Sony PS-LX250H Automatic Belt-Drive Turntable Review

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(More customer reviews)No, you can't use this Sony turntable to beat mix 12" dance records or to perform fancy dj-ing tricks. And it certainly will not compare with any $1000 audiophile turntables in terms of audio reproduction quality. This amazingly inexpensive unit will function nicely, however, if you are seeking a basic turntable to play records.
This turntable will NOT play old 78 rpm records, but it does just fine with 45's (the small "hold in the middle" kind or l2") or 33 1/3 rpm lp's. Operation is simple: all you need to do is place the record on the platter, put down the built-in dust cover, and push "start." If you wish to interrupt play, you push "stop." If you want to raise the tonearm above the record temporarily, you push "up/down." What could be simpler?
Since it includes its own built-in preamp, this unit is easy to use in conjunction with a home computer. Why would someone do this? Not only can you utilize your computer's audio reproduction capabilities to listen to records as you work (or play), but hooking up a turntable to your sound card is the first step in setting up a system to convert your old vinyl records to digital files so you can burn them to cd. That's mainly how I use my PS-LX250H, and in this capacity is has performed flawlessly and magnificently.
It's unfair to rate this item based upon unrealistic comparisons to far more feature-laden and expensive turntables. What's truly astonishing here is just what a fine machine Sony has made available for such a bargain price.

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The PSLX250H Automatic Belt-Drive Turntable features fully automatic operation, a belt driven system with 33-1/3 and 45 RPM speeds, a balanced tone arm, and front-mounted controls. Plus it includes a phono cartridge with a bonded diamond stylus. So pull out those records that you haven't played in a long time and start to reminisce.

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Technics SL1200MLK2 TurnTable Review

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(More customer reviews)I've known some people to still own a manually operated Technics that has lasted over 25 years (the beauty of a manual is no extra gizmos or electronics to break down or mechanically and annoyingly affect pure playback) ! If you want proof just look at how many Denon or other top brand name turntables listed on E-Bay will often carry a disheartening claimer by the seller that reads something like, "turntable works fine except automatic tonearm or speed chip sensor does not work properly".Lesson learned is to stay away from turntables with a lot of "computerized-electronic sensing automatic features". So, no, this 'table is not an automatic nor is it for the lazy listener who will fall asleep only to wake up and find the needle has been scratching and bumping at the end of playing. Once you damage your needle in this fashion you will never make the mistake of falling asleep again while playing it.... But, again, the trade off or sacrifice is worth it versus having an automatic tonearm malfunctioning with time. It was first and foremost designed back in the 70's as a mid-priced audiophile turntable for home consumer use and later incorporated as the reference or standard dj equipment for radio stations and then dj/scratching venues. Over the years Technics has fine tuned and tweaked what was already, in my opinion, an almost perfected machine. While audiophile purists and snobs gasp at the thought of using a direct drive 'table to hear their precious vinyl collection, I for one don't mind a direct drive over a belt drive. Advantages of a direct drive is no belt to replace, wow & flutter are almost non-existant (since the platter is driven by the spindle shaft motor directly), speed accuracy is on target. Some purists have pointed out that this 'table is not "dead" sounding enough and may produce some rumble or motor vibration noise when listening to extreme quiet passages on classical disc pressings. So far I have tested some classical records and cannot hear any unwanted vibrations coming from the motor or disturbing noises.In fact, Technics makes one of the best turntables with a very quiet and smooth running motor. The plinth is heavily weighed down and isolated from unwanted vibrations that would otherwise be picked up by the cartridge.Over the years I have owned a fully automatic-remote controlled Kenwood table, a Pioneer 'table, and an el cheapo Sears LXI 'table...All of these turntables ended up in a junk pile in Siberia due to their cheap plastic nature and gamut of so-called bells and whistles. Technics is the only one for those, like myself, not yet to make it into the higer end audiophile arena with 'tables costing from $1000.00 and beyond price range realm. I have used everything from a cheap Audio Technica cartridge to a mid priced Shure cartridge and finally a Grado Prestige cartridge (the Grado being the best in sound quality, price and workmanship).Whether you decide to use an Ortofon DJ cartridge/needle for DJ/scratching purposes or a Grado audiophile cartridge for in home listening you will be thrilled of the workmanship and sound quality of this finely crafted and engineered product ! As a plus, the Technics is an aesthetically pleasing piece of audio gear to look at and realize some solid materials were used to produce it...Finally, who would have thunk decades ago that the Technics 1200 would carry the distinction to be used as a "DJ instrument" for scratching (the motor is that strong) as well as being dubbed the honorary title of the true "Wheel of Steel"!

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Numark TTUSB Turntable with USB Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been looking for a way to easily convert the old vinyl to iPod-ready MP3s. A bunch of my old LPs will never see the light of a CD so this looked like a great, one-step way of digitizing the old, round, black things with all the grooves.
Backstory: I'm a Mac guy, and I've worked with and taught audio production for a number of years so I more or less know my way around the audio world. That said...
This works quite well, but has a few limitations. Out of the box it plugged right in via the USB port and it also has stereo RCA jacks (such as would plug into the back of your tuner/amp) on the back. Drawback #1 is that the RCA jacks are hard-wired into the base of the turntable so if you don't use them (and are using the USB connector) there's no way to get rid of them. They dangle. This _could_ be causing a problem and I'll address that in a moment.
The turntable worked great, though I"m not sure why they put a pitch control on it if there's no strobe light to verify the speed of the unit. Sort of like putting a tachometer on a car with an automatic transmission. Why?
Beyond that, it has two speeds, 33 and 45 (with adapter) and the LPs sounded OK on the speed. If you are wanting to digitize your old 78s, you can record them at 33 and use the software (see below) to get them to the right speed.
Drawback #2: No tonearm cueing lever so you are manually dropping the arm onto the vinyl disk. Don't drink a lot of coffee before you cue your records, especially since it has a counterweight adjustment on the tonearm that make the tonearm almost wightless. It really tough (even without coffee) to drop that ultra-light arm onto the vinyl without bounce and shake. Be careful...
The audio processing software that ships with the unit is "Audacity," an open-source freeware that you can also download from the Web. If you are using an Intel Mac, make sure you download the new version, as the Mac software supplied on the disk is out of date. PeeCee users with Win2000 and XP should be ready to go. You can also use it with most other audio processing software apps.
Audacity software is a bit clunky, but it works OK for this task. I've used it for a number of years so I felt at home with it. If you are new to it you may not be comfortable with it for a while. But it does a good job and you can easily fix clicks, pops, and vinyl noise with the software. To make the final export to MP3 you also need to download MP3 conversion software (LAME...that's an MP3 encoder, not an opinion...and it's also free), as it's not part of Audacity. No biggie. Once it's downloaded and you link it once so Audacity can find it, you're done and it's forever invisible.
Drawback #3: There seems to be a very, very faint hum through the USB connection and I can't find the source. It may be a grounding issue but there is no grounding connection on this, a basically plasitc body and base. You don't notice the hum during the music, but if you listen it's there in the silence between the tracks. It may also come from those dangling RCA cables that you can't unhook. Until I can isolate and eliminate the hum, I'm just editing out the noise between the tracks with the Audacity "generate silence" command. Again, no biggie, but it's an extra step.
Once you've captured an entire side of a vinyl, you add "markers" to the recorded track to indicate the track breaks, hit Audacity's "Export Multiple" command, select MP3 (assuming you have downloaded the LAME software) and your ready for iTunes. It's slick.
Overall: The turntable works very well for my needs. A serious audiophile may scoff at it and be displeased with the minor hum problem or the lack of a cueing lever, but hey, the price is right. I'd give it a Five-Star rating if it had a cueing lever, detatchable RCA cables, and no faint hum between the tracks.

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The TTUSB is a unique, plug and play, USB compatible turntable that makes digitizing your vinyl record collection to your PC or Mac a snap. Packaged with all the necessary cables to connect with a computer or stereo playback system, along with software to remove clicks, pops, and other undesirable characteristics of vinyl, the TTUSB is a comprehensive package that breathes new life into older recordings.

USB Turntable Numark is known for their turntables, and this one lives up to the company name. Features include an adjustable Anti-Skate control for increased stereo balancing, 33-1/3 and 45 RPM speed playback (with 78 rpm support via software), line level RCA outputs with built-in preamp, and an adjustable pitch control of plus or minus 10%.
The USB output means a no-fuss, plug-and-play connection to your PC or Mac for easy archiving.
Stereo Line Input As an added benefit, the TTUSB also includes a 1/8-inch stereo mini jack input connector to facilitate the transfer of cassette tapes (or similar line level sources) to computer files-making this unit the perfect tool for archiving older recordings, regardless of their original format.
EZ Vinyl Converter 2 The included EZ Converter software quickly rips your vinyl collection directly to iTunes. MixMeister's software lets you easily designate each track with the click of a button, and retrieves track names and other info using Gracenote technology. Once it's in iTunes (or the playback software of your choice), make playlists, burn CDs, or transfer to your iPod or other media player.
Audacity For the editing of your transferred files, the included Audacity software (PC and Mac compatible) provides a wealth of easy-to-use features. Remove clicks, pops, and other vinyl surface noise. Export your analog music to popular digital formats such as WAV or MP3, and turn your old, forgotten records to the top of your digital music playlist.
What's in the Box TTUSB Turntable (Includes Pre-Mounted Cartridge, Platter, Counterweight, 45RPM Adapter, Slipmat), USB Cable, Software CD, User's Manual

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Audio Technica AT-PL60USB Fully Automatic Belt Driven Turntable with USB Port Review

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(More customer reviews)Have been waiting and watching and after my first use, download to the computer, and mp3 file creation, I'm happy enough to recommend this product.
For under a hundred bucks the quality seems great. The manual for setup of the system and software is well done with step by step pictures.
I have mine connected to both the computer and external speakers. I'm able to listen to the music while recording thru the external speakers and listen to playback of the downloaded music thru head phones on the computer.
the software has lots of options to play with. but the basic " push the red button to record " and file save as and file export, get the job done to make your albums digital.

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Digitize your favorite 33-1/3 and 45 RPM records on the Audio Technica AT-PL60USB turntable, which comes equipped with a USB output that allows direct connection to your computer. The system offers Mac- and PC-compatible Audacity software, an integral dual-magnet Audio-Technica Dual Magnet phono cartridge with replaceable stylus, and a USB cable and adapter cables.
With Audacity recording software, you can convert tapes and records into digital recordings or CDs, change the speed or pitch of a recording, and more. The turntable also features a built-in switchable phono/line preamp that allows connection to a stereo system equipped with either a phono or line-level input.

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Technics SL1200MK5 DJ TurnTable Review

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(More customer reviews)Basically a carryover of the SL 1200 M3D table (1999-2002) with a few friendly DJ minor adjustments (brighter,long life L.E.D. stylus pop up light, more antiskating for non-skipping during scratching and adjustable braking speed)...Is this Technics 'table worth it's weight in gold (I think between 30 to 35 pounds)? Without a doubt !It's built like a Sherman Tank to withstand vibrations from speakers or the dance floor which would otherwise cause the needle to skip around or transfer unwanted noise to the tonearm and out the speakers; an enclosed loop of unwanted noise. Heavy, heavy, construction of the anti-resonant plinth/chasis, platter speaks in volumes about the craftsmanship Technics puts into the "Wheel of Steel". Other than the build quality, what's the sound quality like?It can yield either professional (DJ use), near-audiophile (for that sound purist who wants to just listen to records or transfer to cd-r format) or club-quality scratching top grade sound (the direct drive motor and torque is built Chevy or Ford tough for the use and abuse).
HOWEVER, the sound quality also significantly depends upon the application the 'table is used for, whether you use a cheap $20 cartridge or the serious high quality type. Is this table going to be used for scratching, regular DJing, or just in-home use? All these factors have to be taken into consideration in getting the most out of the MK5. It is illogical to install an audiophile high end cartridge/stylus normally used for casual listening(jazz, classical, some pop/rock) if you're gonna scratch (vice versa). Simple rule of thumb---you use a DJ needle for club play and scratch and a good to excellent high grade cartridge and stylus for normal playback.It is impossible to tell you which cartridges are of substantial quality to high end because it can sometimes boil down to personal individual sound preference (some yield tight bass, some yield clear high frequencies, some sound neutral, musical, or colored---or a combo of these sound qualities)This can be costly and sometimes aggravating to figure out what to use.It takes trial and error and a bit of set up and experimentation and sound comparisons. Oh, yeah, feed the 'table some decently clean-dirt free records. Some will appreciate the dustcover sans hinges. Others would prefer actual hinges for the cover if used mostly at home.As for aesthetics, it's still the same high tech look that came about in 1979 (forget about the regular wood or mdf plinth and chasis look of the '70s so many other manufacturers used (Denon and Pioneer being the exceptions).Technics was way ahead of it's time in 1979 when creating the "looks" for this table. The same design still looks good in it's somewhat contemporary-modern design to this day.
Now listen up Panasonic/ Technics...the ONLY one request that I have is that SOMEDAY you will really and truly upgrade this particular turntable by giving it high end and fully automatic functions or features that so many in home couch potatos crave.Then, if the turntable is to be used in a dj set up, allow the owner to switch off the automatic functions to perform as a manual.Afer all, anyone who knows the history of the Technics 1200 series, this turntable has it's roots in being first designed as an in-home playback system; The clubbing,dj-ing, radio broadcasting applications came about by pure accident or simple choice! I'm not asking for much am I...Technics came close to making this turntable a successful and brilliant automatic with the SL 1700MK2 and the SL 1600MK2 back in the late 70's (semi-automatic,fully automatic).Now and then you will see these beauties on eBay up for grabs(but usually with a" buyer beware, automatic arm does not work" disclaimer. The only design flaw was a belt that controlled the auto return mechanism which would deteriorate after so much use and render the auto function useless (costly repair)...With all the focus on Technics "subtlely" upgrading about every 2 to 4 years the 1200 series they can finally use some of this state of the art modern technology for a high quality automatic/manual with no design or function issues !!!
P.S. I also highly recommend this website on Techics past and present products. It's an unofficial website that carries some awesome information on their turntables at www.vintagetechnics.com. My personal favorites and after owning some of these models over the years is anything in the SL 1200 series, the SL Q3, and the SL-5300 (this one built in 1979 was loaded with all the sweet full automatic features, bells and whistles for it's time---all of it's controls were on the outside of the cover) !

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ike all Technics gear, the 1200MK5 is built to last. It comes with all the features you ve come to know and love in earlier Technics models, plus a few extras tailored to the needs of the pro DJ. Easy To Adjust Breaking Speed It s simple to set the breaking speed to suit your liking with the SL-1210MK5. After removing the slip mat, all it takes is a few twists of a screwdriver to go from a slow winding down to an instant halt, or anywhere in between. Non "Click" Pitch Control Smooth sliding, quartz locked, non "click" continuous pitch adjustment +/-8% and +/-16% Recessed Power Switch Recessed Power switch to avoid accidental turn off. Pitch Reset Instantly reset pitch to zero at the touch of a button. New LED Stylus Light New LED stylus light lasts longer than earlier models.

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