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I hate turntables

"I hate space." My favorite line from the movie Gravity, astronaut Ryan Stone played by Sandra Bullock.
 
Old-School said:
Yes its official. I hate turntables. I hate them. I hate them with a passion.
All hail the CD. Besides the wheel and electricity its mans greatest invention.

Thats why I have been listening to them for 3 decades.

The only one worth owning is Technics SL. Cause it just works and you dont have to spend half your life screwing with it and tons of money to make it run. No wonder they are so popular.

Years ago I fought my original turntable trying to get that POS to run again. Never did get it fixed. A BIC belt drive 960. It had been in storage for many years. It had the seized platter syndrome. It took months of soaking that thing in every kind of penetrating oil I could find, and a colossal effort just to get the platter off. Bent the cheesy stamped sheet metal spindle mount in the process.
Tedious little screws. Weird plastic cams. Tiny wires. NO INFORMATION on how it comes apart or how to fix it. New belt. New o rings. New bearings. Stripped out pulley repaired. Capacitor replaced. New cart. Finally got it running after MONTHS of work and it sounded like an acoustic fun house. All kinds of speed variation. Was it the belt? The motor? Who the H knows. All that time and money for nothing. Pulled the hammer and took aim. Couldnt do it. Back into storage it went.

I tried a couple other units with still nothing working. Belt drive = speed variation. Screw the noise. You will never notice it for all the wowowow in the music.

Gemini XL1800. Metal platter, direct drive. Cheap plastic everything else. Threw that one right out the window and took a hammer to it. Fixed.

Pulled out an old $5 yard sale Technics SL-Q2 threw an ortofon concorde in it and wala. Perfection. Sounds better than anything I have had lately and it works. Wow! Amazing! Its in my 80's system and working to this day with zero issues ever. Total price? $105. $5 for the table, and $100 for the cart.

Recently I said I wanted to get into vinyl, looking at some of the table setups on here is like looking at a restored classic car through a plate glass window. Too bad owning a turntable is just like that. Spend half your life working on it, a lot of money. Just to enjoy it maybe once or twice a year. Then it breaks again. And sits around puking fluids everywhere and making you feel like crap every time you see it.

I missed out on a Sota Star Sapphire, and A Oracle Delphi. And honestly, I am glad I did. The Sota owner wasnt happy with his purchase, and who knows where the Oracle went. Probably back into a box under someones bed for another 10 years cause it dont freakin work!!

Enter the JVC QL-5. Bought it cheap knowing it needed work. The base was water damaged and pretty much no good. The cheap particle board took on water and warped up too bad to be repaired. OK I can work with wood. I'll make a new base (plinth). Downloaded the manual. Nowhere in there does it say how to get the drive unit out. No where does it say how to get the platter off. An hour searching the web says pull up on the platter and hit the spindle with a hammer! Now here is a process I know!! Well what do you know. It came off. Drive unit has 9 wood screws holding it from the top. Its out. How hard would it have been to put this in the repair manual??
Tonearm. Its the original JVC Victor arm. Looks like a decent piece. Missing the arm rest and I'm fighting this thing through the whole process flopping around like a limp noodle, until I finally zip tied it down and out of my way. Now the tiny nearly invisible hair like wires that lead to the tonearm. Nope. I'm not doing it. Screw that arm, and the water logged base. The base I can make. I will just have to get a new arm. Something without those effing wires to screw with.
Freakin tedious hair pulling BS working on a TT. No way its worth it.
Rather get a shot in my rear end.
Click to expand...

Sounds like you don't like turntables.
 
I hate amplifiers - they all need recapping.
I hate speakers - they all need refoaming.
I hate cassette decks - they all need belts.
I hate tuners - they all need antennas.
I hate reel to reel - it is Satan's invention.
I hate records - they all need cleaning.
I hate CD players - they all skip and need replacement tray belts.

I think I need another hobby ;)
 
Old-School said:
Thanks guys. I will continue looking and maybe something will speak to me.. did I mention the phono stage. I'm part of the way there.


Frankmarsi.. yes that. pic 1 and pic 2. no idea what they are but serious eye candy.
Click to expand...


Hello "Old-School', I did it for love.
The love of music.

Turntables are basic by their design. Choosing a good one is partly knowledge of the model/brand under consideration. Much of it is knowing what is good versus what is absolute junk.
I didn't want to play with ultra basic stuff for kicks but, I wanted accuracy of sound reproduction and dependability of use. I enjoy music immensely and solely wanted high-quality sound.
I also wanted ease of use and stability of settings once they're made. The arms I use are highly regarded 'classics' but, are still comparable if not better than many made today.

My classic "S.M.E.' Pre-Improved 3009 S2 arms were made between the mid 1960's to the early1970's. I sought them out on the auction site, corresponded with the vendors to assure myself of their condition and purchased
them. I did the same for the "Grace" F840's and the "Dynavector" DV-505, and Fidelity Research tonearms. Each in its own class were not just good but, highly regarded and heralded in their day and because of that fact, still hold their own 40+ years later.

Back in the 1960's and '70s I had such strong desires to own each of them but, not being in a position to buy them as each of them were top champagne models and I only had beer money.
Even back when they were new, I had already read the test reports in the magazines of the time so, I knew years later exactly what I was getting involved with.

Some folks like to torture them selves with lesser or basic crude turntables but I wanted quality of performance.
My system is pretty thorough in it's scope and quality of sound reproduction however, it and every function it affords
is easily used to achieve the utmost of sound quality. I utilize three turntables, FM tuner, two CD players, cassette tape, and ten-inch reel to reel tape all immediately accessible. So, I do not limit myself to just one format as I have recordings on all types.
Through the use of contemporary mid--priced LOMC cartridges, (Lyra Delos, Kleos, Ortofon Cadenza Blue and a AudioTechnica ART-9) combined with ultrasonically cleaned vinyl disks I have elevated my listening sessions beyond my highest hopes
that I may have had 40+ years ago. Once one reads, studies, learns and seeks out and uses a certain level of quality components, there's no need to constantly adjust, re-adjust or sit there unhappy and not feeling content.

I don't subscribe to the equipment distractions of the month and I select what I know will sound excellent. I feel my search has brought me to a place where I will stay even though it's vintage. The only future changes
will be to purchase new moving-coil cartridges when the ones I presently use wear out. So at this point, the only changes I make are the records I put on my platters and getting into albums. There are many who become frenetic and are never satisfied or completely happy because they're buying garbage and old crap. The best knowledge is through reading on your own. Beware as there are many non-cognoscenti out there spewing misinformation all across the 'net', don't believe it. Learn on your own as I have before there was such a thing as the inter-web.

P.S. The latest talk for a decent fair priced external phono-stage is the 'Parasound' JC3 Jr.
FM
 
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Markoneswift said:
I hate amplifiers - they all need recapping.
I hate speakers - they all need refoaming.
I hate cassette decks - they all need belts.
I hate tuners - they all need antennas.
I hate reel to reel - it is Satan's invention.
I hate records - they all need cleaning.
I hate CD players - they all skip and need replacement tray belts.

I think I need another hobby ;)
Click to expand...
This reads like an anti-vintage rant. If we all had those troubles vintage would be dead. But since all those mentions are the fixes we use to keep this junk going that is the way we get intimate with these units. Fortunately the fixes are not needed every time we fire up the rig. Once done the fix usually lasts a while.

There are those that agree with you and their other hobby is new gear.
 
In all honesty, the CD and player "should" be the perfect format. A clean CD, a respectable CD player/transport/dac, open tray, insert disk, close tray, push play. "FOOLPROOF" I say. (see signature).

I hate long toenails in bed. (My 2 cents)
 
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Old-School said:
I hate turntables
Click to expand...
Good! and I encourage more of you to feel the same. Ever since those millennial hipsters rediscovered vinyl, over a decade ago, it all went down hill. I can't get stereohedron styli for my stans anymore and I can't get anything that says "Thorens" on it without consulting an accountant. Those black plastic discs in paper sleeves and pictured gate-folds that I used to find on the curb in the 80's by the dozens every day, now cost life and limb. Every other Tuesday there's some reopening of a Borat style old soviet factory in some forsaken Gulag, producing more shitty records that find their way to Amazon, eBay and Discogs, not to mention those hipster Grandma garage mills in no name towns USA, whose hype capitalizing owners live under the impression they are doing me a favor by pressing their crap quality records from recycled PVC just to make me forget it's crud oil. My favorite Denon cart doubled it's price - twice in the last 5 years and I need to pull the trigger faster than Clint Eastwood if I want any of the stock run-of-the-mill styli from eBay for any of my vintage Shure's. Adding insult to injury, the rest of you geezers insist on passing down your backwards hobbies to your sons and daughters in college now (what the heck for? Leave 'em alone with their iPhones and iTunes!) just so I can have more competition. So what if you diehards like vinyl? Who says every baby has to like it too? Do you hear about anvil launchers advertising their business all over the internet like it's a new religion?

@Old-School you are my MVM and a true honest hero and I wish there were more here like you! Turntables and vinyl is genuine crap so send it all to me and get rid of it now!
My Technics SL-PG530 CDP is shot and no matter if I pay $50 or $5 for a genuine Philips VAM1201 laser lens pickup, I keep receiving the same Chinese piece of crap knockoff and I can't get it fixed. I got 6 of them already. If you like that media so much - we can trade.
 
gadget73 said:
I end up with malfunctioning Garrard record changers from time to time. Its what many would consider junk, and since they never work after 50 years they are arguably trashed as well. I find the process of making them run and look good again to be somewhat therapeutic. I usually can make them run too.
Click to expand...

Sorry you hate them. I do enjoy fixing them up. Just did a cool JVC Direct Drive! Very heavy and well made. Cleaned up nice! Do a load of Duals. Gotten used to those. A malfuncting Garrard can be a challenge. Have had several Zero 100s to practice on. Never cared for them new. Got attached to them reading posts here. Own a very healthy Zero with a Shure V15 type III. Have had it 8 months. I like turntables...except Crosley’s Cheap ones....
 
tnsilver said:
Good! and I encourage more of you to feel the same. Ever since those millennial hipsters rediscovered vinyl, over a decade ago, it all went down hill. I can't get stereohedron styli for my stans anymore and I can't get anything that says "Thorens" on it without consulting an accountant. Those black plastic discs in paper sleeves and pictured gate-folds that I used to find on the curb in the 80's by the dozens every day, now cost life and limb. Every other Tuesday there's some reopening of a Borat style old soviet factory in some forsaken Gulag, producing more shitty records that find their way to Amazon, eBay and Discogs, not to mention those hipster Grandma garage mills in no name towns USA, whose hype capitalizing owners live under the impression they are doing me a favor by pressing their crap quality records from recycled PVC just to make me forget it's crud oil. My favorite Denon cart doubled it's price - twice in the last 5 years and I need to pull the trigger faster than Clint Eastwood if I want any of the stock run-of-the-mill styli from eBay for any of my vintage Shure's. Adding insult to injury, the rest of you geezers insist on passing down your backwards hobbies to your sons and daughters in college now (what the heck for? Leave 'em alone with their iPhones and iTunes!) just so I can have more competition. So what if you diehards like vinyl? Who says every baby has to like it too? Do you hear about anvil launchers advertising their business all over the internet like it's a new religion?

@Old-School you are my MVM and a true honest hero and I wish there were more here like you! Turntables and vinyl is genuine crap so send it all to me and get rid of it now!
My Technics SL-PG530 CDP is shot and no matter if I pay $50 or $5 for a genuine Philips VAM1201 laser lens pickup, I keep receiving the same Chinese piece of crap knockoff and I can't get it fixed. I got 6 of them already. If you like that media so much - we can trade.
Click to expand...

:rflmao:
 
Yeah, vinyl isn't for everybody. If you don't enjoy the process of just playing vinyl how can you expect to enjoy the setup, adjustment, and maintenance of turntables? This is a hobby for people who like to stay busy and moving. If you just want to sit and listen to music then there are better formats available for that.
 
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Blue Shadow said:
This reads like an anti-vintage rant. If we all had those troubles vintage would be dead. But since all those mentions are the fixes we use to keep this junk going that is the way we get intimate with these units. Fortunately the fixes are not needed every time we fire up the rig. Once done the fix usually lasts a while.

There are those that agree with you and their other hobby is new gear.
Click to expand...

Did you not get the ;) at the end ? I was highlighting the fact all most gear needs some kind of attention not just turntables.

All my gear is vintage and I have spent countless hours researching and learn about repair techniques. I can't afford new gear so I have to fix this vintage junk ;);)
 
I have a belt driven Technics in one bedroom with speed issues. I have come close to opening the window and have it meet the driveway.
 
Old-School said:
The only one worth owning is Technics SL. Cause it just works and you dont have to spend half your life screwing with it and tons of money to make it run. No wonder they are so popular.
Click to expand...

There's your answer- you said it yourself.

Buy an SL-1200mk2 and be done with it. No automatic crap to go wrong, nothing attached to the arm, easy parts availability, fantastic resale and easy setup.

Just. Don't. Buy. A trashed one. Spend the money and get a great, cared for example. Put your Concorde on it and be happy.
 
Old-School said:
Yes its official. I hate turntables. I hate them. I hate them with a passion.
All hail the CD. Besides the wheel and electricity its mans greatest invention.

Thats why I have been listening to them for 3 decades.

The only one worth owning is Technics SL. Cause it just works and you dont have to spend half your life screwing with it and tons of money to make it run. No wonder they are so popular.

Years ago I fought my original turntable trying to get that POS to run again. Never did get it fixed. A BIC belt drive 960. It had been in storage for many years. It had the seized platter syndrome. It took months of soaking that thing in every kind of penetrating oil I could find, and a colossal effort just to get the platter off. Bent the cheesy stamped sheet metal spindle mount in the process.
Tedious little screws. Weird plastic cams. Tiny wires. NO INFORMATION on how it comes apart or how to fix it. New belt. New o rings. New bearings. Stripped out pulley repaired. Capacitor replaced. New cart. Finally got it running after MONTHS of work and it sounded like an acoustic fun house. All kinds of speed variation. Was it the belt? The motor? Who the H knows. All that time and money for nothing. Pulled the hammer and took aim. Couldnt do it. Back into storage it went.

I tried a couple other units with still nothing working. Belt drive = speed variation. Screw the noise. You will never notice it for all the wowowow in the music.

Gemini XL1800. Metal platter, direct drive. Cheap plastic everything else. Threw that one right out the window and took a hammer to it. Fixed.

Pulled out an old $5 yard sale Technics SL-Q2 threw an ortofon concorde in it and wala. Perfection. Sounds better than anything I have had lately and it works. Wow! Amazing! Its in my 80's system and working to this day with zero issues ever. Total price? $105. $5 for the table, and $100 for the cart.

Recently I said I wanted to get into vinyl, looking at some of the table setups on here is like looking at a restored classic car through a plate glass window. Too bad owning a turntable is just like that. Spend half your life working on it, a lot of money. Just to enjoy it maybe once or twice a year. Then it breaks again. And sits around puking fluids everywhere and making you feel like crap every time you see it.

I missed out on a Sota Star Sapphire, and A Oracle Delphi. And honestly, I am glad I did. The Sota owner wasnt happy with his purchase, and who knows where the Oracle went. Probably back into a box under someones bed for another 10 years cause it dont freakin work!!

Enter the JVC QL-5. Bought it cheap knowing it needed work. The base was water damaged and pretty much no good. The cheap particle board took on water and warped up too bad to be repaired. OK I can work with wood. I'll make a new base (plinth). Downloaded the manual. Nowhere in there does it say how to get the drive unit out. No where does it say how to get the platter off. An hour searching the web says pull up on the platter and hit the spindle with a hammer! Now here is a process I know!! Well what do you know. It came off. Drive unit has 9 wood screws holding it from the top. Its out. How hard would it have been to put this in the repair manual??
Tonearm. Its the original JVC Victor arm. Looks like a decent piece. Missing the arm rest and I'm fighting this thing through the whole process flopping around like a limp noodle, until I finally zip tied it down and out of my way. Now the tiny nearly invisible hair like wires that lead to the tonearm. Nope. I'm not doing it. Screw that arm, and the water logged base. The base I can make. I will just have to get a new arm. Something without those effing wires to screw with.
Freakin tedious hair pulling BS working on a TT. No way its worth it.
Rather get a shot in my rear end.
Click to expand...
Don't mince words. How do you really feel.
 
Old-School said:
I missed out on a Sota Star Sapphire, and A Oracle Delphi. And honestly, I am glad I did. The Sota owner wasnt happy with his purchase, and who knows where the Oracle went. Probably back into a box under someones bed for another 10 years cause it dont freakin work!!
Click to expand...

:bs: In case you can't read the little flag it says BS.

You didn't miss out on a SOTA it was bought by a member who got it before you decided to mossy on down to the store that was advertising it. As far as missing out on a Oracle Delphi, more BS, you started a thread asking us If the table was worth buying. It was recommended not to buy it, It was a table the owner was selling parted out in pieces. Are you living in a alternate reality? You think everything you "see" listed for sale is missing out on it?

As far as the SOTA table in question I talked to the owner in threads, a PM and on the phone. While not a full blown novice to playing records there is a lot he doesn't now about. He has a table he's been using for years and likes it. But he does not even install his own cartridges, he brings the table to a shop to set up.

When he bought the SOTA, he just plugged it in when he got it home. The cartridge on the table worked at very low volume, and his preamp is not designed for low output carts. As we talked on the phone it sounds like the arm is not setup right on the table. So the arm was just willy nilly mounted, and it was all far from plug and play for him. The last I hear he was going to bring it to the shop to setup right with a cart that will work in his system.

As far as tables needing constant attention, thats funny to me because I have a couple that have been setup five years ago and haven't done anything other than putting records to play on them.

However I don't think you should get a table and spin records, but at least be honest.
 
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