Turntable - novice intro/info

[philv]

I know virtually nothing about turntables.

Would a lenco gl75 be a good intro?
They don’t seem to go for much on ebay.

What sort of cartridge/stylus would be suitable? Price?

I presume it needs a phono stage.
What would be a good inexpensive one (sub 100) ?

I’m not trying to get tne last word in detail etc, obviously.
I just fancy trying it, the experience, the drama.

What is normal to pay for an lp?

Thanks for any help.

[walpurgis]

If you know nothing about turntables, buy a Rega. They are the simplest and easiest to maintain.

The GL75 is a nice deck, but you need to be a bit handy if it needs fettling.

I'm sure you'd find the Rega sound quality decent. It will take a midrange MM cartridge without much bother, obviously a Rega cartridge will be a good match physically, but I'm not desperately keen on their sound.

[struth]

Should get a phono amp here second hand for under a ton.

[Phil Bishop]

Stay away from Lencos if you are a novice - they always need work done on them, most commonly the arm v-bearings are shot.

The budget Regas or Pro-Jects are your best bet. I think the budget Regas have a Rega Carbon cartridge fitted which is perfectly fine. The budget Pro-Jects probably have decent budget cartridges as part of the package too - the AT95E is great for £30 if not.

How much do LPs cost? New vinyl LPs are generally around £20 and s/h vinyl varies depending on condition, rarity and source. I guess count on £5 - £10 for a decent condition copy of a popular 80's release such as Paul Young's "No Parlez" :lol:

Agree with Grant, you should be able to pick up a decent Cambridge Audio or Pro-Ject phono stage for under £100.

Good luck!

[Crackles]

The Rega Rp1 is ok for a budget TT but I would definitely recommend upgrading the cartridge with a better second hand one than the one it comes with.

It is dead easy to set up too.

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[Jac Hawk]

I would agree with what's already been said and get a Rega, there're plenty on ebay if you want 2nd hand and loads you can do to them to improve the already very good sound quality, regarding a cartridge a decent Audio Technica or Ortofon would suite the deck and any of the Rega arms

[KindOfDaz]

I have just happened to be at the Works bookstore recently and this drew my attention:

https://www.theworks.co.uk/p/new-non-fiction-books/haynes---vinyl-manual/9781785211652

I did not look into it really, but it does look like some interesting literature for vinyl enthusiasts, also beginners. Perhaps you would like to have a look at it? It costs peanuts, so no risk.

[hifi_dave]

Rega all the way. A plug n play P1 will do you nicely.

I sell 2 - 3 of these each week and the majority have gone to new comers to vinyl and youngsters who have discovered Dad's LP collection.

[steve-z]

The Project Elemental Phono USB gets my vote, very plug and play, no phono stage to buy as it's built in. Comes with a decent Ortofon cartridge pre fitted. Unusual but rather cool styling IMO. Reviews I've read are all very positive on the sound quality front, there are one or two used ones on eBay atm for £100-£125.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pro-Ject-Elemental-Phono-USB-Silver/263889282199?epid=1635697890&hash=item3d7106e497:g:vXIAAOSwpG1bWb31

This listing is from Henley Designs who are Projects UK importers, so it's likely it will be in like new condition.

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[philv]

Thanks for all the replies.
There goes my ideal of a vintage turntable!
I prefer old. But hey ho.

For the rega, what stand alone phono stage under 100 used?
I want to use my valve amp.
I assume phono stage connects via rca to valve amp line in?
Is a p1 with updated cartrdge as good as a lenco 75?
For the project, although usb, i can also connect to valve amp using rca instead?

Thanks

[hifi_dave]

You can buy the Planar-1 as a Planar-1 Plus, which has an inbuilt phono stage. In this guise, the phono stage is costing you £80. As plug n play as you can get.

A GL75 can be good but you need to have some knowledge, skill and be prepared to spend quite a bit on spares, solid plinth etc. Definitely not for the novice IMO.

[Caber10]

Just another opinion, the GL75 or L75 is a really good deck and can be got very cheaply. Many will be a bit rough but the website https://www.lencoheaven.net/ is full of knowledge advice and assistance.

The arm is ok for medium compliance cartridges, mine is running a goldring 1024 is in its original plinth and sounds ridiculously good. It did need new v blocks but that is not a difficult job.

Really read Lencoheaven to get an idea of what you are letting yourself in for but you will end up with a deck considerably better than entry level Project or Rega possibly for less money !

Caber[emoji2]


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[steve-z]

Thanks for all the replies.
There goes my ideal of a vintage turntable!
I prefer old. But hey ho.

For the rega, what stand alone phono stage under 100 used?
I want to use my valve amp.
I assume phono stage connects via rca to valve amp line in?
Is a p1 with updated cartrdge as good as a lenco 75?
For the project, although usb, i can also connect to valve amp using rca instead?

Thanks

Yes there are RCA outputs to go straight into a line input on your amp, the USB is if you want to digitise any of your vinyl. Modern decks are generally less hassle and sound better.
Another option you might not have considered is a Direct Drive deck like the Audio Technica ATLP120,
it a clone of the Technics SL1200, normally comes fitted with the AT95E cartridge which suits it very well, they can be had new for a little over £200, it has a built in phono stage and USB out as well, I owned one a couple of years ago and really liked it, particularly with a cork mat. Only sold it on to fund my Rega Planar 3.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audio-Technica-AT-LP-120USB-HS-Direct-Drive-Turntable-w-USB-Audio-/332347242014
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[Kvaal]

I agree with Kevan, if you are able to use a screwdriver and handle things with care, a GL/L 75 is a good option. They are well made, , rock solid, easy to understand and built with swiss presicion. The arm is underratet, it is also wery well built, but usually need change of some delicate parts. If you grt one, and fix it, it will run for years, delivering better sound quality than most Regas.

[paulf-2007]

Thanks for all the replies.
There goes my ideal of a vintage turntable!
I prefer old. But hey ho.

Is a p1 with updated cartrdge as good as a lenco 75?


Thanks
NO

[philv]

I have only fairly recently bought a primaluna which is excellent.
But no phono stage.
I don't want to use anothee amp, so if i needed a seperate phono stage, what is a good one for around £100 used, that will work with riga/lenco etc?
Does such a thing exist at that price?

[hifi_dave]

As above post 11.

[Wakefield Turntables]

The GL75 is very simple to work on. There are plenty of Lenco owners on here (me included) and Lenco Heaven is one of the friendliest and knowledgeable bunch of guys you'll ever meet. You'll also be able to easily sell the Lenco if you dont like it.

[Manicatel]

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon USB, at £399 has a Pro-Ject phono stage built into it & also has a Ortofon 2m red cart included which is a decent cartridge at the point.
Easy to set up & use, looks decent & will see you right until the point where you may want to dip your toe into something more exotic/ upmarket.

[STD305M]

Hi Grantham

A P1 is a different deck altogether.
For a budget deck it gives a really good performance for the money but you'll need a better cartridge than the carbon it comes with.
As for a phono stage...theres plenty of really good quality second hand stages... you only need to post your need for one on AOS and you'll get plenty of offers.

Regards Steve

[philv]

It seems a brighly coloured project debut carbon usb would be ideal or non usb with seperate phono stage.
New is not an option.

Brightly coloured as i cannot see black.

[hifi_dave]

Why not a Rega Planar-1 Plus ?

[philv]

Which is better

Project debut carboon with ortofon 2m red
Or
Rega rp3 2 elis with rega elis 2 catridge?

Is the latter a good turntable?

Thanks

[struth]

I used to have a Project debut carbon speed box and ortophon red once. had a fibre arm etc. was a decent little deck. dunno if either is better, probably much of similar performance, and the cart of choice and phono amp will make more of a difference.

[hifi_dave]

Which is better

Project debut carboon with ortofon 2m red
Or
Rega rp3 2 elis with rega elis 2 catridge?

Is the latter a good turntable?

Thanks

Rega, by a country mile.

[walpurgis]

Rega, by a country mile.

I agree with Dave.

[wee tee cee]

I bought a Rega RP1 and then upgraded it with the performance pack-for plug and play it was Good.

I took it across to one of the members to compare it with his modded gl75-carbon tube arm/upgraded bearing and v blocks/belts/matt/good quality cartridge.

I became the owner of the Lenco...it was on a different level to the rega,almost on a par with decent digital.

Rega and firebottle phono stage gifted to my sister in law--she adores it.

Sadly I just dont have the skill set to fettle the 75 properly or keep it running sweetly.

Im on the lookout for a DD (onkoyo has caught my eye)....the Lenco returned to its original home today after some horse trading.

Havent heard the higher level Regas so cant comment.

[Jac Hawk]

I've decoupled the motor on my Planar 3 with an SRM Tech silent base, it makes a massive difference to sound quality and to my ears has removed all motor noise, one of the most worth while upgrades i've made.

[philv]

I do like the idea of a lenco in a nice plinth.

I would have gone for an x demo rega rp3 today for £230.
But it just sold. Bugger.

Ah well. Patience.

[Bigman80]

I do like the idea of a lenco in a nice plinth.

I would have gone for an x demo rega rp3 today for £230.
But it just sold. Bugger.

Ah well. Patience.Don't be put off a lenco. I'd take a Lenco over the Rega any day.

Seriously, I know a bloke who does Teflon V blocks and they completely transformed his Lenco arm. Think they cost £25? He said they are simple enough to fit too.

Apart from that, as long as it runs to speed, you're pretty much sorted.

There also an entire Forum devoted to them, I am sure there would be someone local to you if you needed a bit of assistance. Don't underestimate the power of a forum, this one has bailed me out loads.

GO LENCO!!!!!

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[Wakefield Turntables]

There are only three bits which you need to make are working properly on the Lenco, the motor, the idler wheel and the bearing. All very very very easy to fettle.

[philv]

When buying a lenco, would it be appropriate to change the stylus ?
Which would be a good chouce/cost?

[Phil Bishop]

I'll jump in here again as I think there's a danger of comparing apples with pears and it very much depends on what philv is looking for. I used to own 20 or more Lencos (GL75's, 78's, 70's, 59's and even a 60) and have owned plenty of Regas too.

I have never owned a Rega below a Planar 3 but they are pretty much plug and play - the entry level models are designed this way. They will give decent sound and allow a bit of fun to be had with vinyl.

Lencos are great but they demand time and skill to set up. If you are lucky and get a decent 75 or 78 it will almost certainly need the arm v-blocks replacing - fiddly, but with practice it can be done. The idler wheels generally need degreasing and the motor needs lubing. The bearings are often worn - again, kits are available to refurbish. There may be soldering required to get the arm wires and phono connections sorted. The stylus will need changing - most are fitted with old Goldring or Shure cartridges and aftermarket styli are generally available.

All this is a day's work for someone who knows what they are doing - I had to learn from others. However, a well-fetted GL75 will then sound wonderful - a drive and verve you don't get from belt drives. But not for the faint hearted :-)

From the sort of questions Phil is asking, I'm thinking he should stick to a Rega or Pro-Ject? All IMHO of course :-)

Cheers

Phil

[Bigman80]

When buying a lenco, would it be appropriate to change the stylus ?
Which would be a good chouce/cost?Did Jimbo sell his Lenco?

That's one was perfect for this scenario, needed nothing doing and I'm sure there was a cartridge available too.

No fettling. No messing, simple setup.

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[wee tee cee]

I'll jump in here again as I think there's a danger of comparing apples with pears and it very much depends on what philv is looking for. I used to own 20 or more Lencos (GL75's, 78's, 70's, 59's and even a 60) and have owned plenty of Regas too.

I have never owned a Rega below a Planar 3 but they are pretty much plug and play - the entry level models are designed this way. They will give decent sound and allow a bit of fun to be had with vinyl.

Lencos are great but they demand time and skill to set up. If you are lucky and get a decent 75 or 78 it will almost certainly need the arm v-blocks replacing - fiddly, but with practice it can be done. The idler wheels generally need degreasing and the motor needs lubing. The bearings are often worn - again, kits are available to refurbish. There may be soldering required to get the arm wires and phono connections sorted. The stylus will need changing - most are fitted with old Goldring or Shure cartridges and aftermarket styli are generally available.

All this is a day's work for someone who knows what they are doing - I had to learn from others. However, a well-fetted GL75 will then sound wonderful - a drive and verve you don't get from belt drives. But not for the faint hearted :-)

From the sort of questions Phil is asking, I'm thinking he should stick to a Rega or Pro-Ject? All IMHO of course :-)

Cheers

Phil

My experience exactly...

[hifi_dave]

I'll jump in here again as I think there's a danger of comparing apples with pears and it very much depends on what philv is looking for. I used to own 20 or more Lencos (GL75's, 78's, 70's, 59's and even a 60) and have owned plenty of Regas too.

I have never owned a Rega below a Planar 3 but they are pretty much plug and play - the entry level models are designed this way. They will give decent sound and allow a bit of fun to be had with vinyl.

Lencos are great but they demand time and skill to set up. If you are lucky and get a decent 75 or 78 it will almost certainly need the arm v-blocks replacing - fiddly, but with practice it can be done. The idler wheels generally need degreasing and the motor needs lubing. The bearings are often worn - again, kits are available to refurbish. There may be soldering required to get the arm wires and phono connections sorted. The stylus will need changing - most are fitted with old Goldring or Shure cartridges and aftermarket styli are generally available.

All this is a day's work for someone who knows what they are doing - I had to learn from others. However, a well-fetted GL75 will then sound wonderful - a drive and verve you don't get from belt drives. But not for the faint hearted :-)

From the sort of questions Phil is asking, I'm thinking he should stick to a Rega or Pro-Ject? All IMHO of course :-)

Cheers

Phil

Exactly.

As much as I enjoy a well maintained Goldring, they are not for the novice.

[philv]

It seems a Lenco GL75 goes on ebay for around £100 (exclusing the for collection only cheapies).

£180 buys one that has been serviced/v blocks changed etc).

I it has already een sorted, is that a reasonable price?

A refurbed GL75 with modded carbon arms in a new plinth went for £280 yesterday.
Unfortunately i didn`t like the plinth.

Although the newer option of rega etc is the sensible option.
unless it is a cracking deal, I much prefer vintage.

[walpurgis]

An early Rega Planar 3 is vintage.

The Lenco is not tricky to work on for somebody who is familiar with their traits, but I'd not recommend one to anybody who is not confident in taking on mechanical issues. I wouldn't buy one that has had radical arm modifications either, as there's no telling how sound or even accurate the work might have been.

Have you looked on 'Lenco Heaven'? https://www.lencoheaven.net/forum/index.php You'll see plenty of first time buyers on there and their questions will give you an idea of what you may face.

[philv]

Right...on a complete tangent...ish.
A lynn lp12?
How good and how much for a reasonable one?
Good option?

[walpurgis]

Oh, an LP12? Another deck that requires specialist or knowledgeable setting up.



Have you considered a Technics SL1200 or SL-1210. They are just plug and play and work beautifully. Not even a belt to wear out. Look great too.

http://i68.tinypic.com/34rg7dt.jpg

[losepete]

I think you may find a Linn Axis or Basik a little easier to setup and cheaper to purchase.

[walpurgis]

I think you may find a Linn Axis or Basik a little easier to setup and cheaper to purchase.

Are they still supported for spares? Also, it's not unknown for the Axis to have electrical issues.

[losepete]

I had an Axis for around 10 years and never had any problems with it. Worked well with both AT OC3 and Ortofon MC15 super MkII cartridges.

[walpurgis]

I had an Axis for around 10 years and never had any problems with it. Worked well with both AT OC3 and Ortofon MC15 super MkII cartridges.

http://andydoz.blogspot.com/2017/02/linn-axis-of-evil-repair.html

[hifi_dave]

Neither are supported by Linn.

The original Basik was not very good and easily beaten by a Rega Planar-3. The only Basik we ever sold was the demo one at a knock down price.

The Axis was OK but had various problems including the occasional running backwards, having the effect of wiping out the stylus.

[philv]

Now that linns are definately ruled out.

What about thorens td150 or td160?

How do they compare to a lenco gl75?

[struth]

both good decks. can be fettled without too much knowledge as well. Usually best to put them in a better box as the ones the come with aint good.. the base is worse and is first thing to be replaced.
I enjoyed doing mine and it ended up sounding very nice.

[Bigman80]

No arguement here, a Thorens will do a nice job for you. Grant had a very beautiful one I still wish I'd bought too.

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[walpurgis]

The original arm (arms) on the TD150 are usable but a little rudimentary, changing them for something better is probably more of a task than you may wish to take on.

The first version of the TD160 was decent and had an arm that was a fair all-rounder, later arms had less appeal. It does however have a motor pulley clutch that can play up sometimes.

Both models will require tinkering to set up the subchassis supension.

[Bigman80]

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649445123-sony-ps8750-direct-drive-classic-turntable/

Vintage, stylish, top quality, beautiful but a little over budget [emoji6]

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[struth]

No arguement here, a Thorens will do a nice job for you. Grant had a very beautiful one I still wish I'd bought too.

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ah yes, I posted this pic recently of it... found the picture when tidying a folder up.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img924/9134/Z9IRhY.jpg

[Bigman80]

ah yes, I posted this pic recently of it... found the picture when tidying a folder up.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img924/9134/Z9IRhY.jpgNice. I really liked it. Very eye pleasing.

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[walpurgis]

Even Philip seems to be drifting away from what he really needs and more towards what he finds appealing. Somebody with no knowledge of turntables should aim for the easiest and most straightforward 'plug and play' solution in my opinion. That really boils down to a Rega or Technics depending on budget.

I won't suggest Pro-Ject, as I've not been particularly struck by the build quality. Decks that have slack in their main bearing from new tend not to impress.

[Bigman80]

Even Philip seems to be drifting away from what he really needs and more towards what he finds appealing. Somebody with no knowledge of turntables should aim for the easiest and most straightforward 'plug and play' solution in my opinion. That really boils down to a Rega or Technics depending on budget.

I won't suggest Pro-Ject, as I've not been particularly struck by the build quality. Decks that have slack in their main bearing from new tend not to impress.Agreed.

Don't like Rega or Project. What's left?

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[struth]

the project i had was quite nice deck. had no problems. think the rega is more solid. and if the AT one that was a copy of a techy is any good, then worth considering.

i would go for a easy to use deck with little likeliihood of trouble to start with... looks are not anything to go by initially til yoy see if you want to go further with it. then get a deck of choice to fettle. if you end up preferring it or not you can sell the loser without much loss

[walpurgis]

the project i had was quite nice deck. had no problems. think the rega is more solid. and if the AT one that was a copy of a techy is any good, then worth considering.

That would be the AT-LP120 I believe. As shown here on ebay: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUDIO-TECHNICA-AT-LP120-BLACK-DIRECT-DRIVE-PROFESSIONAL-TURNTABLE/263535060500?hash=item3d5be9e614:g:-G4AAOSwYFpbNLgN

It would likely be a reasonable entry into record playing and should be amenable to a cartridge upgrade at some time. There is a built in phono stage which includes USB for computer use.

It's about as 'plug and play' as they come and should be well enough built being an Audio Technica product.

[struth]

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/-G4AAOSwYFpbNLgN/s-l1600.jpg

yup, that one. looks fine..

[philv]

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649445123-sony-ps8750-direct-drive-classic-turntable/

Vintage, stylish, top quality, beautiful but a little over budget [emoji6]

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Yes please. If only.

A gerrard/lenco/this sony/ etc are my idea of a turntable.
Unfirtunately rega, project etc do nothing for me visually.

The only turntable i have owned was a sansui sr222 mk2.
Lovely little thing.
Maybe i should have kept that.

I actually like the idea of fettling a gl75.
Whether my eyesight can handle it i’m not sure.
Big magnifier time.

I like tne idea of rehousing in a better plinth.
Is that a big job?

[Bigman80]

Yes please. If only.

A gerrard/lenco/this sony/ etc are my idea of a turntable.
Unfirtunately rega, project etc do nothing for me visually.

The only turntable i have owned was a sansui sr222 mk2.
Lovely little thing.
Maybe i should have kept that.

I actually like the idea of fettling a gl75.
Whether my eyesight can handle it i’m not sure.
Big magnifier time.

I like tne idea of rehousing in a better plinth.
Is that a big job?Well, enough people have done it to suggest it isn't all that difficult but I admit, I am not one who has tried.

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[struth]

without knowing your electrical/mechanical and woodwork skills its hard to say. seems you really just want a lenco tho so go for it and good luck. as said there is lenco heaven to help and there a a few folk here too

[MarginWalker]

I moved from a Pro-ject debut 2 to a Rega rp3 to a Thorens td160. The Thorens looks the best, sounds the best and is the most fun. I think fiddling with turntables is half the fun - if you don’t like the effort then probably best to stick to digital - and the Thorens is pretty easy to fettle even for someone like me with very limited experience of woodwork or soldering.

[Phil Bishop]

I actually like the idea of fettling a gl75.
Whether my eyesight can handle it i’m not sure.
Big magnifier time.

I like tne idea of rehousing in a better plinth.
Is that a big job?

Although overall I agree with everything that has been said on here regarding entry level turntables (Rega, Pro-Ject, AT, etc) it seems Phil that you are set more on a vintage look and have rather taken to the the idea of a Lenco.

I'd definitely point you in the direction of Lenco Heaven if that's the case - you may even be able to buy one there as they have an ads section.

As I mentioned previously, I once owned more than 20 Lencos - I know, crazy but it was kind of a mid-life crisis - safer (just) than motorbikes, etc. I had absolutely no previous knowledge but did know a guy who showed me the ropes, some quite fiddly work and soldering, etc. Within a few months I could have set up a cottage industry refurbishing them so it can be done. Actually, I believe Hi Fi Dave still has one of my refurbished GL70s?

Why did I end up moving all my Lencos on? In the end I did not want to be fiddling so I moved to Rega and Technics decks.

One final thought that has been touched on by others. If you like a retro look, the Technics SL1200 variants are certainly worth considering. Problem is, they are so popular now that decent second hand prices have risen and you may be looking at well in excess of £250 for a decent one. The DJ looks are also not to everyone's taste but personally I love them - machines designed to do a job and they do it very well.

Cheers

Phil

[steve-z]

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/-G4AAOSwYFpbNLgN/s-l1600.jpg

yup, that one. looks fine..

I owned an ATLP120 for about a year and found it a very decent deck once I got rid of the useless DJ slipmat it comes with, sounded much better with a 3mm cork mat.
Standard fit AT95E is a great starter cartridge too. Only criticism I had was the downforce calibration on the counterweight was inaccurate, 2g on the counterweight scale was actually 2.34g when measured with a digital scale, 17% under read is not good. Only parted with it to fund a nearly new Planar 3 which I'm totally happy with.
Planning to get an ATLP5 for my second system upstairs when I can raise the cash, it reckons to be a good step up in sound quality for not much more money than the ATLP120.


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[philv]

The Audio Technica LP5 looks nice.
But being black, i can't see it very well.

[philv]

Still mulling over options.
Is a technics s-1200 a good choice?
There doesn’t appear to be a huge difference in price between a mk2 and mk5.
Is there one to go for?

[steve-z]

Still mulling over options.
Is a technics s-1200 a good choice?
There doesn’t appear to be a huge difference in price between a mk2 and mk5.
Is there one to go for?

One of the earlier posters in this thread, Phil Bishop recently bought one of the new Technics SL1200 variants, the model that sells for about £1100 and he’s very impressed with it, he reckons it’s his “go to” deck of choice which is quite something when you consider he owns 2 Rega RP6s.


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[walpurgis]

Still mulling over options.
Is a technics s-1200 a good choice?
There doesn’t appear to be a huge difference in price between a mk2 and mk5.
Is there one to go for?

There's nothing wrong with a decent used Mk.II. I've had a couple of mint examples that performed just fine. Asking prices for a nice one seem to be £300 to £400.

[09mike69]

i have a garrard sp 25 mk3, might need a bit of fettling but you can have it for free, has cart and stylus and was running fine last time i used it but that was a while ago.
cheers
Mike.

[philv]

i have a garrard sp 25 mk3, might need a bit of fettling but you can have it for free, has cart and stylus and was running fine last time i used it but that was a while ago.
cheers
Mike.

Hi,
Thanks for the very kind offer.
If i don’t get sorted i may come back to you.
Thank you.

[Jac Hawk]

I think i've seen just about every affordable deck mentioned in this thread, Rega, Lenco, Linn, Technics etc. my point is everyones taste and point of view is different, the honest answer is there is nothing wrong with any of the decks mentioned, they all have their strengths and weaknesses, from your 1st post you state that you know very little about this format and just want to dip your toe in so to speak, if that's the case get something that won't need you to have to start fixing and fettling before you've even played an LP at the end of the day it might not be for you.

[steve-z]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180909/218070af102e8bc4fd51f973876c9182.jpg

As I mentioned in one of my earlier posts that I was considering one of these, anyhow I took the plunge earlier on today and bought one and have been putting it through its paces. Having had the cheaper ATLP120 about 18 months ago I had an idea what to expect, or so I thought. On the face of it the ATLP5 looks pared down in comparison having lost all the DJ inspired stuff, losing the pitch adjustment slider, the reverse button, strobe etc, non of which the average user actually uses.
The loss of useless frills is a good move imo and gives a much more focused product, concentrating just on playing records. Pleased to report the criticisms I had of the ATLP120 have been sorted, the inaccurate counterweight downforce calibration is now spot on when checked with an electronic gauge, the excessive bias has been improved although 2g tracking force works best with the bias at 1.5
The arm seems better engineered and I believe it’s slightly lower mass, cueing action is much better too.
Having used the AT95E on 2 previous decks I was keen to listen to the new improved AT95EX with its sharper elliptical profile.
It didn’t take a very long audition to realise the SQ has moved up a couple of notches from the already good sounding 95E, it has the same life and energy of the old model but it’s gained some much appreciated refinement, the slightly coarse edge has gone and it’s much smoother, although it loses out at the very top end compared to the ATF7 on my Planar 3, but you’re talking about a moving coil at almost 5 times the price.
It doesn’t eke out the amount of fine detail the P3/ATF7 does but that doesn’t detract from the level of musical involvement that you experience. At barely a third of the price of my Rega it gives 90%+ of the enjoyment.


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[philv]

I like that.
But black only.

I think i am sorted, hooefully.