[ghostfires]

Looking for some suggestions here, maybe some feedback if any of you own any of these. I want a turntable in my office, but space is fairly limited...SO I've started looking at these little compact stereo systems, and most of them have a fairly good rating, but they definitely have bad reviews too that worry me. Links below...

Crosley

Jensen

Pyle

I don't want to tear up my vinyl either with the cheapest of the cheap, and I can't spend $500 to have a decent set up in here. Any ideas? I've looked for vintage gear, but it's either way too overpriced on Craigslist, or it is just too bulky to fit anywhere in my office. Thanks for any help with this!

[lazyben]

That stuff is all terrible.

My desk system has space limitations and consists of the following:

Project debut II
Project Phono Box (I forget which model)
Qinpu A6000 MkII amp
Some tiny Cambridge audio bookshelf speakers

The turntable and preamp are on a rack on the wall to free up desk space.

I also have the project speed box in this system and some other components into a project switchbox (the qinpu doesn't have many inputs).

I'm sure this adds up to way more than $500 new even if you don't include the wall rack but you could save some $$s going used. Anything less than this sort of stuff is going to sound terrible. This is nowhere as nice as my "proper" rig but it does sound pretty musical and each part is upgradable which you don't get with an all-in-one.

[tim28212]

my 2 cents...

I agree with lazyben, you don't want to spin your vinyl on any of those. go on ebay and look for a realistic lab 400 or 440 ($100-$150) or an older model denon ($100-$200) or something similar to those. then get a pair of bookshelf speakers that you like and a receiver that has a phono jack (all of which you can get used) and your all set. you should be able to put something together for under $500. something along those lines will me so much better than any of those you got listed. I've had a Realistic Lab 500 in my system and it was great and I still have a Denon 47F residing in my second system. I think if you take a bit of time and look around you can find something that will give you much more pleasure and wont wear down your vinyl. have fun and good luck. let us know what you do.

[unpopular_poet]

I had a Crosley that ate my Videodrome lp. Kind of ironic actually. I recently put a pro-ject in my office and I love it.

[DrRhythm]

I also have space limitations and am running a Project RPM Genie 1.3 through a phono stage to a Denon midi system with small Mission speakers - far from perfect but it's actually not bad at all.

The new Project Elemental is even better from a space saving point of view http://www.project-audio.com/main.php?p ... es&lang=en

[Pitch]

The problem with the portable turntables (Crosley, Vestax and Numark, which I have) is that the needle is shit - and it is not possible to upgrade it (or even adjust the weight/tracking). Fine (really useful actually) when travelling / digging - but I wouldn't use it everyday on quality vinyl. I don't think there is a quality mini turnable out there - I'd afree that due to it's unique shape the Project RPM Genie 1.3 is probably your best bet for saving a bit of space with compromising on quality.

[ghostfires]

Well I finally put something together and am finally playing vinyl in my office for the first time today. I didn't go with anything very sexy or interesting, but I just couldn't sink the money into something I have to leave in an office attached to a manufacturing plant. Too many risks for my vinyl, too many people in and out, etc. So I went with a Yamaha R-S201, Bose Model 141 bookshelf speakers, and an old SoundMaster turntable I've had for years. So far it sounds awesome, and it feels great to finally be listening to vinyl instead of youtube mixes!

[Whip Wilson]

[quote=18225]Well I finally put something together and am finally playing vinyl in my office for the first time today. I didn’t go with anything very sexy or interesting, but I just couldn’t sink the money into something I have to leave in an office attached to a manufacturing plant. Too many risks for my vinyl, too many people in and out, etc. So I went with a Yamaha R-S201, Bose Model 141 bookshelf speakers, and an old SoundMaster turntable I’ve had for years. So far it sounds awesome, and it feels great to finally be listening to vinyl instead of youtube mixes![/quote]Congrats, mang! Sounds good to me.

[lazyben]

Yay! Sounds like a much better setup than the original plan.

Wish I could listen to records at work

[ghostfires]

Yes you're right about that Ben, much better than what I had originally thought of doing.

I am definitely lucky enough to have my own office where I can close the door and jam out to records all day, except every time the phone rings...or whenever someone opens the door, or when I have to attend a meeting...but other than that! It is great honestly.

To break the office in I brought a very interesting selection of music...Syrian religious chants, William Onyeabor's triple LP, Finders Keeper's Pomegranates compilation, some Goblin soundtracks, Palmer Rockey, some house music from WT Records, and Kathy Heideman. My co-workers are probably scratching their heads outside of my door wondering what the hell is all this noise.

[Oiche]

Me too. I would try but when you're driving around corners the needle slides a bit.

[Oiche]

Sounds like youre well sorted ghostfires, you lucky man! I live in an elevator/ shoe box/ someone's cupboard and my Dali Lektors hooked to my Project make a lovely noise in such a space.