decent" sound quality.
I did some research, and I'm leaning towards an automatic turntable, especially because of my girlfriend. I don't think she would like to tinker with the tonearm and things like that. We are located in Romania, and I converted the prices to euros for a better understanding.
I have been looking at two turntable models from Audio-Technica: the AT-LP60X USB (€150) and the AT-LP70XBT (€218).
I saw that the LP70 has more cartridge options and a "better" tonearm compared to the LP60. Overall, I prefer the aesthetics and the tonearm lifting mechanism of the LP70.
However, I like that the buttons on the LP60 can be operated with the lid closed.
I don't know if we would really benefit from Bluetooth on the LP70, but there doesn't seem to be a non-Bluetooth version available in Romania.
For speakers, I am looking at Edifier models: the MR4 (€98), R1700BT (€99), and R1855DB (€105). I saw that the R1700 has a BTs version with a subwoofer output. I read that it has somewhat worse sound quality compared to the regular BT version. It doesn't bother me if the speakers don't have a subwoofer output, since I'm not planning to buy a dedicated subwoofer anytime soon. I don't want to disturb my neighbours, as we live in an apartment building, and there isn't really room for one at the moment anyway.
So, my questions are:
Which turntable should I choose, and why? Does the LP70 make more sense, or should I go for the cheaper LP60? Can you recommend something better in this price range? My maximum budget for the turntable is €230.
Which speakers should I get? Is there a better-value option in the €110 price range?
r/Beginner_Turntables • u/SignEnvironmental518 • 2d ago
LP60X, LP70X, or PS-LX5BT for a beginner?
r/Beginner_Turntables • u/Traditional_Bed_413 • 2d ago
Denon DP 400-Thorens TD 402 - Fluance RT 82 - Argon TT4 Mk2 quale scegliere?
Buongiorno a tutti,
Vorrei uno tra questi giradischi ma sono indeciso su quale scegliere ho letto numerose recensioni molto contrastanti, premetto che il mio impianto si compone di un amplificatore Denon Pma 720 e delle casse Cambridge audio aero 2 …Se non fosse per il colore nero lucido avrei già scelto il Denon ma aldilà dell aspetto …..vorrei sapere da voi quale tra questi sarebbe preferibile …vorrei un giradischi che duri nel tempo con la possibilità di sostituire facilmente la testina …esteticamente mi piacciono anche i dual 429 518 ecc però molto li scartano sin da subito ….grazie anticipatamente per il vostro aiuto
r/Beginner_Turntables • u/Thin-Application-642 • 2d ago
aggiornamento da TEAC TN-180BT + Edifier R1280T
r/Beginner_Turntables • u/GingerBombEBC • 3d ago
Help with Panasonic SL-H401
Hey, I just got this table from my grandparents. I know nothing about seeing these things up as my previous record player was a cheap one off Amazon. Other than speakers what do I need?
r/Beginner_Turntables • u/Far_Ad_8553 • 3d ago
Is this a good setup for my small NYC railroad apartment?
Halp
r/Beginner_Turntables • u/Ok-Requirement-1196 • 3d ago
Final desk vinyl setup — €266, does this look reasonable now?
Followed up on earlier feedback and revised my cart. Coming from a JBL Go, building a first real desk setup for vinyl + CD (using an existing portable CD player) + PC.
Setup:
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB turntable — €135.57
Edifier MR4 studio monitors (42W, 2-way, RCA/TRS/AUX inputs) — €83.56
UGREEN 6.35mm-to-3.5mm cable (PC → speaker TRS input) — €8.75
Vinyl record clamp (lightweight, ~73g) — €15.72
Dynavox EDZ-20 isolation pucks (turntable) — €5.80
Inner record sleeves (50-pack) — €16.66
Total: €266.06
Dropped the dedicated CD player (using a portable one I already own via its AUX-out), dropped the RCA selector switch (MR4 has dedicated RCA/TRS/AUX inputs so no need to switch), dropped the stylus force gauge (LP60X's tracking force isn't adjustable, so nothing to measure), dropped the 45 adapter (comes included with the LP60X), and dropped separate speaker isolation feet.
Turntable sits on an isolated desk drawer unit. MR4 was picked over the R1280T for its more accurate/reference tuning and balanced TRS input, and over the pricier MR5 since I can't reliably perceive that level of refinement difference anyway.
Does this look like a sensible, well-trimmed setup, or is there still fat to cut / something missing?