USB Turntables - need reccomendations

[znfdl]

My youngeest son has discovered my vinly record collection.

Can anyone reccomend a good USB turntable.....

Thanks.

[xjoex]

Numark makes a nice one. I have the non USB version, the PT01

Here is the USB one, the PT01USB: Amazon.com: Numark PT01USB Turntable: Musical Instruments

-Joe

Also because who doesn't like a picture of a turntable?

[zetroc]

I did some research on this topic a while back and while I didn't end up buying one (yet... my old JVC is still doing fine) I pretty much decided on a Pro-ject Debut III USB. Great reviews everywhere, and while it's not cheap at $500, it should last a long time. Skip the $50 and $100 Target/Walmart specials.

manufacturer's website:

Pro-Ject Audio Systems


reviews:

Test Report: Pro-Ject Debut III USB turntable | Sound and Vision Magazine

Pro-Ject Debut III Phono USB Turntable | Gear Patrol

Pro-Ject Debut III USB Turntable | Home Theater

[maunahaole]

I am interested in the Music Hall USB - any glaring problems with that according to the reviews? I'd love to get some of my vinyl digitized.

[znfdl]

I was looking at the following, but the Pro-Ject looks pretty amazing. I have a bund of the old master vinly recordings...

AT-LP240-USB

The AT-LP240-USB is a superbly made high-performance USB turntable designed for home use. The turntable’s USB output allows direct connection to a computer without any special drivers, making it easy to transfer records to digital music files that can be played back on a portable audio device. Built to deliver exceptional sound, the AT-LP240-USB utilizes a direct-drive high-torque multi-pole motor for unwavering speed stability, and features an S-shaped tone arm with adjustable tracking force and anti-skate adjustment and removable cartridge mount, and a damped cast-aluminum platter with a felt slip mat.

The AT-LP240-USB plays back 33-1/3, 45 and 78 RPM records. Its built-in phono preamp enables the turntable to be connected to a wide variety of music and home entertainment systems, powered speakers, and to A/V receivers that do not include a dedicated phono input. The turntable includes PC- and Mac-compatible Audacity® software that converts the audio on a record to MP3, WAV or other format digital audio files.

Features:
•USB output—no special drivers required for direct connection to your computer
•Direct drive high-torque multi-pole motor
•Selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds
•Selectable internal stereo phono pre-amplifier
•S-shaped tone arm assembly with:
Adjustable counterweight
Anti-skate adjustment
Tone arm height adjustment and lock
Tone arm lift with hydraulic action and lift lever
Tone arm rest with locking mechanism
•Stroboscopic platter and speed accuracy indicator
•Damped cast aluminum record platter with slip mat
•Start/stop button
•Removable stylus target light
•45-RPM adapter
•Adjustable feet for leveling
•Removable dust cover
•Dedicated ground lug for tone arm grounding

Specifications:

Type 3-speed, fully manual operation
Motor 16-pole, 3-phase, brushless DC motor
Drive Method Direct Drive Direct drive
Speeds 33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM
Turntable Platter 332 mm dia. die-cast aluminum
Starting Torque >4.5 kgf.cm
Braking System Electronic brake
Wow and Flutter < 0.1% WRMS (JIS WTD) with 33 RPM
Signal-to-Noise Ratio > 55 dB (DIN-B)
Output Level Pre-amp "PHONO": 2.5 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec (HP-4005)
Pre-amp "LINE": 150 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec (HP-4005)
USB Function A/D, D/A - 16 bit 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz USB selectable;
Computer interface - USB 1.1 Compliant Windows XP or above or MAC OSX or above
Power Supply Requirements 120V AC, 60 Hz
Power Consumption 11W
Dimensions 450.0 mm (17.72") W x 353.0 mm (13.90") D x 166.5 mm (6.56") H
Weight 12.2 kg (26.9 lbs.)
Accessories Included Slip mat; dust cover; platter; 45 RPM adapter; counterweight; headshell; power cord; USB cable; dual RCA (female) to 1/8" (3.5 mm) mini-plug (male) stereo adapter cable; dual RCA (female) to 1/8" (3.5 mm) mini-plug (female) stereo adapter cable; dual RCA (male) cable with integrated ground wire; stylus target light; Audacity software (CD)

[znfdl]

Numark makes a nice one. I have the non USB version, the PT01

Here is the USB one, the PT01USB: Amazon.com: Numark PT01USB Turntable: Musical Instruments

-Joe

Also because who doesn't like a picture of a turntable?

I do miss the old days of turntables......

[Jacques]

If you already have a good turntable, you could just get a decent DAC ans save a bunch of money. I've used my m-audio firewire to rip records with great success.

[zetroc]

I am interested in the Music Hall USB - any glaring problems with that according to the reviews? I'd love to get some of my vinyl digitized.

While I haven't looked into it thoroughly the Music Hall USB-1 seems to get decent reviews, though at half the price of the Pro-ject, I don't think it would be an equal performer. The Pro-ject has a better cartridge out of the box. Looks like the build quality differs as well, but for the price you'd be hard-pressed to beat the Music Hall.

Review: Music Hall USB-1 Turntable | Crasstalk

The Entry Level #5 Page 3 | Stereophile.com

Music Hall USB 1 Turntable « They Still Press Vinyl

[PJN]

I've got the non-usb Pro-ject Debut III. I'm happy with it and would recommend it.

[sonny]

just get a decent DAC ans save a bunch of money.

nice used table
new grado cartridge
good DAC

you're in business atmo

[randonneur]

yup, sonny and jacques have it right.

The new usb turntables are pretty crappy sonically. Most dj decks are more concerned with torque than sound quality.

These days, with a good audio interface you don't even need to get a phono amp, the software will do it for you. just pick up a good quality used turntable if you don't already have one and a quality cartridge. Then just plug your turntable and ground right into it and you're good to go.

I've got one of these and i find it suits my needs, but if you're really picky about sound quality this or this will probably do a better job. Mind you, they also cost 2x to 4x as much as the first one linked.

[znfdl]

I do not have a tutntable. Thanks for the DAC advice.

[dang]

I do not have a tutntable. Thanks for the DAC advice.

Brother S -- you can borrow my old VPI turntable for a couple of weeks if you want. I keep meaning to set it up again, now that the kids are older, but it's just sitting now, as it has been for a while (decent arm, good cartridge -- should be all good).

With the USB tables, I can tell you only that that bottom of the market blows. I picked up a budget model at Costco a couple of years ago or so and ended up taking it back in disgust. Tracking was terrible. Frankly everything was bad. Remember the cheapest turntable that Dual ever made back when you were in college? That Dual wouldn't cross the street to spit on the USB table that I bought.

[Britishbane]

If you already have a good turntable, you could just get a decent DAC ans save a bunch of money. I've used my m-audio firewire to rip records with great success.

Times a billion. If you've got a good table get a soundcard for your computer (or a fancy DAC) use audacity (free) and you're set. Much MUCH better sound quality and flexibility. In my experience USB tables are bad juju.

[Britishbane]

With the USB tables, I can tell you only that that bottom of the market blows. I picked up a budget model at Costco a couple of years ago or so and ended up taking it back in disgust. Tracking was terrible. Frankly everything was bad. Remember the cheapest turntable that Dual ever made back when you were in college? That Dual wouldn't cross the street to spit on the USB table that I bought.

Just think what these things are doing to your (sometimes) irreplaceable LPs.

To the OP, if you've kept your records for all these years, even without a table, they must mean something to you. Do it right and get a setup that allows for proper adjustment so that a hard mineral point isnt bouncing all over your plastic disks.

I'm in the NOVA area and would be happy to show you how I record and/or help you set a turntable and cart.

[znfdl]

Brother S -- you can borrow my old VPI turntable for a couple of weeks if you want. I keep meaning to set it up again, now that the kids are older, but it's just sitting now, as it has been for a while (decent arm, good cartridge -- should be all good).

With the USB tables, I can tell you only that that bottom of the market blows. I picked up a budget model at Costco a couple of years ago or so and ended up taking it back in disgust. Tracking was terrible. Frankly everything was bad. Remember the cheapest turntable that Dual ever made back when you were in college? That Dual wouldn't cross the street to spit on the USB table that I bought.

dan, I will be giving you a phone call... Thanks.

[rmplum]

A friend (and vinyl snob) recommended the Audio Technica AT-LP60 to me (with the upgraded ATN3600DLX stylus).

http://www.amazon.com/Technica-AT-LP...pr_product_top

My kids (2.5 and 5.5) are starting to really enjoy playing all the old records we have - and that's just playing them through a crappy old portable Fisher Price unit. I imagine running them through my Nak/NHT system with even a modest turntable would be even more fun.

Any thoughts on this unit? Yes I know it's silly cheap - but when my daughter is old enough to have her own stereo in her room, this wouldn't break my heart if it was used like that.

[Dorman]

Seriously cool thread guys. I've still got my B & O TX2 sitting and collecting dust. I'm gonna have to pick up one of those converters and get the collection on the computer. Thanks.

[davids]

Dang saved you from throwing your money away, Stu. The VPI will make your vinyl sound wonderful, and that will make your digital copies that much better. It may even make you want to get your own good TT and actually listen to your records again.

I've got enough CDs that I've got a large variety of music on my iPod and don't mind only being able to listen to what's on vinyl only at home. ...although I'd really like to listen to the first TMBG record in the car tonight. "She’s An Angel" has been playing in my head all morning...