turntables

1. Posted: Aug 2 2008

   This is a solid, solid product (literally, it is really heavy) and for the price gives you a great value. I didn't buy it to DJ with, but rather as a recording device to transfer lp's and especially old 78's to the computer. One note, despite what some websites say, this turntable, like other high end units, does NOT come with a cartridge. It uses a universal headshell, though, so getting a cartridge shouldn't be hard. Most high end turntables come without a cartridge, so this shouldn't be a surprise. As far as the bundled software goes, the package with this isn't that great, but most of the bundled packages aren't much beyond basic recording. Audacity, which is a freeware product, is decent,but if you want to do really heavy duty recording it would be better to purchase something like Nero. This product is sold as a pro turntable, so it isn't surprising that it doesn't come with great recording software, since pro's will already have software. It can be finicky to adjust this, and the instructions are not necessarily that easy to follow. However, it isn't hard to set this up, and even the balancing, which some people complain about, isn't hard, and once done it makes adjusting the weight on the cartridge a breeze. In playback, because the unit is so rugged, it doesn't skip when you walk by it as cheaper turntables with and makes it a pleasure to work with. The other nice feature is that you can fine tune the motor speed, which especially for older recordings that were recorded too high, makes it easy to play them back as they were supposed to be. The unit has digitial metering for pitch, that makes this easy to do. One note, like many modern turntables, this unit features a line out/phono setting on the rca output. The phono is supposed to be for using in units that don't have a phono input, to stop you from having to have a phono pre amp. What I found, using this with a Bose wavesystem, is that the line out is the way to do it, the phono doesn't work, I suspect that is only needed on older units. Some people on other places have said they needed a pre amp, try unsing the line out if the phono doesn't work... Overall, a good unit, and a value for the money.

2. Posted: May 27 2008

   If you're just looking for a way to rip your vinyl to MP3's, there are much cheaper and easier ways to do it. Check out Audio Technica AT-LP2DUSB LP-to-Digital Recording System with USB, Ion iTTUSB Turntable with USB Record or Numark TTUSB Turntable with USB for example. This product is made for DJ's, and as a professional DJ turntable it is an excellent product. The USB interface gives you a handy way to rip your vinyl to your hard drive if you're moving toward a digital DJ setup, but that feature is just icing on the cake. Its strong, variable torque makes it ideal for scratch DJ's or for fast startups. It's very solid and heavy which means fewer skips at live gigs. It has a built in BPM counter for beat matching. It can also be reconfigured for "battle-style" configurations. Pair it up with a good cartridge like the Shure M44-7H Scratch Cartridge with Headshell and you're good to go. I've used Technics SL-1200's professionally and I actually prefer these decks, and they are much less expensive than the 1200's.

3. Posted: May 25 2008

   This product was an utter disappointment as an easy way to convert vinyl to MP3's. After reading reviews and product specs, I bought the Numark TTXUSB and bundled software as a gift for my father as an easy way to convert vinyl to MP3's. Right out off the box I was disappointed to learn that the $340+ price tag doesn't include a cartridge. In testing this product with three different records (Rolling Stones - Sticky Fingers; Fleetwood Mac - Rumors, & Kansas - Point of Know Return) over the course of ~8hrs, never was I able to transfer a complete album to MP3. When using the bundled software, I also experienced intermittent digital noise with the EZ Vinyl Converter software that was not present with the Audacity software. If you are looking for an easy way to convert records to MP3, this would not be my choice. The record player works well as a player, however the EZ Vinyl Converter 2 software that should enable you to easily record to MP3 falls short of being easy and had frequent hiccups including intermittent digital noise, a time consuming track titling confirmation/correction process (not quick and easy), and failed imports to iTunes (note: when all songs failed to import into iTunes, the entire vinyl to MP3 process had to be repeated). The Audacity software on the other hand works to import music as an MP3 file, however the automatic process for breaking the single file apart into discrete tracks was not always accurate (requiring review and manual adjustments) and then manually titling each track is not a trivial amount of time either. If you are looking to convert a handful of records, $340 (for the TTX-USB) + $20-$100 (for a cartridge) goes a long way to purchase MP3 files or used CD's. I requested a full refund from Amazon since the product failed to operate consistently and reliably with the bundled software as specified by the manufacturer. Amazon was 100% first rate in their customer service and took the item back with a full refund. This is the definition of customer satisfaction that brick and mortar stores sadly lack these days.

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1. ( 3 of 3 found this review helpful ) Posted: Feb 7 2008

   I am a vinyl junkie.There; I've said it. And for years I was in search of the perfect turntable on which to indulge my passion. This turntable is analog nirvana. Clearly, this turntable was intended for both the professional and home markets. The direct drive motor keeps the platter precisely on speed thanks to the quartz-locked control, or varied with the pitch control slider. A green light lets you know when you're locked right on speed. In addition, the strobe on the outer rim of the platter helps you gauge where you are when you adjust the pitch. The S-shaped tonearm offers adjustments for tracking force, anti-skate, AND vertical tracking angle. The importance of VTA is often downplayed, but I can tell you it matters! When it's right, you'll know. I have no fewer than 16 cartridges on headshells that can be used on this turntable, and all sound excellent. But my strongest recommendation for the best cartridge to use with the 1200for home use is the Denon DL-160 high output moving coil.My records have never sounded better, and this cartridge, like the turntable, is a bargain. I've been using this combination for transferring some of my favorite LP's to CD so I can play them in my car. In many cases, the sound was so good it was hard to tell this was an analog transfer. This is definitely the finest turntable ever built, regardless of price. Even the snooty high end audiophiles should take a good look at this table if they want great sound at a bare-bones price (compared to most high end turntables that don't do anything this one does). There's something to be said as to why this turntable has been available for so long. I've had mine for nearly 20 years, and I'll never let go!

2. ( 4 of 4 found this review helpful ) Posted: Feb 27 2007

   Just use mine for playing records at home. Sounds better than a $500.00 "budget audiophile" table I got rid of. Speed is always accurate and steady. Everything's easily and precisely adjustable. Nice, rich, "unfinicky", yet detailed sound, "set it and forget it". Good isolation. Solid build. Got excellent sound with a Shure M97xE cartridge. Just found a great deal on a Denon DL-103 low output moving coil on eBay from a foreign source. VINYL HEAVEN!!! This combination really does beat CD on my system, in "life" and overall smoothness, when run through my Jolida JD-9 phono stage. Everybody knows the 1200 is a great DJ table. With the right cartridge, I honestly don't think it can be beat for home use either, without spending considerably more. Too bad they don't make an automatic version that lifts the needle at the end of the record like they did in the old days. Bet it'd sell better than they think. I'm willing to "babysit" the 1200 for the wonderful sound it delivers though... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR SPINNING VINYL ANYWHERE!!!

3. ( 2 of 2 found this review helpful ) Posted: Feb 14 2007

   THis is the first new 1200 that I have purchased, but not the first I have owned. Funny thing is, this wasn't even for me. Was a gift to a great friend. Either way, the 1200s are great turntables. They are very versitile & can take the abuse of spinning, or just run on doing mundane vinyl playback. Setup is a relatively easy process & you can keep it simple & have it work well forever, or tweek out over things to make minute changes to get the abosolute best possible sound. Anyway, these things are reliable, tanks, will last forever, & though it seems pricey, will provide for you for years...probably until you sell it to someone else who can use it too!

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1. ( 8 of 8 found this review helpful ) Posted: Sep 25 2005

   These turns are awesome, and better than any other turns out there; yeah they're even better than the latest Technics, which are not much of an improvement over their previous versions. The reason these are better is because Stanton put a lot of research into these bad boys, whereas Technics have taken for granted their status. Now they're paying for it. The high torque adds a real quality feel as you manipulate your records, and I do guess that these will last for a while, unlike many old Technics which you have to push in order to not get that lagging sound. There are also knobs on these turns to adjust the brake and start speeds, just in case you want that lag sound. The platter is very stable, and the entire unit is heavy, which is a positive thing when talking about quality turns (stability). If you like to scratch, these bad boys will not let you skip note, assuming the hole for the spindle is not too large (just put some tape in there to get a tight fit). I would say that these are top notch, but don't pay $499. I paid like $400 or $420, so look around and buy from a reputable company. A+ all the way.

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1. Posted: Jul 31 2008

   Easy to set up, great accuracy, clean uncluttered sound, perfect for my old 60's & 70's albums.

2. Posted: Jul 3 2008

   the sound is suprisngly good but i used the preamp on my reciever instead of the one built in. speed is abit off on this but not bad. you will instantly tell if you like the sound of vinyl more than cd. if you do, join the club!

3. Posted: Jun 22 2008

   I started buying records a few years ago to hang up on the wall but recently decided that I wanted to start listening to them. A friend had this record player at his house and I really enjoyed it and wanted one of my own. For being a Sony product, this is definitely a great price. The records sound great and this machine is simple to set up and use. I did my fair share of shopping around for this specific record player and Amazon was the only place that I found it at this price. TIP: This record player has the stereo (red/white) output cables built in, coming out of the back. Since I don't have an up to date stereo system that has a receiver with the stereo (red/white) input, I bought a stereo to 1/8th (headphone jack) cable. This allows me to connect the record player into this cable and from that plug it into my speakers that have a headphone jack (1/8th) input. This lets me listen to the record player through my speakers without having the required stereo (red/white) input anywhere. Maybe some of you know this already, but I thought this might help.

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1. Posted: Mar 19 2008

   I really, REALLY wish I had read Anthony's review, but I didn't scroll down that far. Anybody visiting here because of Alternative Press Magazine's mention in the most recent issue, FLEE NOW. It sounds like it is exactly what you want: vinyl to MP3. But Anthony's review really nails it. Although it arrived in 36 hours from order, and Amazon is promising a refund, those are the ONLY positive aspects of this piece of garbage. The CD door just ground open about a quarter of an inch, and then retracted. Time after time, attempt after attempt. It's kind of like it's sticking its tongue out and giving the sucker who bought it a raspberry. So, forewarned that this wasn't looking good, I got out the oldest, ugliest vinyl album I owned, which I had never ever played, so it was mint. I needn't have worried, because the turntable didn't even turn! The record just sat there and looked ugly! Not a darn thing about this waste of earth's resources worked (I take that back - the radio, which I had no intention of ever using, worked. That proved it was getting power, at least!) Do not, do not, do not waste your money and time - because you'll only end up returning it.

2. ( 1 of 1 found this review helpful ) Posted: Mar 8 2008

   purchased this item mostly for the record player feature. the first one i received had so many problems. the cd player opened once and then got stuck and wouldn't re-open, the volume and radio knobs "clicked" once and then "free" spun. the worse was the record player. "pops" and "hisses" and the needle ruined my record. sent it back and got a replacement. the second was no better, tried the record player first and the "pops" and "hisses" on this one was so loud you couldn't hear the music. you would think they would at least put a decent quality needle on the unit. sent the second one back for a refund. the seller was nice, just waiting on my refund. if you're looking for a nice record player, spend the money and get a solo unit.

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1. Posted: Jul 16 2008

   Very attractive, a great concept...but the product is of poor quality. This was the first phonograph I've purchased in 25 years. I am interested in digitizing some rare 78 RPM recordings made by a family member, and also to listen to some limited release LPs I own from the 80s. It's an attractive unit when you first take it out of the box. But on closer inspection, the turntable and tonearm are made of very flimsy plastic. The unit's cover is either on or off...it won't stay partially open in the way that it is depicted on the Amazon web site. I put on an LP and the sound from the onboard speakers reminded me of the sound you'd hear from the children's toy record players of the 60s and 70s...faint, tinnish, distorted at higher ranges. I decided I could live with that, since I had purchased it primarily for digitizing audio. I captured some of the audio to my computer and it sounded fine. Installation and set up was a little confusing because of the way it interacts with Windows audio settings, but if you persist you can figure it out. The disappointment was when I tried to play a 78. The speed setting is changed using a frail, plastic, sliding lever. After switching to 78, there was no notable change in turntable speed. I looked closer and discovered a snapped circuit board and a number of disconnected wires! It looked as though they hadn't been properly soldered and had been simply fallen off, or perhaps had been jarred loose. I had never seen a circuit board snapped like that, and can't imagine how it happened. Fortunately, the distributor "Best in Home" was very professional and prompt. I contacted them the next day via email, described what happened and requested a refund. The quickly approved the refund and gave me detailed instructions on how to return it. There was no shipping fee and I received a complete refund. I was very pleased (and relieved!) with their service. Note: The "Crosley 78 RPM Replacement Needle" will not work fit this Crosely 78 RPM turntable, despite the fact that it says "For 78 RPM turntables."

2. ( 1 of 1 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jul 16 2008

   Very attractive, a great concept...but the product is of poor quality. This was the first phonograph I've purchased in 25 years. I am interested in digitizing some rare 78 RPM recordings made by a family member, and also to listen to some limited release LPs I own from the 80s. It's an attractive unit when you first take it out of the box. But on closer inspection, the turntable and tonearm are made of very flimsy plastic. The unit's cover is either on or off...it won't stay partially open as is pictured on the web page. Installation and set up of the software and communication with the computer was a little confusing because of the way the device interacts with Windows audio settings. The instructions aren't very detailed, but if you persist you can figure it out. I put on an LP and the sound from the onboard speakers reminded me of the sound you'd hear from the children's toy record players of the 60s and 70s...faint, tinnish, distorted at higher ranges. I captured some of the audio to my computer and it sounded fine. The greatest disappointment was when I tried to play a 78. The speed setting is changed using a frail, plastic, sliding lever. After switching to 78, there was no notable change in turntable speed. I looked closer and discovered a snapped circuit board and a number of disconnected wires! It looked as though they hadn't been properly soldered and had been simply fallen off, or perhaps had been jarred loose. I had never seen a circuit board snapped like that, and can't imagine how it happened, but it is a good indication about how flimsy this product's components are. Fortunately, the distributor "Best in Home" was very professional and prompt. I contacted them the next day via email, described what happened and requested a refund. They quickly approved it and gave me detailed instructions on how to return it. There was no shipping fee and I received a complete refund. I was very pleased (and relieved!) with their service. Note: The "Crosley 78 RPM Replacement Needle" does not fit this Crosely 78 RPM turntable tonearm, despite the fact that Crosely says "For 78 RPM turntables."

3. ( 1 of 1 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jul 16 2008

   Very attractive, a great concept...but the product is of poor quality. This was the first phonograph I've purchased in 25 years. I am interested in digitizing some rare 78 RPM recordings made by a family member, and also to listen to some limited release LPs I own from the 80s. It's an attractive unit when you first take it out of the box and reminds me of the old Califone turntables. But upon closer inspection, the turntable and tonearm are made of very flimsy plastic. The unit's cover must be either on (closed) or completely off...it won't stay partially open as pictured on the web page. Installation and set up of the software and communication with the computer was a little confusing because of the way the device interacts with Windows audio settings. The instructions aren't very detailed, but if you persist you can figure it out. I put on an LP and the sound from the onboard speakers reminded me less of a Califone, and more like the sound you'd hear from the children's toy record players of the 60s and 70s...faint, tinnish, distorted at higher ranges. I captured some of the audio to my computer and it sounded fine. The greatest disappointment was when I tried to play a 78. The speed setting is changed using a frail, plastic, sliding lever. After switching to 78, there was no notable change in turntable speed. I looked closer and discovered a snapped circuit board and a number of disconnected wires! It looked as though they hadn't been properly soldered and had been simply fallen off, or perhaps had been jarred loose. I had never seen a circuit board snapped like that, and can't imagine how it happened, but it is a good indication about how flimsy this product's components are. Fortunately, the distributor "Best in Home" was very professional and prompt. I contacted them the next day via email, described what happened and requested a refund. They quickly approved it and gave me detailed instructions on how to return it. There was no shipping fee and I received a complete refund. I was very pleased (and relieved!) with their service. Note: The "Crosley 78 RPM Replacement Needle" does not fit this Crosely 78 RPM turntable tonearm, despite the fact that Crosely says "For 78 RPM turntables."

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