Ok… many will know what this analog device is, but I was really taken back when I was giving a lesson to a younger student (but not that young!) and he asked what was the thing sitting on top of the cabinet. Yikes! It was kind of surreal needing to explain to him what it was and how it worked…Actually, he was very interested. I explained its operation and how it relayed information from cut grooves in the vinyl disk, through the electro magnetic, diamond-tipped needle-like device (cartridge) to a preamplifier, then sent to additional amplification, and then to the loud speakers. I even explained that the use of a turntable and playing vinyl records was making a bit of a resurgence. He looked at me with some skepticism and, I have to say, I can’t blame him. I, for one, miss the whole procedure and process of purchasing a record album, reading all the information contained (without a magnifying glass), and watching it spin around on that magical mechanical wonder — the turntable.
Saw a pic on the web of a cassette tape and pencil, the caption read if you know the special relationship you are old. Oh well guess I’m old. My kids will only know what a cassette tape and for that matter a vinyl record is because I’ve exposed them. Crazy thing is CD is also soon to be an obsolete format.
If you told me I could only have one format to listen to for the rest of my life it would still be vinyl.
You’re right Mike. The Phillips Compact Cassette was a big game changer for recording audio. It launched home recording along with copy right issues. No longer did the audiophile with the expensive reel to reel have a corner on recording from FM radio and the turntable. I was given a Teac A-170 for a Christmas gift and it sent me down the long and winding road of audio recording!
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=vintage+teac+cassette+deck&FORM=HDRSC2#view=detail&id=C06A3F2BE583FE0626F71EFC8443F2CDB9CE9E84&selectedIndex=20
Do you have a recommendation of a player for someone who is just getting into vinyl? I want something decent but not looking to spend a thousand dollars. do i need to consider specific types of amps or speakers for playing records?
Ebay is a great source, if you are careful with whom you purchase from. Check their feedback and ask questions to see how and if they respond. The turntables from the 70’s and 80’s should be in decent shape but the tonearm cartridge is probably the thing you may need to upgrade. These are still available new. A very good older turntable in good shape should be pretty affordable. Maybe 100.00 to 250.00.
Turntables need pre-amplification for their low output cartridges so you will need an amplifier that has a specific “phono” input. Older amps will most likely have this, but many new receivers or amps will not. You can purchase a preamp for the cartridge separately and then use with most inputs on todays receivers or amps.
Vinyl will produce a wonderful listening experience with decent equipment. It need not to be real expensive, just in good working condition. You will not regret the purchase.
What brands are good?
Older turntables such as Thorens and AR (Acoustic Research) might bring higher prices but there are nice tables. Yamaha, Technics, Sansui and Garrard all made some good tables. The Harman Kardon T series as shown in the post (my current table) is also a very good table. The most important factor is its condition and whether it comes with a decent cartridge.