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[Koremora]

Well, I'm finally looking to get myself a turntable. I'm not quite ready to drop more than 200 on one yet, and I have two choices that I've been looking at. One is the Pioneer PL-990 2-speed (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009QORL/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=), which is fully automatic. The other is the Audio-Technica AT-PL120 (http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-PL120-Professional-Direct-Drive-Turntable/dp/B00012EYNG/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top).

Which of the two do you vinyl users think would be the better option as far as features and sound quality goes? Also, do you guys know of a turntable of similar quality to the Audio-Technica that has a fully automatic arm?

[Be My Head]

I think you should look at belt driven ones, since they're quieter and easier to repair/replace parts if the belt gets worn out.

[TheFuriousWombat]

I have the pioneer - same boat as you in that I can't quite afford an upgrade to the next level - and it works just fine. Sounds good, easy to clean, and the full-auto thing is nice. Can't speak comparatively having never heard a record played on and audio-technica but you won't regret going with the pioneer, I don't think.

[greenMonkey]

Conversely, I have the Audio Technica and it is wonderful.  The ability to switch on/off the built in preamp is nice, the turntable is sturdy and solid, and it sounds wonderful to my ear.  I don't know that you really need to worry about direct drive vs. belt drive, that debate can be as frustrating and useless as CD vs. Vinyl.

[Koremora]

Cool, thanks for the differing opinions! I have a few other questions: if I were to go with the AudioTechnica, I would get an external pre-amp as I heard the built-in one was quite noisy and had a poor noise gate built in. Are some of the cheaper ones on Amazon okay? (Such as http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00025742A/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1KRVKNNDMZWYBRBW0XW1&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846 or http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000H2BC4E/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1KRVKNNDMZWYBRBW0XW1&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846).

Additionally, I heard the cartridge that comes with the unit tracks fairly heavily (3-5 grams) and that can potentially damage records over time. Can anyone recommend a better (and similarly inexpensive) cartridge for that unit?

[valley_parade]

*shrug* I bought a Sony for like $80 from Amazon. It's not bad.

[Ballard]

If you ever have any interest in spinning on this turntable, save up and get a Technics SL1200 MKII.

Frankly, I have no idea why anyone bothers with any other turntable (with the exception of the high-end Pioneer mp3 turntables).

What the fuck do you need a fully automatic tone arm for?

[TheFuriousWombat]

People bother with other turntables because paying $600 for a good spinning table when you don't spin is a stupid idea, I would guess.

[Ballard]

I mostly use mine to play records. They've been around for decades and they're still the industry standard. I think that says something about their quality, and their price is hardly unreasonable especially if you're only buying one for listening purposes.

Personally I don't have enough money to buy low quality tech products.

[Koremora]

Yeah... not gonna drop $600 on a turntable just yet. Maybe in the future. I went with the Audio-Technica. Seemed like the best choice for the money.

[Koremora]

UPDATE: Holy dicks the Audio-Technica is WONDERFUL. I picked up a cheapy external pre-amp and have it hooked up to some bookshelf speakers and it is GREAT. I love it. Hearty recommendation from me.