thanks for the advice, next time in San diego I'll check some record stores and best buy

Dan, maybe you will have an idea when everyone here post their own set ups, and how they use 'em?

Basically, I wanted an old school-looking set up, but with a bit of punch in sound. Wanted to achieve a crunchy 70's sound, but with my current set up, I am still looking for that particular feel.

Turn table: I was gunning for a Lenco--with maple plinth, pretty basic but old school look.

But ended up with a Pioneer PL series (70s)



My Pioneer PL A450 was made in the 70s through the 80s I was told--dial pitch controls, speed selector, if you're looking not to break the bank for choosing the more high end turntable brands like Thorens or Lenco, to name a few, this one's a good choice, IMO.







I paired it with an integrated amp--TA 1055







Now, this Sony TA-1055 gives that very warm, aggressive sound that I didn't find in newer amps. You can look it up over the net and have a read of what they have to say about this integrated amp from 1973.

I loved how it produces sound with both my cds and vinyl records, I scored another one and started a second set up in our living.



This time, I paired an old amp with one of the newer turn tables in the market---Pro-Ject, an Austrian-made tt brand.

This one's very modern, sleek but doesn't have the features of an older model: i.e., push button speed selector, repeat, or automatic play. Everything's manual! Well, what I have is an entry level model, and they have the more expensive ones with all the features, the choices are endless.





And, for this second set up, I used a bookshelf-sized monitor speakers by Sony (SS A3). Remarkable sound with most any music genres.





One thing with second hand audio gears, you may find the right equipment that you're looking for but the condition may possibly, in most cases, are not in mint condition, or maybe will bear the wear and tear, scratches on them. Especially the one's from the 60s and the 70s, but I really don't mind.

Good luck with your search and I hope this help you find something to suit your preference.

hi Jay, glad to see your 2nd setup here. Is that the Pro-ject Debut III? The color reminds me of Lego!

Its the entry level, I don't recall if its the Debut III. I scored it two days after you left haha.

Yeah--the design is very sleek and toy-ish in look with colored versions. Happy!

Thanks Jay, that's exactly what I'm looking a great design and that 70-80's vive and sound, I'm gonna hit the flea market in my town this weekend to see what can I score

That Pro-ject Debut III is a nice table. I'd really like the RM 1.3. The only drawback for me is the lack of an automatic-return on the tone arm. My current table (Technics 1200 MkII) doesn't have automatic-return, but it's a feature that I think would be nice to have.

What you have is a classic--Technics SL series up to MK IV are dj-approved tables man!

Yeah, it's the classic DJ turntable. Back in college my roommate and I would scratch/DJ...loved ISP/X-Men/etc. But at this point I'd much rather have a Pro-ject or other high(er) end turntable.
Anyone wanna trade a Nag for an SL1200? So I can sell the Nag and buy hifi equipment!

I wish people would post their own set ups here.

that would be a great idea

Hey I have some pretty valuable records that I want to listen to but also, I don't want to wear them out because they would be very expensive to replace. Is there a certain needle that is better? Or I've seen the USB record players at urban outfitters,ect... Is there a relatively cheap one of those?

You're not going to wear out your records, unless you rub 'em with steel wool or something. I have records that I bought 30 years ago that still sound just fine, after being played literally thousands of times. Anyway, entropy is the default state of the universe, we'll all be dust someday, etc - just enjoy your vinyl.

If you're gonna rip 'em to MP3s and never spin 'em again, why bother having them at all? Just sell 'em and spend the money on something you can enjoy.

Here's my setup.


Ion turntable
Kenwood Receiver (getting ready to switch to a 70's Marantz)
Paradigm Atom bookshelf speakers

Nothing fancy (budget setup), but sounds really good

I have a friend who has a very high end setup (about $40K) and it sounds amazing! It blows my setup out of the water, but since mine cost about $34,400 less I'm very happy!

Thanks, I agree with what you said, I actually just have 2 that I would be paranoid about wearing out... One is a Septic Death blue vinyl, the other is a exclusive limited White Stripes tri-colored vinyl (blah blah blah... ). They are kinda little visual works of art I guess and the music is availible on these specific vinyls only. The rest, heck yeah I play them all the time without a care.

$40k on a record player?! F#%k that.

Probably $40K for the entire hi-fi, not just a turntable. Amp, pre-amp, processor, receiver, CD, turntable, speakers, cables, etc...with most of those components being 4 figures it'll get pricey. I'd rather have a nice amp than a Nag...

Yes, it was 40K for the entire setup.

oh ok cool. wow nice...
Hey Coop love your art btw! The Lords of Acid Voodoo-U cover has always been a favorite of mine!

Here's my wax.
My collection includes Hip-Hop and Jazz-Funk-Rock-Prog records.
Also below is a bit of Japanese Jazz/Funk goodness.

^^Drool worthy Deadbone!

I wonder if I'm going to end up with a vinyl collection this vast. I did it with toys...so...

Hey Jay. I don't see why you wouldn't go nuts with records like you have with toys. It's a vinyl thing These records have built up since I was 15 years old. I go through cycles when I buy and when I don't. Best places to dig are op shops, 2nd hand stores and record fairs. It's amazing what u can find. I like your setup. I'll post up mine soon. I recently bought some B&W speakers and I'm currenly saving for a new mixer.

great vinyl room deadbone...total immersion!

sometimes i wish there was a record section in the skullbrain for sale section! theres some crazy variety on these forums in terms of record collecting

Michael, I've thought of that as well...

I am on the fence. I will talk to Brian about it and see what he thinks.

This is a great idea!