I used to use my dad’s old turntable to listen to records, but it stopped working about a year ago. I’m pretty sure the needle broke, but Dad won’t buy another one because they’re hard to find, they’re expensive and he hardly ever uses the turntable anymore. I’m in college now so I figure now would be a good time to buy my own LP player. I asked Dad if I could have his about six months ago, but I’ve been thinking I’d rather have my own. For one thing, Dad’s hooks up to a stereo system. Another reason is that it’s an old LP player that already has a broken needle and I’d prefer something new that I won’t have to fix up or worry about something else spontaneously breaking or falling apart. Thirdly, I’d prefer a self-contained system; that is, an LP player with speakers included with it.
Like I said, I’m a student so I can’t pay more than $200 and I don’t really want to pay much more than $100, but I realize this is unlikely. I know Restoration Hardware sells some LP players ranging from $90-$200, but I’m not sure how good the quality is.
Guy with 12,000 records here. If you go to Radio Shack, if they still sell “audio” equipment, you might be able to find a unit that looks like a stack of components, and under the lid will be a turntable. The rest will be the amplifier, tuner, CD changer. I wouldn’t count on it, but maybe.
It’s pretty much a given that any turntable worth using will have to be connected to a stereo system. Some of the ones on that list posted by Mr. Blue Sky have line-level outputs that don’t require a phono preamp or receiver/amp with a dedicated phono input.
If these are still not what you need, my best suggestion is to look at flea markets or auction sales for somebody’s old, '60s portable suitcase stereo. It’ll have removable speakers, and a central unit, where usually, the turntable flips down. If you find one that works, you’ll still have to get a new stylus for it. Try to imagine how many hours are on that sapphire! (Don’t expect it to sound too wonderful!)
FTR, phono cartidges and stylii are not hard to find, and not expensive. Google for the phrase “phono stylus”. Don’t play anything until you have a new diamond to do it with!
Click here to see the Vestax portable record player. It’s kind of a modern version of the portable suitcase stereo that fishbicycle mentioned.
A good friend of mine just purchased one of these. It sounds really good for having a speaker built-in, and I’m usually pretty picky about sound. Plus, it’s very portable, and light - take it on a picnic or something. I’m considering getting one for myself.
The site linked lists $129, which is in your range…but I haven’t looked around a lot so maybe you could find it for even lower.