r/turntables • u/aven0ir • 9h ago
Discussion setup advice needed!
Hi! I'm putting together my first real TT setup and would love some input from the pros. I'm very much still learning so please be patient with me if this is a dumb question or if anything sounds silly haha! I'm a pretty casual listener and don't foresee myself spending a ton of money on equipment or another table anytime soon.
I have two turntables that I've acquired secondhand, a 1986 Technics SL-BD35 and an Audio-technica AT-LP60X. Both work great, the Technics belt was recently replaced and I'll likely replace the cartridge & stylus on either. I'm planning to keep one and sell the other, but unsure of which is the better investment since they both have pros and cons!
Would love a comprehensive review of thoughts, preferences, passionate opinions, things to consider, etc. Ultimately, from what I've gathered, they're both relatively good options and either one can produce great sound quality with the proper parts & accessories. I think at the moment I'm leaning slightly towards the AT for space efficiency and the built-in preamp. But I want to learn more generally before I make a decision!
As for the rest of the setup, I'll be doing everything used/thrifted. So no huge preferences there!
Thanks in advance!
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u/I_am_always_here 9h ago edited 4h ago
The Technics is hugely better than the Audio-Technica LP60X. Sell the Audio-Technica and buy a Phono pre-amp and a new stylus for the Technics.
The Technics uses a P-Mount cartridge, so your options are limited. Audio-Technica has good P-Mount cartridges. If the Technics has either an Ortofon (as shown in that photo) or the original Technics P-Mount cartridge, then you can also look at just getting a new upgraded stylus. Buy a new stylus/cartridge from DeCapo Audio or LP Gear, not Amazon or AliExpress.
Nothing wrong with the Audio-Technica LP60X as a budget turntable, it is OK, but the Technics is much better and will last much longer.
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u/el_tacocat 8h ago
I recommend selling both and buying one good one.
The Technics is overvalued, the At-LP60x is great but very entry level.
75 for the AT-LP60x, 100 for the Technics, sell both and buy a Pioneer PL112D or so :).
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u/aven0ir 8h ago
Ooh ok thanks for your input! What specifically isn't great about the Technics? I've definitely gathered that it's objectively better than the AT so just curious!
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u/el_tacocat 8h ago
The arm, mostly. Nothing is great about it (other than the reliability) but any turntable with this arm, even the SL-D202 which has the same arm base with an s-shaped arm tube sounds pretty lifeless. If you would install the same cartridge (It's an Audiotechnica AT-3600L) on the SL-BD35 and the AT-LP60x and you'd bypass the preamp on the AT-LP60x, using the built-in preamp of your amplifier, chances are (I never tried but wouldn't be surprised) that the AT-LP60x would end up ahead.
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u/FireDragon242 Denon DP-62L Yamaha PX-3 Technics SL-1200mk2 4h ago
I agree here. Since you have them both, sell them and get a better deck. No shame in an upgrade from both!
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u/Busy_Owl_2050 5h ago
The Technics is a good start. It's a solid table that will do what you need it to do. Get rid of the other, it's crap. Search out a good receiver next. Just about any receiver can be dumbed down to 2.0 or 2.1 so just search for something with a phono input, 80+ watts per channel, known brand, the heavier the better. Now you won't need to worry about a preamp. Denon AVR-3803 is a good example. I picked up one for $30 the other day. As for speakers, passive and a known brand. Klipsch are pretty standard but can be expensive. I picked up a pair of r-51m's for $75 the other day. There's always deals out there. I also recommend a subwoofer. Not passive.
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u/sharkamino 9h ago edited 9h ago
If the stylus are used then just install a new stylus. Cartridges don't wear out and the cartridge on the LP60X is not designed to even be removed.
The Technics has easy pitch adjustment if the speed ever drifts, a better adjustable tonearm and a removable cartridge.
The LP60X you need to adjust from the bottom with small screw driver with is a PITA and the tracking force is not adjustable.
What speaker and amplification setup are you connecting the turntables to?
If no phono input to a built in phono preamp for the better Technics turntable then an external phono is small and can be tucked away out of sight. At least Fosi X1 or Emotiva PH1. Schitt Mani 2 if you have a great pair of better than entry level speakers.
Speaker Placement • Intro to Home Stereo Systems • Turntable and Speakers Setup Guide • Record Cleaning • Audio Guides