Vinyl

[MMcC]

What should I look for in a quality turntable? There's not too many new ones on the market these days (amazon, best buy) that are just straight up record players. Most come with the USB option, which does not appeal to me in the least, and I guess there are some sold for DJ purposes (also not interested). So what makes a good record player? Manual vs automatic? Cartridges/needles? I'd love to hear some thoughts.

I've had a sony ps lx250h fully automatic that I have to take in to get repaired because my brother in law treated it as a manual (I think that's why). I'm also taking in my dad's old school fully manual sony for a repair also.

So as long as the repairs are reasonable and satisfactory, I won't be buying a turntable too soon, but if not I need to know how to make the next purchase.

Also, assuming the repair of my auto sony goes well, how do I know when it's time for a new cartridge?

[The Golden Boy]

Back in 1988 I got a "linear tracking" turntable, because those were supposed to be all kinds of awesome.

I regret that decision to this day. I wish I'd have gotten a the Technics table that I passed over because I wanted that linear tracking garbage. Go with one that you can pick the arm up with your hand and place it where you want it.

[Philbiker]

Treating a fully automatic turntable as a manual should not cause any problems. You never need a new cartridge unless the one you have is broke. You should replace the needle/stylus on occasion. www.needledoctor.com has replacement needles and cartridges and turntables. There are many models on the market.

[Deluge Of Sound]

Check out these threads:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f30/where-start-record-player-phonograph-275270/#post3346260
Recomend me a budget turntable (that still sounds better than a good cd player)

Lots of good info.