Jensen jta 220

[dr.partha]

Dear friends,
Please advise me regarding buying a Jensen jta 220 . Actually my nephew (only 18 years old[emoji6]) has demanded a turntable as a birthday gift! I'm watching that he is gradually becoming a vinyl lover (of course this is a good hobby after all[emoji2][emoji2]). Now I'm thinking to present him an entry level tt. And now your valuable opinion is needed.
Hope you all will help me like before..
Regards,
Dr.Partha.

 

[peace_sells]

Dear friends,
Please advise me regarding buying a Jensen jta 220 . Actually my nephew (only 18 years old[emoji6]) has demanded a turntable as a birthday gift! I'm watching that he is gradually becoming a vinyl lover (of course this is a good hobby after all[emoji2][emoji2]). Now I'm thinking to present him an entry level tt. And now your valuable opinion is needed.
Hope you all will help me like before..
Regards,
Dr.Partha.

That particular Jensen model is priced at around 40$. It has a built in speaker + tuner + amplifier. I don't think that would make a very good first impression From what I've understood over the last 2 years (ever since I got into vinyl) is that one should never buy a turntable (new) below 250$

So if you don't want to spend that much on a birthday gift maybe you can buy him some of his favourite albums on vinyl for under 50$ (or maybe a box set!).

 

[reubensm]

On the contrary, I think it would be a good start. But obviously, he is going to find out very soon that this TT is very basic and want to upgrade. Instead of spending $40, why not try out a vintage HMV Fiesta or something on those lines. A very inexpensive way to start. Also, I believe that when introducing a newbie to vinyl, it is a good idea to accquaint him/her with vintage turntables/record players. Those who take the modern route often have to spend a lot to get into a decent quality zone. Those who are familiar with vintage can reach there with less effort and expenditure. When it comes to TTs, knowledge and experience with vintage is always a huge plus.

 

[peace_sells]

On the contrary, I think it would be a good start. But obviously, he is going to find out very soon that this TT is very basic and want to upgrade. Instead of spending $40, why not try out a vintage HMV Fiesta or something on those lines. A very inexpensive way to start. Also, I believe that when introducing a newbie to vinyl, it is a good idea to accquaint him/her with vintage turntables/record players. Those who take the modern route often have to spend a lot to get into a decent quality zone. Those who are familiar with vintage can reach there with less effort and expenditure. When it comes to TTs, knowledge and experience with vintage is always a huge plus.

Yes a vintage TT would be a great way to start of course. I myself started with a very nice vintage TT and now 1.5 years down the line..I'm still very happy with it. However it is risky. Buy it from someone who has good knowledge about turntables..not from raddiwalas Check out the sale section/Hifiads here at HFV. You might find something

 

[dr.partha]

Thanks my friends for your valuable opinions...I knew that I won't get better suggestions than HFV members'.
Particularly I want to give thanks to Mr.Reubensm who has always helped me when required. His valuable suggestions always have helped me on my vinyl journey. Thanks again Rubensm, my friend..

 

[dr.partha]

Another question I've in my mind. That particular model displays that it runs AC 110v main supply.. Now will it run here in India?

 

[reubensm]

Another question I've in my mind. That particular model displays that it runs AC 110v main supply.. Now will it run here in India?

The record player obviously has a power supply which is designed for 110volts operation. If it does not have a voltage switch to revert to 220 volts then you'll need to use a step-down transformer. As intimidating as this sounds, its actually very easy for a small record player. These plug-in 110volts converters or step down transformers are easily available at any Chinese toy shop. This record player would be rated at around 10-15 watts and this will run perfectly well with these step-down plug points. The cost may range between Rs.125 and Rs.200. Also since this record player is likely to have a DC motor, the frequency issue (60 Hz vs 50 Hz) issue will not come into play.

 

[dr.partha]

Thanks again my friend[emoji2]

 

[hildebrand]

I can understand why you would want to go for the Jensen-220. It is spanky new, a three speed and youngsters like to get something brand new. It would be a good idea to ask your nephew explaining pros and cons of new turntable and old one. Let him make the choice!
I would recommend myself to go for a good vintage turntable as a gift. It would turn out more economical.
I had myself toyed with the idea of this turntable having seen it on New Gramophone House website. I saw some not so good reviews on amazon etc and then went for used turntables. The first one gave me lots of trouble wrt speeds (though its sound was wonderful) but later getting more from a good source, enhanced the experience.

 

[sunder]

The record player obviously has a power supply which is designed for 110volts operation. If it does not have a voltage switch to revert to 220 volts then you'll need to use a step-down transformer. As intimidating as this sounds, its actually very easy for a small record player. These plug-in 110volts converters or step down transformers are easily available at any Chinese toy shop. This record player would be rated at around 10-15 watts and this will run perfectly well with these step-down plug points. The cost may range between Rs.125 and Rs.200. Also since this record player is likely to have a DC motor, the frequency issue (60 Hz vs 50 Hz) issue will not come into play.

Reubensm, what would be the suitable step down voltage converter for the US model of Technics SL-D2 TT?. Will there be any speed issue in this player by using with voltage converter here in India? Should we use an 'Isolated Transformer'? or Is regular one enough? Thank you.
Cheers?

 

[sachu888]

Reubensm, what would be the suitable step down voltage converter for the US model of Technics SL-D2 TT?. Will there be any speed issue in this player by using with voltage converter here in India? Should we use an 'Isolated Transformer'? or Is regular one enough? Thank you.
Cheers?

Most of the Technics TT's have voltage adjustment for 220V and 110V inside.You can use step down transformer if no provision for voltage adjustment.It will not have any effect in speed,since it has a DC motor.

Regards,
Sachin

 

[sunder]

Most of the Technics TT's have voltage adjustment for 220V and 110V inside.You can use step down transformer if no provision for voltage adjustment.It will not have any effect in speed,since it has a DC motor.

Regards,
Sachin

Hello Sachin, thank you. My fear is cleared now. I wish to get an Isolation Transformer voltage converter. Thank you.
Regards.
sunder.

 

[dr.partha]

Now the jensen 220 has come. At first sight, I didn't like it at all. However, I put a lp, adjusted the rpm and carefully place the stylus. After a few seconds, the playback started. I WAS REALLY SURPRISED BY THE SOUND! It's quite nice, no speed issues. I attached it to a 5.1 system and switched off the internal speakers. I got another surprise... Very nice sound again came out.
Though it's not comparable with any vintage (even my techniques atlp 60 or denon dp29f,300f are far better) , but I've loved it..
Putting some picture below. Please have a look..

 

[dr.partha]

The record player obviously has a power supply which is designed for 110volts operation. If it does not have a voltage switch to revert to 220 volts then you'll need to use a step-down transformer. As intimidating as this sounds, its actually very easy for a small record player. These plug-in 110volts converters or step down transformers are easily available at any Chinese toy shop. This record player would be rated at around 10-15 watts and this will run perfectly well with these step-down plug points. The cost may range between Rs.125 and Rs.200. Also since this record player is likely to have a DC motor, the frequency issue (60 Hz vs 50 Hz) issue will not come into play.

Thanks Mr.reubensm for your valuable suggestion. And yes, I've obtained a step down transformer for it..[emoji1]