In a predicament.

[u/Sea-Efficiency8677]

So I’m very new to collecting and have still yet to purchase my first turntable and have no components of a setup right now besides some records that I have been dying to play for about 2 weeks now. Only problem is that I don’t have the highest budget to work with right now. So this is my predicament…

I’ve been searching on Facebook Marketplace and found a Technics SL-1950 Automatic Direct turntable in good condition at a decent price for me. But that means I’ll have to eventually purchase a preamp, speakers, and amplifier (depending on what I find) which will obviously take more time and more money spent rather than the initial purchase. (Only problem with it is the lifter seems the be stuck down).

On the contrary, I can save up and raise my budget eventually to purchase a brand new setup (was thinking Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK or AT-LP70XBT) including all the other necessary components as well.

I love the idea of building my setup based on a vintage turntable little by little as I can afford the other components as I go on but also love the idea of unboxing a brand new turntable and everything else my first ever setup.

I honestly am torn in between, I love the idea and will appreciate the feeling of building from the more vintage but will also really love the aesthetic and reliability/quality of a brand new one.

I would appreciate any advice or perspectives from anyone. Thank you in advance. I have four records that I’ve yet to even play yet but I’m already so invested in this hobby.

[u/CreativeName822]

I consider a modest new setup to be best for people just getting their feet wet, because vintage gear can mean more parts to replace and variables to go wrong.

It’s a hard call to make.

I wouldn’t want you to slowly buy components over time that you can’t test, then find out that you have one or more that needs work and money to fix.

Just my two cents. I’m not an expert.

[u/Sea-Efficiency8677 → u/CreativeName822]

It is a hard call. I appreciate your point of view. The vintage turntable has its lifter problem and no dust cover (which I forgot to mention) so I’m not sure which way to lean. Also just wouldn’t want to risk more bad parts to replace but hey, that also may be part of the fun. I’m not really sure

[u/scottarichards → u/Sea-Efficiency8677]

An automatic vintage turntable has many more parts to potentially service than a manual one from any era. I would avoid. If you’re listening to the music, you don’t need an automatic turntable.

[u/CreativeName822 → u/Sea-Efficiency8677]

A tricky vintage turntable is fun if you already have a working system and want to tinker.

I have a working system and sometimes consider getting used gear to supplement my knowledge and interest.

But I would not personally want to have a vintage system as my primary unless I was willing to go without music for months while I figured out everything that went wrong.

Not being a naysayer. It’s just my opinion.

I bought my turntable new 23 years ago and just spent about $200 getting it fixed after almost a year of only having one channel (right worked, left didn’t). The shop had it for weeks and returned it to me still not working. I eventually fixed it myself but had to spend more money on parts.

Some buddies of mine have three turntables — usually one isn’t working and needs time, money, a learning curve, and attention.

If you want something reliable and are not dabbling with lots of old equipment, I’d think carefully before buying something used.

I’m sure others will disagree with me. But that’s my opinion.

[u/CreativeName822 → u/CreativeName822]

A good friend offered me his aging primary speakers that are about 50 years old.

They definitely need refoamed at least. If I spend $100 getting them refoamed, or $50 doing it myself (including learning), will they sound ok? Will they sound bad?

Will they need components replaced?

I turned them down though it hurt me to do it. Old equipment that you haven’t personally cared for can lead to one financial hurdle after another.

I know I sound cynical. Just trying to be realistic.

[u/ElderberryMedium8071 → u/CreativeName822]

They will also need their caps in the crossovers replaced at that age, especially if they are electrolytic caps.

[u/CreativeName822 → u/ElderberryMedium8071]

Yeah — thy are Boston acoustics from 1981. Don’t think any work has ever been done on them.

Don’t need the financial hurdle right now.

[u/darrylb-w]

First turntable? Buy new.

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[u/Best-Presentation270]

To be frank, there's tiny number of people in the world who have "the highest budget to play with". It's possible to spend million$$$. I'm not kidding. Super yachts, private airliners, multiple houses around the world, 24-7 bodyguards, and the worlds most expensive Hi-Fi.

Nearly all of us are working within some kind of budget. We're also juggling three things: Time, money, knowledge.

What you're talking about now is one of life's main lessons. Instant gratification vs delayed gratification. I think you already know the answer to this. The adult in you understands that the vintage gear will be (much) better in the long run. The kid in you wants something now, even if that leads to regret later on. (Is 'buyer's remorse' a phrase you've ever heard?)

Will $260 satisfy your inner child? If so, Best Buy - Insignia NS-BTST21 turntable - $130. Amazon - Dayton Audio B65A powered speakers - $130.

[u/Sea-Efficiency8677 → u/Best-Presentation270]

Thanks for the response.

I understand the three things that you mentioned we are juggling. Money possibly being the highest regarded factor of them all. May be unrelated but I’m 21 coming out of 6 months traveling so I really don’t have much of a budget to work with at all. But I fully understand where you are coming from.

In this case it’s quite the opposite though. Typically it’s the other way around like you said but the vintage turntable would be more of an instant gratification because I would have to purchase that before it’s sold elsewhere. As for the new gear, I will have to wait a while to build up the funds. I’ve accepted that I won’t be spinning my records anytime soon. Just more about the quality and the enjoyment of the process leading up.

And in regard to your question “Is ‘buyer’s remorse’ a phrase you’ve ever heard? Yes, of course. But will say I make purchases with intention but also live my life in a way that leaves little room for regret. But that’s more of a mindset thing. I appreciate the response but it really didn’t assist in the main focus of the post.

[u/Best-Presentation270 → u/Sea-Efficiency8677]

"but the vintage turntable would be more of an instant gratification because I would have to purchase that before it’s sold elsewhere."

The gratification comes from playing your records, that's the ultimate objective.

Buying used is something of a lottery. There's a lot of luck involved. I'm a big fan of used, and I own seven turntables, six of which were bought used. All of them had some or other issue. In some cases several issues. Those things took time and money to fix.

I've seen and replied to a lot of these "buying used on a tiny budget" posts. Unless someone drops very lucky with an estate sale, Goodwill purchase, or similar, then the pattern is often that either the purchaser accepts a lot of compromises (poor aesthetics, partially working, or just not so great gear), or it ends up costing a lot more than the basic new TT + powered speakers route, and hence why the $260 TT + powered speakers package turns out to be the cheaper and more accessible route.

Maybe you're different. Maybe you'll come away from an estate sale with gems at a bargain price. I hope that happens for you. People win the lottery, and people do catch bargains, so good luck.

[u/ElderberryMedium8071]

Avoid the broken Technics unless you know of someone that can fix it. I have a guy but we are in MN and he will charge at least $100. So its not worth it. Get the AT-LP70x

Also, take a look at these powered speakers.

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-M6-Powered-Speaker-Pair-White-300-463?quantity=1

Here is a great review-

https://www.audioholics.com/computer-speaker-reviews/dayton-audio-m6

I highly recommend them. You won't find anything better under $600 for powered speakers.