A Beginners Guide to Buying Your First Turntable

[sachu888]

In my limited exposure to TTs and in my personal opinion, I do not think that the auto mechanism interferes with the SQ. What I understand is that the auto mechanism engages only when it is called for and is not kept in contact of the tonearm while playing a record. This is strictly for an optical auto mechanism which engages & dis-engages by using optical sensors. Not have much idea if the mechanical mechanisms can induce permanent noise or vibrations to the tonearm.

It does affect in SQ.You can disable auto mechanism from your TT by removing white plastic disc under your TT.It solved feedback problem in my case and made the background more quieter.You will definitely feel the difference.
You can also try different tonearms in manual TTs.Its not possible in fully auto TTs without major modification.

Regards,
Sachin

 

[reubensm]

yes, auto mechanisms definitely effect the SQ, its not because of the extra levers and how they engage, its about alignment. Automechanisms usually make it difficult for one to maintain critical alignment (which is very important from a TT's perspective), especially with the tonearm. In the olden times, we used to run to the TT to advoid the auto-return from engaging (especially with 78s) on our old Garrard as it would violently shake up the whole tonearm and literally throw it back to base. Again, this is subjective and would vary from model to model, auto mechanism to auto mechanism and turntable speed used (the higher the speed, the more violent, especially on the older Garrards).

 

[sureshkn]

Hi,
Recently I have asked my friend to buy Audio Technica AT-LP60 from US. It supports only 33-1/3 and 45 RPM records. Not having 78 RPM will be a problem ?

I am planning to listen to Indian film songs & some western classicals (yet to buy records, though).

Thanks,
Suresh.

 

[Record Player]

Hi,
Recently I have asked my friend to buy Audio Technica AT-LP60 from US. It supports only 33-1/3 and 45 RPM records. Not having 78 RPM will be a problem ?

I am planning to listen to Indian film songs & some western classicals (yet to buy records, though).

Thanks,
Suresh.

Definitely not a problem. Though some TTs have the capability to play all 3 rpms, you need a seperate Ceramic Cartridge to play 78rpm shellac records.

Unless you have a large collection of Shellac 78s to play, then you may have to think of other options.

Your buying of records will mostly comprise of 33rpms and 45rpms is what I assume!!

 

[reubensm]

Hi,
Recently I have asked my friend to buy Audio Technica AT-LP60 from US. It supports only 33-1/3 and 45 RPM records. Not having 78 RPM will be a problem ?

I am planning to listen to Indian film songs & some western classicals (yet to buy records, though).

Thanks,
Suresh.

Not having 78rpm is definnitely a problem but only if you have some 78rpm records in your collection. Also kindly note that simply having the 78rpm speed option on your TT is not enough anyways, you'd need a 78rpm stylus and compatible cart to go with it. If your collection will eventually be limited to LP records (33 1/3 rpm) and EP/45s (33 1/3 or 45 rpm), then just forget about the 78 rpm aspect. If you are keen Hindi OST fan, then some of the very old film titles are available on 78rpm records so that might be something you'd probably need to keep in mind. Welcome to the wonderful world of vinyl. Enjoy the music!

 

[Saket]

Hi,
Recently I have asked my friend to buy Audio Technica AT-LP60 from US. It supports only 33-1/3 and 45 RPM records. Not having 78 RPM will be a problem ?

I am planning to listen to Indian film songs & some western classicals (yet to buy records, though).

Thanks,
Suresh.

Should be fine. But you will need a step down transformer to conform to 110V AC supply which is needed for the model. Since, it has a DC motor, the frequency should not be an issue.

 

[sureshkn]

Thank you Record Player, reubensm & Saket. I will post a query about speaker selection. Please help...