• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Ion ITTUSB, Belt-Drive Turntable with USB Output - Any advice?

sqdlvr

sqdlvr

Well-Known Member
Hello all I saw this turntable at Best Buy, Ion ITTUSB, Belt-Drive Turntable with USB Output, and wanted some advice on it. As I can't find any reviews on it. Also since it has a built in phono pre-amp switch would it be able to plug into my shelf system? Appreciate any advice before I plunk down money on something that might not be good.
 
Register to hide this ad
It is lightweight junk. If it at least had a cueing lever it would be somewhat usable. Belt drive with lightweight platters equals mediocre speed control. You would be much better off with any direct drive turntable, preferably quartz lock, and and inexpensive phono preamp--even the cheap black box type--and then yes that would plug into the line-in in your system. You'd need an adapter from the two RCA plugs to a single 1/8" stereo plug, I'm guessing.
 
I looked at one in a store, I forget where. It was worse than junk. It had cheap written all over it. And by cheap I don't mean inexpensive. I mean cheap.
 
Wow! I am so glad I asked for advice on it. $200 ain't cheap and I think I could get a good used one or a better one for less. I wish they'd sell more turntables though.
 
The usb output might be helpful -- I hope to find a trashed one at the dump and fish the electronics out of it and use with decent table. But who knows how the electronics sound? Could be just as crappy as the table.
 
Costco, in my area, just received a palletfull of 'em... Hope they don't sell...

Can't believe people will get sucked in by the USB feature... That tt has to be the worse thing to happen since the "pickups" we had in the 60s and 70s...

I have to say that for 179.00, the Denon DP-29F is not much better, only slightly... (6.2 lbs??? :wtf: )
 
I have had so many people offer to buy me one I shoulda taken them all up and sold them.

my teacher bought one, and I brought in a transfer of Meco's Disco Star Wars (which she had also transfered), and played it on stock Mac speakers.....she was floored. So was the head sound guy at my school.

Both swore that I was playing a CD.

And the transfer was on a POS plastic AudioTechnica that I picked up a couple of years ago at Worst Buy for about $130. I used the stock sound card from my computer, and it was compressed at 320kbps Mp3.

Just a little idea of how bad these things really are.
 
I was sooooo going to buy one of these for the longest, and then found this software called Xitel Deluxe that would let you connect your turntable to your PC via USB, and rip vinyl to digital that way. After reading a lot of comments on this ION table on AK, I'm glad I only spent the $45 on Ebay to get the software. It works for both vinyl and tape to pull them over to the PC in .wav format. Then I burn CDs from there. I was hoping for a little better quality, but then again, my stuff is pretty lo-fi. A JVC receiver and a Technics SL-BD22 turntable. The Xitel DOES come w/some built in software to clean up some of the pops & crackles, and it works ok. I use Audacity (a free download) to do any editing of the files if needed. Only complaint is that the CDs are not as loud as regular CDs, and sometimes take a little tone tweaking to get the best sound out of them. Otherwise, works like a charm!
 
sqdlvr said:
Wow! I am so glad I asked for advice on it. $200 ain't cheap and I think I could get a good used one or a better one for less. I wish they'd sell more turntables though.
Click to expand...

You could get an ION for a lot cheaper on Ebay, but I agree w/the rest here, and I'd pass if I were you.

Don't go to BB looking for turntables. If possible, see if you can find a good audio store, that's not a big box store in your area. Maybe look for one that does repairs. There's one near me that works on Fi that's so Hi I'll never own any of it, all the way down to the cheaper stuff. I've seen some decent refurbs in there, for not so bad prices for retail. Whenever I can, I try to support the mom & pops, so to speak. And they usually know what's what better than the bigger chain stores. (Although, if you have a Fry's Electronics near you I've run into some pretty smart folks there as well)
 
Avoid it like the plague. Why they even sell these things is beyond me but I am guessing they are counting on those who aren't very informed when it comes to turntables. I am betting the "ease of use" really hooks folks too. It's just a shame.

Goodwill, Salvation Army & other thrift stores should be on your shopping list when searching for TT's. They might need a little TLC but it will probably cost you less and be of far better quality.

Good Luck 2 U!!!

Shawn
 
Run!!!!

Run like the wind. Become acquainted with workers at thrifts, and after awhile they'll know you're looking for turntables. Around here (East Tennessee), there aren't a lot of people contending with me for the stuff.
For example, my conversion system consists of:

NAD 3155 (for the preamp) $2.00
backup Denon DP35 F TT w/Grado$2.00
Dual 1268 TT w/Shure V15 IV $15.00
Onkyo Integra TA2600 3-head cassette deck $15.00
L/R to 1/8" cord for computer $6.00
Polderbits conversion program (downloadable for around $35.00)
____________________________________________________

Total cost-$75.00

You can use any receiver preamp out that you already have.
 
Hello all I saw this turntable at Best Buy, Ion ITTUSB
Click to expand...
That's not SCOTTISH.. You know what THAT means!

Best Buy actually does carry higher end TT's like the SL1200 MK5, but online only: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6131624&type=product&id=1065169792097

Mighty pricey. I've seen some others like Pro-Ject in their Magnolia Dept. also.

I'm sure you can find a GREAT TT right here in the Members Classifieds or craigslist or that auction thingy. My SL-Q2 came from a thrift ($19 Like new and had a still-sealed AudioTechnica cartridge & Stylus taped to the deck on top of the Stanton Cart with Shure DJ Stylus already in the head) and my SL-DD22 also came from a thrift ($15 with not even the slightest scratch on the dustcover)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom