I Just Got a Strange Record Player

[new_here]

Hello! I just got a record player, a Retrolife HQ-KZ016 10-in-1 CD Record Player, that I can't return. I am new to records, but I understand that it doesn't have a counterbalance (so it must be preset), a ruby tipped stylus, and the strangest of all, the speakers don't kick in until a few seconds into the track. It is most noticeable on the first track, but sometimes happens on later tracks as well. Also, on my 140 gram (not 180 gram) record, the music crackles once every rotation for, at minimum, the first few tracks. Please help!

(There is an image attached of what my record player looks like. It is an online image, not mine.)

 

[Bushikan]

Welcome to AK. Not to disparage your gift or its generous and probably well-meaning givers, but I would move that system along to a child, and replace it with a different, much better entry level system—money permitting. I would not play any vinyl, especially records you really care about and in which you have invested money—on that TT.

 

[eiraved]

Hello! I just got a record player, a Retrolife HQ-KZ016 10-in-1 CD Record Player, that I can't return.

Welcome to AK!!
What do you mean by you can't return it? Where did you purchase this? Was it used or refurbished?
If it arrived damaged, defective, or materially different from what was described, you can still try to return it.

 

[eiraved]

I would move that system along to a child.

This member is a child.

 

[Bushikan]

Apologies. I see from your profile that you are 14. But 14 is exactly the age when you really do deserve and can appreciate the quality of an entry level stereo (even one that is all-inclusive) that is much better. Ask whoever gave it to you if it can be returned or replaced. It sounds defective. Good luck. If you get the okay, people here can recommend other options.

 

[baeron]

Welcome to AudioKarma

Keep looking around. You will upgrade eventually.
Your in good hands here.

 

[new_here]

The warranty card states that it cannot be replaced after 7 days of purchase (it has been 2 weeks), though you can get maintenance on it within the first year. It was purchased off of Amazon, so maybe there is a longer return date, but it has been used a bit. From some of my research, Retrolife isn't the highest quality turntable.

Edit: The original box is no longer available either. I will check the Amazon return date.

 

[Bushikan]

And don’t be intimidated or discouraged. Someone here should weigh in soon to help you troubleshoot the problems. You’re among friends.

*Amazon claims full refund or replacement within 30 days on this item.

 

[egellings]

Looks like a curb-sider to me.

 

[new_here]

And don’t be intimidated or discouraged. Someone here should weigh in soon to help you troubleshoot the problems. You’re among friends.

*Amazon claims full refund or replacement within 30 days on this item.

Thanks! My only problem is finding a way to inform my parents that it might not be working right and we should maybe return it. I have looked at a Fluance RT85, RT85N, and RT87, though I know there are other options. I just have some bumps in the road. The first problem is that I don't know which turntable is the best option. Second, better turntables are much more expensive than the Retrolife. I may need good alternatives to help me convince my parents. Either way, thanks for the assistance!

 

[eiraved]

I looked up the item in Amazon and under Returns it states FREE 30-day refund/replacement. Ask your parents to return this before the 30 days expires.

If you decide you still would like to purchase another similar type of turntable player, please create another thread on AudioKarma and many here will assist you on getting the best unit available at a price you can afford. Heck, we may even donate you one!

 

[new_here]

I looked up the item in Amazon and under Returns it states FREE 30-day refund/replacement. Ask your parents to return this before the 30 days expires.

If you decide you still would like to purchase another similar type of turntable player, please create another thread on AudioKarma and many here will assist you on getting the best unit available at a price you can afford. Heck, we may even donate you one!

Thanks! I will see about getting the record player returned.

 

[Bushikan]

The Fluance TTs are probably fine. They come with Ortofon cartridges. Some come with built-in phono stages. There might be better or more affordable alternatives, however, for your exact needs. I’m not familiar with that area of equipment. But many here are.

If you want assistance/suggestions, start a thread clearly stating what you’re looking for in its title. And be as clear as possible regarding budget and features and music tastes in your post. If you’re wanting only a TT (or a TT with a cartridge, built in phono stage/preamp), start it here. If you’re looking for an all-inclusive system with CDP, amp, preamp, and speakers, start it in General Audio Discussion.

You’ll get so many recommendations and conflicting advice that you’ll become as confused as the rest of us who have been doing this for decades and decades. It’s a journey—not a destination.

 

[gadget73]

I don't suppose you have a way of checking the tracking weight? If there is meant to be a counterweight and it's missing it will be much too high. A kitchen or postal scale will do it. Not sure intended tracking force but I'm guessing not over 5 grams. If you have the manual it may specify.

The noise once per revolution on a single record probably means an issue with that specific record, especially if its only on part of the record. Unfortunately sometimes they just get messed up when stamped, the only fix for a bad pressing is a replacement.

 

[petehall347]

 

[sound hound]

Thanks! My only problem is finding a way to inform my parents that it might not be working right and we should maybe return it. I have looked at a Fluance RT85, RT85N, and RT87, though I know there are other options.

I don't know which turntable is the best option. Second, better turntables are much more expensive than the Retrolife.

I would recommend deciding where you want to end up. I started early probably when I was 13, first changing the phono cartridge in my parents' Magnavox combo record player and TV. By the time I was about 17, I was subscribing to Stereophile magazine and had my own "consulting" business selling component systems to adults, including making a trip to NYC to visit my wholesale dealer to pick up Tannoy speakers, a Dynaco power amp kit that I would assemble, an Ampex tape deck, and a MacIntosh preamp/tuner. My father did most of the driving but I got to drive around New York City.

If you decide to go the DIY route, I would recommend considering a used, vintage turntable, along with a used chip amp like a Lepai LP-2020+ that can be purchased for less than $20 on the auction site if you are patient, a used preamp like a TEC TC-753LC, and a pair of used speakers along with any other program sources you want. It will take up a bit more space than the all-in-one record player and have to all be connected together with cables but should sound a whole lot better than a record player and probably can cost less to boot.

If price is important, generally you are better off with used equipment.