Couldn't have said it better myself Steve. 100% correct that these cheap decks could do more harm than good and it's certainly worth spending double (or just over) to get a good tt with recording function. I think the AT-LP5 is superb value even without the recording function. However no doubt a dedicated "proper" tt with a nice cart well, setup with recording software (Audacity etc), is the best way to go quality wise. For a nice balance between quality and convenience with unrivalled value though, the AT-LP5 is hard to beat.
System 1: - Amp - Musical Paradise MP-701 mk2 - Neurochrome 686
- Source: Audio Technica LP-5 - Custom 6V6 stage - Novafidelity X30 - Soekris 1421 (LPSU) - Custom TDA1541 C3G DAC -
- Speakers: Martin Logan Prodigy's - Subs: - REL T3's -
System 2 - Amp: Musical Paradise MP 303/Custom 300B SET - Custom 6SL7 Pre -
- Source: Pioneer N-30K - SONCOZ SGD1 -
- Speakers: Loth X BS1's - Sub: REL T3 -