To Upgrade, Or Just Buy More Vinyl?

[KeyboardKat]

Been lurking for a while, figured I'd pop my vinyl forum cherry with this one.

I have an extremely cheap turntable that was given to me as a gift. It's a USB turntable with a built-in speaker, and since I had nothing and was too poor to buy something better I didn't care, I could hear my vinyls so it was good enough.

It still works, but I'd obviously like to upgrade a little bit. I have no speakers and no amp/receiver, so I'd be starting from scratch pretty much, though with a limited budget of about $150.

My dilemma is, would it be worth using that $150 to buy a better but used turntable, amp, and speakers on Craigslist or eBay etc, or just spend it on more vinyl, the ones that only get a limited run of 300 or 500 or so that can't be put off until a later date when they'll all be sold out?

Is there any gear that I could get for $150 that would even be worth upgrading to?

[Dismord]

Been lurking for a while, figured I'd pop my vinyl forum cherry with this one.

I have an extremely cheap turntable that was given to me as a gift. It's a USB turntable with a built-in speaker, and since I had nothing and was too poor to buy something better I didn't care, I could hear my vinyls so it was good enough.

It still works, but I'd obviously like to upgrade a little bit. I have no speakers and no amp/receiver, so I'd be starting from scratch pretty much, though with a limited budget of about $150.

My dilemma is, would it be worth using that $150 to buy a better but used turntable, amp, and speakers on Craigslist or eBay etc, or just spend it on more vinyl, the ones that only get a limited run of 300 or 500 or so that can't be put off until a later date when they'll all be sold out?

Is there any gear that I could get for $150 that would even be worth upgrading to?

To be brutal, the answer to your last question is no. What you do need to consider is the nasty fact that the turntable you're now using is very likely going to damage any vinyl you play on it. Damage that will show up more and more as you upgrade to a better LP playback system. So, don't buy any more vinyl, or at least stick with bargains from garage sales and don't expect any of them to sound half way decent when you eventually upgrade to a better playback machine.
I'd simply enjoy what you have for now and save, save save then come back here later and ask the same question again. Sorry to be to abrupt but someone has to speak the truth now and again.
In the mean time start looking at used TT's on ebay and keep reading forums like this.
Don't trust anything audio shop retailers as gospel either.
Oh, and also haunt garage sales in the wealthier suburbs for a turntable. If you find something interesting get back to us quick on your mobile. Good luck

[mickb69]

I got some mission 731 speakers from *cash converters for £35,
An arcam alpha 3 integrated amp for about £40,
And a thorens td166 mkvi for £155 (plus £40 for new cartridge)

I don't know what that is in dollars but it's good entry level kit.

In your situation, given what you have, just getting an average hi fi that has a turntable
With it would make things better. There are loads for sale second hand.

Either way, I would not bother buying expensive collectable records.

*cash converters is a chain store pawn/second hand shop and always worth a look

[jc_the_trucker]

I was able to set up a basic system for $400. Its nothing particularly special, but it sounds decent, fits in my bedroom, and it works.

You can see it here:
viewtopic.php?f=51&t=45234

I can tell you that I did overpay a bit because I bought it all (except the CD player which I've had forever) at a local shop that I love and wanted to support the man's business. Save up a little more money and keep an eye on craigslist and eBay. There's plenty of equipment out there that'll do the job for not too much money and wont destroy your records.

Good luck!

[E.Man]

I can only support what the other guys have said.
Save and research for better gear.

[Travis G.]

I fell into this hobby a few years ago when I wanted to replace a junk plastic TT, and my research pointed me toward vintage gear rather than new. I put together my first system pretty quickly using CL (Pioneer PL-518 for $60 and Klipsch KG4 for $80) and eBay (Marantz 2230 for $120). I've started scouring CL nearly every day, running searches for a dozen brands or so, and then researching them on forums like this or Audiokarma. I don't buy all that much (my wife would disagree), but I've learned a lot.

Depending on where you live, you're likely to find some decent components in your rather limited budget if you're patient and smart. You can usually find Pioneer, Technics or Dual turntables under $60, and they're a lot better than what you've currently got. And low-powered Pioneer, Harman Kardon or Sherwood receivers can be had for about $50. That leaves you with about $50 to spend on speakers, and I'd be on the lookout for some of the old KLH or Advents in that price range.

Everyone's ears and tastes are different, but if you find a forum discussion where several people recommend something that looks good to you and suits your needs, then it's probably worth your time and money. You can always sell things down the road, although I never do.

[Travis G.]

You can also score some great deals on speakers that need to have the woofers refoamed. It's extremely easy to do this (there are plenty of online resources to walk you through the process, and most kits available for $10-$25 on eBay come with instructions).

And don't forget to check Goodwill or any other second-hand stores in your area.

[KeyboardKat]

Thanks for all of the input, guys, much appreciated.

I really don't need to spend thousands on gear and I don't need the highest end gear either, just as long as I have something reliable that won't damage my records. The most important part to me is the turntable, so getting cheap speakers and a cheap amp is fine by me if it means I could spend a little more on the turntable.

Related question: Let's say I had a higher budget, but still trying to keep it as cheap as possible, what's a good turntable to kick it off with? I've been drawn to the older used models as opposed to buying a new flashy one, not only because they can be a lot cheaper sometimes but they just don't make 'em like they used to.

Are there any brands or specific models I should stay away from or have a bad rap?

As for collecting expensive records, it's not that I'm collecting expensive ones but more that a lot of the bands that I love at the moment only press 300 of a single and if I don't want to pay out the nose for it in the future when they show up on eBay, I have to get it now, but multiply that across 50 bands in 25 genres and that's why it can get expensive.

EDIT: I found this receiver on Craigslist, is it a decent deal? http://york.craigslist.org/ele/2977528219.html

[Eoin]

Hi,

You need a bit more money to sort your system, but not a LOT more, do make the effort to get some gear!

Regarding the Technics receiver, I don't know that one personally but if it's working it'll be very suitable. It's very old now but many people find some contact cleaner on the switches and knobs gets these going fine. You could take a chance but it would be better if you could hear it working. $50 is a reasonable price. But $50 is $50 too much if it's broken...!

For your turntable, best option is to keep looking and post back on here with the adverts and people can advise you. If your vinyl singles are precious then be a little careful playing them too much on your current deck. Maybe you could record them off onto tape or mp3?

Stick around here, they're a helpful bunch and certainly understand people on a budget, they'll help you get going as cheaply as they can. If you're into your music it's worth investing here and also you'll get your money back if you sell the gear.

[Eoin]

Oh and good quality 'hifi' decks to keep an eye out for would be Rega, NAD, Dual, Thorens and many others.

Good quality 'reliable' cheaper decks are I suppose the Japanese decks, but here the specific model matters so Technics say will have made some junk decks and some stunning decks so post the models up that you see for sale and somebody can comment if it a 'good 'un'!

But for potential bargain reliable decks look for Sony, Technics (particularly SL1200 or SL1210), Denon (can be very good), Marantz.

A new good cartridge for these can be well under $50 and if you get a deck in good shape then you coul be close to your budget..

[Travis G.]

I ran some of my "everyday" searches on your CL, and there don't really seem to be any turntables available locally, but I found some good deals on some quality equipment that could keep you within budget. There seems to be a lot of great speakers in your area.

I've heard great things about Sherwood S-7100, and I really like their looks. Fifty bucks is a good price, and I've seen them go for a bit less; depends on how motivated the seller is. The same guy is selling an S-7200 for $65:

http://york.craigslist.org/ele/2907054037.html

This is a great deal for these Large Advents. You'd need to refoam them (again, very easy, and plenty of step-by-step instructions online), so you could possibly even talk the seller down to $35:

http://york.craigslist.org/fuo/2899611641.html

These KLH 6s are also very nice, but a little on the pricey side; see if the seller would take $50:

http://chambersburg.craigslist.org/ele/2965996088.html

I have not personally heard DCM CSX-17s, but I'm looking for a pair myself:

http://york.craigslist.org/ele/2923167274.html

Same goes for Paradigm Titans, and $50 is a nice price:

http://lancaster.craigslist.org/ele/2895513998.html

Run some searches for these pieces and see how people describe them, and maybe something will catch your eye. I think you'd be happy with any of them, and they'll be ready to go once you find a turntable. I'm sure there are some good ones in Philly, if you're willing to drive that far for them.

[dlaloum]

Also looking for Japanese brands that have been forgotten can result in real bargains....

Toshiba/Aurex and Hitachi used to make lovely top end tables - now forgotten, and fetching pennies used! - CEC used to make tables for all the top brands, but also made plastic junk - sometimes good tables were sold under their own name too...

The less well known the brand the higher the likelihood of a bargain.

Technics SL1200's are good value, but they are now too well known to really get a bargain on.

bye for now

David

p.s.That technics could well be a very nice basic receiver - requires more research,but if in good working order, $40 would be a bargain

[jc_the_trucker]

I have not personally heard DCM CSX-17s, but I'm looking for a pair myself:

http://york.craigslist.org/ele/2923167274.html

I can vouch for these (see link in previous post). I think they're very good speakers for the money. They're also quite forgiving when it comes to room placement, so if you're short on space its a great option. Also they are quite sensitive, so you dont need a high power amp to run them (which is good for the budget). And that's a good price on them too, but you might be able to talk the guy down a few bucks.

That said, a set of larger speakers may last you longer simply because of the "I should have got bigger ones" syndrome. I know, because I have this problem.

[Dismord]

I have not personally heard DCM CSX-17s, but I'm looking for a pair myself:

http://york.craigslist.org/ele/2923167274.html

I can vouch for these (see link in previous post). I think they're very good speakers for the money. They're also quite forgiving when it comes to room placement, so if you're short on space its a great option. Also they are quite sensitive, so you dont need a high power amp to run them (which is good for the budget). And that's a good price on them too, but you might be able to talk the guy down a few bucks.

That said, a set of larger speakers may last you longer simply because of the "I should have got bigger ones" syndrome. I know, because I have this problem.

Yes to all of that on the proviso you site them on a very firm and rigid stand or an extremely heavy piece of furniture. Place them on something wobbly and the bass will be noticeably degraded.
A bargain though as are all of DCM's range. A very underrated company in its day. Maybe they didn't kiss the audioporn reviewers arses often enough?