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Gear / Technical Help => Playback Forum => Topic started by: kindms on August 09, 2020, 02:25:32 PM
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My buddy is asking for suggestions on what to get
He wants a 2 channel setup for playing records.
so speakers and amp etc. hes not the most technically inclined but doesn't mind spending a few bucks.
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I've been really happy with my Audio Technica AT-LP120. It sounds good and it was the best value for the money. I didn't go with other tables that maybe would sound marginally better for a couple of reasons mostly convenience. The AT is shipped with everything you need to set it up (which was pretty easy) and play including a decent cartridge (AT95E) with a diamond stylus already installed in it. It's USB and analog out and includes a preamp (some say the built in pre sucks but I think it's fine).
Pros -
Direct drive no dealing with belts
Built in preamp + USB
Good solid speed and a decent platter just add a nonslip mat and if you are a stickler add a weight
Tracks warped records really well once you get it set in the sweet spot
Included acrylic dustcover
Cons -
No auto return or auto start - it does have a tonearm lift lever which is enough for me - most tables don't do auto anymore
Built in preamp - you have to physically modify the TT to bypass the built in pre you can't just switch it off and use something else
The dustcover keeps coming out of the holes but I'm sure it's just me. You can slip it off when in use or not use it at all.
A little bulky compared to some other new tables in the under $500 category. May not be the best for a shelf.
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I second the recommendation for the AT LP120 and since it has a built in phono pre all you need is a good pair of powered speakers and your in vinyl heaven. The only bummer with the LP120 is no auto stop. Not a deal breaker for newbies, but for us old dudes who tend to fall asleep in 45 minutes or less, it can be a big deal.
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sweet thanks guys. I had him looking at some outlaw audio stuff and musichall
any suggestions for 2 channel integrated and book shelves ? or similar
hes in MA which is why i suggested outlaw but i own their monoblocks so can at least speak to my experience which has been great
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Well, if he wants to spend have him check out some Rega:
https://www.musicdirect.com/integrated-amp/Rega-iO-Integrated-Amplifier
https://www.musicdirect.com/turntables/rega-planar-2-black
And these whardales are on sale:
https://www.musicdirect.com/Search?specials=Closeout&searchterm=Speakers&sort=popularity%7CDESC&page=1&pagesize=24&c1=tab-products&c2=grid
All from musicdirect. A solid company.
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The Dynaudio Emit M10 is an awesome sounding, affordable, small bookshelf speaker. The somewhat larger M20 is also great. This is Dynaudio's budget line, but they perform really well. The Evoke 10 and 20 are also fantastic, but cost quite a bit more. Of course, you can drop a lot of coin on speakers if you want, but these have a pretty good sound/cost balance in my opinion.