Vintage quality record player

[boxjon]

So I just bought a replacement record player for my GF, who has a little record collection. It plays well enough but there are tiny speaker on it that the music plays through and it sounds like it could be better. I have an amp and a set of M-AUDIO studio speakers but I honestly don't think they would make much of a difference. Being a novice audiophile I can say that this thing prob doesn't read with the best accuracy. I could be wrong. Again NOVICE. I would like some suggestions on a few vintage models maybe from ebay I can use instead. She will thank you greatly.

[tp4tissue]

So I just bought a replacement record player for my GF, who has a little record collection. It plays well enough but there are tiny speaker on it that the music plays through and it sounds like it could be better. I have an amp and a set of M-AUDIO studio speakers but I honestly don't think they would make much of a difference. Being a novice audiophile I can say that this thing prob doesn't read with the best accuracy. I could be wrong. Again NOVICE. I would like some suggestions on a few vintage models maybe from ebay I can use instead. She will thank you greatly.

The audiophile scene is more about the "belief" that something is good, more so than whatever the data sheet will say. There is no tangible line to cross, which is why it's a hobby. I see that you're going down the wrong path in that you're searching for something that's "BETTER" with a blank definition of what "BETTER" would constitute.

This is especially true with music because, the human element is fickle and without consistent specs.

I recommending first reading up on Japanese philosophies about Amp Building. This would give you a good perspective BEYOND simple consumerism.

[jeroplane]

The audiophile scene is more about the "belief" that something is good, more so than whatever the data sheet will say. There is no tangible line to cross, which is why it's a hobby. I see that you're going down the wrong path in that you're searching for something that's "BETTER" with a blank definition of what "BETTER" would constitute.

This is especially true with music because, the human element is fickle and without consistent specs.

I recommending first reading up on Japanese philosophies about Amp Building. This would give you a good perspective BEYOND simple consumerism.

It's clear that his intention was simply for advice on finding a record player that produces higher quality sound. No need to argue semantics.

I would be interested for some light to be shed on this topic, too.

[boxjon]

So I just bought a replacement record player for my GF, who has a little record collection. It plays well enough but there are tiny speaker on it that the music plays through and it sounds like it could be better. I have an amp and a set of M-AUDIO studio speakers but I honestly don't think they would make much of a difference. Being a novice audiophile I can say that this thing prob doesn't read with the best accuracy. I could be wrong. Again NOVICE. I would like some suggestions on a few vintage models maybe from ebay I can use instead. She will thank you greatly.

The audiophile scene is more about the "belief" that something is good, more so than whatever the data sheet will say. There is no tangible line to cross, which is why it's a hobby. I see that you're going down the wrong path in that you're searching for something that's "BETTER" with a blank definition of what "BETTER" would constitute.

I recommending first reading up on Japanese philosophies about Amp Building. This would give you a good perspective BEYOND simple consumerism.

Unfortunately you are incorrect. The entire reason I became a slight audiophile was when I actually began comparing the sound quality difference between an MP3 file and something like FLAC files or records. After adding a audio interface and studio quality monitoring speakers to my computer setup there is no going back to your average speaker setup. There is no Logitech or whatever brand that can compare to a good audio interface and monitoring speakers. The sound quality is amazing. So What I cam looking for is a record player, if such a thing exists, that would be able to produce a richer sound then the one I currently have.

P.S. Sound is measurable. It's a wave, not just "belief".

>This is especially true with music because, the human element is fickle and without consistent specs.

[IvanIvanovich]

So you got some type of old portable record player then? I guess it depends on your budget... you could get something like a Pro-ject debut for $200 up to a $2000 Thorens. I use a mid range Stanton and have it connected up to my pc which has a good audio set up with audioengine n22 amp and gallo speakers.
Presumably speakers in portables are crap, but you could replace that with a better one, and the needle is the other big factor when it comes to record players. Though some may argue direct drive over belt and so on... and other things, but most of the things that make turntables expensive is style and gimmicks for audiophile suckers.
If I were in the market right now, I would probably just buy a Pro-ject. They are good quality and I really like thier aesthetics too. While not that important in sound, they aren't exatly small items so if its always going to be visable in the room it dosen't hurt to look nice.

[fohat.digs]

1970s-1980s turntables are not all that hard to find in decent condition if you are willing to put in a bit of work. Plan to clean and lubricate, maybe change some belts, etc.

Scanning yard sales and thrift stores for a few months might get you something really nice for $20 or maybe much less.

1980s Technics Quartz direct drives are fairly common and pretty bulletproof.

If you buy a used table, you probably should plan to get a good new cartridge.

You can spend any amount, but a $50-$150 Audio-Technica is possibly the best value and most dependable/durable in the low-to-decent price range.

Remember that you will need a preamp to drive a magnetic cartridge to suit Line-in.

This is a great little unit for a good price:

http://www.amazon.com/TC-750-BLACK-Audiophile-Phono-Preamplifier/dp/B000A36LQ4