Turntable: Should I go vintage or new with download function?

[Bogey]

Part II:

Whatcha' got, and how do you like it?

[gomro]

Part II:

Whatcha' got, and how do you like it?

I've got an Ion usb turntable and it's a nightmare. Plays discs fine, but I have only succeeded in getting it to record a single album in a year's worth of trying. It works for a while and then suddenly erupts in white noise hissing. I have no idea what causes that, but you can find plenty of cases reported on the Web. So, basically, I'm saying that you should really avoid Ion equipment if at all possible.

[Szykneij]

I've got an Ion usb turntable and it's a nightmare. Plays discs fine, but I have only succeeded in getting it to record a single album in a year's worth of trying. It works for a while and then suddenly erupts in white noise hissing. I have no idea what causes that, but you can find plenty of cases reported on the Web. So, basically, I'm saying that you should really avoid Ion equipment if at all possible.

I also have an Ion usb turntable that I haven't listened to very much. While I've never had the technical problems you mentioned, gomro, I find the process of using it to digitize my analog recordings too cumbersome. I replaced it with an Audio-Technica AT-PL50 automatic turntable that I'm very happy with. It's small and easy to operate, and I've listened to many, many hours of music with it without a problem. Replacement styluses are easy to get, too. It sits nicely on top of my Sony RCD-W500C compact disc recorder and they match nicely in color (black) and style. (The ion is a somewhat garish silver-gray.)

For convenience and download capability, Bogey, I'd definitely go new. On the other hand, I appreciate the craftsmanship and nostalgia of vintage gear and can understand a desire to go that route. So the answer to your question has to be ... both!   

[david johnson]

the more simple the turntable, the better.

dj

[DavidRoss]

Bill--
What purpose have you in mind?  I suspect that you would be better off to use a program like Audacity to digitize recordings from an analog source, if that's your wish, and to pick up a decent entry-level turntable, tonearm, & cartridge--either new from, say, Music Hall or Project or Rega, or perhaps something used from a local dealer or via Craig's List or Ebay or Audiogon.

I've been fighting the inclination to upgrade for years, but I listen to vinyl so seldom these days that it's hard to justify the expense.  I'm using an old VPI HW 19 Jr. with an Audioquest PT-6 and a Grado Reference Platinum--all good bang-for-the-buck values and I'll probably stick with 'em, at least until the cartridge wears out or I win the lottery.   

[Szykneij]

Bill--
What purpose have you in mind?  I suspect that you would be better off to use a program like Audacity to digitize recordings from an analog source,

No     Audacity is the software the Ion uses.

the more simple the turntable, the better.

Yes --  A simple turntable with a CD recorder if you wish to digitize your vinyl.

[RebLem]

Don't have one yet, but the best deal out there for the money is the Rega P-1 @ $395 with tone arm and cartridge.

[Daverz]

Where is part I?

It takes a lot of care in the choice of turntable, cartridge, and phono-amp to get good sound out of classical Lps.   These cheap plastic all-in-one USB turntables just cut too many corners, though I can understand the attraction of not having to assemble all the components separately.

I didn't like the Rega Planar 3 I had for many years.  I found it too noisy (both surface noise and motor noise).    Th e Rega tonearms are decent, though.

You might want to avoid the whole "audiophile" thing and try a Technics SL-1200 direct-drive turntable instead.

I currently have a Michell Gyro SE, which is a great sounding deck, but not very cost effective.

[david johnson]

just get an old AR belt drive and forget everything else.  add the tone arm/cartridge of your pleasure.

dj