Besides the usual (very expensive) Technics record players, are there any models audiophiles here could recommend? Good sound/quality for affordable prices ? The player I had unfortunately bit the dust.
Buddy has an angels horn setup which sounded pretty good.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09P8LXKXV?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09P8LXKXV?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share)
Quote from: Blizzard Beast on January 31, 2024, 09:52:31 PMBuddy has an angels horn setup which sounded pretty good.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09P8LXKXV?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09P8LXKXV?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share)
Thanks, looking for affordable alternatives. Looks good.
Been using one of these for a good while. Great set of functions for the price. No complaints!
https://www.hifihut.ie/products/audio-technica-at-lp120x-usb-turntable
Friend of mine has this one - I think. I know it's a Pro-Ject and that it wasn't top of the range.
https://www.thomann.de/ie/pro_ject_primary_e_hgb.htm?glp=1&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu87N5dKMhAMVCYNQBh2j_QOPEAQYBSABEgKr8_D_BwE
On the subject of record players;
I walked past Golden Discs last weekend and they had a poster in the window that read;
"Buy any record player over €250 and get €10 off any vinyl priced €50+."
How much does vinyl cost?!
I never went too far down the rabbit hole, I only buy the odd vinyl record. Generally stick with CDs.
Quote from: StoutAndAle on February 02, 2024, 12:25:33 PMFriend of mine has this one - I think. I know it's a Pro-Ject and that it wasn't top of the range.
https://www.thomann.de/ie/pro_ject_primary_e_hgb.htm?glp=1&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu87N5dKMhAMVCYNQBh2j_QOPEAQYBSABEgKr8_D_BwE
It's an earlier Pro-Ject I have and it still works a charm, very easily serviceable yourself should anything actually happen to them as I found out, and most of the parts can be upgraded in bits and pieces later too. Recommend these lads at any price point really.
Quote from: StoutAndAle on February 02, 2024, 12:28:59 PMOn the subject of record players;
I walked past Golden Discs last weekend and they had a poster in the window that read;
"Buy any record player over €250 and get €10 off any vinyl priced €50+."
How much does vinyl cost?!
I never went too far down the rabbit hole, I only buy the odd vinyl record. Generally stick with CDs.
A mate of mate of mine got two different record players in Golden Discs and both turned out to be shoddy and had to be repaired and returned. Both had desperate sound when they did work.
Gone are the days when you can pick up vinyl cheaply. Generally, using Discogs as a marketplace standard, you'll pay 30€ minimum for almost any record nowadays. Second hand or not. That will go up according to different factors (pressing quantity etc). Of course there are brick and mortar shops with lower prices but they aren't the norm. Glad I got vinyl back in the day, get the odd record here and there nowadays (and pay 45-50€ 😞)
Thanks all for the above suggestions.
Quote from: StoutAndAle on February 02, 2024, 12:28:59 PMOn the subject of record players;
I walked past Golden Discs last weekend and they had a poster in the window that read;
"Buy any record player over €250 and get €10 off any vinyl priced €50+."
How much does vinyl cost?!
I never went too far down the rabbit hole, I only buy the odd vinyl record. Generally stick with CDs.
The good labels (who are few and far between these days) for our kind of music are charging €18 - €20 for a single LP. With other labels it could be up as far as €30 for a single LP. A lot of them are using the rising costs etc as an excuse which if that were true then no label could sell new vinyl for €20 as most press stuff at the same plants (Mainly GZ in the Czech Republic) the only thing that might differ with each release is the licence fee or whatever the bands cut is. Vinyl colour, Gatefold, Not Gatefold, One side of the Gatefold glued also comes into it.
Then the mainstream stuff like pop and Rock etc. that the likes of Sony release are being sold for a lot more. This also doesn't make sense as in most cases the cost per unit is cheaper the more LPs that are pressed so if something is limited to 100 LPs the plant will charge a lot more to press that per unit then if the pressing is limited to 1000 LPs.
In the likes of Golden discs, Tower records etc. they have huge mark ups in most cases it would cheaper to order items from the metal section online from a different store and have it to delivered to the house.
https://forum.metalwarfare.com/index.php?topic=82.0
More info there
Audio Technica Lp120x is a great turntable and you can upgrade the cartridge later on (but it comes with a great one anyway).
Yep, that's what I have too.
Do these come with speakers lads?
No you'd generally want to get the speakers and sometimes a preamp separately, if you don't have any already.
The Audio Technica LP120s comes with a built in preamp so you can just get active speakers and away you go.
RCA Cable question:
On my new setup I need a roughly 4 metre rca length between turntable and speakers. Am I likely to notice any drop in audio quality over that length? I wouldn't have thought so but have never done a run that long before 🤔
Quote from: Mithrandir on October 28, 2024, 02:41:07 AMRCA Cable question:
On my new setup I need a roughly 4 metre rca length between turntable and speakers. Am I likely to notice any drop in audio quality over that length? I wouldn't have thought so but have never done a run that long before 🤔
It'd only be something to consider over 10metres. I'd say 4metres would be standard enough. I suppose the wires are a few mm thick, not those 1mm thin wires?
I made a purchase that arrived today
I want to see what difference a 'better' cartridge will make
Bought a Rega ND5 MM cartridge for €350 (said f*ck it, treat yourself!)
I will keep the needle that came with the TT as a spare - Rega Elys II (they costs around €199)
Anyone with experience changing needles?
Or is it a loada rubbish ??!!!
Fingers crossed I'll hear a difference
Quote from: Jward on November 07, 2024, 03:29:20 PMI made a purchase that arrived today
I want to see what difference a 'better' cartridge will make
Bought a Rega ND5 MM cartridge for €350 (said f*ck it, treat yourself!)
I will keep the needle that came with the TT as a spare - Rega Elys II (they costs around €199)
Anyone with experience changing needles?
Or is it a loada rubbish ??!!!
Fingers crossed I'll hear a difference
Think when you get the high end stylus some of them need a bit of breaking in time. Make sure you get all the tracking/anti Skate done right.
Quote from: Sworntothecans on November 08, 2024, 07:40:18 PMThink when you get the high end stylus some of them need a bit of breaking in time. Make sure you get all the tracking/anti Skate done right.
Played with the tracking (even though it should be the same roughly, considering the new cartridge is the same weight)
Sounds about right
Anti-skate is set as per TT & cartridge weight
So far so good
Threw on some Sabbath; Deep Purple before & after
Already hearing a noticeable improvement!
Happy f*ckin days :abbath:
Now for 50 hours of breaking in
(https://imgur.com/a/6bPozEQ)
PS I'll probably get a heart attack when I hear the first skip :laugh:
Nice wan!
Have never owned a vinyl player and haven't wanted one either but it does seem like a cool thing to be buying a new needle etc and sitting down convincing oneself that the subtle differences make each album sound different. Like when I get a new pair of headphones or monitors every now and then and I have to go back to all my favourite albums to hear the subtle nuances all over again. It's great craic.
The only vinyl I've heard that made me think fuck yeah they were right and it actually does sound better was the remaster of Disco Volante that came out this year. The difference was unbelievable so it was.
Anyway, seeing as this is the peeves thread, the peeve here is that downloading vinyl rips doesn't seem to do the trick and it must be the real thing but I just don't have the spare hundreds to get involved
Quote from: astfgyl on November 09, 2024, 04:04:18 PMThe only vinyl I've heard that made me think fuck yeah they were right and it actually does sound better was the remaster of Disco Volante that came out this year. The difference was unbelievable so it was.
I haven't done any side by sides really, it's just something I've been doing so long that I enjoy and wouldn't really be one to be lashing the ear off people over a pint how vinyl is the superior medium but recently I was listening to Terminus - Reaper's spiral and was cooking so couldn't flip to side B so turned on the blutooth and played the second half on Spotify, on the same speakers with the same settings and the difference was unbelievable, I ended up just turning it off all together the Spotify/blutooth version sounded so bad.
I'm a committed CD buyer, only getting vinyl when the band don't have anything else to sell.
I have an ancient separates system that my old man bought back in the 80s. The amp and speakers are still perfect and I have a DVD player running into it for playing my discs.
My wife wanted to buy me a good record player to add to my system for Christmas about 10 years ago.
I know fuck all about them and neither did she so I was dispatched to my mate's house with two six-packs of cans because he's got a serious turntable set-up.
He went through the ins and outs of the thing, in between playing cuts from different albums so that I could "hear the warmth".
Talk of cartridges, needles, brushes etc. as I nodded and thought of the cans cooling in his fridge.
After about 2 hours of this lecture series, having settled in to drinking the cans and listening to tunes, my mate hopped up out of his seat at the end of side one of "Crack The Skye" and said to me;
"That's one thing, you can't get too mangled listening to the tunes because you have to get up and flip the records over."
I still don't own a record player.
No I'm not going to buy one tbh. I'm happy out with CDs and have no complaints about them. I do believe there's something in the vinyl sound that's a bit nicer and more open but it's a hobby thing I just haven't went for
Anyone know of repair places in Ireland for record players? Got a new record player last year because I started having issues with my old one but now I would like to see if I can get the old one fixed.
The only place I could find is the HiFi Hospital but it only opens 10am - 1pm Monday - Friday. They charge a €50 assessment fee and if they can't repair the player you don't get the €50 back so they can go and fuck. I think this may be the only place in Ireland which is why they can get away with taking money for nothing and the stupid opening hours.
Quote from: mickO))) on April 15, 2025, 12:37:25 PMAnyone know of repair places in Ireland for record players? Got a new record player last year because I started having issues with my old one but now I would like to see if I can get the old one fixed.
The only place I could find is the HiFi Hospital but it only opens 10am - 1pm Monday - Friday. They charge a €50 assessment fee and if they can't repair the player you don't get the €50 back so they can go and fuck. I think this may be the only place in Ireland which is why they can get away with taking money for nothing and the stupid opening hours.
There's a few sellers on adverts that seem to be repairing old Turntables/Hifis along with selling them too.
So no harm in doing the €1 offer to ask a question.
Quote from: Sworntothecans on April 15, 2025, 03:04:30 PMQuote from: mickO))) on April 15, 2025, 12:37:25 PMAnyone know of repair places in Ireland for record players? Got a new record player last year because I started having issues with my old one but now I would like to see if I can get the old one fixed.
The only place I could find is the HiFi Hospital but it only opens 10am - 1pm Monday - Friday. They charge a €50 assessment fee and if they can't repair the player you don't get the €50 back so they can go and fuck. I think this may be the only place in Ireland which is why they can get away with taking money for nothing and the stupid opening hours.
There's a few sellers on adverts that seem to be repairing old Turntables/Hifis along with selling them too.
So no harm in doing the €1 offer to ask a question.
Thanks. I never even thought of checking adverts.
Quote from: mickO))) on April 17, 2025, 11:48:16 AMQuote from: Sworntothecans on April 15, 2025, 03:04:30 PMQuote from: mickO))) on April 15, 2025, 12:37:25 PMAnyone know of repair places in Ireland for record players? Got a new record player last year because I started having issues with my old one but now I would like to see if I can get the old one fixed.
The only place I could find is the HiFi Hospital but it only opens 10am - 1pm Monday - Friday. They charge a €50 assessment fee and if they can't repair the player you don't get the €50 back so they can go and fuck. I think this may be the only place in Ireland which is why they can get away with taking money for nothing and the stupid opening hours.
There's a few sellers on adverts that seem to be repairing old Turntables/Hifis along with selling them too.
So no harm in doing the €1 offer to ask a question.
Thanks. I never even thought of checking adverts.
Good luck with the search, hopefully it's not a tricky repair.
Dunno where else to put this but it is interesting and I wonder if anyone else here has heard of it, or put it to the test.
Apparently the CD player function on the old PS1s is surprisingly good quality compared to a range of decent old CD players, even Sony's own. Some links here:
https://twitteringmachines.com/the-sony-playstation-as-cd-player-an-epitaph/
https://www.stereophile.com/content/sony-playstation-1-cd-player
https://www.tapeheads.net/threads/how-is-playstation-1-as-a-cd-player.94015/
General mixed opinion online looking at articles for it but plenty of people swearing by it too. I would assume it isn't going to make a significant difference but still found it interesting that the hardware used on a CD player in something like this could outperform other equipment.
More interesting is that through measurements, it is technically worse than similar gear, but sounds better in practice. Anyway just some fun reading really but some of ye might like it.
Yeah one of these models was my first CD player (hooked up to an old Sanyo hifi). Didn't know how good I had it. Think they were fairly sought after in audiophile circles, even way back when.
I guess it made sense to bring their quality to the table... the console originated as a big "fuck you" to Nintendo (after Nintendo pulled out of a partnership), Sony had already made a great sounding sound chip for the SNES, now Sony can have their next gen sound chip and pristine CD audio to go with it.
Yeah there's a hifi profile I follow on insta and he swears by the Ps1 in his setup. Think the only issues is cdrs/SACDs.
Looking into the Audio-Technica LP60X at the moment.
Anybody have any recommendations for decent speakers? Could just grab one of the Audio-Technica models like the Sp3x but would love to have a few options before sinking hundreds into something!
Quote from: Pat Twisted Wrath on October 08, 2025, 11:06:47 AMLooking into the Audio-Technica LP60X at the moment.
Anybody have any recommendations for decent speakers? Could just grab one of the Audio-Technica models like the Sp3x but would love to have a few options before sinking hundreds into something!
The LP60x is fairly basic, it won't wreck your vinyl like the crosleys but it'll get your foot in the door for records.
Powered speakers'd be a decent pairing. Edifiers are always on offer around the usual spots, otherwise no harm in checking out adverts for amps and speakers as there's some savage stuff on there lately.
I'm in the market for a nice automatic turntable. Any recommendations? Budget is between 500 - 600 euro's.
Quote from: Sworntothecans on October 08, 2025, 11:17:56 AMQuote from: Pat Twisted Wrath on October 08, 2025, 11:06:47 AMLooking into the Audio-Technica LP60X at the moment.
Anybody have any recommendations for decent speakers? Could just grab one of the Audio-Technica models like the Sp3x but would love to have a few options before sinking hundreds into something!
The LP60x is fairly basic, it won't wreck your vinyl like the crosleys but it'll get your foot in the door for records.
Powered speakers'd be a decent pairing. Edifiers are always on offer around the usual spots, otherwise no harm in checking out adverts for amps and speakers as there's some savage stuff on there lately.
Cheers, will look into that!
Quote from: Pat Twisted Wrath on October 08, 2025, 01:56:03 PMQuote from: Sworntothecans on October 08, 2025, 11:17:56 AMQuote from: Pat Twisted Wrath on October 08, 2025, 11:06:47 AMLooking into the Audio-Technica LP60X at the moment.
Anybody have any recommendations for decent speakers? Could just grab one of the Audio-Technica models like the Sp3x but would love to have a few options before sinking hundreds into something!
The LP60x is fairly basic, it won't wreck your vinyl like the crosleys but it'll get your foot in the door for records.
Powered speakers'd be a decent pairing. Edifiers are always on offer around the usual spots, otherwise no harm in checking out adverts for amps and speakers as there's some savage stuff on there lately.
Cheers, will look into that!
Richer sounds & hifihut do some decent bundles too if you're going all new on gear.
Ended up going for the Audio Technica LP60XBT with Edifiers R1280DB Blutooth speakers.
Must say, very happy with the set up and sound quality. Only been listening to Pink Floyds The Wall since I set it up last night but must blast something heavier later on for a proper test.
I got a record player about 15 years ago but really it was all bells and whistles. This is a significant upgrade!
Also, if anyone has any suggestions for cleaning kits etc... few of mine could definitely do with it!!
Quote from: Pat Twisted Wrath on December 31, 2025, 06:48:18 PMAlso, if anyone has any suggestions for cleaning kits etc... few of mine could definitely do with it!!
https://towerrecords.ie/product/cleaning-kit/
The vinyl tonic stuff is pretty decent, might be on offer in golden discs if you have one near too.
Start replacing innersleeves on records that just have the paper inners too as that's always the biggest offender for stuff clogging the grooves/stylus.
Quote from: Sworntothecans on January 01, 2026, 04:48:28 PMQuote from: Pat Twisted Wrath on December 31, 2025, 06:48:18 PMAlso, if anyone has any suggestions for cleaning kits etc... few of mine could definitely do with it!!
https://towerrecords.ie/product/cleaning-kit/
The vinyl tonic stuff is pretty decent, might be on offer in golden discs if you have one near too.
Start replacing innersleeves on records that just have the paper inners too as that's always the biggest offender for stuff clogging the grooves/stylus.
Ah never thought of that. Swap out for plastic inner sleeves?
Yeah, poly lined anti static ones. Even the basic cheaper ones will do.
Great stuff!
Always sickened when it's not the anti-static inners.
Quote from: open face surgery on January 01, 2026, 08:31:12 PMAlways sickened when it's not the anti-static inners.
Apparently there's feck all in terms of cost too.
Majors seem to be the worst for it with Warner's stuff usually caked in paper when you take it out of the shrink.
The Death Symbolic pressing needed about two wet cleans before I played it and there was still crap on the stylus. Spincare sorted it finally but did have to wait until I'd 20 or so records to clean with it so I wasn't wasting the cleaning fluid/distilled water.
Lads, go audiophile. I'm serious!
I had a nice little set up for years. A Sony PS-LX3BT turntable and active Edifier R1700BT bookshelf speakers. They were grand, or so I thought.
A few years ago I got a wedge of tax money back and decided (for once) to treat myself to a nice system to compliment my healthy collection of records primarily.
I had being eyeing up my perfect audiophile system that would be a decent budget of around €3000 or less hopefully.
I spotted the speakers I wanted from a French vendor on eBay for €200 less than anywhere else
Edifier S3000 Pro studio grade active speakers.
Got for €599 delivered.
I then waited a couple of months for the Black Friday sale and got a nice deal on the Rega Planar 3 50th anniversary edition turntable. Which had some nice extras thrown in for free.
It was €1030 delivered.
I got the Cambridge Alba Dou phono pre-amp for half price, €150 delivered... and some good quality cables to help the set up.
So all in, a bit under €2000 for an absolute beaut of a system.
Let me tell you, once it was all set up and laid out properly. It was like hearing music for the first time. It blew me away, and even if I went into another room, it sounded like I was still in the room with it, and it not even turned up much.
We all love our collections, and if you can ever afford it, go audiophile. You won't regret it.
Sounds like a great setup
Enjoy!
Quote from: Jward on February 10, 2026, 05:59:26 PMSounds like a great setup
Enjoy!
Delighted with it. Wish I'd dived in years ago tbh...
It has actually saved me a few bob over the last couple of years. I'm more inclined to stay in of a weekend nowadays with a few cans and be happy with the feet up in front of the system.
So all good.
I'm not a vinyl fella, which my wallet thanks me for, so most of my listening is via Bluetooth on my hifi. Would you say these speakers would do the job in that regard?
Quote from: Emphyrio on February 10, 2026, 07:04:33 PMI'm not a vinyl fella, which my wallet thanks me for, so most of my listening is via Bluetooth on my hifi. Would you say these speakers would do the job in that regard?
The speakers would do any system justice as they're absolutely fantastic, but you could also look into getting a streamer instead of making such a big purchase with the speakers.
Such as the WiiM Pro Plus for around €250
WiiM Pro Plus review: potent streaming performance on a budget | What Hi-Fi? https://share.google/OxZGnXnZaDri3swqe
You'll automatically upgrade on the limited Bluetooth range with a streamer like that, and it's compatible with Spotify, Tidal, etc.
The Edifiers will set you back around €700 atm, but worth every penny. You can hook them up to your TV with an optical cable (which I did) and you'll have serious boost to your favourite movies or live gigs, music shows, etc.
Depends on how much you want to spend, and what your current system speakers are capable of.
Good to have the option nowadays though, the speakers or the streamer.
Edifier S3000 Pro Active Stereo Speaker Review | AVForums https://share.google/Ftv3MaJn40wqwXnpb
Fair play dude, thanks for the info.
Fair play- that sounds like a grand auld set up!
I have to say, best decision ive made in a long time getting my own set up. Im actually enjoying listening to music again. With Spotify and literally every fucking song available all the time, I never listened to albums, just random playlists... really just trying to find something to fill the noise while im at the gym or working. Now im actually taking in full albums again, looking forward to new releases and having something physical to buy.
Try to keep the speakers pointed in to where you normally sit, & a ear level if possible
Mine are about a foot above my ears when seated, but tilted in towards me, & out as far as possible from the walls as the bass from the speakers can shake the walls & the floor, which can have it's benefits, I know 8)
It all comes down to what suits your room, shelves, etc
But the smallest tweaks can make a noticeable difference
The thing with that then, is you get used to it, & are nearly looking for something else that can be improved :laugh:
But the main thing is, the sound is full ... & you can really hear the recording/production/mank/clarity
It can be magic getting an early press of something (Sabbath, Deep Purple, even Metallica), & hearing these things you never head before :abbath:
I find a needle, amp, speaker, room & your own ears need time to bed-in, to get to know each other ... so enjoy the ride!
Quote from: Jward on February 11, 2026, 09:53:59 AMTry to keep the speakers pointed in to where you normally sit, & a ear level if possible
Mine are about a foot above my ears when seated, but tilted in towards me, & out as far as possible from the walls as the bass from the speakers can shake the walls & the floor, which can have it's benefits, I know 8)
It all comes down to what suits your room, shelves, etc
But the smallest tweaks can make a noticeable difference
The thing with that then, is you get used to it, & are nearly looking for something else that can be improved :laugh:
But the main thing is, the sound is full ... & you can really hear the recording/production/mank/clarity
It can be magic getting an early press of something (Sabbath, Deep Purple, even Metallica), & hearing these things you never head before :abbath:
I find a needle, amp, speaker, room & your own ears need time to bed-in, to get to know each other ... so enjoy the ride!
Absolutely sound advice there, and fair play, on point with ear level speakers in your sitting position. It's all about placement as much as anything else.
Anyone looking pointers for stereo equipment, headphones, etc. Just ask, I've always got my ear to the ground on what's about for decent money.