Topic: Semi-Automatic Turntable?

[som]

I've used my trusty Denon turntable for many years, but am thinking of getting a new turntable. One thing that concerns me is my perception that there is no auto-return on most turntables. I frequently am up and around while music is playing, and if I don't get back to the table soon after the record ends, it seems like the stylus could be worn out playing the end groove.

So my question: are there decent turntables that are semi-automatic and have auto-return? Any specific brands/models?

Budget-wise I'm thinking around $500 tops.

[cshepherd]

Most manufacturers bypass the automatic return and put the money elsewhere...low resonance motor, better tonearm and cartridge...things that will improve the performance of the table.  Motors are noisy and emit EMI that can effect the signal integrity.  Some esoteric amplifier manufacturers don't put remote control functions in their pre amps for the same reasons.  A $100 table might have automatic return, but a $500 table most likely won't.  If you decide to go with a table without automatic return, the Rega P1 is a great option.  We have them in stock and on sale for $299 ($350 msrp).

Chris

[cshepherd]

The most expensive automatic turntable on Needledoctor.com was a Denon DP-300F fully automatic table for $329.  It doesn't say what type of cartridge comes with it. 

http://www.needledoctor.com/Denon-DP-300F-Fully-Automatic-Turntable?sc=2&category=46. 

Chris

[som]

Thanks for the info, Chris! I can understand doing away with a lot of the bells and whistles, but it just seems that having auto return would be good for cartridge life. Don't any of y'all with fully manual turntables ever have an "oh shit" moment where you realize that the record you put on a couple hours ago is still spinning? 

+T

[cshepherd]

I don't think I've ever left a record spinning that long.  Maybe 10 minutes on a few occasions, but usually the noise at the end of the record is enough to grab my attention. 

Chris

[jpschust]

I don't think I've ever left a record spinning that long.  Maybe 10 minutes on a few occasions, but usually the noise at the end of the record is enough to grab my attention. 

Chris

then you've obviously never started making out with a chick during a record

[cshepherd]

I don't think I've ever left a record spinning that long.  Maybe 10 minutes on a few occasions, but usually the noise at the end of the record is enough to grab my attention. 

Chris

then you've obviously never started making out with a chick during a record

+T

[Genghis Cougar Mellen Khan]

I don't think I've ever left a record spinning that long.  Maybe 10 minutes on a few occasions, but usually the noise at the end of the record is enough to grab my attention. 

Chris

then you've obviously never started making out with a chick during a record

That doesn't take 10 minutes... 

[Tim]

depends on how long schuster's cialis takes to kick in

[pfife]

Thanks for the info, Chris! I can understand doing away with a lot of the bells and whistles, but it just seems that having auto return would be good for cartridge life. Don't any of y'all with fully manual turntables ever have an "oh shit" moment where you realize that the record you put on a couple hours ago is still spinning? 

+T

I've left one spinning for months.  sucks.  I was transfering vinyl to my njb3 via sbm-1, using headphones to monitor... forgot all about it.  And yes, I am a burnout.

[jpschust]

depends on how long schuster's cialis takes to kick in

your mom wears me out, what can i say?

[cshepherd]

It took you three days to come up with that? 

[jpschust]

It took you three days to come up with that? 

im on and off the board way less frequently now.

[som]

Well, I experienced a rare downside to an automatic turntable! I bought a new album recently that is on clear vinyl and the tt refused to believe there was a record on the platter! It kept automatically returning the tonearm to the rest. I finally figured out that if I turn the mat so that it covers the little holes in the platter (in other words, misalign the holes in the platter and the mat) it worked.

Who woulda thunk?