Record player recommendations

[jfrey]

So I'm looking to replace my old record player with a new one.

Thinking about maybe a Crosley?
http://www.crosleyradio.com/Turntables

Any recommendations? I'd prefer to spend less than $150.

[D.o.S.]

Less than $150 leads me to believe that when you say a new record player you're not eliminating buying used, right?

[jfrey]

Less than $150 leads me to believe that when you say a new record player you're not eliminating buying used, right?

Correct.

Also, I don't really know anything about players. I have had the same one for my entire life. It's an AR, at least a decade older than I am. It needs some work though, and I don't really know what to do with it.

[echoraven]

Sony makes one that is around $150, belt driven. I have an older one that has a built in pre-amp, I think the newer ones have USB.

[Psyre]

I'm not saying this with any sort of hipster sentiment, but please don't buy a Crosley. Especially if you are looking to get into buying records again, new or used. You really should consider something with a counterbalance and adjustable stylus force. Are you wanting just a Turntable or would you need an amp as well? As for used tables, you have a wide variety of Technics and Yamahas that perform really well. Do you have any record stores near you? I find them to have the most reasonable prices on equipment, atleast around here.

[jfrey]

I'm not saying this with any sort of hipster sentiment, but please don't buy a Crosley. Especially if you are looking to get into buying records again, new or used. You really should consider something with a counterbalance and adjustable stylus force. Are you wanting just a Turntable or would you need an amp as well? As for used tables, you have a wide variety of Technics and Yamahas that perform really well. Do you have any record stores near you? I find them to have the most reasonable prices on equipment, atleast around here.

The closest thing to a record store around is Newbury Comics. They don't really sell equipment though. They have one or two players in stock and that's it.

I have been buying records semi-regularly for a few years. But, I can't listen to any of them now because of the state of my player.

I would need an amp as well, unless it has a built in. I'd expect of course to spend more for an amp, but I was hoping I could find a decent player at least for under $150.

[D.o.S.]

It's kind of a hike for you, but In Your Ear!, in Allston (or Brighton, I can't remember) usually has some record players in stock, too.

Otherwise, Craigslist it. Pioneer, Audio Technica, Rega, that sort of thing.

[jfrey]

It's kind of a hike for you, but In Your Ear!, in Allston (or Brighton, I can't remember) usually has some record players in stock, too.

Otherwise, Craigslist it. Pioneer, Audio Technica, Rega, that sort of thing.

Hmm, never been there before. I could head over there. It's not too bad. Like maybe 45 minutes by bus or train.

I did find a site that sells parts, and has some information on fixing ARs. Think it's worth trying to do instead of buying a new player?
http://vinylnirvana.com/ar-replacement-upgrade-parts/

[Psyre]

What model AR is it? The reason I am rather adamant against Crosley is I have seen/used a couple models. My girlfriend has the Detroila (?) Model. It sounds far better than the one she returned before it. I think she got it on sale for about $60-70. Built in speakers are always going to fail for listening, and it like the other 4-5 I have seen have uneven platters, so there is going to be unnecessary wear, and out of the 2 I have timed, neither spun at a consistent 33 1/3. I feel they are just a money grab in the current revival.

I bought a Dual 1019 for $150 but I had it rebuilt (another $180) but my God are Duals nice. Wish I had grabbed a 1219 I came across on vacation a couple months back.

As for amps, I got a JVC Super A receiver. You can get them at fa tactic sub $100 prices. It sounded better to my ears than a couple of Pioneers I listened to. The draw for me was the mono switch, since I listen and prefer a lot of mono records. I think mono switches are essential.

[The4455]

I would not give a crosley to my worst enemy, never. They are cheap tables, they have been since the 50's. They were introduced as a cheaper alternative back in the day and still are. Honestly itunes mp3 files are equal to or maybe even better than playing vinyl on a crosely.

I would equate a crosley to a no-name japanese import guitar, like sears quality dude, do not crosley, evar, evar, evar, evar, evar, evar, evar, evar, evar, evar, evar, evar, evar, evar, evar, evar, evar, evar!

I worked in a Record Store and a Hi-Fi store and I do not condone putting any LP's ever on a crosley, not even shitty music pressed on shitty vinyl, it's just straight disrespectful BRO.

It sounds like you know how a Turntable should work, go on CL find some, post here, learn, and then go check em out. If they work how they are supposed to then negotiate and buy. Put the leftover money, if there is any, into a new needle, stylus, headshell whatever it may be that you need: turntable iso mat, record cleaning solution, LP sleeves, Records, Storage, a record brush etc.

Technics or Sony would be excellent choices. Stanton would be okay, Audio Technica makes some nice tables as well.

[The4455]

I would sooner burn my money than buy a crosely. Real talk.

[jfrey]

What model AR is it?

http://vinylnirvana.com/ar-models/ar-xa/

[TweedBassman]

friends dont let friends buy crosley.

[Psyre]

What model AR is it?

http://vinylnirvana.com/ar-models/ar-xa/

What do you think could be wrong with it? It seems to be a table in your exact price range. May just need a new belt and a cart/stylus upgrade.