Showing posts with label vinyl. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vinyl. Show all posts

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Numark PT01 Portable DJ Turntable Review

Numark PT01 Portable DJ Turntable
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought this turntable to a) replace an older turntable from the 70s and which weighs more than me, for which new needles cost 30-40 bucks, and b) to transfer old 78s into digital files for a podcast. It's one of the few turntables that I found with both a built-in speaker AND audio out ports, in both RCA and headphone cable form. Usually, I found ones with either one or the other. It's lightweight, it has excellent sound quality, much more tone and pitch control than you'd ever expect in a 100 dollar turntable, and the new needles cost only 12 bucks. I could not find where to buy the needles online, so after contacting Numark, I discovered that they would sell them to me directly for only 12 bucks each (even if it involved giving out my CC# via eMail). Being a very new turntable, I don't expect it to be phased out anytime soon, so the needles should remain cheap for a while.
Perhaps the only thing I would change is the fact that the table only starts spinning once you move the arm over it - there is no 'start spinning' button beyond the on/off switch. Also, there have been a few times when I accidentally dropped the stylus onto the metal surface and it's left a visible gouge, and I can't help but think that this kind of thing should have been somehow protected against.
I'm not a hardcore audiophile. I don't know the difference between the sonic clarity of a CD and an mp3, and honestly, if it sounds full, that's good enough for me, but this was incredibly simple to set up and plays excellently, and pretty solid (if mostly plastic).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Numark PT01 Portable DJ Turntable

Numark has created a portable turntable that enables you to convert your vinyl to WAV or MP3. This rugged, portable turntable can run on either wall or battery power, comes with a cover with integrated carry-handle, and has an internal speaker for total mobility.
Using the included recording software, no special drivers are needed to connect PT-01USB to any Mac or PC via USB and transfer music from vinyl to hard disk. EZ Vinyl Converter 2 (PC) and EZ Audio Converter (Mac) software are included to make recording and importing audio simple. EZ Vinyl Converter 2 imports your songs directly into your iTunes library, automatically separating tracks, and free, downloadable upgrade includes Gracenote® MusicID, which can even automatically name your tracks. PT-01USB also comes with Audacity software for editing your tracks. Audacity also helps reduce clicks, pops, and other noises from your recordings to restore the full quality of your vinyl. PT-01USB has an RCA line input so you can connect other sound sources such as tape decks and convert them to digital files too! RCA line outputs enable connection to your DJ system or home stereo so you can use PT-01USB as a standard record-player. In addition to the internal speaker and RCA outputs, you can also listen with headphones. With 33, 45, and 78 RPM speeds, PT-01USB works with your entire record collection. There's even a ±10% pitch control to help you optimize your tracks for whatever need you have. Advanced vinyl-to-digital conversion that's ready to roll when and where you are: PT-01USB. PT-01USB AVAILABIILITY PT-01USB has a suggested U.S. retail price of $149 and is available immediately from DJ and Pro Audio retailers. PT-01USB FEATURES
Plugand play USB connection Protectivedustcover and integrated carrying handle Fitsinside a standard 12-inch record case Wall-poweredwith included AC adapter or battery-powered (six "D" cells, notincluded) Internalmonitoring speaker Belt-drivemotor with 33, 45 and 78 RPM settings ±10%pitch control Convertsall standard-sized records up to 12-inches RCAline and headphone outputs 45RPM adapter included Cartridgeincluded USBcable included
PT-01USB: WHAT’S IN THE BOX
PT-01USBturntable Protectivecover Poweradapter USBcable SoftwareCD Quickstart guide


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Thursday, July 12, 2012

Audio Technica AT-LP2D-USB Fully Automatic Stereo Turntable with USB Output, Includes Recording Software and Dual Magnet Cartridge Review

Audio Technica AT-LP2D-USB Fully Automatic Stereo Turntable with USB Output, Includes Recording Software and Dual Magnet Cartridge
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
First, I'm not sure if the previous reviewer had his sound card input set correctly, or if he forgot to switch this turntable's pre-amp switch to the correct setting, but mine sounded great. Also, I elected to use the RCA output on this and not the USB... maybe he was having audio-quality problems with the USB part? Many users seem to have an issue with static and otherwise poor audio when using the USB connection. Instead, I suggest using the RCA output on this unit connected to your PC's audio-in jack for the best sound quality. Please read on...
I've never even owned any LPs before, but I recently got a real craving for some mixes that only appeared on DJ-only LPs. So I purchased a few, along with this turntable so I can rip them into MP3s.
Everything arrived on the same day, so I was like a kid in a candy store. All I can say is HOORAY!
There are two versions of this Audio-Technica turntable... one has USB capabilities, and the other (which is a bit less expensive) does not. However, even with the USB output, there are also good old RCA outputs on this turntable. The turntable also comes with two RCA to stereo 3.5mm mini-plug adapters: one male adapter (for connecting to stereos, powered speakers, or a mixer with 3.5mm mini jack inputs), and one female adapter (for connecting to amplified speakers or other devices with a mini-plug). Basically, you can connect this turntable to almost anything without having to go out and purchase additional cables or adapters.
The unit has three buttons on the front: start, stop, and up/down. I'm sure you can guess what each of these does. This is an automatic turntable, so the arm is controlled by the buttons (no need to manually lift and place the needle back down).
The turntable also has a pre-amp switch, for either "line" or "phono" output. This way, you can connect it to most devices, whether they have an amplifier or not.
The setup of the turntable itself is pretty easy. Follow the instructions to easily place the platter onto the turntable and pull the drive belt onto the motor spindle (illustrations are included).
I elected to connect the RCA cables to one of the adapters, and connected that to the "line-in" mini-jack input on my digital sound card. Technically, I didn't need to purchase this more-expensive USB version of the turntable since I am not using the USB output, but that's beside the point :)
There are two CDs included in the package: one for Cakewalk Pyro 2004/2005 (commercial software), and one for Audacity (open source software). Cakewalk Pyro is NOT compatible with Windows Vista, so I installed Audacity (check their website for newer versions if desired).
After installing Audacity, I selected my input source ("line-in"), put the first LP on, and heard exactly what I was hoping to hear... high quality music and sound. So I restarted the LP, hit the record button in Audacity, and waiting for the song to finish. Then I hit the "stop" button in Audacity to stop recording, quickly and easily trimmed a bit of the dead space before and after the song, and exported it to a high-quality, high bit-rate MP3.
For the money, I couldn't have asked for anything better. Everything sounds crystal clear, and couldn't be easier. I highly recommend this product. If you have a line-in jack on your sound card (which most do), and would like to use that, save yourself a few bucks and go with the model that doesn't have the USB output. I'm not sure if the other model comes with a CD for Audacity (maybe only Pyro), but Audacity is an open-source free download on the web anyway. Either way, you won't be disappointed.
Happy ripping! :)
The non-USB version of this turntable appears here:
Audio-Technica AT-LP2DA LP-to-Digital Recording System

Click Here to see more reviews about: Audio Technica AT-LP2D-USB Fully Automatic Stereo Turntable with USB Output, Includes Recording Software and Dual Magnet Cartridge

Get your classic albums off the shelf and into your MP3 player.Audio-Technica makes it easier than ever to transfer your albums to the digital realm with this new AT-LP2D-USB recording system. The AT-LP2D-USB stereo turntable comes equipped with a USB output that allows direct connection to your computer. The system also offers: state-of-the-art recording software—Cakewalk (for PC use) and Audacity (for MAC or PC); an integral dual-magnet Audio-Technica phono cartridge; and a USB cable and adapter cables. The turntable also features a built-in switchable phono/line preamp that allows connection to a stereo system equipped with either a phono or line-level input.

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Click here for more information about Audio Technica AT-LP2D-USB Fully Automatic Stereo Turntable with USB Output, Includes Recording Software and Dual Magnet Cartridge

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Gruv-Glide II Review

Gruv-Glide II
Average Reviews:

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Although its hard to tell the difference on clean records, but it made a big difference on dusty old records. I have treated over 500 records with this product now.

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Genuine GRUV-GLIDE is the original dry record treatment that makes records sound better. GRUV-GLIDE was developed by people who love music and love playing records!GRUV-GLIDE is a patented and trademarked dry record treatment developed in the late 1970's by Irwin and Bennett Rowe. a father and son team who owned and operated highly successful high-end audio stores in the Southwest.Irwin, a famous electrical engineer and superb trumpet player and musician, loved playing records but was generally dissatisfied with the record cleaners and treatments then available.Some just lined up dust, some attacked the vinyl and altered the record's molecular structure, and some were costly and difficult to use.Irwin wanted a record treatment that: 1. BulletIMPROVED FIDELITY 2. BulletELIMINATED STATIC 3. BulletHAD CLEANING PROPERTIES & QUALITIES 4. BulletNEVER ATTACKED VINYL STRUCTURE 5. BulletWAS VERY EASY TO USEWith those qualities in mind, and his extensive aerospace engineering background, Irwin went to work and tried many formulations. After years of development and extensive testing, GRUV-GLIDE was formulated and patented.Irwin and Bennett sold the stores and became full-time "GRUV-GLIDERS" in 1981.GRUV-GLIDE is now used world-wide by record lovers and professional DJ'sGRUV-GLIDE is made with pride in the USA and your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed!

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Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Grado Prestige Black P Mount Turntable Phono Cartridge Review

Grado Prestige Black P Mount Turntable Phono Cartridge
Average Reviews:

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This was the third phono cartridge I ever purchased, and the only one of the three that I would consider buying again.
I got the smoothest sound out of my vinyl that I've ever gotten with this cartridge. Unfortunately, it has one very serious weakness--the stylus assembly is incredibly fragile, not to mention impossible to change if you don't have the special tool.
If you're doing any kind of archival work (like transferring your vinyl to your computer), you definitely couldn't go wrong with the Prestige Black.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Grado Prestige Black P Mount Turntable Phono Cartridge

The Grado Prestige Black Turntable Cartridge delivers pure sound from your turntable. Attach it to your tone arm and get high-powered sound. Its unique four-piece OTL cantilever technology makes your records sound quieter, improving the height, width, and depth of the soundstage. All four pieces are made of different materials, to offer more sound detail than previously obtainable. Recommended Tracking Force -1.5Stylus Type -EInductance -45mHResistance -475Compliance CUs -20Stylus Replacement -User Weight -5.5 ounces

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Monday, July 2, 2012

Ion Audio TTUSB 10 Vinyl Recording USB Turntable with Audacity Software, Dust Cover and Analog Stereo Input Review

Ion Audio TTUSB 10 Vinyl Recording USB Turntable with Audacity Software, Dust Cover and Analog Stereo Input
Average Reviews:

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Now I know why I saved all those old 33 1/3 rpm records. Short of a NASA-quality machine, the Ion USB and associated Audacity software is the answer to the dreams of vinyl-savers. I went for the slightly higher-priced Ion rather than the Numark and was glad I did -- the heavy duty dust cover and tone arm lever are well worth it.
The software is awesome, especially to a dummy like me. Though it took me and my computer-wise grandson a few hours to figure it out and get a track recorded, a little fiddling with it will produce your own ritual procedure that will allow you to record tracks and export them as WAV or MP3 files to the desktop, from whence they can easily be dubbed to a CD. The instruction manual, I'm sure, is easily understood by those more in tune with the phrasing, but I found that about three commands do all I need or want. The click and pop removal feature is incredible, and will remove all but the most prominent clicks.
This is a high quality unit with excellent software. I recommend it strongly to any wanting to transfer old records of any speed to CD.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Ion Audio TTUSB 10 Vinyl Recording USB Turntable with Audacity Software, Dust Cover and Analog Stereo Input

Digitize your vinyl LPs and 45s the easy way with the high-end Ion Audio TTUSB10 turntable, which enables you to transfer music from your records to your Windows- or Mac-based PC via USB. Additionally, you can connect the TTUSB10 to your home stereo via RCA audio output cables, and you can connect it even if your stereo doesn't have a phono input--no preamp required.
The TTUSB10 also has a line input jack so you can connect other music sources such as cassette decks, and turn your other music into MP3s. You can also adjust the gain depending on whether audio from the turntable is too quite or too loud. Its built-in dust cover protects your turntable from dust and dirt.
It comes with everything you need to turn your music into digital MP3 files. ION's exclusive software suite makes transfer and editing your music easy. EZ Vinyl Converter provides an easy way to transfer your music and import it into your iTunes music library. Windows users can download a version of EZ Vinyl Converter with Gracenote MusicID technology for free. It automatically adds album, artist, and song information for you.
Key Features
Turn your records into MP3s
Play records on your home stereo
Plug and Play USB connection: no drivers needed
Adjustable anti-skate control for increased stereo balancing
33-1/3 and 45 RPM settings
Switchable-level RCA output
1/8-inch stereo line input digitize music from cassettes or other sources
Included software quickly transfers your music to iTunes
Built-in dust cover
Dimensions: 14.5 x 17.75 x 6 inches; weighs 8 pounds

What's in the Box TTUSB10 turntable, dust cover, slipmat, 45RPM adapter, cartridge with pre-assembled stylus, USB cable, audio cables, power cable, software CD, quick start guide
Computer Requirements
PC running Windows XP (32-bit or 64-bit) or Vista (32-bit or 64-bit)
Mac running OS X 10.4 or higher
One available USB 1.1 port or higher



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Click here for more information about Ion Audio TTUSB 10 Vinyl Recording USB Turntable with Audacity Software, Dust Cover and Analog Stereo Input

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Pioneer CDJ1000MK2 Digital Vinyl Turntable CD Player Review

Pioneer CDJ1000MK2 Digital Vinyl Turntable CD Player
Average Reviews:

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Despite of all magazine reviews, the Pioneer CDJ-1000Mk2 is the new 1200 of the industry (if you know what i am talking). It has 4 types of pich 6% 10% 16% and Wide (a.k.a 100%) the large very large Dial, that has very touch sensitve feeling so if you are scrach DJ, or any type this is the most versatile dial you can buy... forget denon.. forget techics (the new one.. not the mk2)... this is the baby every one has on raves and big shows. the screen is brighter than the Mk1 version (even do, i havent seen mk1 in action).
it has revers funtions, that allows to back spin the cd even if scraching... also its quick!! loading and un-loading, it has 3 cue points, so if you are undecide , set them up and change your mind with out setting up again the cue points
the only bad thing about this cd player its that its expensive so if you are one of those bedroom DJ, you might wana wait till you get 2k so you can buy a pair.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pioneer CDJ1000MK2 Digital Vinyl Turntable CD Player

The CDJ1000MK2 is a powerful tool for live performance and studio use.It is equipped with professional options such as looping, digital I/O, 16 second shock-proof memory for normal CD play and much more.With all its options, it can be seamlessly integrated into a DJs set up.With vinyl scratch functions and turntable feel, it opens up creativity to all that music that may easier to find on CD.

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Monday, June 25, 2012

45 RPM Adapters - Inserts for Your 7" Vinyl Singles Review

45 RPM Adapters - Inserts for Your 7 Vinyl Singles
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The adaptors sent were exactly as described and worked great. I had no problems with either the product or the seller. Good transaction.

Click Here to see more reviews about: 45 RPM Adapters - Inserts for Your 7" Vinyl Singles

This is a BRAND NEW 10 pack of Black Flat Record Adapters. Each adapter allows you to play 45 RPM singles on almost any record player. The adapters are easy to use, simply snap it into the center of the 7" record and place on the turntable spindle - no tools are required! This 10 pack is perfect for DJs and home use.

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Saturday, June 16, 2012

Grado Prestige Green Standard Mount Turntable Cartridge Review

Grado Prestige Green Standard Mount Turntable Cartridge
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First of all, I want to point out that the Grado Prestige Green is an excellent cartridge for its sound reproduction. Trombones are not piercing, bells are soft and the bass tone reproduction is amazing. Grado's are very well designed and deliver a great value for the money.
But... (and this is the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars) you need to be sure that your turntable is well matched for this or any Grado. I have a direct drive turntable with an unshielded motor, and the Grado picks up a low amplitude hum as the stylus moves closer to the spindle. This is because Grado does not shield their cartridges. I don't know why, because everything else is great about this cartridge.
If you have a belt drive turntable with a motor far away from the cartridge or your motor is shielded, you shouldn't have any problems. This will be your best investment.
Now I don't want to exaggerate the hum, because you do have to turn up the volume pretty high to hear it. I have been using it for digital restoration of vinyl and the hum comes through the preamp and sound card. I can filter it out with software without damaging the audio (noticeably). I considered a different cartridge but I love the sound of this one too much.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Grado Prestige Green Standard Mount Turntable Cartridge

The Grado Prestige Green Turntable Cartridge delivers pure sound from your turntable. Attach it to your tone arm and get high-powered sound. Its unique four-piece OTL cantilever technology makes your records sound quieter, improving the height, width, and depth of the soundstage. All four pieces are made of different materials, to offer more sound detail than previously obtainable. Recommended Tracking Force -1.5Stylus Type -EInductance -45mHResistance -475Compliance CUs -20Stylus Replacement -User Weight -5.5 ounces

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Saturday, May 19, 2012

Grado Prestige Red Standard Mount Turntable Cartridge Review

Grado Prestige Red Standard Mount Turntable Cartridge
Average Reviews:

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I purchased a Well-Tempered Record Player (Record Player is the model name of the turntable) in '99, started with a Grado Sonata, and a Grado Red as a backup cart; The Sonata sounded great, but expensive. Then tried a Shure 97; sounded ok. Then I tried a Denon 103. Sounded very good, energetic, lots of shimmer on cymbals. Then I tried the Grado Red. What a revelation. You don't have to spend a fortune on a cart to get it all. Soundstage, bass, sweet from top to bottom. I'll never need another cart for my TT. However, a word of warning; No piece of equipment is going to work for all applications. If your TT has a motor that sits close to the spindle axle, or under it, you might get hum as the cart gets toward the end of the record, and closer to the motor; My motor is on the opposite side from the tonearm, connected to the platter via a belt, so I don't have to worry about it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Grado Prestige Red Standard Mount Turntable Cartridge

The Grado Prestige Red Turntable Cartridge delivers pure sound from your turntable. Attach it to your tone arm and get high-powered sound. Its unique four-piece OTL cantilever technology makes your records sound quieter, improving the height, width, and depth of the soundstage. All four pieces are made of different materials, to offer more sound detail than previously obtainable. Recommended Tracking Force -1.5Stylus Type -EInductance -45mHResistance -475Compliance CUs -20Stylus Replacement -User Weight -5.5 ounces

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Click here for more information about Grado Prestige Red Standard Mount Turntable Cartridge

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Stanton Record Cleaner Kit Review

Stanton Record Cleaner Kit
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I still maintain a sizable vinyl collection, drawing from it each week for a radio show (I doubt the majority of stations in the country even bother to keep a working turntable). The old Discwasher, now simply a name sold to Phillips Electronics (RCA, General Electric), impresses me less these days than this Stanton brush. Unlike the corduroy material of the Discwasher, it has a felt-like material that appears to penetrate the grooves and pull out more dust than a stiff corduroy wipe. I don't buy, however, the claims either manufacturer makes about "special formulas." When the bottle of liquid runs out, it's silly to purchase another 25 dollar kit. Simply refill it with a 50/50 mix of water and isopropyl alcohol and expect the same results.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Stanton Record Cleaner Kit

Vinyl cleaner kit that will safely clean vinyl records.

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Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Grado Prestige Black1 Stylus Review

Grado Prestige Black1 Stylus
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I am a moderate hi-fi buff, and when it came to refurbishing an old Gerrard turntable, I chose this cartridge base on other reviews. The fidelity is great for my ears running through an AMC integrated amp into a pair of homebrew MTM Vifa/Scan Speak bookshelf speakers. The response is neutral to warm, and the stereo separation is quite good. Lower end Grado cartridges seem to be as good a bargain as the low end of their cans.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Grado Prestige Black1 Stylus

Replacement Stylus for Grado Black Cartridge / 3 piece OTL cantilever technology / Standard oxygen free wire / Specially designed elliptical diamond mount

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Monday, May 7, 2012

Grado Prestige Silver1 Standard Mounting Cartridge Review

Grado Prestige Silver1 Standard Mounting Cartridge
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(More customer reviews)
I bought this cartridge for my Technics 1200 turntable, having already owned the budget Black model. The Silver does everything the Black does but better. It is fuller sounding with deeper bass and a more articulate midrange. More importantly, the soundstage is wider and deeper.
In my review of the Black, I felt it was like a low cost moving coil with excellent presentation of small details and a very neutral balance.The Grado sound is natural, warm yet detailed. There is no brightness. And while the Black can sound a bit small and lean the Silver serves up a bigger fuller sound while retaining all of the positive virtues of its less expensive stable mate. My listening includes jazz, classical and rock. I think the Grados are good with all kinds of music but I am most impressed with their natural presentation for classical and opera records.
At the price of the Silver, only the Denon DL110 offers actual high output moving coil performance. Ortofon has one for slightly more money. The Silver is actually a special moving iron design which Grado has used and refined for decades. The Grados are made in the USA.
Visually the Silver is identical to the Black except there are two silver dots on either side of the stylus holder indicating which model it is.
One thing I must warn about however is that this cartridge can hum on certain turntables that use unshielded motors. There are no hum issues on my Technics or Pioneer direct drives or my old Thorens 166 but it is a slight issue on my Rega. The Grado sounds fine at normal levels on the Rega (so not an issue for me)but hums when the cartridge gets close to the end of the side and near the motor (when played at very high volumes). It also hums noticeably on my older 1979 vintage Toshiba Direct Drive. This cartridge is also only an average tracker and certainly no match for the likes of a Shure or Nagaoka. However, I prefer the sound of the Grado Black and Silver to either of those cartridges.
So a strong recommendation for those with a compatible turntable. Grado also makes these in Pmount (T4P) so good for those sleek tables from the 1980s as well. I intend on trying a Grado Blue P mount for my other Technics table which uses that style of cartridge.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Grado Prestige Silver1 Standard Mounting Cartridge

The Grado Prestige Silver Turntable Cartridge delivers pure sound from your turntable. Attach it to your tone arm and get high-powered sound. Its unique four-piece OTL cantilever technology makes your records sound quieter, improving the height, width, and depth of the soundstage. All four pieces are made of different materials, to offer more sound detail than previously obtainable. The ultra-high purity long crystal (UHPLC) oxygen free copper wire & designed elliptical diamond mounted on a brass bushing faithfully reproduces the sound on your vinyl, exactly as it was recorded. Recommended Tracking Force -1.5Stylus Type -EInductance -45mHResistance -475Compliance CUs -20Stylus Replacement -User Weight -5.5 ounces

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Sunday, May 6, 2012

Technics SL1200MLK2 TurnTable Review

Technics SL1200MLK2 TurnTable
Average Reviews:

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I've known some people to still own a manually operated Technics that has lasted over 25 years (the beauty of a manual is no extra gizmos or electronics to break down or mechanically and annoyingly affect pure playback) ! If you want proof just look at how many Denon or other top brand name turntables listed on E-Bay will often carry a disheartening claimer by the seller that reads something like, "turntable works fine except automatic tonearm or speed chip sensor does not work properly".Lesson learned is to stay away from turntables with a lot of "computerized-electronic sensing automatic features". So, no, this 'table is not an automatic nor is it for the lazy listener who will fall asleep only to wake up and find the needle has been scratching and bumping at the end of playing. Once you damage your needle in this fashion you will never make the mistake of falling asleep again while playing it.... But, again, the trade off or sacrifice is worth it versus having an automatic tonearm malfunctioning with time. It was first and foremost designed back in the 70's as a mid-priced audiophile turntable for home consumer use and later incorporated as the reference or standard dj equipment for radio stations and then dj/scratching venues. Over the years Technics has fine tuned and tweaked what was already, in my opinion, an almost perfected machine. While audiophile purists and snobs gasp at the thought of using a direct drive 'table to hear their precious vinyl collection, I for one don't mind a direct drive over a belt drive. Advantages of a direct drive is no belt to replace, wow & flutter are almost non-existant (since the platter is driven by the spindle shaft motor directly), speed accuracy is on target. Some purists have pointed out that this 'table is not "dead" sounding enough and may produce some rumble or motor vibration noise when listening to extreme quiet passages on classical disc pressings. So far I have tested some classical records and cannot hear any unwanted vibrations coming from the motor or disturbing noises.In fact, Technics makes one of the best turntables with a very quiet and smooth running motor. The plinth is heavily weighed down and isolated from unwanted vibrations that would otherwise be picked up by the cartridge.Over the years I have owned a fully automatic-remote controlled Kenwood table, a Pioneer 'table, and an el cheapo Sears LXI 'table...All of these turntables ended up in a junk pile in Siberia due to their cheap plastic nature and gamut of so-called bells and whistles. Technics is the only one for those, like myself, not yet to make it into the higer end audiophile arena with 'tables costing from $1000.00 and beyond price range realm. I have used everything from a cheap Audio Technica cartridge to a mid priced Shure cartridge and finally a Grado Prestige cartridge (the Grado being the best in sound quality, price and workmanship).Whether you decide to use an Ortofon DJ cartridge/needle for DJ/scratching purposes or a Grado audiophile cartridge for in home listening you will be thrilled of the workmanship and sound quality of this finely crafted and engineered product ! As a plus, the Technics is an aesthetically pleasing piece of audio gear to look at and realize some solid materials were used to produce it...Finally, who would have thunk decades ago that the Technics 1200 would carry the distinction to be used as a "DJ instrument" for scratching (the motor is that strong) as well as being dubbed the honorary title of the true "Wheel of Steel"!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Technics SL1200MLK2 TurnTable

Aluminum Diecast Cabinet * Helicoid Tonearm Height Adjustment * Finish: silver/black * Hinged, detachable Dust Cover * Heavy rubber base material

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Sunday, April 29, 2012

Numark GTRS Numark 2 Styli for GrooveTool Cartridge Review

Numark GTRS Numark 2 Styli for GrooveTool Cartridge
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Was looking for a Styli for my Gemini TT01 turntables. I found out that this Numark needle was compatible with the Gemini TT01, since the Numark TT Model line and the Gemini TT01 share the same specs, plus way cheaper, you get two for less than $12.
The sound is great and for under $12 I got my turntables back.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Numark GTRS Numark 2 Styli for GrooveTool Cartridge

Replacement stylus for GrooveTool Cartridge.Sold in pairs.

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Friday, April 27, 2012

Audio Technica AT3600 Standard Mount Magnetic Cartridge Review

Audio Technica AT3600 Standard Mount Magnetic Cartridge
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Have had an old Sony stereo system since 1987 and the needle has (had) been broken since 1995 or so. Recently replaced the needle (just unscrew the top black piece, pull off the yellow piece, and detach the clear plastic cover carefully--slides under and locks into position the tonearm, but will take some patience) and it works great. The single yellow piece will cost much less and would have bought on eBay but don't currently have an account with them, so all thanks to Amazon. Fortunately, this particular stylus is easy to find compared to some other/older styli. Have purchased some rare vinyl records on top of that as enjoyment. I digitize the records to iPod with MicroMemo accessory and sounds great on a computer. Just use an audio editor and burn to CD if you want. (Just a suggestion--what I do.) Generally, if the album is available on tape or CD as well and you don't have a turntable with a working needle, a vinyl record wouldn't be appropriate. Some might choose vinyl for its so-called warm audio tones and cover art that differ from other formats. Probably little demand for this nowadays but you never know when obsolete technology has a minor advantage over the newer stuff. Vinyl records are still in production, but cassette tape is becoming harder to find now, even online! Blank CDs and DVDs don't have the archival life of tapes and vinyls because they scratch too easily. Vinyl is very sturdy but certainly not compact, and you can't record your own records as you can tape and CD/DVD. Having said that, more than likely you would buy vinyl than tape, but it's a matter of need and interest. I would recommend this Audio Technica product if you have the equipment for it.

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These are AT3600 standard mount (two hole with 1/2" spacing) moving magnet cartridges that will replace virtually any brand cartridge in any turntable which uses a removeable headshell and many that don't; if you see two screws holding your current magnetic cartridge in place, this Audio Technica will replace it. Don't waste time searching for a replacement stylus for your current cartridge when you can simply replace the whole thing for the same or less money!!!

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Saturday, April 21, 2012

N97XE Replacement Stylus for M97xE Cartridge Review

N97XE Replacement Stylus for M97xE Cartridge
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Analog music lovers will be happy to know the perfect replacement exists for the stylus on the exquisite M97xEstereo cartridge from Shure. Shure continues to be the leader in high performance, affordable moving-magnet phono cartridges. The sound is rich, clean, and full-bodied, with ample stereo separation and the ability to track even difficult to play records. The N97xE insures that this wonderful cartridge will continue to perform its labor of love for years to come. If you own this cartridge, make "shure" you have a spare stylus on hand.

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A Shure replacement stylus will restore your Shure cartridge to its originally specified performance levels. We strongly advise against the use of non-Shure styli with our cartridges. Such imitations will not perform the same as the stylus being replaced, and, more importantly, could cause permanent damage to your records - severe mistracking can ruin a record in a single play.

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Friday, April 20, 2012

Numark X2 Pro Hybrid Turntable And CD / MP3 Player Review

Numark X2 Pro Hybrid Turntable And CD / MP3 Player
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I have been in the scratch DJ scene since 1997. I used 1200's forever until I got my hands on this bad boy! I never looked back.

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A TOTAL DJ SOLUTION FOR VINYL, CDS, AND MP3 CDS._ Ultra high torque (4.5 kg穋m) direct drive motor_ Full size 12" aluminum platter and slipmat12" vinyl record with spindle locking_ Numark spindle with vinyl interlock record for CD control (Patent Pending)_ ?6, 12, 25 and 100% pitch control (motor limited to 80% for vinyl) (DSP limited to +50% for MP3)_ 33 and 45 RPM, with adjustable start and brake speeds_ Forward/reverse toggle with Bleep (bleep CD only)_ Fader/remote start and relay play functions (relay CD only)_ Userupgradable through Internet downloads_ Line output, through illuminated output bay_ Detachable power and audio connections_ Play CD and turntable at the same time_ 3 stereo outputs including dedicated phono, dedicated CD and switched CD/turntable output_ Full MP3 capability, including antishock, scratching, looping and pitch control functions_ Key lock at any tempo up to ?100%_ Seamless looping, and 2 hot stutter starts_ Builtin BeatkeeperTM automatic CD beat calculation_ 3,000 cue point memory_ AntiShock buffer technology_ Sleep mode

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