USB Turntables

[Mad_EP]

I know this is a bit off-topic... usually we focus on professional (or aspiring to be pro) gear.

But I've been asked by one of my cello students to recommend some USB turntables so she can give one to her Mom for XMas.

I have to admit, I don't have a lot of experience in this field... I love my Numark TT200, so I was thinking about recommending the USB equivalent (TTX I think?)... but I have never used it. So far in my research I found positive reviews on the Numark as well as the Ion - in terms of both quality (in the consumer realm) and the fact I believe they both come with cartridges/needles etc.

Anyone have any experience with some decent consumer-grade USB turntables they would recommend?


Many thanks.

[fragments]

This isn't terribly helpful, but do tell them to watch that some of them can only use a proprietary needle and cartridge (only one kind can be used, made by the company)...and one I came across didn't actually have one you couldn't replace. I researched them some time ago when I was looking to start sampling vinyl, don't remember the brands/models as I was instantly put off.

[Mad_EP]

This isn't terribly helpful, but do tell them to watch that some of them can only use a proprietary needle and cartridge (only one kind can be used, made by the company)...and one I came across didn't actually have one you couldn't replace. I researched them some time ago when I was looking to start sampling vinyl, don't remember the brands/models as I was instantly put off.

Interesting note... my guess that a model like Ion would be more guilty of that than Numark... but it is worth looking into. Thanks.

[fragments]

NP. I wanna say it may have been an Ion model that had a proprietary needle and cartridge--this is one I only ever saw at department stores w/ piss poor electronics departments. The one that had a perma cartridge and needle was some brand I WTF'd at...like NEVER heard of it before...saw it at Sear's or Macy's and had to open the box to figure it out you couldn't remove it.

[ehbes]

Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB Turntable $300 USD

or the less expensive alternative

Audio-Technica AT-LP60-USB Turntable $140 USD

and cheaper still

Numark PT01 Portable USB Turntable $100 USD

[AxeD]

Forum is definitely not focussing on anything near pro gear. Not that I'm going to be condescending towards consumer stuff but..

I have no idea about any usb turntables anyway. Is it to convert vinyl to mp3 and stuff?

[gen_]

Pretty much. It's also for old folks that don't want to convert vinyl to mp3 but find it a chore to get a decent hifi or set up a separate routing to their PC speakers. Most of the people involved aren't really tech heads.

[Mad_EP]

Basically - the idea is mainly for the student's parent to have a decent turntable to listen to all their old records. I am proposing a USB deck so they don't have to get into making sure they have the right gear / soundcard / etc should they decide to want to digitize their records as well.

I know the forum isn't just for pro gear... but that comment was to try to eliminate the inevitable "They should get Technics 1200" comments.

That Audio Technica stuff looks pretty good - I'll have to check UK prices.

[AxeD]

Fair dooze

[lazermouse]

Pro-Ject Essential Phono USB

I'm getting one for Christmas.

edit.

Numark PT01 Portable USB Turntable $100 USD

I have the regular version w/o USB. I wouldn't recommended for listening. However it's great for crate digging!

[AxeD]

Highly doubt most record shops would let you listen to their records on that though

[lazermouse]

Highly doubt most record shops would let you listen to their records on that though

The good ones let you... I'm talking about second hand shops, flea markets etc.