Turntables

**StuckIn1979** · April 2nd, 2002, 05:00 PM

This is probably a very novice question? But, is there any difference in the needles used on DJ turntables, as opposed to the regular non-DJ kind? I can't imagine how records can take that much abuse, being turned back and forth, over and over, while the DJ is trying to get the perfect mix without being damaged? What are the best turntables to purchase?

**NickNack** · April 2nd, 2002, 08:26 PM

On 2002-04-02 17:00, StuckIn1979 wrote:

This is probably a very novice question? But, is there any difference in the needles used on DJ turntables, as opposed to the regular non-DJ kind? I can't imagine how records can take that much abuse, being turned back and forth, over and over, while the DJ is trying to get the perfect mix without being damaged? What are the best turntables to purchase?

Technics 1200's (I believe there up to the MK III version) are the best, IMO. Considered top of the line in the industry by a lot of dj's these will cost you. Regardless, I've had mine for about 18 years and have NEVER had a problem. Excellent product.

The styli out there that are 'made for dj's' will definitely wear less on your vinyl but "slip cueing" (that back-and-forth motion you refer to) will wear any vinyl down. You should buy your stylus depending on what type of dj'ing you're into. I believe the guys/gals that do "shows" with a lot of scratching and the like (I'm not into it, therefore, can't speak well on it) buy different product then the "old school" dj.

Hope this helps.

**BrunoRepublic** · April 2nd, 2002, 11:22 PM

NickNack is correct. There are two types of styli aimed at the DJ: spherical and elliptical. Ortofon makes their DJ lines in both varieties, and the styli are interchangeable, so you can easily swap them as your needs require without having to rewire an entire cartridge.

Unfortunately, as I'm discovering, the gear designed to meet the demands of DJing is pretty much the exact opposite of what you would want for decent listening.

Elliptical stylus: better sound, less wear on records during normal use, but more damage when backcueing/scratching.

With the exception of specialty mono/78RPM styli, most cartridges designed for listening are elliptical. Higher-end models are hyper-elliptical or fine-line. Don't even think about backcueing with one of these!

Spherical stylus: sound not as good, more wear on records during normal use, but are a lot easier on them when backcueing/scratching.

DJ cartridges are also designed to be used with higher vertical tracking forces (3 - 5g vs 1 - 2 for normal cartridges). Although the higher tracking forces increase record wear, they are essential to prevent skipping in rough conditions (i.e. your average club environment). If you compare a DJ cartridge to something like a Grado or one of Ortofon's non-DJ cartridges, you'll notice that the cantilever is much thicker and stronger on a DJ one. The more delicate parts on the non-DJ ones allow for more detail, but you can quickly see how fragile things like these wouldn't survive a single set at the hands of a DJ. Besides, in the 140dB environment of a nightclub, detailed sound is a bit of a moot point

Belt Drive or Direct Drive: Most consumer (as well as audiophile) turntables are belt-drive. Although cheaper, these take a longer to get up to speed, and will put up less resistance on cueing. As a result, they are totally unsuitable for DJing. Direct drive turntables go from 0 to 45 almost instantly, and recover quickly from backcueing. The disadvantage to them is that you often get motor rumble and noise in the signal (although the 1200s are quite good for this). Any serious DJ turntable is Direct Drive, period.

**cadillac_man** · April 3rd, 2002, 11:07 AM

THe Technics SL 1200's are legendary. THey are also around $450 each. If you are a "recreational DJ" like myself, Gemeni (made in China) makes a copy that you can find for under 200 bucks which works quite well. It is direct drive, heavy, strobed, and pretty reliable. I still keep 2 old pioneer belt drives around for fun and backup. Good luck

Mark

Cadillac man