Ambient light over turntable, suggestions please...

[Simon_LDT]

Hopefully this is the right sub-forum to post this. Did a quick search but couldn't find anything.

Just wondering what everyone is using as ambient light near the turntable? I'm personally looking for something like an LED that is battery powered and is not extortionate in price.

Any suggestions?

[rikardo1979]

Hopefully this is the right sub-forum to post this. Did a quick search but couldn't find anything.

Just wondering what everyone is using as ambient light near the turntable? I'm personally looking for something like an LED that is battery powered and is not extortionate in price.

Any suggestions?

I have got this from John Lewis (http://www.johnlewis.com/house-by-john-lewis-mantis-led-table-lamp/p2389402). Normal price is £35 but I paid £8 as there was one missing M4 screw :D :carrot:

It is not battery operated but is really bright LED

http://snag.gy/zmn7S.jpg

[CageyH]

A cheap LED lamp from IKEA.

[struth]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160224/8fb68ebe0313cfbcc74d57d5d5baeed1.jpg

Ebay but not cheap

[Barry]

Ideally the lamp should use a tungsten filament bulb, as it's a good idea for the cartridge to operate in an environment that is warmer than ambient. Most cartridge operate best at ~ 22 degC, whereas the room is probably ~ 18 - 20 degC.

[jollyfix]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160224/8fb68ebe0313cfbcc74d57d5d5baeed1.jpg

Ebay but not cheap
these are good, i seem to remember you could have a choice of blue,white or amber light. Around £75/80.00.

[struth]

They are Dave.. Nice solid design.. Mine is the amber but you do get other colours..think he did an anodized black metal one too. Good reliable seller

[jollyfix]

Good choice Grant, Amber is the best , white and blue to cold looking for my tastes.

[mikeyb]

A cheap LED lamp from IKEA.
I have this one

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160224/037c5d3927d14555271c28a7dbb64393.jpg

Think it was £10.99 from IKEA USB powered and comes with plug for mains.

[myles]

I promise you, having a light inspecting your turntable and records is going to drive you spare! All I can see is dust, dirt, marks and all the other stuff that is not noticeable under a normal light!

[mikeyb]

I promise you, having a light inspecting your turntable and records is going to drive you spare! All I can see is dust, dirt, marks and all the other stuff that is not noticeable under a normal light!
Agreed, my newly cleaned vinyl just looked a plowed field under my light so I tend to aim it away from pointing directly onto the turntable. Which when you think about it defeats the purpose of having it in the first place lol

[Barry]

Agreed, my newly cleaned vinyl just looked a plowed field under my light so I tend to aim it away from pointing directly onto the turntable. Which when you think about it defeats the purpose of having it in the first place lol

Get yourself a record cleaning machine.

[Simon_LDT]

Ebay but not cheap

Yeah, saw those not so long ago but they're too pricey for my budget (they look really nice though). I like the ones Ikea do but having them USB or mains powered is not what I'd prefer (I've just too many cables already and adding more is not ideal).

[rikardo1979]

I promise you, having a light inspecting your turntable and records is going to drive you spare! All I can see is dust, dirt, marks and all the other stuff that is not noticeable under a normal light!

so true this is :)

[Audio Advent]

Never seen the need for one personally. Any light in the room normally allows you to see the tracks at some angle..

Go for a lamp you like the look of in general and forget about anything special that hangs over the deck - in my opinion they look a bit naff!

[Simon_LDT]

Never seen the need for one personally. Any light in the room normally allows you to see the tracks at some angle..

Go for a lamp you like the look of in general and forget about anything special that hangs over the deck - in my opinion they look a bit naff!

The problem for me is the rack is in an alcove and a part of the room that unless I have the 'main' lights on, is not well lit at all. I rarely ever have the main lights on unless I need strong light, I usually have 2 up-lighters on which are on the side walls.

Grant - that one you have looks the best I've seen so far (non-obtrusive and not too bright with the single LED). Shame it's a bit out of budget (or what I'm ideally willing to spend), although think I might wait a month or so and go for it. Could you tell me how high up from the base the LED starts? I ideally want it placed on the rack shelf next to the TT but as it's only 10cm in height it might be a bit short to have the light shining just over the plinth. Does placing it on the actual plinth not cause any ill-effects with sound?

[Haselsh1]

I'm in the same situation as you old pal. I would like an LED lamp that I can turn towards the wall at the rear of the turntable so that I am only viewing by reflected light. I hate the sight of the record covered in Christ knows what !

[mikeyb]

Pretty sure you can get battery powered strip LEDs for fitting to shelves, I'll see if I can find them

[mikeyb]

Here's a quick couple of examples

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/281465545815

http://www.lights4fun.co.uk/i/q/LL13001/touch-operated-battery-cupboard-light-with-4-white-leds

Plenty more designs available, can buy strip/tape versions too

[Simon_LDT]

Thanks Mike. Have gone for the tap light (warm white colour). Worth a punt at the price point.