I have a Technics SLBD20D turntable if that means anything to anyone. It wasn't that expensive, but I like it. Also an older Pioneer table that I need to do a smidge of work on (springs that holed the tone arm up are worn, so it holds the stylus too low on the record).

My preamp is a nice old 70's Akai AA-1135 that I picked up on a facebook post selling about 10 receivers and a couple tape decks for $100. There were a couple beat up Pioneer quad receivers in there that I sold off and made profit on after all was said and done, but the Akai was the best one in the bunch. Some KLH and JBL bookshelf speakers wrap it up. The KLH's were a Goodwill find that i got on half price day for 2.50 fr the pair. They retail for about 150. so I think I did ok. The JBLs I had previously and they were a little costly, but I love em.

I am thinking or upgrading the table soon though. Any thoughts?

Just received a Technics SL-D2 as a hand-me-down from my dad. I've been using it for several years, but now it's actually mine. The preamp is some DAK unit, probably OEM, but I don't know who actually manufactures it.

I have a whole setup that's currently not used, as my arrangement of the equipment doesn't match well with how I usually sit. Plus the receiver I tried to swap into the system needs some major repairs. Here's what it looked like before I moved some stuff around down there.
http://www.audioka...hread.php?t=577861

I've been on the lookout for a cheap and decent TT on Craigslist, for a potential vinyl radio show that I have in mind.

I have a decent setup. I am the main (and only) technician for a local HiFi shop (not my main job, this is something I do on the side), so I get to try out different gear all the time. Right now, I have:

Pro-Ject Xpression III turbtable w/ Dynavector 10X5 high output MC. Pro-Ject Speed box II motor controller, and Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 preamp. All powered by my own custom built linear power supply.

Naim CD5si cd player. Naim Nait 5i integrated amp.

Soltanus Acoustics Criket hybrid electrostatic speakers (the guy I work for just became the distributor for them in North America last month, I've upgraded to these a few weeks ago from a pair of B&W's).

REL T1 sub.

I'm very happy with my system right now.

i use the gemini XL-400 and love it! I also have one of the turntables to convert records into MP3s but admittedly do not use it much (actually only used it two times with the results being total shit) so i need to learn how to better use that thing. the model and brand escapes me now (it is sitting under a stack of about 30 records that have been in constant rotation the last few weeks!)

here is the gemini that i use on a daily basis and have for a little over 10 years now...

My computer or ipod. haha I'll explain...

Turntable = Technics SL-1200MK2 SE*
Cartridge = Audio Technica AT440MLa
Preamp = Parasound Model 2100
* SE denotes the customized KAB model - I also have a fluid tonearm damper on it: link to pic

I record my vinyl to my computer with that rig, via my soundcard:

ASUS Xonar D2X PCI-e

So I normally only play a vinyl once, then it goes into a protective case to keep it in mint condition, yet I can listen to it at my leisure. I normally edit the recording to remove any pops an clicks, denoise, whatever - depending on the rip quality*. Quite an intensive process - normally takes me a week or tow to do it start to finish. Labour of love!


*Sometimes an LP rips "clean", sometimes not. My copy of Rosetta - Wake/Lift was horribly crackly; my original pressing of The Who - Who's Next (Japan release on Toshiba "red" vinyl) played like a CD so I didn't even touch it.

if I ever see a 1200 on the super cheap (yeah right) then I would probably pick it up.. I heard a rumor that they might start making them again... right now I have this denon one that isn't great, but isn't terrible. It sounds clear, but I know i'm missing a bit of tone or something. The only nice feature is it has a built in preamp that you can turn on if you want.. it can be convenient instead of running it through a mixer or something with a phono preamp... I usually run it into an MPC and snatch samples here and there.

I've had to forsake the setup shown in the earlier post in favor of dorm life. Sad, I know, but at least I get to see it twice a week.

My current setup consists of the Technics SL-D2 (with a Shure ME75P cartridge), a JVC R-2X receiver, and Polk M10 bookshelf speakers. Oh, and a Technics RS-B50 for casual cassette listening/recording.

the D2 is awesome... way better than the B2

Posted by mewthree if I ever see a 1200 on the super cheap (yeah right) then I would probably pick it up.. I heard a rumor that they might start making them again... right now I have this denon one that isn't great, but isn't terrible. It sounds clear, but I know i'm missing a bit of tone or something. The only nice feature is it has a built in preamp that you can turn on if you want.. it can be convenient instead of running it through a mixer or something with a phono preamp... I usually run it into an MPC and snatch samples here and there.

I do tune up's on 1200 pretty regularly, and have a couple parts units, if I ever come across one that's in decent shape/needs minor repairs and the owner doesn't want, I can ship it to you (Nova Scotia to Montreal wouldn't be bad). I own a pair of 1200MK2's that I'm thinking of selling anyway.

Posted by mewthree the D2 is awesome... way better than the B2

I have no experience with the B2, but the D2 certainly is a great table. No-frills for sure, but also rock-solid.

(It is worth mentioning that my experience for judging a "great table" is having owned three Garrards. For what it's worth.)

okay cool..

also, the B2 is the same table appearance wise but it is belt driven instead of having that magnet motor in it... it works but isn't as rock solid.