I Need Tech... Educate Me Please!

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

I've not had a turntable since the 90s, and even then I didn't use it much after CDs became the norm. I haven't really got a decent CD player these days since my good one went belly-up about 5-6 years ago! I usually RIP them and listen on MP3 or use the computers CD capability.

I am though now thinking of getting both, as in a decent-ish CD system and a usable turntable. The problem is I'm so out of date with what is available, I don't know what I should look for or even how much these things cost now!

I'm sure some of you know your stuff when it comes to this... please give me some clues!

Thanks

[Typhon]

These days one does not just buy a CD player.  Get a Blu-ray disc player.  It will play all CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs (you are a movie buff anyway).  As for brands, I prefer Samsung or Panasonic.  They all probably have an HDMI connection, but make sure it does just in case.

As far as turntables go, I still have mine from decades ago, but rarely use it.  I don't know if they have changed all that much.

[Vyn]

Audio-Technia or Denon makes decent turntables that are inexpensive. Unless you're looking for something highly resolving (which would mean the rest of your gear is at that level too).

[Zzzptm]

If you want to rip, there are a number of USB turntables that do excellent service in that regard.

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

These days one does not just buy a CD player.  Get a Blu-ray disc player.  It will play all CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs (you are a movie buff anyway).  As for brands, I prefer Samsung or Panasonic.  They all probably have an HDMI connection, but make sure it does just in case.

As far as turntables go, I still have mine from decades ago, but rarely use it.  I don't know if they have changed all that much.

Yes, I've got a Blu Ray player, but the TV doesn't have great sound, which is probably something else I need to look at as the TV is 11 years old now!

If you want to rip, there are a number of USB turntables that do excellent service in that regard.

I might want to rip, I'm not sure yet, but I'll make sure it has the capability.

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

Audio-Technia or Denon makes decent turntables that are inexpensive. Unless you're looking for something highly resolving (which would mean the rest of your gear is at that level too).

I'm looking for mid-range in terms of price. I don't want cheap and nasty, but at the same time high end equipment would be wasted on me!

[Charger]

I remember someone recommending Yamaha MusicCast VINYL 500...

I don't know if it's any good but it supposed to be in the mid price range atleast. And it is wireless so you can use it with a computer as well.

[Vyn]

I'm looking for mid-range in terms of price.

You might check out Rega or Pro-Ject.

[Typhon]

These days one does not just buy a CD player.  Get a Blu-ray disc player.  It will play all CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs (you are a movie buff anyway).  As for brands, I prefer Samsung or Panasonic.  They all probably have an HDMI connection, but make sure it does just in case.

As far as turntables go, I still have mine from decades ago, but rarely use it.  I don't know if they have changed all that much.

Yes, I've got a Blu Ray player, but the TV doesn't have great sound, which is probably something else I need to look at as the TV is 11 years old now!

  I never listen to anything through my TV's speakers.  It has audio output jacks to feed the audio to a stereo receiver.  Your 11 year old set should have this as well.  No TV in the world is going to match the sound quality of my stereo system, whether it is for 2-channel music or Dolby 5.1 surround sound for movies.

[Jack the Stripper]

Sorry I hadn’t previously seen this thread.

It all depends on your budget Kilo. If you want to get serious about it I’d buy a complete used vintage stereo system from the mid 80’s through to the late 90’s, preferably Japanese made. For me they still sound and are built better than the newer ones today. Or you could just buy any 2nd hand stereo unit as long as it’s got a CD player and and buy a brand new turntable for it.  Audio Technica make pretty good quality turntables ranging from $150 for an entry level one up to $4-500 for a top quality unit.

Hunt around on the 2nd hand market, flea markets, pawn shops, vintage stores etc first and see if you can get good condition vintage model for a bargain. That would be my #1 advice.

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

Ok, you guys have given some good pointers and things to consider.

I won't be rushing into anything just yet it may not be until the new year before I buy anything.

Thanks guys.

[Typhon]

Ok, you guys have given some good pointers and things to consider.

I won't be rushing into anything just yet it may not be until the new year before I buy anything.

Thanks guys.

Did you ever buy anything?

I'm as curious as a cat today (which sometimes gets cats in trouble). 

[Thelemech]

If you decide to go with a budget system then Sony is quite good
I use my Samsung Blu-ray player for my CDs and a high end soundbar and speakers
Living in my little apartment I can't play the music very loud as it would disturb the neighbors but my system sounds good even on the lower volume

[Vyn]

Relatedly, I have a nifty turntable that I have been trying to pass-on to someone who would use it, but sadly it will not work on voltage currents as used in countries outside of the USA.

I didn't realize that when I had found someone worthy (READ: seemed to be interested), but they had more brain activity than I did at the time and pointed that out prior to any exchange. After speaking with reps from that org, it would need to have an expensive doo-dad and expensive work for it to even run properly. SO...that sucked lol.

Hope you managed to score something great back in the day, KDC. Hard to believe it's been five years!

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

I did get a turntable for Christmas 2020, I haven't used it in ages... I realise that I'm not that interested in playing vinyl!