Technics Music System

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CDJ1000 MK2 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Despite of all magazine reviews, the Pioneer CDJ-1000Mk2 is the new 1200 of the industry (if you know what i am talking). It has 4 types of pich 6% 10% 16% and Wide (a.k.a 100%) the large very large Dial, that has very touch sensitve feeling so if you are scrach DJ, or any type this is the most versatile dial you can buy... forget denon.. forget techics (the new one.. not the mk2)... this is the baby every one has on raves and big shows. the screen is brighter than the Mk1 version (even do, i havent seen mk1 in action).
it has revers funtions, that allows to back spin the cd even if scraching... also its quick!! loading and un-loading, it has 3 cue points, so if you are undecide , set them up and change your mind with out setting up again the cue points
the only bad thing about this cd player its that its expensive so if you are one of those bedroom DJ, you might wana wait till you get 2k so you can buy a pair.

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The CDJ1000MK2 is a powerful tool for live performance and studio use.It is equipped with professional options such as looping, digital I/O, 16 second shock-proof memory for normal CD play and much more.With all its options, it can be seamlessly integrated into a DJs set up.With vinyl scratch functions and turntable feel, it opens up creativity to all that music that may easier to find on CD.

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Stanton ST-150 Turntable with Cartridge (S-shaped tone arm) Review

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(More customer reviews)These turns are awesome, and better than any other turns out there; yeah they're even better than the latest Technics, which are not much of an improvement over their previous versions. The reason these are better is because Stanton put a lot of research into these bad boys, whereas Technics have taken for granted their status. Now they're paying for it.
The high torque adds a real quality feel as you manipulate your records, and I do guess that these will last for a while, unlike many old Technics which you have to push in order to not get that lagging sound. There are also knobs on these turns to adjust the brake and start speeds, just in case you want that lag sound. The platter is very stable, and the entire unit is heavy, which is a positive thing when talking about quality turns (stability). If you like to scratch, these bad boys will not let you skip note, assuming the hole for the spindle is not too large (just put some tape in there to get a tight fit). I would say that these are top notch, but don't pay $499. I paid like $400 or $420, so look around and buy from a reputable company. A+ all the way.

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Gemini XL 500 II - Turntable Review

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(More customer reviews)I disagree with the review of the XL 500II below. He's right they are not Technics, however for the price these decks are well worth it. They make the perfect started decks. They are direct drive so they have a decent amount of torque. The pitch control is excellent. Once you get your beats matched you could walk away make a phone call and then come back and the mix will still be right on. The tone arm can be a bit touchy when cueing, however as long as you have a decent set of stylus's {ortofon,higher end stanton or numark} you should have no problem. Now the decks faults. These decks are not for scratching or heavy duty turntablism. So if that is your thing then I'd invest in something a little more advanced. Also the decks have these pitch bend buttons. Which I found to be completely useless. So to recap. These turntables are excellent units to learn how to match beats. They are great for mixing house,trance,techno,breaks,dnb,and even hip hop as long as you don't plan to scratch like DJ Craze former DMC scratch champion. And once you build your skills, you can upgrade to something more advanced. Happy mixing.Gemini XL 500 II - Turntable

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AT-LP240-USB Record Turntable Review

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(More customer reviews)I have few egg-crateful of LP's and 3 feet worth of 45's that I have sporadically listened to on an Old Marantz direct drive turntable. It has an Ortofon OM10 cartridge. I have been happy with the setup for some time but decided it was time to upgrade. I bought an Audio Technica 440mla from Amazon.com and it did change the sound definition and clarity. But I wanted more.
I always coveted a Technics 1200 but didn't want to spend $1000 for a turntable. That's when I saw Audio-Technica AT-LP240-USB and liked the look of it. It had a perfect mix of "old" style and modern look. The frustrating part was that I couldn't find too many detailed reviews online. I have been shopping online for over 10 years but never wrote a review. I was compelled to write one for this turntable.
Delivery : 36 pounds. `Nuff said
Packaging: It is one of the best packed item that I have ever bought. Audio Technica made sure nothing rattles during shipping. Everything is packed in its own "compartment" and is secure.
Setting up: Took me about 45 minutes to set it up and mount the 440mla cartridge. I used Shure SFG-2 Stylus Tracking Force Gauge to confirm the setting at tracking force of 1.4.
Appearance: I loved the looks and the feel of each part even before I put them together. The final product with the speed strobe light and s-shaped tonearm was just beautiful. Overall, it has very stable and solid look to it. The piano finish looks incredible.
Sound: Believe... My AT 440mla sounded good but was very harsh on my Marantz turntable. The highs sounded distorted like they were and pancaked together. I even thought some my records were WORN OUT. After I changed to Audio-Technica AT-LP240, I am a believer. The highs came through as crisp and defined. The bass was solid and not muddled. I didn't think a turntable could make such a difference in sound but it DID.
Cons: There is no dedicated place to put the 45 adapter.
I think Audio Technica should have left out the pre-amp and USB function on this model. It cheapens the experience. When I was comparing turntables online, the fact that it had those functions made it sound like a low end model. Listening to vinyl is an experience in itself. Hooking it up via USB doesn't do justice.
My setup:
Polk Audio speakers: Lsi15, LsiC, LsiF/X, DSW micro PRO 3000
Receiver: Denon 3310Ci
Power amp: Emotiva XPA-5
DVD/CD player: Oppo BDP-93
I tried Music Hall MMF-2.2 and Denon DP-300F but returned both. I feel AT-LP240 sounds and look much better.

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TCC TC-750 BLACK Audiophile Phono Preamp, Pre-amp (Preamplifier) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have a fairly large collection of operas on LP's and had been having a friend transfer some of them to CD's. Unfortunately he seemed to have trouble keeping system noises, humming and buzzing, from entering the recordings so I decided to try for myself. I have an old Technics direct drive turntable equipped with a Stanton pickup. I read another review on the TC-750 which impressed me, so since this preamp was relatively inexpensive I decided to give it a try. It arrived shortly after ordering particularly for Hawaii, and I hooked the turntable up to the TC-750 and that in turn to a VCR which is plugged into the sound card of my computer. Using Nero software that came with a Sony DVD burner I captured several of the operas and burned them onto CD's. I cannot emphasis to much how elated I am with the sound. It is absolutely clean and smooth. The sound reproduction is perfect. I am totally estatic with the performance of the relatively inexpensive TC-750 phono preamp, and highly recommend it to anyone wanting to connect a magnet phono pickup to a standard audio imput.

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AUDIO TECHNICA ATN3600L Replacement Stylus for The AT3600L Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a good replacement stylus for a Sony-PSLX250H turntable. I have tried it and it's a perfect match.

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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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Pioneer PL-990 2-Speed Full Auto Type Fully Automatic Turntable Review

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(More customer reviews)When you're comparing turntables on the lower end of the spectrum, such as the Pioneer PL-990, it's very difficult to really find audible fault with these players. One is more apt to find personal faults in the players rather than in the performance, and such is the case here.
I have owned low end Sony, Technics, Audio Technica players in this price range. The Pioneer is the best looking players of all the lower end models. It features speed control, arm control, 45 play capability, fully automatic, just about everything you want in a player. I'm surprised the speed control is included in this price.
The sound of the player is nothing short of great, and not having played LPs for awhile made my old LPs come to life instantly.
My personal gripe with the player is that it doesn't allow you to hook into your existing PHONO jacks ( if you have them ) on your receiver. It has a built-in pre-amp and it won't allow you to bypass. I have a PHONO jack, and would have liked the option to choose to by-pass the pre-amp, like the Sony does. Luckily, I had some open jacks and I had sound instantly. The player would have received a 5-star rating if it weren't for this small inconvenience.
Other than that minor gripe, this is one snazzy looking player, and at this price, it will be hard to beat. The classy look of this player, plus all of the features will make a great addition to your existing system.

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2-speed, fully automatic stereo turntable with phono EQ and moving magnet cartridge included

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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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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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Audio-Technica AT-PL120 Professional Direct-Drive Turntable Review

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(More customer reviews)I stopped listening to LPs as most folks did when CD players hit the mass market. Convenience was the name of the game, particularly the ease of listening to music on the road. But what a tremendous difference in sound vinyl really provides! I chose the AT-PL120 after several hours of research on the web over a couple of days. I first considered spending the least amount of money and considered the entry-level model AT-PL50. I talked to an audiophile shop and while the shop thought it was a good entry-level model, they advised me to consider the next step up because it was well worth the investment in terms of sound quality and equipment durability. Upon close inspection at a local electronic store, the AT-PL50 looked really cheap. I decided to spend more money and get decent quality. I considered the AT-APL120 and the Music Hall MMF2.1, which has pretty decent reviews. The difference came down to saving $50 or so and decided to try the Audio Tecnica. I must admit, the sound is impressive and the built quality of the turntable is really good. Besides the DJ features, which I really do not care about, it has several bells and whistles that makes it very professional looking. I am using a pair of B&W bookshelf and a Yamaha RX-777, perhaps one of the few available stereos for music listening you can still get. The combination works well, but no doubt the vinyl sounds much better than a well-recorded CD. The AT-PL120 makes the sound really come alive! If you still have your old records and invested in taking good care of them, spend a few bucks and get this turntable. If I ever decide to burn a few LPs to play them in my car, it also has the built in amp. All in all, after two days of playing LPs on this turntable, I am very satisfied. The AT-PL120 comes pretty well boxed too. Too bad that Amazon packed it in a big but soft box, which was open on one side when UPS delivered. If it wasn't for the Audio Tecnica box, I would have refused the shipment. Luckily it all works like it is supposed to.

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Audio-Technica's AT-LP120 direct-drive, high-torque professional turntable is perfect for DJs and other music enthusiasts, especially in an era that many would call "postvinyl," when it's no longer the norm for audio/video receivers or even integrated amplifiers to offer a dedicated phono input. A selectable internal stereo phono preamplifier lets you plug the turntable directly into any line-level input, even your PC's (when used with a stereo RCA to minijack "Y" adapter cable, not included). Alternately, you can use the player's phono output and an outboard, higher-quality phono preamplifier for even better sound quality.
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120 professional turntable (see larger image).

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Technics SL-BD22 Stereo Audio Turntable Review

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(More customer reviews)Operation of this turntable is smooth with regards to accurate pitch and speed adjustment and the auto-return tone arm mechanism is flawless.
However, the downfall of this Technics turntable is an annoying audible static -like intermittent noise heard on quiet passages of music. I made absolute sure the ground wire was well secured and I even tested this 'table on another stereo system and still the annoying noise was present. Apparently, it may be something inherent in between the belt-motor and the output wiring. I tested another Technics table of the same model number and, yup, you guessed it...that same noise is there. It could have something to do with a design flaw or something that is just inherent with a non-direct drive frequency generated turntable...On a consumer electronics web-site another owner/reviewer of the SL-BD22 had the same exact problem ! So, it could be very much a problematic theme with regards to the designing of the table motor mechanism.
After this experience, I upgraded to the Technics SL-1200M3D. WOW ! A major world of difference. It didn't come cheap but the quality and durability is something to behold and so what if it's not an automatic (one less thing to break down) !
The SL-BD22 is basically a no frills 'table and will play records nicely. BUT, if yours comes with a static or humming sound no matter how much adjusting you do, it's a possibility it could be that design flaw...

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Audio Technica AT-LP60 Fully Automatic Belt Driven Turntable Review

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(More customer reviews)You really can't get a better turntable for this price. It wasn't broken or cracked when it arrived, it was easy to assemble, and it sounds great. For under 100 bucks that is more than I expected. The other cool thing about this turntable that is not in the description is that it's easily upgradeable. The turntable comes with a ATN3600L stylus. You can replace that stylus with the ATN3600DLX stylus for even better sound quality and performance. You can also get a better belt for it too but I haven't looked into that yet. It's not going to get any better than this until you hit about the $300 range.

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Play your favorite 33-1/3 and 45 RPM records on the Audio Technica AT-PL60--an affordable, fully automatic belt-drive workhorse. With its built-in switchable phono preamp, the AT-LP60 may be connected directly to your computer, home stereo and to other components that have no dedicated turntable input. The turntable is supplied with an integral Audio-Technica Dual Magnet phono cartridge with replaceable stylus.

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