Hey everyone,

Just started listing to vinyl for the first time and this was the turntable I purchased.

From what I read, a $500 vintage TT is probably better than a $1k modern one.

I knew I would want to upgrade parts, so this model is a good option to do that with.

Technics SL -Q2

Cartridge is a Stanton 681EEE

Preamp - Schiit Mani 2

Amp - Fosi ZA3

VPI Super Prime Scout

Anybody running one of these or has previously? How did it compare to others you’ve owned?

This is just meant in good fun, so to all the OPs who posted pictures of damaged needles, I hope you will take this in the lighthearted spirit it is meant.

All pictures featured here have been sourced from Reddit.

I use a 95C and a 95E myself, and haven’t damaged them… yet!

I am the original owner of said 1200 which I purchased new in the early 1990's and it has been my daily driver ever since. I am super happy with it but I'm not so happy with the fact that it seems to be having some problems. I am getting some fuzz out of one channel. Like the stylus is really dirty.

I have 3 cart/styluses. An (AT)VMN40ML, (AT)VMN50SH and an (Shure)M97X with a Jico M97XE stylus. Both of the AT styluses play fine for about 30-60 seconds and then the fuzz happens. When I switch to the Jico it's like the reverse happens. Sometimes I get 5-10 seconds of fuzz and then it plays fine or it plays fine right from the get go. I have asked a few friends, who know more about this stuff than I do, and they are like "That's weird" and suspect that the tonearm wires are to blame. I thought I might post here and ask if anyone might have a different Idea of what could be wrong or to confirm my thoughts. I'm not very tech savvy, but I have inspected and cleaned all of the contacts. It all looks fine. Also, if it is the tonearm would it be better to replace the tonearm vs repairing it.

Thanks

In case you need to know my turntable is hooked up to a Marantz 2235, Pioneer RG-1 and a pair of JBL C-36 speakers.

First reddit post dropping.

Recently discovered my passion for vinyl records and now I need help on my setup.

I already had an amplifier (Denon DRA-F100) and speakers (Denon SC-35 B) which I inherited from my grandmother. Probably built around 2000. Emotionally not attached to it but it makes me happy to use them.

Then recently bought a Rega P3 (from 2007) on an online auction platform for 310 CHF. Cartridge as far as I know a Rega Exact 2. No idea how many hours are on the cartridge.

During vacation I spent too much time in this sub (enjoy it a lot). Started worrying about the remaining life of my stylus. Already considered a few replacement options but first bought a cheap wifi microscope and finally managed to take a picture of the stylus.

However, still a lot of questions if and what to upgrade and certainly in what order. Budget is flexible since I can invest over time. Cartridge maybe 250, speakers 500ish and amplifier no idea what I have to spend. I'm looking for a good value for money setup which I can potentially upgrade later on. If no updates needed, thats fine too.

Remaining questions for now:

1) Is the stylus end of life or can I still use it? Mostly worried about damaging records.

2) If I replace the stylus, what options should I consider? I play old and new records. On my short list is the Rega ND3, Nagaoka MP110 (both recommended by local hifi store) and the AT-VM95ML (not recommended by the same store since I listen to old records)

3) Is there a bottle neck in my setup? Would there be big gains if I replace the amplifier and speakers? If yes, in what order?

Thank you all in advance, really appreciate your help!

L

Edit: please let me know if this has been posted in the wrong sub Edit2: open to buy new or used. Based in Switzerland.

This is my current project, a TD 150 MK2 with a Rega RB250 arm. Recently I had an unlucky accident with my AT33eV cartridge (after approx 350 hours only, so right in its midlife :( ) and I decided to grab a DL 103R on sale.

I have to admit, I only know the 103 cartridge from a friend's stereo 20 to 25 years ago. Now I got one by myself and I am (again) fascinated how much fun this little thing provides.

It is mind blowing how good a conical stylus can sound. Sure some details might be missing compared to other carts, but the punch it delivers in the lows without sounding muffled or dull is astonishing.

Anyway, my question is (from other DL 103 users): what phono stage matches good with the Denon? ATM I have a Schiit Mani 2 connected. I also have a Pro Ject DS3 B, but I would like to keep that on another player (sounds good with my AT OC9).

For budget I would like to stay in the 3-digits. I may have the opportunity to get a Trigon Advance (MK1) for a few hundred Bucks. I am in Europe/Germany. Any recommendations?

Recently I found a Technics SL-1510 in great condition for $250.

Wondering if it was worth upgrading my LP140XP for this one? I do appreciate technics build quality and Japanese engineering. I have been missing my 1200mk5 but figured this might suit me a little better for home listening without dropping serious $ on another clean 1200.

Thoughts?

I just got my first turntable, an AT-LP60XBT. When I was playing a vinyl I noticed a very loud crackling/popping from my subwoofer (I am using Logitech Z407s via AUX). I think the issue is due to vibration feedback, but I'm not sure so wanted to ask here for any advice. I've attached a picture of my setup for reference.

I'd really appreciate any advice

Ordered a Miracord 50H off of shopgoodwill because it was going for well under market, looked to be in good shape, and I wanted to get it for a friend who was looking for this type of table.

Despite being packaged surprisingly well, something went horribly wrong on the trip. The plinth and tonearm are now destroyed.

Now the plan is to try and get as much of a refund as possible and use it for parts. It's a shame because prior to the journey it was in great condition.

So I just got this Sony PS-LX250H used and it doesn’t seem to be working. Once it gets plugged in I can hear its motor going but the records won’t spin. I’m not too familiar with what’s going on mechanically, but I saw the belt wasn’t on and figured that was the issue. Wrong - I think. Anybody have any ideas? Included a picture of the belt and the innards. Would appreciate any help as I’m trying to listen to Ween’s Quebec as soon as possible, thanks guys!

Thinking of upgrading from an audio technica base model (the one without the removeable cartridge) to a technics 1200. I know that 1200s are widely used for Djing, but are they good for just listening?

I can’t quite tell but it looks like my Dual 506 with the DN55 E stylus that i had installed recently isn’t tracking straight? Unsure if it’s a bent stylus from me using the stylus cleaning brush too aggressively or if it’s normal. It’s my first turntable. Just wanted a second opinion since i don’t want to damage my records. Thanks!

Title basically sums it up, however LP gear/tunes are not accepting new orders at the moment so pricing changes. Turntableneedles has a BLISS 71e stylus upgrade but it runs just under $60, while a new VM95e is $75.

I really just want to go to elliptical, and I know the stylus swap is much simpler, but I can also tackle aligning a new cartridge onto my head shell.

I feel like if the stylus was $40 like LP gear it would be an easy decision, but I feel like paying $60 for the BLISS puts me close enough that $15 more for the update to a new platform may be worth it.

Thoughts on the value of both, I’ve heard the VM95e is the standard upgrade but I feel like going to elliptical is all the difference I’ll be able to hear so unsure if it’s worth remounting the cartridge for $15 more than just getting a stylus.

I may also just decide to be patient and get the LP gear stylus once they’re accepting new orders again.

Here’s a link to the stylus; https://www.turntableneedles.com/ATN71E-Type-Stylus-for-audio-technica-AT71E-etc-wflip-guard-Stock-206-DET_p_937.html

I’ve been into records for a few years now, I’ve had an AT-LP 60x for eight or so years now but my dad was given a Technics quartz SL-QL1 by some guy he hauled scrap metal for and I thought “Sweet, I’ll fix it up, I like to tinker with things”

I replaced the tone arm belt, its working great. The only thing is I didn’t have a receiver or a pre-amp because all that was built into my LP-60. So I bought I pre-amp, put the RCA cables for the speakers in the output, put the cables for the turn table in the imput… and all I got was white noise. Am I missing a step or flat out doing it wrong?

Been having this issue recently with my Yamaha A-700 amp (100 watt) where it might run for a while then stop and go into protect mode I think. I don't believe it's overheating. My current guess through trouble shooting is my outlet is sharing power with my neighboring apartments and might not have enough juice.

Has anyone dealt with this before?

I've had my Gen 1 U-Turn Orbit for over 10 years now. I've begun to notice some speed fluctuation while listening and am wondering if it's worth upgrading to something better. It has had no upgrades from U-Turn (basic platter, Grado Black cartridge). The rest of my setup is a JDS Labs Atom Phono and Micca PB42X speakers. Of the minimal research I've done so far, I am considering the U-Turn Orbit Special or the Fluance RT85 (N?). Are there other options I should consider? Is moving on from my current turntable even worth it?

I am looking to build my first setup. A couple things I wanted were to be able to have good sound for the turntable but also the ability to use the system for tv/streaming audio.

I am going back and forth between the 82 and 85 but likely will grab the 85 (as mentioned by others in posts, I will be buying directly from the companies and have simply been using Amazon for browsing).

My biggest question is on my speaker choice. There are so many options it is making my head spin. Any input would be very much appreciated.

Came off a Dual 621 , has no needle. Would love to replace the needle if possible, buy a similar or compatible one if not.

recently got an AT lp60, my dad accidentally slammed the stylus and i think the tip broke off because it's not playing properly anymore.

now i've been looking for a replacement for the stylus and I saw these AT stylus(AT3600) from china that has the AT logo on them for a fair price and I'm wondering if they are any good? because the original ones from japan costs around 50$ for where i'm from. thanks

recently got an SL-6 and when I was going over it I found that the needle cartridge has cracks in it. I'm new to this style of record player so I don't know what to look for when shopping for a new needle cartridge. Also I'm familiar with different brand names but I don't know what the different qualities are. I would appreciate if people here could help me make sure I get one that is compatible and also help me choose a brand if there are multiple options. If it makes a difference I'm going to be using this to play mostly jazz.

I have an Audio Technica LP60. Ive had it for roughly 5 years. Ive never changed the needle and never seen a need too. Recently when playing some newly acquired pre opened records from the 70s/80s (most of what I buy and play) ive noticed that ive had more noise. But ive put it down to bad luck and buying dirty or scratched records for cheap sometimes. And Sometime this problem persists when ive cleaned it. And the few new dressings of modern releases that I bought sealed dont have any problems with them. So im not sure what indicates when to change the needle

Hello! I recently got a really cool vintage Victrola cabinet, but I cant get audio to work! I replaced the needle with and unused one for this model as well, but no luck. It turns on, and the speakers buzz, but yeah cant get records to play. Im no expert so Im not too sure what to do, so any help would be appreciated because Id love to get it working!