Reddit reviews Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable, Black, Hi-Fi, 2 Speed, Dust Cover, Anti-Resonance, Die-Cast Aluminum Platter

I put together a compact budget system from scratch for a friends teenager about a year ago. I bought all new, budget was a major consideration. The cheapest I could put together new that was decent was around $350.

Here are the parts I went with in case it helps. I know this total is way over your budget. But maybe it will help you shop for used versions for less.

Turntable: Pioneer PL-990

I found it on sale for $99

Amplifier: SMSL Q5 Pro

I splurged a little on this part because I really needed a compact amp with a seperate subwoofer out. You could save some here by buying a used larger amp. Or if your room is not that large and you dont need alot of power, you could get away with an inexpensive little t-amp like this Lapai

Speakers: Dayton Audio B652

I Really like these speakers for the price. If you can afford the bump in price, consider going for the "air" version with improved tweeter.

Dayton Audio SUB-800

The sub is really optional, but it does make a big difference in rounding out the low end.

I had a good coupon for Parts Express when I bought it, and found some of the items on sale which helped my total price. If you are patient, you could do the same and find some good deals.

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EDIT: Absolute minimum, for about $150 you could go with an entry level Audio Technica with a Lapai Amp and the B652 speakers. For a starter setup, this would not sound bad.

This coupon code "POP5" is still good for 5% off at Parts Express.

Get a Audio Technica LP60 or whatever the newest version is, about $100. And a pair of $100 active speakers. There is a preamp in the turntable, and the speakers will power themselves. Instant glory for $200ish. This is a decent start without breaking the bank and having decent audio.
Don't worry too much about vintage or new or upgrading this or that for now. Make sure you actual enjoy the sound of records, the cost of new records, and the hunt trying to find your favorite artists. It's not for everyone. I had a busy who got into it, 100 records later, he's back to streaming cause of the ease of use. Take it slow, learn about the hobby and enjoy what you have, not what you want.

Consider open boxes on Amazon to save a few bucks on something newer.

Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable, Black, Hi-Fidelity, Plays 33 -1/3 and 45 RPM Vinyl Records, Dust Cover, Anti-Resonance, Die-Cast Aluminum Platter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N3XJ66N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_2BopDbQNCMP1J

Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers, 2.0 Active Monitor System (Renewed) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0741GJSJG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_hDopDbM005QQS

Check these out. Go from there. Once you start understanding the in and out of the test of the stereo components start adding and upgrading as you come across a good deal. I would consider an actual amp next followed by passive speakers, don't hook the active speakers up to the amp, it'll sound bad and unlistenable. Then, add a cassette deck of you want plus a CD player, mini disc if you're a glutton for punishment.

Hope this helps, and gives you some pointers.
Last bit of advice..... Don't buy every dollar record at the record store/thrift shops. Look for music you actually will listen to. If your into modern stuff, look for it. If you're into classic rock, then do that. But if you're a rocker... Why would you buy some weird jazz album but some unknown that you'll listen to once only to find out it's not your style. Look up albums on online by bands you don't know and check their sound out first. It's okay to have a single jazz album or something you inherited, but save your money for stuff you like.

Cheers!

I think this Audio Technica LP60X is the better way to start the hobby for close to the same money.

If you can keep saving up for a U Turn Orbit that's even better yet, but from what I've seen around here the Audio Technica LP60X
seems the minimum starting point with vinyl.

I have this exact record player atm, it's a great beginner one. I plan to upgrade in the future but I've had this one since Christmas '17 and it's served me well!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N3XJ66N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_EG0KDbWZNR34Y

Teac TN-300SE sale with coupon code SPIN is on and off every few weeks to bring the price to $129. Set an alert for "Teac TN" or "turntable" at SlickDeals.net. It's value is about the current $189 sale price compared to better turntables over $200.

Monolith by Monoprice Turntable with Audio-Technica AT100E $205. It adds auto stop and possibility a bit better speed stability. Watch for a Black Friday Cyber Monday sale. It has gone down to $169 a few times and $149 once.

Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK $89. New X version. Lacks adjustable tracking force and only has one upgrade option which is a $29 elliptical stylus.

I second the R1280T as a great option for the price. They also come in a Bluetooth enabled version for a little more money, if that matters to you (R1280DB for $130).

You might also consider this turntable - it's basically the cheapest you can buy new, which will sound good and won't harm your records.
https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP60X-BK-Belt-Drive-Hi-Fidelity-Anti-Resonance/dp/B07N3XJ66N/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?keywords=at-lp60x&qid=1570418028&sr=8-11

That'd get you a nice beginner setup for $200 ($230 with Bluetooth, which is nice if you have Spotify).

The Fluance mentioned above is probably a little nicer, but the Audio Technica is perfectly capable and the difference in sound quality between them will probably be pretty insignificant.

I really recommend you to upgrade your player as soon as you can. Those kind of turntables can (and will) destroy your records and their speakers are very cheaply made, so they usually sound like absolute shit. The AT-LP 60 is not that expensive and is a decent enough beginner turntable https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP60X-BK-Belt-Drive-Hi-Fidelity-Anti-Resonance/dp/B07N3XJ66N
For music bargains, check out deep discount. They have some good deals every now and then https://www.deepdiscount.com/blowout-bin/b237039?mod=AP&ft=LP+Vinyl&pjxsource=pepperjam&medium=affiliates&pjxaffiliate_id=43737&pjxclick_id=2757820318

I honestly don't know anything with built in speakers that is worth your money. The reason being separate components will give you better room for upgrade and are more future proof (the more stuff crammed into a single device the higher is the probability of you running into a problem).

With this budget I recommend you get an entry-level Audio Technica AT-LP60: Amazon link and use the 50 remaining bucks on a reliable pair of computer speakers, like these Logitech. You can also hit a thrift store or your city's craigslist and see if you can find something in good condition for less.

This TT has a built in phono stage meaning that you can connect it directly to powered speakers. That should get you going.

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP60X-BK-Belt-Drive-Hi-Fidelity-Anti-Resonance/dp/B07N3XJ66N/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=audio+technica+lp60&qid=1573688683&sr=8-3

I'd get this one. I have had a great experience with mine. Anything cheaper is probably not worth it, all the Crosley stuff, and all the briefcase players really suck. For this Audio Technica one you will need an external speaker, but I assume you already have one, but if you don't I would recommend spending a bit, and getting these. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0719C132V/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B0719C132V&pd_rd_w=CFc7T&pf_rd_p=45a72588-80f7-4414-9851-786f6c16d42b&pd_rd_wg=BOzcU&pf_rd_r=8V7212K0W7X5V21NZZAY&pd_rd_r=d87868f7-7f6d-4821-83b2-c9d9d8af5b25&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyQ0FBRDZJMFE0M1BIJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDY5ODYzM09BVFBDMjZGMkhNSyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODk0MDAzTUhMNTk1T0k0M05LJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Just don't get a crosley. I can't "suggest" a specific player for you. But I can tell you that you want something with an actual counterweight so it doesn't destroy your records.

Some more info on why not to get a crosley:
https://youtu.be/_WzrK6CIZrY

The player I would suggest for under 100$:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N3XJ66N

The players I own and use:
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F254172681138
And
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F163905557918

For that price it does not matter what he gets. Its going to be terrible, sound awful, damage the records and break the minute the warranty runs out.


$200 will get you this, which is almost decent.
https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP60X-BK-Belt-Drive-Hi-Fidelity-Anti-Resonance/dp/B07N3XJ66N/

https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-R1280T-Powered-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B016P9HJIA

Do you mean one of these? Its stylus requires more force than other starter turntables, meaning that they wear down your records more quickly. It's not like it'll be unusable after half a dozen plays, but it's definitely not ideal.

Your best bet would probably be buying vintage (Technics SL1200s and their ilk are considered to be the gold standard for 70s turntables that still hold up today), or if you want a barebones starter turntable that's new, there's the Audio Technica AT-LP60.

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP60X-BK-Belt-Drive-Hi-Fidelity-Anti-Resonance/dp/B07N3XJ66N/ref=sr_1_9?crid=2H4WGWSAOMJBH&keywords=audio+technica+turntable&qid=1572981688&sprefix=audio+te%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-9

A lot of that is really nitpicky stuff audiophiles make up or extremely over exaggerate. It's best not to listen to them and do you. But if it really matters that much, the lp-60 is belt driven.


https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP60X-BK-Belt-Drive-Hi-Fidelity-Anti-Resonance/dp/B07N3XJ66N/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=lp60&qid=1574604307&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyVVFPWFlLTUJGNkxHJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTc2NDQ2OTRORzdVUEJMOUhZJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA5MDAyNjIxRTFFOEkyR0VIVzVBJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfcGhvbmVfc2VhcmNoX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

That's a great turntable and quite a leap in quality from the first one, but you don't need to go quite that big. Pro-ject makes a cheaper variant that's a really solid entry level one, but you don't even need to go quite that far.

Start with a https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP60X-BK-Belt-Drive-Hi-Fidelity-Anti-Resonance/dp/B07N3XJ66N turntable, and get a pair of powered speakers with built-in amplifiers. For example, https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Professional-Reference-Monitors-JBL104/dp/B07MHQZV62

Total cost hits around $200 and it should sound quite good. By no means is that Audio-Technica the last word, well, on anything but for the price it works very well, as far as I know.

This is the Audio Technica that they're suggesting I'd suggest waiting until it goes on sale. I got mine at Best buy for 80$

$500 with a turntable is a bit low of a budget, but I'll see what I can do.

If you want to ever go surround, it would be a good idea to get a surround receiver now. This one will do the trick. If you don't think you'll ever need surround, this guy will work and save you a couple bucks.

[Audiotechnica turntable](Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable, Black, Hi-Fidelity, Plays 33 -1/3 and 45 RPM Vinyl Records, Dust Cover, Anti-Resonance, Die-Cast Aluminum Platter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N3XJ66N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6XaGDbX20EGGZ). If you want a bit more of a "vintage" look, this Teac would be good. It's wood instead of plastic.

Speakers will be tough. I would love to recommend you the Wharfedale Dentons because those are super vintage looking. However, that isn't feasible with your budget.

Something that is feasible would be the Wharfedale Diamond 220 in walnut. I've only seen them in black and rosewood, but I think the walnut would look the most like what you want.

Let me know what you think and I'll see if I can make any changes.

One option below and there are many others that have built in Phono preamps for casual listening. If you get into the hobby more though you may want to consider a stand alone phono preamp and power amplifier.

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP60X-RD-Automatic-Belt-Drive-Turntable/dp/B07N3XJ66N/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=audio%2Btechnica&qid=1565804221&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFYOUJLV09QMjlZQTMmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA3NzQzMzYxV0VQT0lKQ1lEQlpCJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA4OTk2MTQzQTgzWVZWMVlFTTRVJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1

Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable, Black, Hi-Fidelity, Plays 33 -1/3 and 45 RPM Vinyl Records, Dust Cover, Anti-Resonance, Die-Cast Aluminum Platter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N3XJ66N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_aMBzDbJGP29Y8

Is it this one? This one comes with a headphone jack right?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07N3XJ66N?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002HWRZ2K?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Here is a pretty decent beginner set up for about 140$ I hope this helps!