suggestion for first record player/turntable

[fach]

My 16 yr. old has requested a record player/turntable for Christmas this year. She wants to begin collecting and enjoying vinyls. I have convinced father to pass down all of our old vinyl which has been in storage. She has a small stereo unit typical of teens these days. Nothing extrordinary. I suspect she would like the option of recording to CD. She has an Apple laptop which should help there. Here's my question; Can anyone reccomend a decent quality device [ $500.00 or LESS plz.] that will accomplish her needs? When she becomes more experienced/older she can upgrade to a better unit/system. I don't want to spend too much initially as I want to be sure she will stick with it. But I do want an easy to use, quality unit. Thanks for any help you can offer. I appreciate it!

[canadiantire]

Welcome to the analog world!

I think the answer come in two parts.

In my opinion, the most affordable way to achieve the task of listening to vinyl records is to search for a used turntable and amplifier equipped with a phono input.

Be advised that the newer amplifiers don't all have "the" low level input which only accommodates the turntables signal. So if you end up buying only a classic turntable you may need to buy an adapter device in order to used with a newer amplifier. This is why you should be preferably looking for a "working kit" that someone has used before.

There are some very good deals to be done if you look into classified specialized in electronics. I really think that I can get a decent kit for way below $300.

Provided that the notebook has an audio input jack, it should also allow you to record from the turntable (through the amplifier), using a cable available at most electronic shops.


Be aware that when it comes to recording audio from a turntable, you may enter into a challenge if you are a novice.

The topic of transferring vinyls onto computer have been discussed a few times in this section.


Roughly, the notebook must have a sound input jack that can be fed from the amplifier in order to record "on-the-fly".

A recording software is also mandatory.

There are a few free ones on the net.


An alternate method also came out on the market a few years ago.

It is now possible to feed the output of the turntable directly into any "decently powerful" computer through it's USB port.

I honestly have no idea what kind of results one could expect from it.

I have read that this way of capturing vinyl sound doesn't come close to the quality that is offered by the "traditional" method described above but, it may just be adequate for the job you want to achieve.

Again, there has been a few discussions on the topic of USB turntables in this section of the forum.

I Hope this is a kick start that has some value for you.


- Marcus

[fach]

Thanks for the in put Marcus. Confusing to say the least for a beginner. I would prefer to purchase new units rather then try to scout out used. Any reccomendations? Do you think a phonograph would be better than a turntable for her?

[canadiantire]

Hum...

I am still confused about the primary task you want to achieve:

• If it's for recording and transferring stuff to MP3 (for Ipod listening), then the easiest approach is this:

link to USB turntable here

Unfortunately, I cannot tell you how good/bad at the task this device is.

• If you are mainly interested in listening to vinyls without recording them into digital format, you will need to go with the traditional approach (turntable/amplifier/speakers). I haven't been shopping for these things in a while so it would be difficult for me to propose anything in particular.

I can also understand that you'd prefer giving something new rather than used, especially if it's for a Christmas gift.

Stores like Circuit City are still offering such electronics. Buying it in a "real" store provides you the real advantage to see it before buying and to get some support on connecting and using it.

I have originally proposed you used equipment simply because you can still find real deals if the components are chosen judiciously.

I still have my original gear that I have purchased over 25 years ago and believe me, my turntable have spin quite a number of revolutions since then...

- Marcus

[fach]

Thanks once again Marcus for your assistance. Just to clarify, my main objective is for my daughter to;
a] listen to records
b] possibly transfer to cd via computer [willing to bet she will want to give this a try].
I will check Cuircut City as suggested and see what they reccomend. I have searched through amazon.com mostly b/c they offer a ratings system from other buyers. I inquired here b/c I found so many items that the customer base considered undesirable. Figured I go to the true vinyl lovers source and soak in some expertise :) Thank you again. Wish me luck!