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Gear / Technical Help => Playback Forum => Topic started by: som on November 10, 2006, 08:16:36 PM

Title: Semi-Automatic Turntable?
Post by: som on November 10, 2006, 08:16:36 PM
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.
Title: Re: Semi-Automatic Turntable?
Post by: cshepherd on November 11, 2006, 12:53:51 PM
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

Title: Re: Semi-Automatic Turntable?
Post by: cshepherd on November 12, 2006, 08:46:51 PM
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
Title: Re: Semi-Automatic Turntable?
Post by: som on November 13, 2006, 08:39:09 AM
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
Title: Re: Semi-Automatic Turntable?
Post by: cshepherd on November 13, 2006, 12:15:02 PM
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
Title: Re: Semi-Automatic Turntable?
Post by: jpschust on November 13, 2006, 06:35:02 PM
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 :)
Title: Re: Semi-Automatic Turntable?
Post by: cshepherd on November 13, 2006, 07:01:17 PM
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
Title: Re: Semi-Automatic Turntable?
Post by: Genghis Cougar Mellen Khan on November 13, 2006, 09:43:41 PM
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...  :P
Title: Re: Semi-Automatic Turntable?
Post by: Tim on November 13, 2006, 11:11:06 PM
depends on how long schuster's cialis takes to kick in
Title: Re: Semi-Automatic Turntable?
Post by: pfife on November 14, 2006, 09:05:45 AM
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.

Title: Re: Semi-Automatic Turntable?
Post by: jpschust on November 16, 2006, 06:19:25 PM
depends on how long schuster's cialis takes to kick in

your mom wears me out, what can i say?
Title: Re: Semi-Automatic Turntable?
Post by: cshepherd on November 16, 2006, 06:57:27 PM
It took you three days to come up with that? 
Title: Re: Semi-Automatic Turntable?
Post by: jpschust on November 17, 2006, 06:55:12 AM
It took you three days to come up with that? 


im on and off the board way less frequently now.
Title: Re: Semi-Automatic Turntable?
Post by: som on December 17, 2006, 09:57:12 PM
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?