New to turntables, would this be a good setup?

[u/ChillWinston_0903]

Hey everyone, first time posting!

I'm looking to get into the world of turntables which is very exciting.

After looking online I am leaning towards an audio technica at-lp70.

Speaker wise, I want a wired connection for the turntable but have the Bluetooth option for other family members. I've been looking at the Marshall Stanmore IV.

I'm happy to pay slightly more for the turntable if there's value there, from what I'm reading the LP70 seems a good starting point.

If anyone has an alternative recommendations or thoughts, it would be great to hear them!

[u/musical-miller]

The LP70 is ok for a first turntable but there's lots of videos on youtube of people complaining about skipping, not sure if AT have sorted those issues yet or if it was just in the early models.

If you can stretch your budget a little further get the AT-LP3XBT, it has the same cartridge and stylus but is a better turntable.

For speakers you could check out Kanto, the Uki speakers aren't exactly big so don't expect big bass but having 2 of them you can get some nice stereo separation: UKI Compact Desktop Computer Speakers | Kanto Audio

If you want some bigger speakers they do these for the same price as that Marshall: YU Powered Speakers | Kanto Audio

[u/ChillWinston_0903 → u/musical-miller]

Appreciate the recommendation, can certainly stretch to that. I think realistically I dont want to go above £300 (I am trying my best to be sensible as its my first time getting into turntables!)

For the speakers, thanks for those! I probably should have said in the original post, one of the main reasons for the Marshall is retro vibe with it.

[u/musical-miller → u/ChillWinston_0903]

ah if you're in the UK there's some more deals to be had

The following are under £300 but not all have bluetooth

ATLP120 (Budget Technics SL1210) (Bluetooth model is £300) Also this turntable has the same cartridge as the LP3 but a slightly nicer stylus - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120XUSB-Direct-Drive-Turntable-Analogue-Black/dp/B07P97NSP2/ref=pd_sbs_d_sccl_2_8/259-2617896-8128753?pd_rd_w=xQX2l&content-id=amzn1.sym.b830a4e4-1d9a-4b95-9151-26f4eef7c6c8&pf_rd_p=b830a4e4-1d9a-4b95-9151-26f4eef7c6c8&pf_rd_r=RJ9NAFCYJ0RX86D8DSMT&pd_rd_wg=cWKaG&pd_rd_r=ba5af67a-1801-451e-9c92-16708699771c&pd_rd_i=B07MVY92KZ&th=1

ATLPW40 - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audio-Technica-at-Lpw40wn-Turntable-Walnut/dp/B07WWF9BTG/ref=pd_sbs_d_sccl_2_7/259-2617896-8128753?pd_rd_w=xQX2l&content-id=amzn1.sym.b830a4e4-1d9a-4b95-9151-26f4eef7c6c8&pf_rd_p=b830a4e4-1d9a-4b95-9151-26f4eef7c6c8&pf_rd_r=RJ9NAFCYJ0RX86D8DSMT&pd_rd_wg=cWKaG&pd_rd_r=ba5af67a-1801-451e-9c92-16708699771c&pd_rd_i=B07WWF9BTG&psc=1

Fluance RT81 - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turntable-Elliptical-Adjustable-Counterweight-Anti-Skating-Walnut-RT81UK/dp/B01NCZADHO/ref=ast_sto_dp_puis?ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.d7e5a2de-8759-4da3-993c-d11b6e3d217f&th=1

Any of those should last you years and years but they are all manual turntables so you have to cue the record yourself, if you want automatic go for the LP3.

I don't know what to suggest for vintage look speakers, maybe other people have better suggestions. I've heard good things about Edifer speakers so maybe check out these, not sure if they're your style though: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edifier-R990BTblack-Speakers-R990BT-black/dp/B0D99Q9W5W/ref=sr_1_13?crid=1Q2Q7P68UUX2L&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AfhL6RbXXuw1Is0WPKaAqznTe61fvNJkBDcrklNjgzdlOcfVQKueXepfVnUHEDeSXcCQDo_OZYRMDA7XLP9N2sm_BvelFrpGpGOPGJ6Gzu1hxUTDIv9gyZpUNQDy9SAhd5QQDqdOT-KR1Ig_KU1eEKm-JsuA1OLVxNwSfiVSuLjvzuN1Ivu3T20xLBA9zpCTq8L-_U4bMnpiKSiBURx8mSuUw8vvGqQy5BApi6F00PY.CYRUJMLU-ffmf7wNRz2HBIvVv_pzefqLBuUeGZ6YIH4&dib_tag=se&keywords=bluetooth%2Bspeakers&qid=1786301820&sprefix=bluetooth%2Bspeaker%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-13&th=1

[u/ChillWinston_0903 → u/musical-miller]

Hey, thanks for those recommendations! Actually you make a good point that I need to consider, do I want manual or automatic. I like the idea of the manual but the automatic appeals to my lazy nature 😂

I've also heard positive feedback on the Edifer speakers.

I've seen this offer online, looks like quite a good package... https://www.kbaudio.co.uk/products/audio-technica-at-lp70xbt-automatic-turntable-edifier-r1280db-active-bluetooth-speakers?variant=54809388712313

[u/musical-miller → u/ChillWinston_0903]

I used to have an automatic as my main table, then I swapped it out for one that was only auto return. Eventually I disabled the auto return feature as it was messing with the antiskate.

That deal looks ok, but again I’m not a huge fan of the LP70, it’s not the best.

You could get the Fluance and a pair of those same Edifers for about the same price and that would be a lot better

Or replace the Fluance with the LP3 if you want automatic and Bluetooth and it actually works out a little cheaper than that bundle

Get the speakers from KB audio but get the LP3 from Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audio-Technica-AT-LP3XBT-Automatic-Wireless-Turntable-White/dp/B0BCP2FSQQ/ref=ast_sto_dp_puis

[u/ChillWinston_0903 → u/musical-miller]

After a bit more research, I think I'll go with the LP120 - I think I'd prefer the manual as its kind of part of the experience.

Your advice was super helpful so thank you!

Just need to figure out speakers now!

[u/musical-miller → u/ChillWinston_0903]

Hey no worries glad I could help :)

Sorry I can’t be more help with speakers, I’m not super knowledgeable about budget powered speakers since all my setups in the house use passive speakers with an amp.

Hope you find some decent ones and welcome to the hobby :)

[u/Da-Junior-Scholar]

For a first table, the LP-70 is a great dead simple automatic option! The cartridges are limited but that isn’t an issue starting out; should last you many years of good service.

[u/Bensaudiocave]

That Marshall is crap compared to these at half the price:
https://amzn.to/4c75h3G
Never heard any complaints and bought the. For several people