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Revisiting vinyl....AT LP60...a

jlm86

jlm86

Active Member
Bringing my turntable back into the system.
It's just a stock AT LP 60 in new condition....

Q. Cartridge: AT 95, would it be a noticeable improvement?

Q. TT stand 10 ft from the main component rack on a dedicated stand...
should I set photo stage next to it and then run interconnects to the amp, Denon x3600, about 10 ft long?

Q. I just have an old cheap phone stage from long long time ago, Any recommendations $300 or less?

Thank you
 
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You cannot upgrade the cartridge on the AT-LP60, but you can upgrade it with an elliptical stylus, such as the Pfanstiehl 4211-DE (.4x.7 mil) or LP Gear CFN3600LE (.3x.7 mil).

10 feet is fine for a line-level audio cable -- but not for a phono-level signal. Either use the turntable's built-in phono stage, or have it connected directly to an external phono pre-amp and then have the long cable between the pre-amp and your amplifier/speakers.

And it makes no sense to use a $300 phono stage with a $99 turntable. That money would be better spent on upgrading your turntable.
 
I agree that the money would be better spent upgrading the turntable, then you would have the freedom to use a better cartridge of your choice. $300 plus the cost of an AT95E ($50?) could get you a much better turntable that might even come with the AT95E (or equivalent) and a built-in phono-stage - for example, the AT-LP120XUSB sells for $250, or a Fluance RT81 for the same price (but without phono-stage).

My understanding is that the AT-LP60 has a short, under-hung arm, in which case it does not have two null-points (places on the record where the stylus cantilever is parallel to the groove) and an elliptical stylus is not advised.

EDIT: Sorry, the RT81 does include a phono-stage.
 
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$250 for an AT-LP120XUSB includes a very good AT-VM95E, which is a nice upgrade from the older AT-95E, plus there are some excellent stylus upgrade options for it....$100 more gets you into a nude elliptical stylus, and $150/$180 more gets into the excellent VM95ML microline or SH shibata. The built in preamp is decent, and that whole setup offers more potential.
 
knotscott said:
$250 for an AT-LP120XUSB includes a very good AT-VM95E, which is a nice upgrade from the older AT-95E, plus there are some excellent stylus upgrade options for it....$100 more gets you into a nude elliptical stylus, and $150/$180 more gets into the excellent VM95ML microline or SH shibata. The built in preamp is decent, and that whole setup offers more potential.
Click to expand...
What would $500 used tt/phono stage get me?
I've been away from it for quite some time..
Thanks again
 
Crab33 said:
My understanding is that the AT-LP60 has a short, under-hung arm, in which case it does not have two null-points (places on the record where the stylus cantilever is parallel to the groove) and an elliptical stylus is not advised.
Click to expand...
AT-LP60 tonearm specifications:

Type: Dynamic Balance
Effective Length: 11/16 Inches (195 mm)
Overhang: 9/16 Inch (15 mm)
Tracking Error: Less Than 4°

At 24:23 this video has audio samples comparing the stock conical stylus with the two elliptical styli I previously mentioned:
 
Jay Goodman said:
What would $500 used tt/phono stage get me?
I've been away from it for quite some time..
Thanks again
Click to expand...

Jay - it depends on your local market. You may consider sharing your general location by listing it in your profile. People here can then advise you on what's for sale in your local area. In my local market, I've gotten some very good vintage turntables for $200, or less. If you know what you're looking at and are willing to be reasonably patient, you can get a really great sounding table/phono stage/cartridge well within your budget.
 
vwestlife said:
AT-LP60 tonearm specifications:

Type: Dynamic Balance
Effective Length: 11/16 Inches (195 mm)
Overhang: 9/16 Inch (15 mm)
Tracking Error: Less Than 4°

At 24:23 this video has audio samples comparing the stock conical stylus with the two elliptical styli I previously mentioned:
Click to expand...
You might forgive me for suggesting that tonearm might be short - it looks short. Do we know the tracking force of the AT-LP60 (which I believe is fixed)? I think the original stylus is the ATN3600L, which as a VTF range of 2.5-3.5g. If it's 3g or more, that would be pretty high for an elliptical. I don't think I would go down this route.
 
I agree with others. Pick a better turntable that has the ability to be upgraded. The LP60 is more or less a toy. Upgrading the stylus on one or buying a fancy preamp for one would be a waste of money and pretty much polishing a turd. I much prefer good vintage 'tables, but like others have said, even the LP120 or LP140 would be a huge step up.

It took some watching and patience, but I have picked up some very nice vintage 'tables for $50. Actually, I have never spent more than $100 on any turntable. If it's not a good deal, I don't buy it.:)
 
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MCM_Fan said:
Jay - it depends on your local market. You may consider sharing your general location by listing it in your profile. People here can then advise you on what's for sale in your local area. In my local market, I've gotten some very good vintage turntables for $200, or less. If you know what you're looking at and are willing to be reasonably patient, you can get a really great sounding table/phono stage/cartridge well within your budget.
Click to expand...
Thank you will do
 
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