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Vintage Entry Level Options

Bryan Davies said:
Will probably take that word for word, thanks! I will let you know if we get to a number we agree on. I greatly appreciate all the help, and hopefully we can get to the next step on this.
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You can absolutely copy that word for word if you like. LOL I've had a few turntables shipped, so I've been there.

Well, jump back on here when you find out, and let us know. In the mean time, make an account at vinylengine and download the manuals so you can get a little more familiar with your soon-to-be new turntable. ;)
 
Not sure what you mean by preamp - you mean the one in the speakers? The phono preamp raises the signal to line level, roughly speaking the same as for your CD player, so no, it won't.
 
reydelaplaya said:
Keep in mind, the phono preamp isn't really optional in your case. Which one you choose is, but it is going to be required.

There is a recording format that record companies use to record records called RIAA.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/RIAA_equalization

Without that preamp to decode that format, the sound from the turntable/records will be very distorted and almost inaudible. So a phono preamp is a necessity.

Older receivers and amps usually have one built in with 'Phono In' as an input on the back.
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Bryan Davies said:
will the sound be distorted by using current pre-amp and current speakers with this type of table?
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It won't work that way, it needs to have that RIAA equalization like I was explaining before. You'll definitely need a phono preamp to connect. Keep in mind, though, it's something that you can take with you. If you decide to get a newer stereo receiver, unless it specifically says it has a phono in, you'll still need the phono preamp to hook it up.
 
Ok I understand...I was looking around and saw some people discussing the u-turn orbit. Do you have an opinion of the orbit vs the pl-12d. It may be apples to oranges, I'm not really sure
 
Bryan Davies said:
Ok I understand...I was looking around and saw some people discussing the u-turn orbit. Do you have an opinion of the orbit vs the pl-12d. It may be apples to oranges, I'm not really sure
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Though some here will argue in favor of the uturn orbit, I tend to lean toward vintage tables being a better deal than newer until you get into the higher priced range.

Vintage tables, like that pioneer, were made when records were the standard. To me, they're a bit more refined because it was the norm.

This is only my personal opinion, and shouldn't be taken as law. But there's a reason that a 40 year old table is still running.

That orbit may still need a preamp.
 
You might get more help if you put your location in your profile.

Best to buy a turntable locally, shipping them safely is hard and takes practice.

Keep an eye on Craigslist, for example. Also hit local thrifts. If you can find a vintage receiver with Phono input you can then try different unpowered speakers later. Which you also might find at a thrift.

If you subscribe here and shop on Bartertown you have a better chance of having shipped gear packed properly. Not a perfect record for me, but some has been done very well.

Also, in some locations there are retirees who put together whole vintage systems ready to go and sell them on CL. Same on Bartertown, some members restore gear to perfection just for fun.
 
Hi,

I've had both a Pio Pl12d and it's clone, a Kenwood 1033, in the past. I can say that they are very good, basic tables. They are capable of producing excellent sound with a good cart. Their only weak point is that they are suspension tables, so if you have a lot of floor vibration, the table will need to be isolated. Personally, I feel that these tables are a great bang for the buck, good prices on craigslist seem to be in the $40-$60 range.
 
Bryan Davies said:
Please explain what you mean by suspension tables.
Thanks
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Suspension table means that the platter and/or tonearm has a suspension (think like a car) separating the platter/motor from the base of the table. It's a nice feature found on higher quality tables.

My Yamaha YP-701 is fully suspended.

Did you hear back from the pioneer yet?
 
We are working on a price. I have a few 180 gram records but the majority are old 60s 70s, will I have a problem
Playing the 180s?
 
Nope, they should all sound just fine as long as they and the stylus are clean and in good condition.

The 180g means they were pressed with a bit more vinyl - 180 grams vs. + - 120 grams that are regular pressings.
 
I noticed people saying how their 180s were skipping, is this due to
Too much weight on the record? If so, how would this not be an issue for me?
 
Bryan Davies said:
I noticed people saying how their 180s were skipping, is this due to
Too much weight on the record? If so, how would this not be an issue for me?
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Could be a variety of reasons. From the quality of the pressing to the amount of weight (vertical tracking force) used.

If you set up the table properly, put it in a secure/stable location, and clean your records, it's highly unlikely it will skip much if at all.
 
I'm leaning toward the u-turn orbit now as it seems that if i have any issues, I will be able to contact the company directly and solve the issue. If something were to go wrong with a vintage however, I feel as if i would have more trouble as I am well below handy in fixing things in general, let alone machinery such as a turntable. Thoughts on that type of rationale?
 
Bryan Davies said:
I'm leaning toward the u-turn orbit now as it seems that if i have any issues, I will be able to contact the company directly and solve the issue. If something were to go wrong with a vintage however, I feel as if i would have more trouble as I am well below handy in fixing things in general, let alone machinery such as a turntable. Thoughts on that type of rationale?
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I understand what you're getting at - it makes sense.

But, keep in mind that the 179 base price is without any features - some of which you'll definitely want. You'll have to upgrade (build on their website) in order to get to where you were with the pioneer.

You'll still need a preamp, though they'll add one for you for a price.

You'll probably want the "Cue" which is the lever that lifts and lowers the tonearm.

You'll probably want a dustcover/lid.
ETA: Looks like the dustcover is included with the orbit.

By the time you add those features, you're nearing or exceeding the pioneer package.

Granted, you'll get a warranty.

They do have good reviews.

Build it on their website adding those features which will bring you to the level of the pioneer, and see how the total price compares.
 
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There doesn't seem to be much to go wrong with the pioneer. It's a manual, like the orbit, so it's only a motor turning a belt, like the orbit.

The base(plinth) of the pioneer is heavier and more substantial, and it's suspended. That pristine wood looks really good.

The tonearm of the pioneer looks more intricate, including antiskate, which the orbit doesn't offer.

The platter is aluminum, not MDF like the orbit.

Wow and Flutter - basically, little variations in speed that affect how the pitch of the music sounds is significantly lower on the pioneer at .08 vs .175 for the orbit.

Rumble, which is the amount of noise the mechanicals make is significantly lower on the pioneer, -48db vs -63db (orbit).

In my opinion, and it's just one dude's opinion on the internet so take it for what it's worth, there's a lot of great first turntable offered with that pioneer.

EDIT: correction
 
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