BEGINNER'S GUIDE: TURNTABLES WITH THE BEST SOUND QUALITY, WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR & WHAT TO AVOID

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3 жыл бұрын

Paul Rigby firstly looks at broad issues regarding buying a turntable then examines a range of turntables from differing price points. Mainly aimed at the beginner, hopefully everyone can take something away from this one. (NOTE: The included hardware list is included for awareness *only*)
TURNTABLE LINKS
REGA: rega.co.uk
VPI: www.vpiindustries.com
AVID: www.avidhifi.com/
PRO-JECT: www.henleyaudio.co.uk/brands/...
NAD: nadelectronics.com
FUNK FIRM: www.thefunkfirm.co.uk/gett
ORIGIN LIVE: www.originlive.com
AUDIO-TECHNICA: www.audio-technica.com/en-gb/
MICHELL: www.michell-engineering.co.uk
Check out my website at: theaudiophileman.com
PATREON
The page arrives with a growing range of BUYER'S GUIDES.
I want to thank you for any support you might be able to offer. My Patreon page is here: / audiophileman
SOCIAL MEDIA
You can also find me via this lot:
Facebook Group: / theaudiophileman
Facebook Pages: / audiophileman
Twitter: / paulrigby50
LinkedIn: / audiophileman
Instagram: / audiophile_man
Tumblr: www.tumblr.com/blog/theaudiophileman
IMAGE CREDITS
Photo by Flickr from Pexels
Image by Ulrike Leone from Pixabay
Photo by Felipe Borges from Pexels
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels
Image by Elias Sch. from Pixabay
Image by Thor Deichmann from Pixabay
Photo by Erik Mclean from Pexels
Photo by Donald Tong from Pexels
Photo by Martin Lopez from Pexels
Photo by Dids from Pexels
OTHER CREDITS
Old Bossa by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution
creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Artist: www.twinmusicom.org/

Пікірлер: 646

@TheAudiophileMan 3 жыл бұрын

TIME STAMP: to fast forward to the hardware, click: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gs2iY7dmlrfTo5c.html

@marcuslikespie 3 жыл бұрын

My only piece of feedback. It takes 15 minutes to get to the actual list. I love your enthusiasm though!

@TheAudiophileMan 3 жыл бұрын

@@marcuslikespie That's what this Time Stamp is supposed to address, Marcus. That said, the hardware is not the core of this video. If it was, then I would have got to the 'list' after a few seconds. It's not a Top 10-type thing. Just an awareness section of what's out there.

@Quebec1966 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your great review, here in Canada i can buy the NAD C558 at little bit less than the Rega how it compare to the Rega?

@PaulRamen 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheAudiophileMan Hi Audio Man, you might know anyway but you can chapter your video, so that the chapters are visible directely on the timeline :)

@jsebastianvera 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheAudiophileMan ñññññññ

@paulreichel1522 3 жыл бұрын

Paul - Your reply - Very gracious of you - Really great work that you are doing - more power to you!

@AceOfBaseFan 3 жыл бұрын

I have one of the Numarks shown in this video, and it sounds absolutely fine after I upgraded to a Audio Technica cartridge

@kjbiz 3 жыл бұрын

Loved the variety shown and gives me food for thought when upgrading from my older Project turntable. Cheers

@davidclark6896 3 жыл бұрын

I still have my Sony PSX-5 turntable that I bought in 1977! Sounds great! Also at the same time my Acoustic Research AR 11 speakers! What a joy to listen to.

@snowpuppy77 3 жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed. Thank you. I like all of the recommendations. I especially like the Pro-ject Debut Carbon Evo as an entry level table. It has enough quality to realize the benefits a cartridge upgrade or two and can be upgraded to an extent over time. Carbon fiber tone arm helps with clarity and life in the sound. I have been considering at TT upgrade and your recommendation of the Michell Gyro Dec has me interested. Just looking at it makes me want it.

@TheMaxibonzGaming 3 жыл бұрын

“Pause this video, and turn on your hifi” bold of you to assume that there is a hifi system XD

@TheAudiophileMan 3 жыл бұрын

If this was a gardening channel, maybe and if I had to second guess every word in my videos, then I wouldn't publish anything. If you're here without a hi-fi then I'm assuming that you're wanting one. In which case the statement is aspirational. :)

@TheMaxibonzGaming 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheAudiophileMan oh don’t get me wrong I was in no way intending to come off as being a negative nancy, just having a little tongue in cheek humour at the depressing state of my gear. It was not an attack my friend and I apologise if it came off that way.

@earlyetman5588 2 жыл бұрын

Do Bryston separates and Dynaudio Contour 1.3 SE speakers count as Hi-Fi? BTW, I know they do. Great video with some really solid, helpful information!

@Okheck 2 жыл бұрын

*turns up phone volume*….

@braydencoversbeatles4029 2 жыл бұрын

Me, watching this in a hotel room hundreds of miles away from my turntable: 👁👄👁

@jimgardiner1558 3 жыл бұрын

Love your videos by-the-way. Great entertainment value combined with excellent advice. Your presentation style is amusing and unpretentious. I have a Clearaudio Concept turntable with Clearaudio mm cartridge and I am more than happy with its performance. I have experimented with some vintage turntables and modern cartridges and they sounded very good but 40 year old equipment tends to need some maintenance. I think the 2M red cartridge sounds excellent for the price point. I also like your choices for entry level turntables. I listened to a few of them in my quest for a modern turntable. The Project Carbon Debut sounded great to me but I wanted something that was easier to change speeds on as I have a collection of 45s as well as LPs. The Rega turntable line also impressed me. A few things that swayed me to the Clearaudio Concept were 3 speed electronically controlled DC motor combined with belt drive, excellent heavy platter made of acoustically dead material, magnetic bearing tonearm, etc. I was particularly impressed with the complete absence of background noise (black background). The mm cartridge that came with it also sounds very good. I thought I would eventually upgrade to a mc cartridge but so far have not felt the need. I believe I paid around $1700 Canadian for it (which included the cartridge which is about a $300 value). I didn't bother with the acrylic cover which sells separately for around $300.

@TheAudiophileMan 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your detailed feedback and, of course, your kind words, Jim.

@violin-schwerin 3 жыл бұрын

had a lp12 from around 95-2021, loved it . now rocking a rega rp8, love it more

@brokenbones827 3 жыл бұрын

I do love that you make the videos you want to make and have never let the comments section change that. Not to many channels left who make raw content like you

@TheAudiophileMan 3 жыл бұрын

That's very nice of you, thanks.

@steverees1936 3 жыл бұрын

I no longer have a turntable but still loads of vinyl stored away in the shed sadly. The last turntable was a Clear Audio Emotion which looked and sounded lovely. This was connected to an Eastern Electric tube phonostage. I must admit even though I'm moving towards the streaming way of life, I do miss my vinyl and the ritual of getting off my butt and flipping over that black disc. The VPI Scout would be my next choice based on sound and cost. The looks are sublime also. I always enjoy listening to your witty and informative reviews, so thanks for this latest.

@highfell1 3 жыл бұрын

Nice video. Just got back into vinyl and started using my Rega Planar 2 from the 1970’s and was so enthused that I bought an unfashionable but beautiful sounding Manticore Mantra (which attempted to straddle the gap between the Rega Planar 3 and the Linn Sondek back in the 1980’s

@dougieroberts7045 3 жыл бұрын

My best turntable was my AR The Turntable with RB300 Arm VMS20E cartridge, loved that turntable. Great vids, keep up the good work.

@titntin5178 3 жыл бұрын

Ahh the memories! I bought my Roksan Xerxes in 1985 and it brought me so much joy. Its still in the attic. My LPs (nearly 2000 of them) are still taking up an Entire airing cupboard as I've loathe to sell them. Simple truth is, with a Roon subscription, a Tidal Sub and a Naim Unity Atom, I'm enjoying and playing more music now than I ever have and I'm facing the facts that I'm now strictly a digital consumer. Several reasons for this, including a smaller house than I'd like, and health issues that mean I cant jump up and change track or volume as often as I would want. The digital realm has solutions for my situation then, but I do miss the physicality of using my record player and albums and I do envy the younger generations who might be playing with a turntable for the first time. Another good video mate, loads of good advice and you come across really well. Thank you.

@johnnybgoode1950 3 жыл бұрын

I bought a Linn LP12 in 1979, it still rocks.

@peterstudley1804 2 жыл бұрын

It would be it's a Linn.

@rocket3man 2 жыл бұрын

Having spend many years experimenting with the belt-drive machines: Ariston RD80, RD11, Linn Sondek, Origin Live Ultra, Thorens TD160 and TD125. Then around 15 years ago I bought a Garrard 401, mounted it properly and I am now using a 12" Origin Live Conqueror arm and OL Aladdin cartridge, with music man cartridge spacer. The Garrard was refurbished with new springs and has an upgraded bearing, and damping rings on the platter and currently I use the OL platter mat. I am satisfied with the sounds it produces and it has been totally reliable and has cost around GBP6000 all in.

@amarcy5369 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Paul You had me laughing out loud with some of your descriptions, brilliant stuff 😄 . As I’ve stated on your previous review on T.T I’m using the rega P3 . With a rega separate speed controller and a rega phono amp . This is probably not the best way to go from in the beginning, as I’ve spent the equivalent price of a P6 . But my budget just wouldn’t go that far initially, so over time ie 3 years I find myself from my perspective in a very nice place . As advise to anyone considering buying a turntable. There is always going to be something that if you just spend that bit more you will get something better. This of course is true, but if you can. Have a budget and stick to it. This is one area in hifi that can be improved by upgrading , cartridges, record mats etc . 👍

@tomhound273 3 жыл бұрын

Rega p3 here and loving it

@erikherrera4909 3 жыл бұрын

You know I’m debating of getting either the planar 3 or the planar 6 with the Ania pro cartridge.

@cryptidproductions3160 2 жыл бұрын

The thing about DJ turntables is that they're robust enough to have a high survival rate and long lifespan so you can get good deals on older models used. I recently picked up a Gemini PL-2410 (basically a Technics 1200 clone with a fancy shell and digital pitch bender added based on the Gemini PL-2000) for $100 and tuned it up. I think a combination of the garnish coloring and the fact the height-adjustment ring on the tonearm needed unseized made it hard for the consignment store it was in to unload it even though it's a rare model. They also have many of the features you'd look on a high-end table like direct-drive and good anti-skate (needed for bassy EDM and rap music) in addition to pitch controls to fine-tune the speed without messing with adjustment pots if need be.

@Tony-pk6ql 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video. As I am now retired, I was eager to rekindle my vinyl listening passion and was looking at the large variety of "suitcase" record players -yeah those pretty all-in-one kits when I came across your KZfaq site. I took your advice and sitting on my desk at this moment is a Pro-Ject T1 BT and I could not be more satisfied. So, many thanks from Canada.

@TheAudiophileMan 3 жыл бұрын

Nice one, Tony!

@j.paulpurdell6110 2 жыл бұрын

Your comments in this video about the Audio-Technica LP5x were definitely partly the reason I recently acquired the LP5x. You were right, the sound quality is wonderful and I have been enjoying that turntable very much, thank you. Also, I would be very interested in hearing your comments about and review of The LP Gear CF95SE Phono Cartridge.

@stephen579 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your comment about my Kenwood KD 990, it's just one of my turntables.

@tonyjedioftheforest1364 3 жыл бұрын

Great video thank you for sharing. The only brand that I recognised was the Rega, things have certainly changed since the 1980’s.

@frankfogolin245 Жыл бұрын

I have been using a Rega Planar 3 that is quite old. Well maintained. It has served me so well that if I EVER decide to replace it, another Rega will take it's place.

@kenneths.perlman1112 Ай бұрын

I have a Rega planar 2 ( with my very old Denon moving coil cartridge)

@viderethevaccinatorfromhol7536 3 жыл бұрын

New fan from the Netherlands. You are hilarious 😂❤️

@onlinetechnologytoday674 2 жыл бұрын

Great review of exceptional turntables I could only dream of. My old Garrard record changer doesn't seem so good anymore.

@bobmcmillen9485 3 жыл бұрын

Great video and fun to watch. I'm currently agonising about buying a Gyrodec Se to replace my Pink Triangle PT Too which is currently paired with a SME IV/Koetsu combination but which can't cope with the heavier records now on sale along with the weight of that arm. Big big decision as you never really know how things are going to sound till you hear them at home. Much food for thought; thank you.

@kfl611 2 жыл бұрын

Close to 30 years ago I purchased 'used' a Michell Gyrodec at a good price. It was expensive used, but if I took in the original price of the turntable new, tonearm new, cartridge new, it cost me 1/3rd of the new price. I considered it a bargain - well sort of. The gyrodec sure is pretty to look and and it is built like a tank, built to last. My point was you might be able to get a very expensive turntable, used at a very decent price compared to buying a set up new for the same turntable.

@runetech 3 жыл бұрын

I think the MoFi Studiodeck is one of the best value turntables around. Surprisingly good for the money, It is one of my forst mentions whenever anyone asks me. Personally I kind of moved past that level though with a Scheu Premier mkII (80 mm platter) with Airtangent arm. I would also look at Nottingham analogue brand if moving up in price,

@chrisnyc3641 3 жыл бұрын

Great video full of solid advice. 👍 I recently raised my turntable game with the EAT C-Sharp. It has a unique hybrid tonearm design, a 5kg aluminum platter atop a carbon fiber base that is physically decoupled from the plinth & motor, and an elegant design that's not only functional but also a beautiful addition to my living room. I would add that it's worth considering the feeling that a particular turntable gives you as the ceremony of playing a record is really half the reason to own one at all - pick one that reminds you that it is a cherished possession and not just an afterthought.

@petekutheis3822 3 жыл бұрын

That's what I am running; after I wore out the Quintet black that came with it I got an Ortofon Cadenza Blue. Also replaced the weight with an Oyaide carbon piped one.

@chrisnyc3641 3 жыл бұрын

@@rongreen1538 I'm very happy with it. My only complaint is that it doesn't come with a dust cover, had to buy that separately which seems excessive (though I found a third party oem version on ebay that was reasonably priced). The model that was my reasonable alternative was the Mofi Ultradeck, but it just didn't excite my imagination like the C-Sharp did. I honestly think the EAT is probably my forever turntable unless someday I strike it very rich and want to get into something avant garde like VPI Avenger etc.

@chrisnyc3641 3 жыл бұрын

@@petekutheis3822 do you find the Cadenza worth the cost difference vs Quintet? I have trouble imagining how it can be worth 2.5x the cost, but I do have it in my mind that I need to figure out what my next stylus will be in a few years

@chrisnyc3641 3 жыл бұрын

@@rongreen1538 call up paragonsns. Amanda will take great care of you and answer all your questions 👍

@petekutheis3822 3 жыл бұрын

@@chrisnyc3641 I started with a 2M red, then 2m blue, then 2M bronze, then q black and cadenza blue. Every step up resulted in a noted improvement. But please don't ask me to describe. I just know a positive improvement when I hear it.

@nicholasjames3721 3 жыл бұрын

The Mofi Studiodeck is really nice turntable. The tone arm has a nice feel and the plinth is solid. It’s a fun turntable.

@duke86fan 2 жыл бұрын

Its what I probably will buy instead of a rega P3

@djpaul146 3 жыл бұрын

Great video my friend. I managed to get a kam turntable for £20 there was 2 for sale but the other one was in bad condition and also Beringer pmh 3000 for £25 both from my local car boot sale and I was surprised that they where both working

@lautonsutley3760 3 жыл бұрын

Great video keep em coming.

@marklong982 3 жыл бұрын

My favourite would be the Linn Sondek. My brother owns that and I love it's sonic quality. Sadly, that was beyond my price point and got the Debut Carbon Evo instead. Still I'm happy with what I've got!

@nonsuch 3 жыл бұрын

I have the U-Turn Orbit with an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, acrylic platter, and cue lifter. I also added a dust brush that is mounted off to the side that follows the needle. It was around $500 USD. Sounds great to me!

@scottyo64 3 жыл бұрын

I will second the U-Turn Orbit Custom. I have the 2m Red but still really enjoy it

@Nebulous_Prowler 2 жыл бұрын

I have two major gripes with the Orbit: 1 - you cannot adjust the anti-skate (I'm looking at sending the table back to the factory for the third time with sound and anti-skate issues) and 2 - I prefer not to directly touch the belt to change RPM speed. I'm wondering who I can give my Orbit to as a gift, so I can purchase a new Fluance RT85N, when they are back in stock.

@912582 3 жыл бұрын

Very nice summary, and great marketing for those who make "elastic bands" :) Joking aside a really enjoyable upbeat introduction I enjoyed a lot. Personally I have a Garrard 301 in a Slate plinth with an SME 309 & Ortofon Infinity Black, but for sure there are other reasons then for these which don't include convenience (SME aside which is very convenient). My headache now is which feet should I change over to!!!. I've always been a fan of the Rega's - unpretentious with good arms, great stuff. I can also just about remember when the Girodec came along and turned us all upside down! Wow stuff. Keep it up - I'd like to hear your opinions of the vintage stuff, Garrard, Lenco, Thorens, Dual etc..... When you have time as there are a load of pitfalls to raise too, but all interesting as much for the new guys upgrading from all-in-1's with USB connections as the old gits like us :P.

@fastrid 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video. I had never heard of some of these brands. More awareness on lesser known brands would be great!

@LudiusQuassas 3 жыл бұрын

I'm more of an aspiring collector, and while I appreciate sound quality, I would rather go for a feature-focused deck that can decently play any type of record from any era. Although I may say your argument about features vs. focus really got me thinking... So vertical adjustment, pitch control, and great emphasis on a variety of speeds would be musts for me. Still, great video! A buyer's guide is a nice thing to have, as there are some turntables on this list that I didn't even know existed.

@sbatty65227 9 ай бұрын

Started with a Planar 1 and used it for a few years, then jumped to the Planar 3/Elys 2 with the Neo ttpsu, an absolute stunning turntable.

@johnnyflamini8456 3 жыл бұрын

When I finally decide to get a modern table and retire my vintage one, I'm looking at a Fluance RT85 which I feel has a nice balance of function and sound quality. Excellent videos by the way!

@TheAudiophileMan 3 жыл бұрын

Very kind of you to say, Johnny. Thanks.

@vwestlife 2 жыл бұрын

I agree with you that Crosley/Victrola/etc. suitcase players and all-in-one systems don't sound good, but they will not damage records in normal use -- the popular claim of them "chewing up the grooves" is a debunked myth. And in direct comparisons, the AT-LP60(X) and similar turntables can sound nearly as good as more expensive turntables. A pricier turntable will give you sturdier construction, more features, and more upgradeability, but not necessarily a significant improvement in sound quality, at least with the stock cartridge and stylus they come with.

@mattmcgourty7971 2 жыл бұрын

Someone did a comparison between the entry level audio technica and a crosley and there was actual a noticeable difference after many listens. The tone arms are way to heavy and you can't adjust a counterweight so they degrade the grooves quicker. They don't "chew them up" as some people claim but they definitely aren't for constant listening, really only for those who are flipping vinyl as a side hustle.

@vwestlife 2 жыл бұрын

@@mattmcgourty7971 Tests of these suitcase players have shown virtually no audible wear after 50 plays, and most people never play their records more than 40 to 50 times. So it's a non-issue.

@gomiwomi 2 жыл бұрын

@@vwestlife Crosley and other suitcase players suck. Stop promoting them or making excuses for them.

@gingernutpreacher 2 жыл бұрын

@@gomiwomi if you watch his vids he does not do that

@NathanielKinsey 2 жыл бұрын

@@gomiwomi vinyl sucks in general as far as sound quality goes. Most people dig it cause it's lo fi old school fun only insane audiophile freaks who are as bad as a religious cult actually think vinyl is better than cd even though cd beats vinyl in every measurable way

@mikemcguinness1304 3 жыл бұрын

Nice Vid dude... I fell in love with the volvere 18 years ago at a London hifi show, playing some Bob marley. Amps were b. A. T valve pre and power, tannoys! I dreamt about that day over the years

@mikemcguinness1304 3 жыл бұрын

I actually was going to buy the ingenuim before I decided on a rega p6. I hope I don't regret my change of mind!

@andreroy188 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for another good video Paul. If I may, for you guys and gals that don't or can't spend too much on a better that decent sounding tt, I would like to suggest the Audio Technica LPW-40 belt driven fully manual turntable. It is a well built unit that is geared toward good sound quality. It even has a good carbon fiber tonearm and a precise speed control. The cartridge it comes with is a-ok, but if you feel the need to upgrade all you have to buy is 1 of 5 other stylus that fits into the stock cartridge that comes with the turntable. Personally I bought the micro linear and couldn't be happier. Happy holidays, and happy listening. God bless.

@TheAudiophileMan 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your input, Andre.

@jerryjohnson4625 3 жыл бұрын

Got a Pro-Ject Carbon , acrylic platter, Ortofon Black mm cart. Sounds very nice.

@malco49 3 жыл бұрын

i have a 15 year old pro-ject debut lll with an acrylic platter , record clamp , speed box ,and Ortofon OM 20 cartridge. i also had the motor damped at a local hi fi shop to help with what i thought was motor noise. it seemed to help a bit. only "real" TT i ever had but it serves me well and i love the way my vinyl sounds.

@9mmmike642 3 жыл бұрын

I am rocking a Fluance RT85. It’s hard to beat with an Ortofon 2M Blue and acrylic platter for $500 USD. The cartridge is at least $250 if purchased by itself.

@harrybaque5502 3 жыл бұрын

SAME!!!

@MDK22420 3 жыл бұрын

Any phono preamp you'd recommend to pair with it?

@9mmmike642 3 жыл бұрын

I use the phono stage in my Onkyo AVR.

@Faustustopheles 2 жыл бұрын

My wife and I just purchased an AT-LPW50PB. It was the best turn table available at our local record store here in NW OH and higher priced than we had originally agreed to. We set it up last night and listened to three albums (amp is in our Yamaha RX-A780 receiver). We were both in love with the sound. The table is beautiful and obviously we've never owned anything like this before so it is a very special purchase for us. Our previous turn table was the Technics LP-5 which we enjoyed quite a bit as well. It is currently awaiting some maintenance which is why we decided to get a newer model. I hope we made the right decision with this model. I can't find any proper youtube reviews of it specifically which is unfortunate (not including the AT set up videos).

@matthall5336 5 ай бұрын

What store did you go to? I'm in toledo.

@Faustustopheles 5 ай бұрын

@@matthall5336 originally Finders here in Bowling Green but sadly as you may know they closed last year. The best store for high end in Toledo is Jamieson Audio Video. we get most of our stuff there. we recently, two weekends ago, found Culture Clash Records off of Reynolds Rd and we loved it. bought quite a few albums . I was so happy to find a record store reasonably near by. Jamieson has ProJect turntables and they are so nice but we don't need another one. We have been very happy with our AT.

@skylinedrifter7589 3 жыл бұрын

Budget Turntable Choice: Fluance RT80 Every Day Friend (Faithful & Solid): Rega P2 Underrated USA Choice: Pioneer PL-30

@joelabrie9081 3 жыл бұрын

I have the NAD C588 paired to a NAD C368 hybrid amp and I love it.

@gcb1954 3 жыл бұрын

Great amp.

@garethbowen2596 3 жыл бұрын

For me the entry level deck of choice has to be the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo carbon fibre arm and the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge all for £449:00. This is one of my current turntables, I have it in my study, and I think it’s one of the best value that I have ever heard. It’s played through a Quad 44/405 amp into Mission 770 Freedom Speakers. My Mid price turntable is the Technics SL-1500C, priced at £899:99, a stripped down version of the SL-1200 family of decks that found fame and fortune for some, as the deck of choice for the Club/DJ community, it also comes with the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge although I have upgraded the stylus to the 2M Blue. I have this in my drawing room again going through a Quad 44/405 amp but this time with KEF LS50 Meta speakers. My choice for an elite turntable would have to be a Linn Klimax LP12, one of the finest turntables around. The Klimax LP12 is the result of a relentless pursuit of musical excellence by Linn that has continued for over 40 years and represents the pinnacle of vinyl reproduction today, includes an Urika internal phono stage, an Ekos SE precision tonearm, and a Kandid moving coil cartridge, this can be yours for just £18,870:00! I can’t justify spending almost £19k on a turntable, sadly. Don’t spend £19,000 on a turntable, if you have it spent £1,000 on a turntable and £18,000 on records, you’ll be much happier!

@vernonrobert7879 3 жыл бұрын

Technics SL 1200, 1976. Dual CS505 1981, Technics SL-1200 GR. The last Onésimo because it is like the original but in black. Also its a time machine to travel to the good old eighties.

@Danny.1.007 Ай бұрын

Hi Paul i bought a project debut carbon evo in the black friday sale for £399 i then saw your carbon evo upgrades video so i bought the acrylic platter the aluminium sub platter the mains hi power and the ortofon blue 2m cartridge all in the sale then this year i bought the project tubebox s2 phono preamp it sounds phenomenal now so thanks to you paul for your advice and videos they have really helped Cheers

@bshah4831 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks really interesting and informative video.

@alexanderkowollik3681 3 жыл бұрын

I agree with your advice. But, although I've been using some decent (hifi) turntables (Thorens, Rega) in the past, today I still like my Technics SL1210 MK2 with a Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge A LOT. This (DJ)deck with this cartridge sounds really excellent.

@crispuloveneracion2067 7 ай бұрын

Just wondering, I have a Technics 1410 being refurbished. A/T 95 cartridge .been reading about compliant tonearms and don't really understand. Are there cartridges wc won't sound well with the Technics?

@emckene88 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this information! It really helps.

@dizzy6745 3 жыл бұрын

Technics 1200 GR. Great table, solid build. Sounds fantastic. Replaced a Clearaudio!

@Tech_Soul 3 жыл бұрын

mine arrived this week, amazing audiophile table and sound quality is astonishing

@claudec2588 3 жыл бұрын

What cartridge did you get with it?

@claudec2588 3 жыл бұрын

@@Tech_Soul What cartridge did you get with it?

@Tech_Soul 3 жыл бұрын

@@claudec2588 ortofon blue

@garyjones5947 3 жыл бұрын

I have the GR and it’s better than I expected. Adjustable tone arm to take any cartridge...running with goldring 1042 on jelco headshell, and nagaoka mp200 on jelco headshell. Ditch the bundled rca cables...changed mine for the qed xt40i...made a tremendous difference to sound quality. It’s a keeper

@geraldoram2453 Жыл бұрын

The turntable I have used since I bought it in 1990 is a Linn Basik with Akito arm which cost me about £300. The only upgrade I’ve ever made is replacing the k5 cartridge for a AT VM95E.

@nick3795 3 жыл бұрын

I am lucky enough to have a Pro-ject 1Xpression Carbon with an Ortofon 2M Silver MM Cartridge, this sounds nice with my Audiolab 8300A, as I don't have a Phono Stage yet. I had been separated from my vinyl collection and turntable since 2014 (in Mum's loft) but have recently been reunited with them. There's a lot of new developments in digital audio that interests me, MQA and DSD but vinyl has that tactile quality, a fragility and it will be my chosen direction of upgrade since diving into the world of Gaming PC building. Great video, taking single entry from manufacturers helped, thanks

@TheAudiophileMan 3 жыл бұрын

I'm going the other way, I'm planning a gaming PC of my own in the near future (if funds allow :) )

@andymill32 3 жыл бұрын

Have the Dubut Evo with a 2M Blue stylus, Arcam Alpha 8 amp and Q Acoustics 3020i speakers and it sounds fantastic.

@damianzaninovich4900 2 жыл бұрын

Nice job, very entertaining but there’s so many choices. I like my Technics 1500c with a Nagaoka mp200 and a black funk firm mat and locking interconnects. I have a Denon 301mk that sounds a little better but the suspension collapsed and needs to be repaired. The built in phono preamp is mediocre. I use the phono stage of the Denon pma a100 which sounds excellent and requires less cables. I like keeping the dust cover on, dust is bad for vinyl. I used to always remove it on my Rega Planar 2 from the early 80’s. I don’t even take off my speaker grilles on my Canton Vento 7’s, to me they sound a little better with them on. There are so many ways to tune the sound like the IKEA cutting boards under my speakers. If I was in market now I might take a look at the new Project Carbon Pro. The Technics manufacturing and build quality is hard to beat with a few mods in my opinion.

@ianlaker9161 3 жыл бұрын

My favourite deck is my own Linn Sondek LP12. It dates from 1973 and has been so modified and upgraded over the years by my Linn dealer that the only original part is the platter. Sounds glorious.

@TheAudiophileMan 3 жыл бұрын

Ahh, Trigger's broom.

@scubaman2546 3 жыл бұрын

I"m a digital guy. And THIS was a great episode. Humour. Steampunk reference. Bravo, sir.

@sreilhac 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, great info!!

@joshh3597 3 жыл бұрын

Rega Planar 6, Love it.

@XeroBritt 2 жыл бұрын

I have a Debut Carbon Evo which I have been upgrading (thanks for that video, too). Upgraded with the acrylic platter and the aluminum sub platter. Hudson HiFi record clamp (low profile to fit under the dust cover.). Sumiko RAY - near cartridge which a Moonstone stylus. I will probably update the cartridge I a year or so.

@zogzog1063 2 жыл бұрын

Technics 1200 series for me. Direct Drive, good looks, and great ease of use.

@kenhudson379 3 жыл бұрын

That was an excellent guide Paul., I would endorse your choice of Project Debut evo, having owned a Project Debut 111, next up would be the timeless classic Rega P3 stunning and infinitely upgradeable, I also love the Rega P6 package, no surprise really I own one! Finally if I had the money a Linn Klimax with an SME arm. Again Linn are always improving this stunning TT with new upgrades.

@TheAudiophileMan 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ken.

@DancehallWashington1 3 жыл бұрын

As always a great video. I was lucky to get a Technics 1210 as a present after my side job in a youth room. In the 90's some of these youth rooms had Dj setups that were moved to the basement at some point, unfortunately they didn't know about their luck and disposed of most of them. I have owned the 1210 for almost 10 years now and what can I say, solid turntable. Two years ago i equipped it with an ortofon 2m blue, clearly a sound improvement. But i think that i will buy a higher class hifi turntable in the medium term. On the list so far: 1st Pro-Ject Xtension 9 evolution with a quintet black cartridge. 2. clearaudio performance dc with a Virtuoso V2. I am curious to see which other turntables will be presented in the comments. I wish you a nice weekend.

@TheAudiophileMan 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your kind words and yes, me too. I like the Pro-Ject of the two listed. But hey, that's just me :)

@fletchermunson6225 3 жыл бұрын

Its been a long time since I spun vinyl and my last turntable was a VPI. Previously I had a Linn Sondek LP12 now selling used for an average of about $2,000 dollars here. Back in the day, I was reading Brit Audio magazines and noticed the price discrepancy between prices in England and the US due to stunt import fees. One day I called a dealer in England and asked if he would sell me one (This being a violation of contract not to sell out of country) He responded by asking for my credit card number and the table arrived at LAX via DSL Perfectly set up and making nice sounds once installed at home. I also took the opportunity to purchase a Syrinx (Sp?) tone arm and the reason for that now escapes me.

@TheAudiophileMan 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, the old problem. You're paying for the truck drivers to whisk that hifi around the country too. Just look at the price difference between the Rega Planar 1 in the UK and USA. Scary stuff.

@Cynicalian 3 жыл бұрын

At entry level anything up to £1500 you can’t really go wrong with Rega, the Planar6 is a gem. I’m a big fan of the Inspire Turntables, made in Chesterfield, the sell direct (not through dealers) the Elevation is an absolute classic, gorgeous looks and it work extremely well with Rega based or Rega mount arms. Going a bit more high end, I current use a Dr Feickert Woodpecker with 12” VPI unipivot arm, it’s thing of joy, not exactly for the beginner, but I’m certainly no expert.

@AJ-tg4us 3 жыл бұрын

Love my inspire quest, with ortofon quintet bronze and rega 808 t/arm. Makes my proac 10 sig's sing.

@billsmith1545 3 жыл бұрын

Rega P3 with the Elys 2 cartridge is my current turntable. Lovely sound. Did have a Pro ject Debut but it suffered from hum that I could never get rid of completely.

@tomhound273 3 жыл бұрын

so many positive on the Rega p3 - in the 70's I had a great Rega - now getting back into vinyl I got the Rega P1 - then two weeks later switched to the P3 - I do not need confirmation how great this TT is on classical audio. I am old school and you will be hard to find better value and even though my ex is British I still like the English audio equipment.

@billythemod 3 жыл бұрын

@@tomhound273 nice to hear :)

@jerryjohnson4625 3 жыл бұрын

My Pro-Ject picked up a hum after I removed the 2 rubber grommets suspending the motor brace. Put them back in, quiet.

@frankfogolin245 Жыл бұрын

My P3 has a modest Nagasaki MP-200 riding along.

@paulmorris2521 3 жыл бұрын

I recently purchased a Sanyo g2661 stereo off a friend for £50, it’s in mint condition everything works and sounds really warm. My daughter an avid spotifyer couldn’t believe the sound of the turntable, she said it’s like being at the concert.

@killythebid 3 жыл бұрын

My personal top 3 list as follows 1. Michell Gyrodec 2. Linn LP12 3. Rega P3.

@georgedoughly8682 3 жыл бұрын

Rega & Technics are my two favorite Turntable brands.

@DrEziaku 3 жыл бұрын

Finally. A real review

@kevingeorge8300 3 жыл бұрын

Love the video, it has some great advice for a newbie like me. I am currently looking to buy my first turntable and have narrowed it down to the Rega Planar 1 or the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC. I have listened to them and they both sound great but was told the cartridge in the P1 could not be upgraded (only replaced with the same version), which feels like a bit of a barrier to improving it in the future. Given this and that the Debut Carbon includes the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, I am erring towards that turntable but would appreciate any advice you could give on the matter. Many thanks!

@TheAudiophileMan 3 жыл бұрын

You can upgrade the Rega to a superior Rega cartridge which would be fine for you, so don’t let that stop you. There are methods to use other brand carts but they’re possibly not suitable for a beginner (that depends on you, of course). The Carbon is an excellent turntable in its own right. Which did you prefer after listening to both?

@rambe2449 2 жыл бұрын

Nice review mr. Paul! You're a professional who knows what he's talking about.I like your reviews. I have a Pre-Audio linear turntable with air tonearm. I am interested to know your opinion about tangential turntables, specially air tonearms.I would like to hear a professional review about this category. Kind regards

@TheAudiophileMan 2 жыл бұрын

Might be an idea to read this review, in that case: theaudiophileman.com/holbo-airbearing-turntable-system-review/

@MrSuper83 3 жыл бұрын

Watching this while I wait for my Pro-Ject Evo to be delivered…

@Kezleu Жыл бұрын

I still have my Technics turntable from the 80s. I like it. to refine my listening and renew a rega RP6 that I find great

@docavvai 3 жыл бұрын

My first and still is Turntable = Pro-Ject Debut Carbon. Sound quality is good ( can’t compare though) , easy to install and easy to use. Came with Ortofon 2MRed. Really enjoy using it. Only downside is if you need to play 7” EP , u got to remove the platter and move the rubber to change the speed. Anyway I only have like 5 pieces of those 7” and my main records are 12” LPs.

@77bjornw77 3 жыл бұрын

I recommend the Pro-Ject Speed Box S. It will let you switch between 33 and 45 rpm without you having to move the belt. It will also give you a more stable speed. Well worth the money. That, an acrylic platter and perhaps a 2M Blue stylus for your cartridge and you have a very nice upgrade path. :)

@emilluminateart8934 3 жыл бұрын

Very good information thank you!

@hjrings9423 3 жыл бұрын

Love my Dual Golden Stone, Golden one and CS5000. Bought a new Perpetuum Ebner PE 2020 anniversary also a great Player!

@rsturbo4018 2 жыл бұрын

Everyone watching this should buy a Technics 1210 turntable. They are the best and have been since they came out

@peterstudley1804 2 жыл бұрын

You're bang on there , I have a sl1200G that would blow most of these offerings straight out of the water .

@XeroBritt 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent, excellent, excellent! Thank you 🙏🏽 spot on.

@stighenningjohansen Жыл бұрын

I have had a few turntables, but the final one is a heavy direct drive DJ type turntable, with a Grado prestige black cartridge, its fantastic, beats the hell out of stupid belt drive English units with a felt mat and a big glass disc thingy in the middle. The ones you need to pull the last up and thread a rubber belt to be able to to run a 45 rpm maxisingle

@DEESAX 8 ай бұрын

Hi Paul Loving the reviews ( and dare I say the soft lilted Merseyside accent?) You are one of the few that I ‘know of’ that mention or know Origin Live and delighted to note that you feature the Sovereign in this review. I’ve met Mark Baker a number of times as I only live 3 miles from his Workshop in Sholing. I recently went to see him about my possible trade in of my current Calypso TT and Conquerer tone arm to the Sovereign S and Enterprise Mark 4. Do you ‘believe’ that this is a significant upgrade and will be demonstrated in Sound Quality?? It’s certainly a significant departure of finances.

@TheAudiophileMan 8 ай бұрын

Yes, I'm a refugee from Liverpool. And yes, OL upgrades really are upgrades. I've tried several form the company over the years.

@simonandrew7128 3 жыл бұрын

I have an Origin Live Resolution TT with a Encounter MC3 arm. Very different from my Xerxes / Zeta sound. Surprisingly good is my antique AR77XB TT. Pulled it out the other day and was a little shocked.

@psykodj67 3 жыл бұрын

Just tripped onto your cool channel and subbed..great video and thanx for sharing

@TheAudiophileMan 3 жыл бұрын

And thank you for subscribing.

@Deebhoy 3 жыл бұрын

I have the Rega 1 - bought it four months ago. Great wee turntable. Not convinced about the cartridge that came with it though. I think upgrading the cartridge will be my next purchase. This will be my turntable until I upgrade sometime in 2025 😂

@Brankohman 3 жыл бұрын

Pro-Ject rpm 5 more than 10 years old with probably 4th cartridge and yes the beauty is in audio alchemy you can try for yourself by switching the cartridges, which obviously wear out over time to be changed anyway, so you keep on upgrading your system regularly and the same applies to phono stage. Once you get rid of the built-in one and try even something between 150-250$ you enter a whole different world of sound stage, depth and proper channel separation ..yes it is an alchemy

@Grimwriggler 3 жыл бұрын

I just found a rare beast at a local bootfair, A Gates CB 77 . It was taken out of a disco and before that a sound studio but it sounds very good indeed with a huge arm which is unbranded , but i imagine is from the USA

@callmevil Жыл бұрын

Its like you’re talking about an automatic watch lol. What an exciting guide, thoroughly enjoyed! Thanks

@p.k.3666 2 жыл бұрын

I picked up a vintage Technics SL-D4. It's a direct drive linear tracking turntable. Paid just $50. I've no experience with a p-mount TT or anything linear, but I'm enjoying it. I plan to change the tonearm belt and to clean and lube for best results... The guy I bought it from put a brand new Technics needle in it... . It's a little scratched up on the exterior, so it'll hang out in my office. Looking for something more attractive for my living room, so here I am. Have to say, I didn't realize how rare it is to see auto return and auto stop. Looking at the lack of those features I'm impressed by this little vintage unit.

@gaborozorai3714 3 жыл бұрын

A turntable with its mechanical tuneability is a musical instrument vs. a CD player which is half computer. Hence TT's are a lot more involving. My "instruments" are a VPI Prime, a rebuilt Lenco L75 with 12 inch Jelco arm and a Consonance Wax Engine.

@danielgeiger7739 3 жыл бұрын

I had a Project 6.1 about 25-5 years ago, and was quite happy with it for a

@TheAudiophileMan 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Daniel - yes, Thorens can be great for certain users but not all. As for VPI? Yep, I've reviewed a few designs and each one has been excellent. Top notch company.

@danielgeiger7739 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheAudiophileMan Well, the TD203 has such a weak motor that a simple brush will stop it after about one rev. Holy cow! The arm park cannot be adjusted to get proper VTA. So with each parking of arm, the entire unipivot suspension is lifted out of of its support, rattle clank, plonk. Not good. Phono cable is soldered in, so cannot be upgraded. Don't know about the entire Thorens line up, but the TD203 is a complete POS. For that money, any Rega or Project is vastly superior. It was a happy day when I got rid of the TD203. VPI gets good reviews everywhere. Also made your list. As I am in the US, that was another factor re shipping costs etc. My one complaint is about the optional ADS. When selecting 45 RPM, table first spins up to 33 RPM, then I have to wait for another 8 seconds for it to spin up to 45. I see no reason for that, but is apparently a design feature, not a bug. I checked with VPI.

@churchillsliver2259 3 жыл бұрын

Recently upgraded to the Marantz TT-15S1 and can’t believe how great the sound is compared to my project.

@DancehallWashington1 3 жыл бұрын

Which did you have before?

@churchillsliver2259 3 жыл бұрын

@@DancehallWashington1 project 3

@jeffsloane8628 3 жыл бұрын

Schiit SOL - Because it is 100% focused on sound quality for $ Project Debut Carbon - Can be found for $100 off retail fairly often. I own this and like it, but which I'd gone for the Esprit with the upgraded acrylic platter and speed box. Any Rega - Because I don't think you can go wrong with any of their models. They are just a bit pricey for what you get component wise. Used Technics SL1200 with budget audiophile cartridge. For about $600 you get a table and that will last forever and sonic wise bests others on this list Fluance - I've never heard one, but I've heard good things about several items in their line up for those new to vinyl

@johncorrigan7643 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. Have already purchased the AT-LP5X on your advice. Very happy with this table, have premounted cartridges on various head shells making it so easy to swoop out. Really enjoying this table. Great sound for the money. Cheers John

@andymcbain5441 3 жыл бұрын

I bought the Planar 1 to replace a broken 80s Garrard and to be honest I wasn’t that taken with it, despite the glowing reviews. It seemed to have that “smile curve” sound that made some of my records sound quite crisp and impressive, but with others the midrange just wasn’t really there. I returned it and got the NAD C558 (off the back of your review) and much prefer that one :) Can see the appeal of the Planar 1 though - a very immediate and elegant piece of kit… more so than the NAD in some respects.

@HouseofRecordsTacoma 3 жыл бұрын

Music Hall 9.3 w/Goldring EROICA, best bang/buck for group three, IMO.

@WalmartJedi Жыл бұрын

My favorite Turntable is the Sony PS-LX300USB. I prefer full automatic tables and it is connected to my 5.1 Sony STR-DE575 receiver.

@mrk131324 3 жыл бұрын

If you want bang for bug in the high end category I would go with the Nottingham Analogue (or envogue) Space Deck (~2500€ w/out cartridge).

@rubyedits6999 3 жыл бұрын

I think you touched on something there Paul when your comment on CD players spinning like a ufo but hiding all the workings inside a big box. How cool would it be to see it all working inside through a clear top?

@ionobelisk 3 жыл бұрын

My own turntables are old and a bit leftfield. I use an Oak with an Auto arm scavenged from a deceased Linn Axis; surprisingly effective. I also have a Luxman PD264 direct drive which has done sterling service for nearly 40 years; these (and close cousins) can be found on eBay for very reasonable prices. The best modern turntable I have heard is the Rega P8 with its eye-catchingly skeletal plinth which comes in around the £2k mark

@TheAudiophileMan 3 жыл бұрын

Interesting selections there, Chris.

@ionobelisk 3 жыл бұрын

Damn auto correct, that should of course read "Akito arm"