3,000+ LPs, CDs, DVDs, pre-recorded cassette, reel tapes, plus new LPs, CDs & tapes for sale: Rock, Jazz, Classical, Opera, Big Band, Country, Folk & Gospel. Local sales only.
WHY TURNTABLES ARE SO POPULAR
TIME magazine, 1/21/08, has two pages on records' great popularity. "Records, especially LPs that defined the 60s & 70s rock golden age, are suddenly cool again. Some new fans are baby boomers, but many of the iPod generation buy turntables. They like records' warmer sound quality, elaborate album covers & liner notes, & the experience of sharing it with friends. Bad Ipod sound has had a lot of people going back to vinyl."
"For many, the love of vinyl born from frugality has become downright trendy. Vinyl record collectors are spurring new demand in turntables. The technology is truly marvelous. A retailer has seen a 25 to 20 percent increase in turntable sales over the past three years. It's definitely an underground revival." LUXURY CE, 2008
1] BETTER SOUND The same music on an LP in good condition sounds better than a CD & far better than an MP3 or i-Pod. The LP has better imaging & soundstage, plus a more natural sound. "LPs have a warmer, more nuanced sound than CDs & digital downloads. MP3 files produce tinnier notes, especially if compressed. Most things sound better on vinyl." TIME 1/21/08
"CDs retain inherent limitations: [not] capturing the ultimate fading of the softest reverberations that give music a feeling of airiness & vibrancy. These ephemeral aspects of sound are largely missing from CDs." Hans Fantel, OPERA NEWS 10/01
2] VINTAGE RECORDINGS Most LP music has never been released on CD. Whether you enjoy rock, jazz, classical or country, you'll find lots of music on LP that you can't find on CD.
3] NEW MUSIC AVAILABILITY Vinyl is a staple of nightclub DJ's, audiophiles & collectors. "About a million [new] vinyl albums were sold in 2007, up over 15% from 2006. An indie label manager said, "We can't keep up with demand." Warner LP sales grew 30% last year.
New artists like the Killers & Ryan Adams issue new releases on vinyl, CD & MP3. Some LPs come with bonus tracks not on the CD version. Many labels include coupons for free audio downloads with their vinyl albums so fans get the best of both worlds: high-quality sound at home & iPod portability for the road." TIME 1/21/08
4] BONUSES There are books about LP cover art. Liner notes written by Leonard Bernstein, Bob Dylan & other performers is a treat. Some LP's include the lyrics & musical score. Some classical albums include attractive color booklets, the complete libretto & translations in several languages. "Large album covers with imaginative graphics, pullout photos [some have full-sized posters] & liner notes are a big draw." TIME 1/21/08
Loading LP to CD or MP3
The $219 Audio-Technica automatic turntable has a built-in phono preamp & Analog-to-Digital converter with USB port, Cakewalk computer software plus RCA & USB cables to connect to a computer. This allows easy transfers of LPs to a computer CD recorder or MP3 file. Although there are less costly USB turntables, the AT has many advantages, since it includes:
1] A dust cover.
2] A phono pre-amplifier, enabling direct connection to a line level or aux input or to a computer speaker.
3] An assembled tonearm.
4] The tonearm can raise & lower automatically.
5] An aluminum, instead of a plastic platter.
6] The included software, Cakewalk Pyro, is easier to use: burning a CD requires only one click for the entire LP
The $449 Pro-Ject Debut III USB adds a built-in phono preamp & Analog to Digital converter with USB port to the acclaimed European-made Debut III turntable. Software is not included. Compared to the Audio-Technica, the Debut III has these improvements which greatly improve the sound.
1] Better cartridge, a European-made Ortofon OM-5E
2] Other cartridges fit, unlike the Audio-Technica
3] Improved phono preamp
4] Better Analog to Digital Converter
5] Much nicer, more precise tonearm
6] Adjustable tracking
7] Adjustable anti-skate
8] One piece, solid mdf wood base instead of hollow plastic.
With the Debut III, an LP in good condition will sound better than the same recording on CD. With lesser turntables, the CD will sound better than the LP.
You can record vinyl directly onto a computer in any digital file format, which can import directly to popular programs like iTunes to enjoy music on a portable audio device. This is compatible with Windows, Mac OS & Linux systems.
We stock the Pro-Ject Phono Box II/USB for $179, a combined moving magnet & moving coil phono preamp & an Analog to Digital Converter with USB output. It has a brushed silver frontplate, gold RCA inputs & outputs & is only 4" wide x 1.5" high x 4.5" deep. Your present turntable can then be used with your computer, as described above.
TURNTABLE REVIEWS
AUDIO-TECHNICA
LP2Da, $199, "[Unlike others], the AT includes a sturdy dust cover, a preamp & an assembled tonearm that raises & lowers automatically. The provided software, Cakewalk Pyro, is easier to use: burning a CD requires only one click for an entire LP. It includes software for converting wave files to MP3 files. We recorded a classical LP to a CD, then played both CD & LP. We couldn't tell which was the LP & which was the CD." NY TIMES 1/21/07
MARANTZ made in Germany
TT15S1, list $1700; now $1599 "Attractive, quiet & well damped. Startlingly full, coherent, dynamic sound; should serve as a goodwill ambassador for analog." Rated in same class as $2200 turntables. STEREOPHILE 4/08
NAD made in England
C555, $599, "A good budget turntable; shames many comparable CD players." HI-FI CHOICE 5/06
PRO-JECT All made in Europe & include tonearm.
Debut III, $299-329, depending on finish; EXCEPTIONAL
VALUE, lowest priced recommended table, includes Ortofon cartridge, "impressive imaging & dynamics; the ideal beginner's table," STEREOPHILE 4/08
Nominated Analog Component of the Year, STEREOPHILE, 12/06
BEST UNDER $500; INCREDIBLE VALUE. "compact, nicely finished; ideal beginner's table." above Goldring, Sota, Technics & more. WHAT HI-FI, 12/05
"A revelation. Excellent value; I don't know of a turntable that sounds better for less." ABSOLUTE SOUND, 7/07
"Dynamic & open sound. Impressive overall look, fit & finish. Everything carefully thought out. Tremendous bargain. Great-sounding, affordable, easy-to-live-with turntable that brings your LP's back to life." SOUND & VISION, 7/07
"Easy to set up; great presentation of sound. Excellent value for money in build quality & performance. Good tonearm offers potential for better cartridges." HiFi NEWS 11/06
Debut III USB, $449-329, "Sound quality excellent; exhibited the relaxed warmth that makes analog addictive. Musically reliable yet affordable. I loved having this turntable." HOME THEATER, 5/08
RECOMMENDED, STEREOPHILE 5/08
Xpression, $449 BEST BUY "Well designed; revealing sound"
HI-FI CHOICE, 12/05 RECOMMENDED
BEST BUY; great value, sounds remarkable" above Goldring, Sota, Technics & more. WHAT HI-FI, 3/07
RM5 $649 "Best complete turntable under $1k. HI-FI CHOICE 12/06
"Major step up in sonics from Debut III with a superior tonearm, less resonant platter & better isolation. Soundstage had better focus & more separation. More fine detail." ABSOLUTE SOUND, 7/07
"Sonic performance is a major surprise, aided by a carbon-fiber tonearm, tear-shaped plinth & isolation feet. It's a step up from entry-level tables & will appeal to audiophiles looking for more resolution, control & realism, as well as a more flexible platform for tweaking." ABSOLUTE SOUND EDITOR'S CHOICE, 10/07
"Soundstage & sonic definition that you can't get with cheaper tables. Great looks, excellent value." HI-FI CHOICE 5/06
RM5SE $899 "Nicely balanced, remarkable rhythmic incisiveness, swift transient attack, nice overall dynamic range, open soundstage." ABSOLUTE SOUND, 3/08
Xperience, $999, 5 Stars, twice Product of the Year; above Goldring, Sota, Technics & more. WHAT HI-FI, 3/07
RM9.1 $1499, TURNTABLE of the YEAR, "Sound smooth & detailed, wide soundstage. Surprising lack of groove & surface noise." ABSOLUTE SOUND 1/07
"Pro-ject has made an already good design much better without raising the price. It includes a superior arm & cartridge"
ABSOLUTE SOUND EDITOR'S CHOICE 10/06
"Compared to the RM5, this has an added dimensionality, a more relaxed & natural sound, more dynamically explosive & engaging. A great combination & quite the deal." ABSOLUTE SOUND, 7/07
"Made music sound vibrant & very enjoyable. Quite honest in its presentation of texture, shape & color in sound." HI-FI NEWS 11/06
BEST TURNTABLE UNDER $2000. "Pro-ject is one of the great turntable success stories & has a great reputation. A bargain in material & sonic terms; open, clear & thoroughly engaging sound ." HI-FI CHOICE 12/06
BEST BUY "Great reputation; highly desirable; gorgeous;
sounds as good as it looks." HI-FI CHOICE, 12/05
"Better transients; greater musical drive & excitement,"
STEREOPHILE RECOMMENDED 10/05
"Perfomance comparable to models for far, far more; features found only on more costly models: massive belt-driven 1.5" acrylic platter; physically isolated motor; carbon-fiber gimbal tonearm. Fine arm for any table; high rigidity, good control of resonances & VTA, VTF, azimuth & anti-skating adjustments." AVguide.com RECOMMENDED
RM10, $2499, "Impressively well balanced, rich & warm." IN SAME CLASS AS $8250 TURNTABLES. STEREOPHILE 4/08
GOLDEN EAR AWARD "Improves upon the RM9.1's fine performance by adding a longer arm, a more massive plinth & platter, an isolation base & magnetic repulsion. These enhancements produce blacker backgrounds, more solidity in the bass & a cleaner window on the soundstage." ABSOLUTE SOUND EDITOR'S CHOICE, 10/07
REGA- All made in England & include Rega tonearms & dust cover.
P1, $395, TURNTABLE of the YEAR, includes Ortofon cartridge "The pace, rhythm & musicality Rega is famous for are all here, but without the frequency extension or wide dynamics of more costly models. Terrific sounding, highly involving & highly affordable." ABSOLUTE SOUND RECOMMENDED 1/08
"The best value in vinyl playback. Excellent focus & 3 dimensionality." ABSOLUTE SOUND 7/07
"Highly recommended. This marks the first time that a designer whose work ranks with the very best has created an audio component this affordable. High quality, high value." STEREOPHILE 4/08
"Entirely British-made. You get the pace, musical interplay & involvement that makes vinyl special." ABSOLUTE SOUND EDITOR'S CHOICE 10/07
P3, $895, EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD "Refinements for a sound with more air & detail, better imaging & lower noise than earlier versions." ABSOLUTE SOUND 10/06
"Builds on the strengths of the P2 with added subtlety & detail."
HI-FI CHOICE 5/06
24
P3 & Elys 2 cartridge, $1095, EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD "Refinements, more air & detail, better imaging & lower noise than earlier versions." ABSOLUTE SOUND 10/06 "Builds on the strengths of the P2 with added subtlety & detail."
HI-FI CHOICE 5/06
BEST BUY, HI-FI CHOICE 2/08
"Solid bass foundation with nice tonal; warmer sweeter, more refined sound." ABSOLUTE SOUND 3/08
P5 Turntable, $1395, EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD "A Iow vibration / low coloration design; as close to set it & forget it as you're likely to find." ABSOLUTE SOUND 10/06
"One of the most musical front ends I've heard at anywhere near its price. I prefer its overall musicality to just about any digital system, as well as to several more expensive analog rigs. Compared to a Rega P3, the P5 is quieter, had tighter & deeper bass, a more three-dimensional soundstage& better highs. [While] the P3 is quite the bargain, the P5 is noticeably superior & worth the extra cost. If you believe your audio system should help eliminate stress rather than increase it, the P5 will prove highly rewarding. Its engaging musicality, easy setup & ease of use should delight music lovers." ABSOLUTE SOUND 9/05
"Gets the musical essentials down right"; Rated in same class as $2200 turntables. STEREOPHILE 4/08
"Combines great sense of timing, market leading resolution & a phenomenal tonearm - hard to beat." BEST BUY, HI-FI CHOICE 5/06
P7, $2695, "Greater measure of musical insight" Rated in same class as $7500 turntables. STEREOPHILE 4/08
"Highly capable, coulds hold its own in the most exalted company - a vivid & natural performer." BEST BUY, HI-FI CHOICE 5/06
P9, $4995, "Exceptionately elegant hi-tech player with ceramic platter & wonderful tonearm." EDITOR'S CHOICE, HI-FI CHOICE 5/06
RB300 Tonearm, $395, EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD "Terrific sounding & affordable; musically compelling With excellent balance & good detail." ABSOLUTE SOUND 10/06
"Very good detail, depth, mirange neutrality, ambiance & precision imaging; almost Class A" Rated in same class as $1595 tonearms. STEREOPHILE 4/08
Cartridges
GRADO- ALL HANDMADE IN NEW YORK
BLACK, $40, "Admirable detail & treble extension with good bass & ambience." HI-FI CHOICE RECOMMENDED 5/06
GREEN, $60, "Thoroughly enjoyable for nearly all kinds of music."
BEST BUY, HI-FI CHOICE RECOMMENDED 5/06
"Warm, yet pleasant balance, sweet treble; Lively oveall presentation." ABSOLUTE SOUND, 10/07
"Produces rich, open & expansive music.
At it's price it simply can't be beaten!" SENSIBLE SOUND, 10/07
PRESTIGE MC+, mono, $80, "Warm & inviting."
ABSOLUTE SOUND 3/08
GOLD, $180, "Produces rich, open & expansive music."
BEST BUY, HI-FI CHOICE RECOMMENDED 5/06
"Warm, yet pleasant balance, sweet treble; Lively overall presentation." ABSOLUTE SOUND EDITOR'S CHOICE, 10/07
SIGNATURE 8MZV, $200, "My primary cartridge. Compared to the Green, instuments sound more natural,greater depth, smoother vocals, more detail, & better instrument placement. The Shure V15VMR had no fire or emotion." SENSIBLE SOUND
REFERENCE PLATINUM, $300, "Nice midrange, lively; cartridge of choice for the most cost restrained." EXCEPTIONAL VALUE, STEREOPHILE RECOMMENDED 4/03
REFERENCE SONATA & REFERENCE SONATA MONO, $500, "Improved detail, transient speed, more seductive midrange, & improved hall sound all very noticeable" STEREOPHILE RECOMMENDED 4/08
"Wonderful performer; delivers a naturally sweet treble, refined tone colors & very good detail, particularly in the midband." ABSOLUTE SOUND EDITOR'S CHOICE, 10/07
REFERENCE, $1200, "A beautiful sounding moving-iron cartridge; enormously musical." ABSOLUTE SOUND EDITOR'S CHOICE, 10/07
ORTOFON - ALL HANDMADE IN DENMARK
KONTRAPUNKT A, $799, "Well-defined, powerful sound. Excellent tonal balance; sets a standard at this price level." HIFI NEWS 11/06
"Rich extended bass, very well controIled; even at twice the price, a superbly musical perfomer & a genuine bargain." EXCEPTIONAL VALUE, STEREOPHILE RECOMMENDED 10/04
KONTRAPUNKT B, $1299, "Astonished by how much musical information it retrieved from records; I could hear better what individual instruments were doing." STEREOPHILE RECOMMENDED 4/05
KONTRAPUNKT C, $1649, "Images more presicely than any other cartridge in my experience, a function of its unsurpassed grip & control. The background is almost unbelieveably black, music emerging in bas-relief. Neutrality is absolute, resolution breathtaking. By any measure, an outstanding cartridge." ABSOLUTE SOUND EDITOR'S CHOICE 10/07
SPU Meister Silver, $1499, "Thunderous dynamic peaks; one heck of a fine pickup." STEREOPHILE RECOMMENDED 10/07
REGA made in England
"The Exact cartridge has good transient speed & openness. It doesn't have the "zippy" top end of many comparatively priced moving coils, yet rivals their detail & bass extension. The Exact should be compatible with just about any preamp, including low-gain tube types. It produces a strikingly low-level of groove noise." ABSOLUTE SOUND 9/05
SUMIKO
BLUE POINT SPECIAL II $299, CARTRIDGE of the YEAR
"Affordable, easy-to live with, high-output moving coil cartridge. Compared to most like-priced competitors, it offers three compelling advantages: superior resolution of low-level sonic details, faster & more precise transient response, & a heightened ability to produce broad, spacious, three-dimensional soundstages. It offers significant improvements over the Bluepoint Oyster, a richer & more powerful bass & markedly smoother highs." ABSOLUTE SOUND RECOMMENDED 1/08
LEAST EXPENSIVE RECOMMENDED CARTRIDGE ABSOLUTE SOUND 2/08
BLUE POINT SPECIAL EVOIII $399,
EXCEPTIONAL VALUE, "Tight clarity, rhythmic certainty & excellent tracking", STEREOPHILE RECOMMENDED 4/07
"One of the best entry level, high output, moving cartridges available." ABSOLUTE SOUND EDITOR'S CHOICE
BLACKBIRD $799, "This high-output moving coil is smooth yet detailed, with a wide soundstage & fine low-end authority. Midrange instruments are particularly seductive."
ABSOLUTE SOUND EDITOR'S CHOICE 10/07
"Smooth & detailed, wide soundstage; fine bass. Midrange instruments, such as voices & saxes are particularly seductive." ABSOLUTE SOUND EDITOR'S CHOICE 10/06
"Strong points are the power, extension & focus of bass. Wide-open soundstage, plenty of detail & shimmering, well-balanced top end with no hint of brightness or edge." In same class as $1600 cartridges. STEREOPHILE RECOMMENDED 10/07
PHONO PREAMPS
BELLARI MADE IN U.S.
"This U.S. made, one tube wonder has a moving magnet phono preamp & headphone amp. Golden-sweet midrange, nicely extended, fast & clean top end, & satisfyingly punchy bass. My highest recommendation; the budget preamp I enthusiastically recommend." In same class as $5500 preamps."
STEREOPHILE RECOMMENDED, 4/08
GRADO- ALL HANDMADE IN NEW YORK
PH1, $500, "The wood-bodied PH1 is versatile & works equally well with high & low output cartridges. Open & easy sound, with an expansive soundstage, natural highs & bass that has texture, tonal refinement & power." ABSOLUTE SOUND EDITOR'S CHOICE 10/07
NAD PP-2
Moving Magnet & Moving Coil, $129 "Pleasant sounding"
Exceptional value, in same class as $1400 preamps.
STEREOPHILE RECOMMENDED 10/07
PARASOUND
Z PHONO phono preamp, $149 EXCEPTIONAL VALUE, favorably compares to $600 model, STEREOPHILE 10/07
RECOMMENDED, SENSIBLE SOUND 12/07
"Excellently built & makes very nice sounds: large sound stage, excellent layering & bloom with remarkably good balance, dynamic range & detail." ABSOLUTE SOUND EDITOR'S CHOICE 10/07
RECOMMENDED, SENSIBLE SOUND 12/07
PRO-JECT ALL MADE IN EUROPE
Pro-ject Phono Box, $129, BEST BUY; 5 STARS "works wonderfully; brings out the best in under $600 tables" rated above Linn, Musical Fidelity, etc. WHAT HI-FI, 12/05
"Clarity, focus & pacing impressive for a phono preamp costing so little." STEREOPHILE RECOMMENDED 4/08
Pro-ject Phono Box USB, $179, GREATEST BARGAIN, ABSOLUTE SOUND 5/08
Pro-ject Tube Box, $549, "Sturdily built, attractive & compact; a relaxing, graceful sound; rich tubey sound, suprisingly quiet." STEREOPHILE RECOMMENDED 10/07
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