DON'T WASTE MONEY ON YOUR FIRST TURNTABLE! - A new buyers guide to record players
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- čas přidán 15. 01. 2022
- For most people wanting to get into vinyl records it's about having that extra connection to their favourite artists or another way to appreciate some music. You can't hug an mp3 after all!
Unfortunately there is a fair bit of snoberry around vinyl and all the (sometimes cool) analog gear that we use to play our records. It can be an intimidating environment for someone who didn't grow up in the age of home hi-fi systems. We think that's crap.
We also don't subsribe to the idea that you have to spend big or ruin your record with a dodgy turntable.
We compare some of the most commonly reviewed and recommended turntables online and recommend what we think is a contender for the best value turntable on the market aimed at those just gettig started with vinyl.
In the Video
- We look at the Debut Carbon Evo from Pro-ject Audio, probably the most reviewed and recommended turntable on youtube that is sometimes billed as "the best starter or beginner turntable"
- We chat about the infamous suitcase record players from Crossley, Vitrola and the rest. The most criticised piece of vinyl related gear on the market
- And we recommend a cheap, affordable turntable that is actually designed for those new to vinyl that sounds good and won't ruin your records, the AT-LP60X range from Audio Technica.
If you'd like to learn more check out bendigovinyl.com.au/
You can also follow us on instagram and facebook @bendigo_vinyl
If you did like the video we would love it if you could hit like and maybe even subscribe to see what we are up to for more guides, reviews and chats about vinyl records, vinyl accessories, gear and of course the music itself.
We'd love to hear what you'd like to see next or what you think of the turntables we discuss in the video if you happen to have one.
See you when you flip the side,
Paul & Sam - Hudba
Jokes on you right out the gate. You were my first video on buying record players. Thanks for guiding me! 😉
Lol me too I came here to comment this. Buying one for my gf for Christmas
@@financeandoctane did she like it?
Same 😂
Lol same!
My first one too!
Holy crap! I finally found someone that actually recommends an affordable turntable!
Finally somebody that understands that most people aren't gonna pull $2000 out of their arse for their first turntable setup.
Thank you!
Thankyou!
Seriously!!
Yeah no honestly it pisses me off how every video I watch is someone saying something along the lines of:
Our first product is a cheap, affordable, entry level and budget friendly turn table that will only set you back around 800$
Thank you fr 😭 the first vid I saw was priced low to high and the cheapest one was 300$ for barely any features
I got Rega Planar 2 for only 350 bucks on sale, and those have lifetime warranty as they lasts a lifetime.
Good to see someone mention modern convenience!
It's 2023 not 1970 and the newbies tend to be young not middle aged, and want plug and play.
Great advise!!!
well in comparison that's all I'd have to do to listen to music on Spotify lol
Excellent recommendation, and definitely avoid those suitcase players at all costs. You are right in saying that the Project isn't an entry level player. It's one that more seasoned vinyl heads should aspire to
Suggest the pro-ject primary or the elemental turntables , come pre loaded with a half decent ortofon cart, and is kind of entry level/ early audiophile quality. Upgrade later with an acrylic platter when funds/ambition allows-enjoy
@Glen Lockyer I think most people miss the Pro-Ject T1 series turntables in their recommendations. I know it's a bit past entry-level but the Pro-Ject T1 turntables are quite good for the price.
The project debut carbon (evo) is so popular but it's stealing the spotlight from the T1.
Is Jorlai a good brand? I'm love with a rose option. I want it a pink turntable ❤
Omg! I bought for my first vinyl a Victrola suitcase record player and I love it , but the speakers are not enough. I need an extra speaker . Please advise
I got a Pro-Ject Debut III
It’s pretty dated at this point but works amazingly well and sounds very good
Thanks for this video! I'm only 18 and have never touched a record player before, so I was feeling pretty overwhelmed being bombarded with conflicting info regarding what I NEED and DON'T NEED. I just want to listen to my classical music collection.
Great recommendation. Also, this is the first turntable video I've found so far that's focused on the Aussie consumer.
Thanks! Glad you liked it. We always got frustrated by the American prices and unobtainable prices. More to come shortly hopefully!
I really liked that the coffee changed form few times during this video, and thanks for the tips because I was wasting my time on pilling too much money for my first setup and now I'll go buy affordable stuff and build up over time.
This was really helpful. It's also reassuring after checking the comments and seeing the more experienced vinyl enthusiasts agree with this video for the most part. Your recommendation is my prime candidate. Thanks for the help.
Most helpful video on Vinyl Players on CZcams for me. Thank you so much!
Glad to see i'm not the only one that recommends the LP60 to beginners. Great starter turntable for someone just getting into the hobby.
Pretty happy with my LP60X I've had some high end turntables that got away from me (divorce) so I needed to get a new turntable. I think it's an excellent first turntable and no reason it couldn't be a first and only. I've had mine for a few years now and I'm more interested in buying more records than upgrading.
My wife n I love our little LP60xbt. Its been a blessing and curse for me however, because alot of the fun is tinkering and upgrading/modding the players and hearing what if any differences they can make. The LP60x's to my knowledge only offer stylus replacements, which is a curse for me because Im limited to what I can mess with lol. Blessing for the wallet though. The main blessing however, is that I dont need to. Even when setup via bluetooth to a decent set of speakers(which works quite well too), the audio quality is comparable if not better than the heavily modded tables Ive owned or heard in the past. I'm still astonished by this little player after some time of ownership and the excessive use it sees.
Great review!
Just bought the AudioTechnica LP60x (basic no Bluetooth). More than happy and it sounds great with my 25 year old Yamaha amp! I'll upgrade to an external phono amp in the coming months.
Great job; focused on the positives and basics that reassured me on making an informed choice as a newbies.
Audio techna all the way! It never disappoints
Thanks so much for this honest review with recommendations. It really helped me choose the right turntable for a gift
Loved the video, great info. That's the one I'm going to buy. It's perfect for my needs. I watched while having a cup of tea. ☕
That you so much for this. I want to try to get into records because I love music but I am not ready to drop thousands of dollars on a hobby I may get sick of within a few months.
Excellent and straight to the point. Nice video!
I received a Crosley Cruiser Plus for Christmas, and I was, fortunately, able to return it so I could buy an AT-LP60X. I really like it. If you're thinking of getting the Crosley for yourself or as a gift for someone else, skip it. I used mine, and the music sounded drunk. The AT sounds correct.
I've wanted a turntable for years ever since I saw my uncle had one when I was little. I've researched the best and worst ones to buy that are affordable because I don't have heaps of money to spend. I had a feeling you'd talk about the Audio Technica turntable bc that is the one I was thinking of getting. My number 1 wish for my 18th next year is to get a turntable
I love how the “wee cup of coffee” ends up changing. HAHAHA! Great video and my first one regarding playing vinyl. Thanks!
Don’t be afraid to go the used route either! Many years ago I picked up a Numark TT-1700 belt-drive turntable from a pawnshop. It’s a DJ model - fully manual with adjustable anti-skate and counterweight. I stuck on a Grado cartridge and got an external Art phono preamp, and a few anti-slip mats. Total investment was about $200, and it sounds superb. Belt-drive is the way to go if you’re concerned about sound quality and reducing motor hum.
I appreciate the cheaper recs as I’m on a students budget 😅. Definitely care more about having the records for now and can upgrade the player down the road!
Thank you so much for this. It's incredibly helpful, easy to follow, and very pleasantly delivered. I'm completely new to vinyl and this was exactly what I needed
I just ordered an Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK Fully Automatic Bluetooth Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable!! thank you so much for your video.
A good, down to earth video for those just starting out. Personally, I'd would have recommended going up a notch to AT LP 120 line. BTW, I use the legendary AT 33 Carts. I spin 3 Technics turntables, including 2 broadcast models, the SP-15 and SP-25. I've been doing this a while.
My local used market is flooded with victorinox and crosley players. I think it supports everything you said. Thanks for the insights.
I am glad you were able to take some time off of your coffee drinking schedule to talk about record players
An actually informative bloke, kudos to you bud and thanks for the reccomendation ❤
Definitely helped me pick out something relatively affordable.
And subscribed
You sold me on my buy. Thank you buddy!! 😊
You had me at “Bendigo”, I’m going to get what you said. Thanks chaps!
First video and dude… very helpful. Thank you
I just bought a Sony PS-LX310BT and it is great! Super easy to set up, comes pre balanced and with anti-skate already set up. I have it connected to my sound bar via Bluetooth and it sounds great!
i bought my player before watching this. I bought the Audio Technica AT-LP60XBT you recommended before watching this video & i can definitely say I'm very proud of my purchase! Next Up some good quality speakers!
A one-time purchase of a wall mounted turntable stand, one that is screwed/bolted into the wall joists, never gets old. It makes every table sound more coherent. Pangea has one for $200USD. It is for music more than for hifi. Huge value.
I love my 60X. I’m not a huge Audio head but wanted something easy to use that sounded good from the go. It was the perfect set up for me and I’ve been using it for years now.
Only issue was them sending me a used damaged model to start 🤷🏻♂️
Great job, useable information. I followed your recommendation, and followed you as well.
I came here looking at the Crosley and the Victrola suitcase players because I find the design to be cute, however, I didn’t fully consider the impacts it would have on my records because of a sub-par stylus and overextending the base. Thank you for enlightening me.
Thanks for the sound advice 🙂
Excellent video, thank you so much!
Thank you man I remember I wore out my first record on a crappy suitcase and never got any of my other ones back out again. Knowing all this I’m going to go out and buy a vynil of the bends again and order all of this equipment
First timer here, ashamed to say i believed amazon reviews and bought a suitcase player. It arrived today and i cant get through a single song on any of the records without it skipping at least 2 times, i tried all the advice to fix it and nada. i paid 55 for it 😂 feeling like an idiot im here now bc im gonna return that junk and get something better.
Just bought an at-lp60x after watching your video and very happy with it. Also bought edifier r1280db active speakers for it.
Big jump in sound quality after my first Alive turntable, thank you :)
I have a pro-ject T1. It's a bit cheaper than the debut carbon series players but it's still a great player. It's in between the entry-level turntables and audiophile turntables. This means you might have to spend a bit more but this player will last you a lot longer. You can always upgrade the stylus but in my opinion, the Ortofon 5e which is included is already enough for most folks.
I love how the T1 is the perfect middle ground. Even in design. The T1 looks minimalistic but also premium.
Sure, it's not for everyone. But for anyone who wants to take a serious step into record collecting while saving some cash to actually start collecting, the T1 is my first recommendation.
My first turntable and last is the pro-ject debut carbon evo and after years of use it is still a great one. After years I bought Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 speakers. It sounded even better with those.
I almost bought a suitcase turntable today. I just bought my very first records …And Justice For All and Ride the Lightning from Metallica. Thanks for the help.
Love my 60X! Looks good, sounds great and a price point that can’t be beat. It was my first turntable, my go-to and most likely the only one I’ll ever purchase in the future…
Love the "2nd beer portion"/3rd drink comes into the vid 2 minutes in after expressing only wanting to drink one small coffee.
Great review! All good points! Crosley suitcases aren't gonna be the best but there's definitive proof they won't "destroy" the vinyl but they probably won't be great either...they also have some great higher end options that aren't going to break the bank however probably not beginner players.
I'm always keen to spend more one something I'm not going to want to sell a few years down the track. LP60x is great in that regard
Cheers for the comment though I don't know what you mean? I only had one tiny coffee in the 8 minutes I spend recording this 8 minute video ;)
And yeah I probably laid it on a bit thick against crossley. The LP60X just seems to get the balance right. Probably something I should have mentioned is that you do have a crossley there is no need to panic, a lot of the noise that people hear on them is usually the player degrading instead of the records. A Ruby or Sapphire stylus last about 25 - 50 hours of play before needing replaced, a diamond stylus will get you about 1000 hours of play time. The Crossley's probably give you a bit less because the counterweight is a bit off.
Records are also lot more durable than people make out. A good, clean and some decent inner sleeves do wonders regardless of the player you are using. I'd put my money there instead of on a fancy player.
Very clear. Many thanks
You get a 3600L, not an A95E catrige with the LP60! No problem though, just sounds fine. Best recommendation for beginners at the moment. I am totally with you.
Literally my first turntable to buy video.
Thanks for the video! Really helpful :)
I honestly prefer getting my gear used. There can be awesome, older gear that still works absolutely fine for real cheap. Started out with a Technics SL-Q200 that I bought for 50$CAD...later got a Pioneer PL-12D for my vintage listening setup...both work wonders for me, for the money!
the SL-Q200 is a great turntable, I snagged one about two years ago for $25, definitely worth it!
Great video ! Only reason I have a project debut carbon evo now is because of some amazing black friday sales :) found this video rlly interesting
I got an LP3BK for $200. No BT, but has a few other features that I liked. Set it up in just a few minutes and it sounds fantastic. I do sorta miss the BT option though, so I might be getting an external phono amp at some point.
I love the Audio Technica Lp60xbt I have the original LP60 but I’m thinking about getting the Lp60xbt version one day
Thank u!!! This really helped dawg 🙏🏼❤️❤️
I have the discontinued model from Audiotechnica (the AT-LP60, not the 'X') brand new years ago for like $100 and the only problem I've had with it was that it was spinning too fast. I don't know much about turntables, but I looked up the fix, tinkered with the actuator screw with some help with a table speed app on my phone, and it sounds perfect now.
Very informative video! I was hoping for just a couple of more options though, maybe in the future could recommend some others for those interested in a mid-range model?
Would love a follow up video on pairing speakers for the Lp60
On it's way (albiet very delayed)
staring at my carts full of video game soundtracks in record form i am struggling to justify buying more without having a player lmao!
thanks to you i can now buy those records guilt free knowing what player to buy.... eventually
Just got a suitcase player(exact same type that I had before that broke on me) for Christmas and immediately found problems. This video has shown me that I should probably kindly return it and get an Audio Technica. I’m no regular to vinyls by any means, but I want my collection to last
Got the lp60x for Christmas and so far I luv it
Great informative video! I made the mistake of buying a suitcase record player in my early 20's and really regret it. Sure enough it broke. it was so poorly made so i gave it away for free for somone else to fix and enjoy. I've gone a long time without a player and was considering the AT-LP60X. Feeling confident about this purchase now after watching your video. Thank you!
Any update on the AT-LP60X?
I sprung for the LP120X and couldn't be happier
Wow thanks for this, great video, great information, really appreciate it didn't take you 30mins to explain either
Great video, thanks.
I just recently bought a REKKORD F400, which is really great.
I got a big ben one that's pretty much considered as shitty as the suitcases type of record player, and also you could play CD's, and the radio on it and the thing lasted me for 9 whole years! the arm stopped working properly after that and the sound was completely deformed and well the speakers weren't incredible either so I finally got rid of it and now am looking to actually get something nicer! And I had no idea how crappy those all in one players were until I started digging haha. I was 13 years old when getting my first record player so it makes sense. But honestly I spent hours laying on the floor listening to my fav records on this thing so my standards are pretty low I think the audio technica or the other sony that people recommend will be a great change in comparison if I find some nice speakers with it. It will already feel like a luxury for me honestly to spend 350/400 it would be so unnecessary for me to spend more on some super high tech stuff. Thank you for this video because it reassured me that I can still get into records the "right" way without having excessive funds for it
Loved this intro to vinyl setups! I'm still unclear about how the entire set up comes together. Any tips or a specific guide that could help me out?"
Video guide coming soon to a CZcams channel near you
I remember using RecordBuilds for my first set up - they have a few which are a pretty comprehensive guide for the basics to get you started.
I am playing vinyl since 2018 (Began when I was around 19).
For me I used a combi from BigBen with a CD player inside of it, I changed out the stylus for a diamond one and used it for like 1 year. I enjoyed it for all the months I used it.
I used another turntable from Philips from the 70''s for 2 years till the tonearm completely broke down and used another JVC 80's stereo which I used for like 3 years before it stopped being useful and starting to downgrade in sound.
Both of the 2nd hands were like 30 euro''s each.
I now bought a Audio Technica LP3XBT and like how easy it is to switch the stylus out.
The tonearm will drop like a rock after using it for a few months but this can easily be fixed by using some oil on the outside of the black plastic that lifts the tonearm.
Even after 6 years of playing almost daily I am still not in the need of something like a Technics.
I spend 330 euro''s on the Audio Technica LP3XBT and I suspect it to be around for another few years to come.
I have an AT-LP60 and a set of Edifier shelf speakers.
Not an audiophile setup, but its great for home listening on the cheap.
I got myself a music station and restored it in like 2 Days of work and it works great. (it's probably from the 70s, came from east germany.
Id even suggest getting one of those school record players from the 80s. Built to last, with booming sound
My first turntable, still my current one five years later, was the LP120x. I think that was worth it because I upgraded the stylus to the Microline one (just slid it off and on) and that made it sound much more detailed and 3D. You can’t upgrade the stylus on the LP60x to even one that sounds as good as the one that comes stock with LP120x (which sounds worse). I have heard the conical stylus that comes with the LP60x (I have the blue conical one for my turntable, which is the same, and it sounds too flat). My friend has an LP60 and he’s frustrated that he can’t upgrade it. I just think buying that low is a dead end. Buy cheap, buy twice.
Love my LP60. No complaints.
I love that youve got a new drink in every scene ahaha
I got the LP60X as my first turntable and I am so glad I picked this one up. This does everything I need and was easy to set up and start playing some music. I’m just using an aux cable running from the analog port in the pack to the speaker system I have for my tv (just a sound bar with a sub that’s connected by Bluetooth).
Are there any intro level speakers on par with the LP60X value that you would recommended? That’s my next purchase. I live near St Pete, FL where Banana Records is - apparently the largest collection of new and used vinyl on earth (3.5 Million) - I’m excited to go check it out and get lost.
Love the channel - got a sub from me!
I found a great deal on the audio technica mentioned in this video, Im just wondering if buying a used player is risky? Im upgrading from a suitcase player because I have one of my dream records and dont wanna risk damage
Solid video!
Wow, thank you so much for this. Good advice to the point, and you gave Australian references! Oh, but your wee coffee changed cups...
But it also depends on who buys a vinyl player for the first time. if it is a person who, for example, has a stereo system for $3000 and buys a cheap vinyl player, there is a risk that he will say Vinyl is BS Never again. because he might have a $500 CD player. If he buys a vinyl player player that does not produce as good sound or as large a stereo image, he will be dissatisfied, especially if it is a person who has lots of SACD and DVD Audio and Hi-res files
great info on turntables, but, sir, that espresso cup, where did that come from? Great design, and I want a set. please share the info. thnx.
0:43 switches his tiny cup of coffee for a huge mug 😂☕
Then a beer 🍺 how long did it take to make the video?😂😂
My first and so far only turntable is the Denon DP300F. I got it on a sale on Amazon for like 200-300€ great player in my opinion
Thanks for the video! Out of curiosity, what have you been drinking this video?
Every time I go to Barnes and Noble and people come there to get a record player they take my advice and buy the Audio Technica Lp60xbt instead of the Crosleys and Victrolas
Great video. I was thinking about getting a small collection of video game ost vinyls and I need something to play them with... Well the audio technica seemes a good option and connencting my bookshelf speakes with bluetooth seems convenient.
Thank you so much. It is very helpful. I just bought a new "entry" level player, with an entry level $50 album, f#&k me, that I've already paid for on cass, cd and again now. But wow, that's what it costs I guess to be a fan.
great vid tjhanks bro
LP60x is great, I ended up deciding to go a bit higher up and went for the LP3x which is somewhere between the LP60x and the LP120x
I have a Audio Technica LP60X-USB and I found that instead of turning at 33.3 rpm it was running at 34.9 rpm. My records sounded too high pitched and slightly odd. Luckily there is an adjuster underneath the deck that requires a tiny screwdriver to adjust the speed. I've got it set to the correct speed now but be aware this could be a problem. There are apps such as RPM you can use on your mobile phone to measure the rotation speed of your turntable.
There is Turntable with good sound which is easy to set up. where you screw in the weight until it stops and you don't need to do anything else an example is rega planar 1 or if it was the cheapest model from Fluance
I found a turntable online called a "marley stir it up" turntable
It's made from bamboo and it has an adjustable counter weight and anti skate. It's a little small compare to other turntables but it has a full size platter and you can change the cartridge or needle to your liking.
It's worth less than the lp60 probably because it's made from recicled matterials (from what i've heard) and that's what makes it cheaper than the lp60
Did you buy it? Is it good?
Decent table the Marley! Fairly confident the use the same audio technica stylus. Here is Oz it retails about $80 more than the LP60 though but I'd say its a great choice for a first table
@@Bendigorecords oh okay, thank you!!
Yooooo tysm for commenting about these I'm totally gonna get one now!
Hello. I am a slightly different case. I know absolutely nothing in audio technique concerning vinyl turntables. On the other hand, I have used turntables for a very large part of my life, that is to say for 20 years and probably beyond. We had a high-quality turntable at my parents' house with an ultra-light arm, etc. I am a music lover particularly connoisseur of classical music (and to a lesser extent of Jazz of the '30s, '40s and '50s) and i know musicology. So I have specific expectations in terms of sound quality or rendering. Not perfection of course (many of these recordings are quite old) but still sound perspective and clear sound.
I own around 300 to 400 vinyls of often prestigious versions of classic vinyls that would be extremely difficult to find again, so one of my main criteria is to damage these vinyls as little as possible (examples of labels: Deutsche Grammophone, Columbia records, Decca London, RCA, EMI, Philips, Hungaroton, Telefunken, etc.).
I already have a turntable for almost 2 years that I bought at a second-hand price and which has been completely restored (changed belt, internal cleaning, change of certain components, new needle, etc.) by a large specialized shop, it's a Technics SL-D2 which must date from the 80s perhaps. I use with this turntable 2 other pieces of equipment also bought at bargain prices, that is to say a NAD 3020i amplifier (same generation) and very good speakers.
I use an antistatic brush with synthetic fibers for the maintenance of my vinyls. For the needle, I use 2 "styus cleaner" products from Audio-Technica AT617a: their "tacky gel" and their fluid and brush". When sometimes the purchased vinyl is really dirty, I first resort to demineralised water.
Considering my profile described here, which frame model would you recommend ? Because I would like one day to procure a record player brand new.
Congratulations for your excellent video.
Hello. Could you recommend a turntable which is safe for the collection and has built in speakers?
i´m not an anglo speaker and i just know a little advanced english but it is was a little difficult to understand your australian accent and still understanded, thank you very much for this video.
Thanks for the video, do you recommend a set of speakers for a reasonable price with this record player please and thank you
if i buy the l60 x will i get good stereo seperation from records ? this is important to me because i want to sample a few records which have the snare bouncing around and i want the maximum punch from that
What do you think about the Technics SL12** MK2? I know it is mainly used by DJ´s but it was not initially made for this right?
I started a long long time ago with a Garrard then a Dual and eventually a Rega which I have now had for nearly 40 years. I think you should spend as much money as you possibly can and remember your set up is only as good as its weakest link. This is just my opinion.