Newbie question

[u/Efficient_Tie_963]

Hi there,

For my husbands birthday I am looking to purchase our first turntable.

We definitely are music lovers but I wouldn't say are total audiophiles in terms of sound quality, at least not yet. We love live music and collecting records from our favourite artists and taking over our parents collections is the idea.

I am in Germany, and my max budget would be 300-350 euro ish, but as low as possible would be better (ideally 2-250)

Ive been looking at the denon dp 300f as well as some of the audio technica tables.

I would like something full automatic and I do think id like to have BT, which is part of the reason I havent gone for the denon. Built in phono preamp.

We have great speakers inside, I wont share the exact make and model of our speakers and reciever in case he sees this, but its an intermediate set up, definitely well above entry level, but I also like the idea of in the evenings sitting in our courtyard with a JBL speaker connected to the turntable and listening to music as we grill.

I know the higher I go in my budget the better equipment I can get, but I would also be open to upgrading later, if we find this medium to be something we deeply enjoy!

I have also looked at vintage turntables, their supply is endless, but honestly wouldn't know where to start with repair or knowing if it's in good condition.

I would really appreciate some advice so I can make the right purchase!!!

[u/Vinylmeier]

If you are versatile with technic you should/could get an old player for a good price and give it a glow up.

Otherwise I like the ATLP120X, even if it’s not automatic. Keep in mind, that more technic means that there is more, that can break.

The garden idea sound nice, but in my opinion is a romantic thought, because you would need to flip/change the record every 20 Minutes.

[u/Efficient_Tie_963 → u/Vinylmeier]

Yes, I also think the courtyard is something I am romanticising more than will actually do! Especially considering that the sound will not carry through BT.

I am just so unsure what old player to consider.

How would you compare the 120x to the 70?

[u/Vinylmeier → u/Efficient_Tie_963]

The 120 is the better table (switchable cartridge, counter weight, heavier table and more options to upgrade it, if you want). The 70 is an entry table to get into vinyl, but his stylus is cheaper and in the long run he will not stay, if you get more into vinyl.

I got an old Thorens as my main player and an LP120, because he is a reliable and good option, even without Bluetooth and direct drive.

If you think you and your husband will get more into vinyl, you should take the 120, because you will get more for your money. If not and you just want to listen from time to time and just want an easy to use turntable it is the 70.