Why not just play them on your main system? You are not going to damage the cartridge, if you have properly cleaned the LPs, even if they are scratchy due to excessive wear.
Inexpensive turntable to play old records
I am looking for an inexpensive turntable to play old records that are not in the best shape but very important to me. I have a lot invested in my vinyl rig and I am about 80% vinyl system. Running a VPI Prime 21 - Hana Umami Blue combo into a Manley Chinook. My dad passed in early January and I found all his old Elvis records when cleaning at my mom's house. He loved his Elvis records and they traveled with him while he was in the military in Germany and Korea, so they are not in the best shape and I would not feel safe running them on the Umami Blue. I cleaned them up and put them in sleeves to preserve them. For me, it would just be cool to hear the same records my dad loved and traveled with him in the the army. Was thinking of an inexpensive table with a phono pre that I can just plug into my Primaluna Integrated and not have to disconnect my VPI from the Chinook. I mean this is really only something I might plug in a couple times a years for sentimental reasons. Would like to keep it under 250-300. Any thoughts?
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This should fit the bill. And it’s only 150 bucks!AT-LP60XWhether you’re just getting into records, rediscovering a record collection long since buried away or simply adding a turntable to complete your system, the AT-LP60X fully automatic belt-drive turntable is an excellent choice. This affordable, easy-to-use turntable plays both 33-1/3 and 45 RPM records and, with its built-in switchable phono preamp, can be connected directly to your home stereo, powered speakers, computer and other components, whether they have a dedicated phono input or not.
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OP I always recommend an Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB (several variations) as being a darn good starter TT. Direct Drive. Removable Headshell. It has optional Phono EQ (I liked it better than my McIntosh C28’s phono). It now comes with
which has 6 interchangeable stylus. One advantage is replacing the stylus, the MM cartridge body remains factory aligned Another advantage of removable headshells: allows alternate headshell(s) for MONO Cartridge; others you may own. .............................
lewm I was selling LPs, giving farewell listens. I realized I was putting unneccesary wear on my good stylus. I started playing with a MM with replaceable stylus, Shure 97xe, my favorite elliptical. Always used ones for sale
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Sorry about your Dad. Here’s another ‘table from AT, this one offered on Drop with some nice features like a carbon fiber tonearm, AT-VM95E MM phono cartridge, VTA adjustment, MDF plinth, and a nice walnut veneer that looks nicer than most ‘tables in this price range IMHO. This turntable gets consistently excellent reviews from Drop customers and is actually $30 cheaper than the Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN it’s based on that I don’t think even offers the VTA adjustment. Best of luck, and enjoy Elvis!
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Follow the Manual Cleaning Method in the Link. There is a very very good end result and the Albums will, in relation to their cleanliness be possibly the cleanest they have ever been. This might change ones thoughts on the condition and encourage many of the collection to be considered to be replayed using any Cart'.
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I am sure that with proper care the damage to your main system will be almost nil. However…the old records might sound more involving on a less expensive rig. These records were mixed with the assumption that the main listening would be either on AMradio , a jukebox, or the inexpensive gear of the day. I listen primarily to Classical Music, but when I am in the mood for popular music from the fifties through the mid seventies while I always appreciate the higher detail that my current system allows, the music just sounds more natural to me over something like Bluetooth or an entry level analog system | |
Uturn audio builds a nice turntable in USA for low $$$$. I've run one to death banging the worse $1.00 records to get a kick out of some nostalgia inspiring LP's. I did put an Ortofon Blue in just because I did want to hear something. Its good enough for those LP's you'd be scared to play otherwise. They can come with built in pre amp if you can allow yourself to compromise even to that extent. (I couldn't go that far! LP snob, I admit) Its been left spinning for endless hours on the same belt for ever. (Stylus up) 3 or 4 years old now (Third cartridge) Gravel is hard on a stylus | |
