Record Players

So I bought an album on vinyl and I really want to listen to it on vinyl. What are my options these days when it comes to record players / turn tables? I really don't want to have to buy some big extravagant set up. I've looked online and see a few that can just plug into USB and play through the computer, but these seem to be geared towards ripping vinyl to digital. I'm not interested in that at all. I also require some form of quality.

Vinyl is making a comeback. There are several turn tables listed on Amazon, including a Sony one for $78, which includes the cartridge. I assume you'd need to attach it to an amp or your sound card to get output from speakers.

Yes, I'm aware of the handful on Amazon. I'm asking for advice on specific models. Not what is merely available.

It's been a long time since I used a turntable (showing my age here), but I learned two things.

First, select one with belt-drive, not direct-drive. The direct-drive models induce motor noise into the platter, but on a belt-drive, the belt insulates the motor from the platter, reducing noise.

Second, it's all about the cartridge. It's better to get a less expensive turntable with a top-notch cartridge than the other way around.

Jk Robbins wrote:It's been a long time since I used a turntable (showing my age here), but I learned two things.

First, select one with belt-drive, not direct-drive. The direct-drive models induce motor noise into the platter, but on a belt-drive, the belt insulates the motor from the platter, reducing noise.

Second, it's all about the cartridge. It's better to get a less expensive turntable with a top-notch cartridge than the other way around.

Thanks! That is helpful. I can use that to narrow down the search.

You will have to spend about $500 to get one with quality good enough to use for years. Something like:

http://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-RP1-Turntable?sc=2&category=353

You can also look at the SOTA (state of the art) line, they are minimal, and used by Dr House on his TV show.