Record Collection Suggestion

Cowboy-Bebop

For my dad's birthday, I want to get him a record player. He's one of those people who is stuck in the past, and has said he likes the sound of vinyls more than cds. I'm looking for a high quality record player that will last, something that he will really appreciate. Can anyone suggest a good brand or model to look into?

I'm also open to suggestions on certain records. My family has a collection in our basement, but some essentials are missing. My dad is big into Dylan, The Band, The Grateful Dead etc. Anything from that era and style would work; I'm looking for some specific ones to round out the collection for his present.

EDIT: Changed subject, only record suggestions now.

saltiness

I have a Pioneer PL-A450 that my dad gave me. The thing is built like a tank, he bought it new in 1975 for $900 and it still works flawlessly. Just needed a new belt and needle. From what I've heard, Pioneer was pretty top-of-the-line back then.

I would make sure whatever you get has arm weight adjustments, auto arm movement (puts the needle on and off the record with the push of a button) and a suspended deck so it doesn't skip when people walk by it. This is all I know from using the one I have. I have no idea what something like this costs right now. I couldn't find the same model on ebay.

Cowboy-Bebop

Thanks a lot, I'll look around.

Virum

Does it have to be an antique record player or will a modern one be okay?

Cowboy-Bebop

Modern is fine, just something that can play records.

Bedlam

Ive seen at some stores combo stereos that can play CDs Tapes and Records and cost about $100. Not sure about the quality though but Ive seen them at both K-mart and Best Buy.

Treeloot

Bedlam wrote:

Ive seen at some stores combo stereos that can play CDs Tapes and Records and cost about $100. Not sure about the quality though but Ive seen them at both K-mart and Best Buy.

From what I've heard, good new turntables don't start below $200.

I recommend buying a good used turntable (if anyone knows some good models, let me know I've been looking for one too) since it'll be a much better value.

Staleghoti

lrn2pawnshop or salvation army

EggyToast

Zzounds has lots of DJ record players, which will offer more options than your average "home audio" record player anyway. Heck, most any online or retail space music store will have lots of record players that have more options. You don't likely need something with lots of fancy features, but pitch correction is nice to have around, especially on older records.

If you're OK with new, then don't get used unless you know what to check for for motor problems. Nothing worse than listening to music that ends up wobbly due to a bad motor

There's lots out there, so what's your price range? If you're concerned about quality, the cartridge is going to cost you a chunk of change, and an OK record player w/ a good cartridge is going to sound better than a great record player with a cheapo cartridge.

Cowboy-Bebop

This is a pretty big deal to me cause it's the first time I've thought of a gift for my dad that he'll like. He's very hard to shop for. I'm willing to shell out for something good, as long as it's not too ridiculous. A 500 dollar ceiling sounds about right, but don't be afraid to suggest things over it. I can always work something out with my mom and brothers.

Cowboy-Bebop

Scratch that, I just found out my mom ordered a used record player... for 1,000. Apparently they sell normally for 5 grand, so it should be good.

How about we turn this into a general record recommendation thread. Suggest any records you feel a collection should not be without.

DarkPrimus

There's some fancy new LP player out there that uses lasers so it doesn't actually touch the disc.

But it costs like, ungodly amounts of money.

DynamiteKid

Does he have any of Dylan's last three albums? They're all brilliant, and I think they do come on (probably double) vinyl sets.

#14

Pawnshops indeed. I bought my record player from some strange pikey and it still works great.

embrik

DarkPrimus wrote:

There's some fancy new LP player out there that uses lasers so it doesn't actually touch the disc.

But it costs like, ungodly amounts of money.

Link - Wow, you weren't kidding. I was thinking that'd be a kick-ass thing to have, but after seeing that price tag, I'll waste my cash on something else.

Proto

Cowboy-Bebop wrote:

Scratch that, I just found out my mom ordered a used record player... for 1,000. Apparently they sell normally for 5 grand, so it should be good.

What kind? If it's a Linn your dad is a lucky man.


If anyone else is looking for some good high-end audio stuff, I can't recommend http://www.audiogon.com/ enough. They are a good group.