Current Events > Vinyl nerds, is this a good combo for starting out? Anything else out there that

(+) Yeah! (+)

I should be taking a closer look at?

Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable: Fully Automatic Wireless Vinyl Record Player with Bluetooth and USB Output Black & SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf Speaker System (Pair)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B413SSPK

I'm considering picking this up just to get started with a collection and such.

There's gotta be one of you out there. Also checking Reddit.

I prefer Audio Technica. Never used a Sony.

Tyranthraxus posted...

I prefer Audio Technica. Never used a Sony.

Any models I should check out in particular? What model do you use?

Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable, Black, Hi-Fi, 2 Speed, Dust Cover, Anti-Resonance, Die-Cast Aluminum Platter https://a.co/d/2VT6avy

There's a Bluetooth version as well

I've never used a Sony but that seems decent enough for a starter turn-table.

I currently have a Fluance. It's nothing special, but I like it.

yeah man, looks like a pretty solid turntable. never owned a sony one.

currently have a U-Turn because how easy it is to customize. and they also have a nice range of colors you can choose from.

Came in to recommend audio technica tbh

Thanks everyone, I decided to take my chances with the Sony. I would be lying if I said it was for some other substantial reason other than aesthetics, as the price is in my range as are some of the AT options. There were a few concerning reviews, but they seem by in large positive. Anyways, I'm excited to get started enjoying a physical collection once again first and foremost.

Tyranthraxus posted...

I prefer Audio Technica. Never used a Sony.

I agree.

I'm going to go for broke lol

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/3/9/4/AABOVBAADohK.png

It's been awhile since I've dropped anything on physical media of any kind.

Don't bother with the Bluetooth since that converts to digital and then you're just spending money and time flipping the wax to do the same thing as using your phone's Bluetooth.

Welcome to an expensive hobby! Buy inner sleeves for all vinyl you care about - paper sleecs are garbage and can add surface scratches - and outer sleeves for all jackets you care about.

Create a Discogs account and log your collection there. Be sure to pay attention to exactly which pressing when logging - you might have to check the etching in the dead wax next to the label. That will give you an idea what each album is worth if you want to sell, and Discogs is the best place to buy used.

Also, that looks like Bandcamp? Big fan.

MagnusX posted...

Don't bother with the Bluetooth since that converts to digital and then you're just spending money and time flipping the wax to do the same thing as using your phone's Bluetooth.

Welcome to an expensive hobby! Buy inner sleeves for all vinyl you care about - paper sleecs are garbage and can add surface scratches - and outer sleeves for all jackets you care about.

Create a Discogs account and log your collection there. Be sure to pay attention to exactly which pressing when logging - you might have to check the etching in the dead wax next to the label. That will give you an idea what each album is worth if you want to sell, and Discogs is the best place to buy used.

Also, that looks like Bandcamp? Big fan.

Appreciate the tips! I'll be sure to buy inner sleeves, any recommendations acquiring those (amazon, etc)? I definitely don't plan to make use of the bluetooth functionality for the reasons you mentioned, got the speakers to go with the turntable for now. Thanks for the heads up about Discogs, seems super useful so I will get to that. And yeah, I purchased mainly through Bandcamp, there was one vinyl I was thinking about buying that wasn't listed there but for the most part they seem to have the preorders I wanted.

Kombucha posted...

I'm going to go for broke lol

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/3/9/4/AABOVBAADohK.png

It's been awhile since I've dropped anything on physical media of any kind.

Well what did you buy

I'd also recommend getting a record brush for cleaning off the dust and other crap on the surface of the record before you play it.

Anything is fine as long as it's not in a briefcase. You can kind of upgrade turntables like a PC; new amp, speakers, stylus, arm, platter, etc.
The Sony or AT turntables are going to be like buying a prebuilt dell or something.

TheGoldenEel posted...

Well what did you buy

Purchased:
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Cool It Down (Twister Vinyl) - Preorder
Mac DeMarco - 2 10th Anniversary Edition (Tricolor Viceroy Vinyl) - Preorder
Panda Bear and Sonic Boom - Reset (Standard Vinyl) - Preorder
Castlebeat - VHS (Cloudy Blue Vinyl, 3rd ed)

Will purchase:
Titus Andronicus - The Will To Live (Bandcamp) - Preorder
Fucked Up - Oberon (Bandcamp) - Preorder
The Chats - Get Fucked (Bandcamp)
Surf Rock Is Dead - Drama (Bandcamp) - Preorder

a-c-a-b posted...

I'd also recommend getting a record brush for cleaning off the dust and other crap on the surface of the record before you play it.

Thanks, I will definitely do that.

Octans posted...

Anything is fine as long as it's not in a briefcase. You can kind of upgrade turntables like a PC; new amp, speakers, stylus, arm, platter, etc.
The Sony or AT turntables are going to be like buying a prebuilt dell or something.

Yeah I see what you're getting at. I expect more expensive options to allow for more customization and such. I think with it akin to being a prebuilt, that's much friendlier for starting out or I'd imagine so.

By the way TC put this on your calendar

https://recordstoreday.com/

Highly limited, Brick & Mortar only releases.

Does this set up not need an amplifier?

CommonStar posted...

Does this set up not need an amplifier?

A lot of record players these days have a preamp built in.

CommonStar posted...

Does this set up not need an amplifier?

No. It's digital / phono only.

I guess you need an amp for phono but I doubt TC is using a phono setup.

a-c-a-b posted...

A lot of record players these days have a preamp built in.

Oh that's cool. Is the sound quality just as good as a standalone?

a-c-a-b posted...

A lot of record players these days have a preamp built in.

Amplifier isn't the same thing. The amplifier is the thing you use for speakers connected by a bare wire. If a speaker has its own power source then the speaker is its own amplifier. If it's just a bare wire & no power source, you need an amplifier.

Tyranthraxus posted...

Amplifier isn't the same thing. The amplifier is the thing you use for speakers connected by a bare wire. If a speaker has its own power source then the speaker is its own amplifier. If it's just a bare wire & no power source, you need an amplifier.

Ok then.

I'll admit I don't really know what I'm talking about. I use a record player but I don't know much about it or electronic stuff in general.

a-c-a-b posted...

Ok then.

I'll admit I don't really know what I'm talking about. I use a record player but I don't know much about it or electronic stuff in general.

Mostly old outdated tech nobody uses anymore. One of the biggest problem with new technology is they obfuscate the underlying technology that's needed to make things work.

Like talking to software engineers about branch prediction and fault tolerance.

This is the connection for a speaker that needs an amplifier. How many people do you know that you could give this to that would already know how to hook it up?

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/5/5/2/AARLwzAADojo.jpg

I may be wrong but it does look like these bookshelf speakers it comes with need a receiver/amp to use?

Kombucha posted...

Purchased:
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Cool It Down (Twister Vinyl) - Preorder
Mac DeMarco - 2 10th Anniversary Edition (Tricolor Viceroy Vinyl) - Preorder
Panda Bear and Sonic Boom - Reset (Standard Vinyl) - Preorder
Castlebeat - VHS (Cloudy Blue Vinyl, 3rd ed)

Will purchase:
Titus Andronicus - The Will To Live (Bandcamp) - Preorder
Fucked Up - Oberon (Bandcamp) - Preorder
The Chats - Get Fucked (Bandcamp)
Surf Rock Is Dead - Drama (Bandcamp) - Preorder

Thanks, I will definitely do that.

Good picks but damn, those prices

this is why i stick to sales and the bargain bin

one of my favorite finds in my collection was The Most Lamentable Tragedy 3xLP for like $10 at half price books

TheGoldenEel posted...

Good picks but damn, those prices

this is why i stick to sales and the bargain bin

one of my favorite finds in my collection was The Most Lamentable Tragedy 3xLP for like $10 at half price books

The more mainstream stuff is always more expensive.

Metal records are also usually more expensive than punk records. Even if the quality is identical.

Tyranthraxus posted...

Mostly old outdated tech nobody uses anymore. One of the biggest problem with new technology is they obfuscate the underlying technology that's needed to make things work.

Like talking to software engineers about branch prediction and fault tolerance.

This is the connection for a speaker that needs an amplifier. How many people do you know that you could give this to that would already know how to hook it up?

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/5/5/2/AARLwzAADojo.jpg

That's how I do it.

Here's my set-up. The speakers are off to the side. I just have small speakers because I live in an apartment.

https://imgur.com/a/8O0eyQa

RSD is whatever, not something Id go out of my way for. you can get deals on vinyl anytime in the year.

and second getting on discogs, just a good way to track your records.

I really need to pull my turntable and amp out of storage and get them restored. The turntable just needs a drive belt but the receiver needs a pretty thorough overhaul (its from the mid 70s)

NES4EVER posted...

I really need to pull my turntable and amp out of storage and get them restored. The turntable just needs a drive belt but the receiver needs a pretty thorough overhaul (its from the mid 70s)

Did you get it from your parents?

That's where I got my first turntable and amp. They're both long gone now though.

Update: Well, don't laugh too hard as I don't know much about this stuff (should be obvious) but apparently the SSCS5 Bookshelf speakers are actually passive, so I cancelled them and just picked up Edifier R1850DB Active Bookshelf Speakers which have everything built in. I'm not sure how much of a downgrade this will be, if any... over picking up the Sony STRDH190 and having just kept the SSCS5 pair. This set me back a little extra, but is within my budget. I figure if I'm unhappy with it at any point I can always going back to the drawing board.

TheGoldenEel posted...

Good picks but damn, those prices

this is why i stick to sales and the bargain bin

one of my favorite finds in my collection was The Most Lamentable Tragedy 3xLP for like $10 at half price books

Yeah I'm thinking this hobby has the potential to drain my wallet if I'm not thoughtful about it. I look forward to a lot of new music, so I'm going to concentrate on getting my orders in for stuff I know I'll enjoy. I don't plan to go back in time to recoup lost time, if that makes sense. I'm not opposed to finding good stuff in the bargain bin, but I'm definitely not paying premium for discontinued vinyl.

[LFAQs-redacted-quote]


Thank you, this is all solid advice and I appreciate it.

Tyranthraxus posted...

By the way TC put this on your calendar

https://recordstoreday.com/

Highly limited, Brick & Mortar only releases.

I'm not entirely opposed to RSD, it looks like there's a few establishments that participate near me as well.

a-c-a-b posted...

Did you get it from your parents?

That's where I got my first turntable and amp. They're both long gone now though.

The turntable, yes.

I went through a classic stereo phase not long after high school and bought up a bunch of old Sansui, Pioneer and kenwood receivers as well as several sets of speakers. I sold most of it off for a small profit, but i kept 3 sets of speakers and 2 receivers.

Between moving several times and then having a small child, its been about 15 years since i last had it all set up. The speakers are about an 8 foot stack in the corner of the garage and the receiver im hoping to restore hasnt seen the light of day since 2008.

Kombucha posted...

Yeah I'm thinking this hobby has the potential to drain my wallet if I'm not thoughtful about it.

It's definitely an expensive hobby. Especially if you buy online because shipping costs can get pretty ridiculous.

Nothing beats browsing in an actual record store though. There isn't one where I live but I always hit up record stores anytime I go into the city. Or anytime I go to a place for the first time I always try to find out if there are any record stores.

a-c-a-b posted...

It's definitely an expensive hobby. Especially if you buy online because shipping costs can get pretty ridiculous.

Nothing beats browsing in an actual record store though. There isn't one where I live but I always hit up record stores anytime I go into the city. Or anytime I go to a place for the first time I always try to find out if there are any record stores.

Definitely, paying $8 in shipping was kind of a shock. Luckily I'm about 15 minutes from three record stores, so I'll probably be stopping in to check them out soon.

Kombucha posted...

Yeah I'm thinking this hobby has the potential to drain my wallet if I'm not thoughtful about it. I look forward to a lot of new music, so I'm going to concentrate on getting my orders in for stuff I know I'll enjoy. I don't plan to go back in time to recoup lost time, if that makes sense. I'm not opposed to finding good stuff in the bargain bin, but I'm definitely not paying premium for discontinued vinyl.

i often find great stuff in the discount bin of my local record atore

not always the best releases from a given band but still good stuff

my attitude is, since I mostly listen to music streaming (at work, in the car), having the lesser appreciated albums on vinyl gets me to listen to albums I wouldnt necessarily choose first and gets me more variety

TheGoldenEel posted...

i often find great stuff in the discount bin of my local record atore

not always the best releases from a given band but still good stuff

my attitude is, since I mostly listen to music streaming (at work, in the car), having the lesser appreciated albums on vinyl gets me to listen to albums I wouldnt necessarily choose first and gets me more variety

Ah, yeah that's a good approach. Who knows what path I'll go down as time passes. I definitely used to treat myself with samplers and obscure CDs from the bargain bin frequently as a means of music discovery, long ago. I can attribute at least some of my current taste to it.

Kombucha posted...

Ah, yeah that's a good approach. Who knows what path I'll go down as time passes. I definitely used to treat myself with samplers and obscure CDs from the bargain bin frequently as a means of music discovery, long ago. I can attribute at least some of my current taste to it.

Another recommendation I would make, is sign up for mailing lists directly from the labels of artists you like, to get notified of sales

for example polyvinyl often has buy 2 get 1 free sales and Ive bought a shitload of records from them over the years

TheGoldenEel posted...

Another recommendation I would make, is sign up for mailing lists directly from the labels of artists you like, to get notified of sales

for example polyvinyl often has buy 2 get 1 free sales and Ive bought a shitload of records from them over the years

I believe I'm still on polyvinyl's mailing list but I'll double check. They gave me free credit a year ago, and it was enough to buy a random pair of their sunglasses so my order was literally just those lmao.

If anyone is curious as to what combo I ultimately went with to get started.

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/8/8/8/AABOVBAADoo4.jpg

Final bumparoo

Just preordered
Broken Bells - Into The Blue (Light Blue Opaque vinyl with Hot Pink and Black Splatter, Limited)
Shipping Oct. 7th

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/2/6/2/AABOVBAADouu.jpg

I got a record player, but dropped active interest in this sort of thing a long time ago.

Guide posted...

I got a record player, but dropped active interest in this sort of thing a long time ago.

Fair, was there any reason in particular that made you decide to wind it down?

Kombucha posted...

Fair, was there any reason in particular that made you decide to wind it down?

The annoying clich answer, "Life". Moving, storage issues, community drifting apart, that sort of thing. At one time, I was this close to spending $300 on a limited run Pixies collection.

This feels like a good place to ask this:

My girlfriend and I just moved into a new place, and there's a "second" living room that were turning into a listening space. I love the idea, it's a nice little nook in the house that's hard to hear from elsewhere I the house because of how it's set up. Problem is, the record player we have is a Christmas present she got me, and it's a victrola piece of crap. It skips constantly on earlier tracks, and my research has told me it's because the needle isn't heavy enough to have any sort of force behind it.

I can't tell her that, because I've had the damn thing for almost a year now, but once she finally uses it (it'll be a while...) I'll be able to pretend it broke in the move and get a new one, which finally brings me to my question:

What brands and price points should I be looking for when it comes to entry level record players that don't fucking suck? I can do some preshopping and go ahead and pick something out and then I can finally get back to blasting jimmy Buffett to annoy her.

Guide posted...

The annoying clich answer, "Life". Moving, storage issues, community drifting apart, that sort of thing.

That definitely makes sense. Loosely related I suppose- There's this thing happening to me now that is quite different from my past adult life. I have some traditional stability as of recent times, whereas before I was very nomadic and moved every few years at best, and at times I worked remotely and travelled/lived internationally indefinitely, moving month to month. Naturally I was worried about acquiring collections and generally acquiring anything that wasn't easy to relocate. For me there is still freedom in not being tied down by things/collections but I think there's room for some collecting now that I mostly have it out of my system.

Guide posted...

At one time, I was this close to spending $300 on a limited run Pixies collection.

Damn, yeah I don't think I'll ever want to drop anything over $50 on an album at this point, but I'll keep aware.