Turntable advice please?

broona

broona

broona

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I've just set up a suitcase type turntable that I got for Christmas, it sounds terrible through its built in speakers, so I bought myself a set of Edifier R1855DB active speakers, and it sounds far, far better.

I've already got the upgrade bug, and I'm tempted to get a better but still reasonably budget turntable to replace the briefcase one.

Is it worth doing, or would the speakers hold back a half decent turntable? I haven't got the space for separates, and just want a nice simple setup, but also happy just to stick with what I've got for now if an upgrade isn't going to be worthwhile.
 
Thank you so much for the in depth and informative reply, some interesting reading.

The speakers are currently connected to the phono output on the back of the turntable, and I'd like to connect any future turntable the same way.

I'd prefer to keep everything as simple as possible, so it looks like I'd be after a turntable with a built in phono pre-amp.

I'll take everything you've said on board, and have a look over the weekend, much appreciated. :)

Edit: It looks like the Pro-Ject Primary E might be perfect, reasonably priced, and it's got a built in phono pre-amp.

I've also seen a second hand Audio-Technica AT-LP3 on another forum, ew Audio Technica AT 3600 L cartridge fitted, just over a year old, and that's £80, any opinions please?
 
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The pitfalls of looking into something that I don't fully understand, the £200 Primary E doesn't have a pre-amp, but the £270 Primary E Phono does, typical, lol!

I might get some more details on the LP3 and make an offer, I don't want to spend a huge amount at the minute, it will be far better than what I'm currently using, and I can always look at getting something better again at a later date.
 
tom_nieto said:
There’s a Project pre amp on Amazon for £55.

I have a Project Debut turntable which has been great. Might be worth seeking one out second hand?

www.ebay.co.uk

PROJECT DEBUT 3 TURNTABLE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION | eBay

Dustcover: yes. Nominal speeds: 33, 45rpm (78rpm available as an option). Speed variance: ±0.8%. Wow & flutter: ±0.12%. Signal/noise ratio: 65dB. Tonearm: Pro-Ject 8.6. Effective tonearm length: 8.6" (218.5mm).
www.ebay.co.uk

Or one that comes with a phono box (and a small chip in the plinth):

www.ebay.co.uk

Project Debut SE/3 Turntable with Pro-Ject Phono Box MM | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Project Debut SE/3 Turntable with Pro-Ject Phono Box MM at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.
www.ebay.co.uk
Click to expand...

I really want a one box solution, so I'd much prefer something with a built in pre-amp, thanks for the links though.
 
lucid said:
Did you get anywhere with that AT-LP3 @ £80? Seems to tick all your boxes:
- budget
- one box
- big upgrade from Goodmans
Click to expand...

You snooze, you lose, whilst I was contemplating, someone else bought it!

I think I'm eventually going to go for the Pro-Ject Primary E Phono, ticks all the boxes too.
 
RoyMi6 said:
By no means is turntables my bag, but I set up a Pro-Ject turntable (I forget exactly what one) hooked up to a Sonos Play:5 Gen 2. He absolutely loves it.

Added advantage of being able to "stream" your music from your turntable around the house to other Sonos speakers if you feel like expanding the setup.
Click to expand...

I've only got a Sonos One beside my turntable, no inputs on that one, great idea though.
 
RoyMi6 said:
Yeah, I mean, by the sounds of it you're buying "something" so why not add to an ecosystem you already use? Return the pair you bought and upgrade ;)
Click to expand...

Quite the pricy upgrade as it looks like only the Play 5 has an auxiliary input, and I then also lose the Alexa that my One has, think I'll just stick with what I've got. ;)
 
NickK said:
I’d advise getting a cartridge alignment tool (looks like a plastic protractor) and a stylus loading gauge (the stylus sits on it and you can tune the force the arm applies to the record). Too much force will ruin the record and too little will skate or jump.

Lastly check the electrical resistance required for the preamp. It should give you a value or range that the cartridge should have to match. Not doing that will result in audio distortion (including lack of lows and/or highs)
Click to expand...

Most of that is way over my head, lol! Does the electrical resistance bit still count for a built in pre-amp, or only an external one?
 
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