New turntable: Audio Technica at-lp2x. Help please.

Guitar Heel

Guitar Heel

Demented Trick
https://www.musiciansfriend.com/consumer-electronics/audio-technica-at-lp2x-record-player

So the gf just bought one of these for me, as she knew I wanted to start listening to vinyl. I know as much about these things as Jon Snow.

So...thoughts?

She gave me the gift receipt and the go-ahead to upgrade if I’d like. If I’m just playing records at home and chillin, do I need something nicer? I realize that we don’t really use the word “need” correctly around here, but you know what I mean.
 
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  • Fully-automatic belt-drive turntable
  • Two speeds: 33-1/3, 45 RPM
  • Balanced straight tone arm with hydraulically damped lift control and tone armrest
  • Built-in switchable PHONO/LINE pre-amplifier
  • Attached dual-RCA output cable
  • ½" mount universal BLACK headshell
  • AT91R Dual Moving Magnet RED phono cartridge and long-life diamond stylus
  • Anti-resonance, die-cast aluminum platter with felt mat.
  • Damped base construction for reduced low-frequency feedback coloration
  • Includes 45 RPM adapter and removable hinged smoked dust cover
 
Dunno what receiver you're pairing it with, but the built in phono/line preamp is a nice perk if you don't have a phono input. So there's that.

The overall aural experience will come down to your source material and what you're playing it through. Also remember that Bluetooth wasn't meant to be a audiophile standard technology—your best reproduction will be turntable > cables > receiver.

I'm sure this will sound great.
 
For getting started, that TT should be better than ok. What are your other components?
 
Guitar Heel said:
I have none.
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How do you plan on listening to LPs? I see it has a line out that you may be able to use a line in on a amp but you'll be missing out on the whole stereo/vinyl experience. Another option may be the bluetooth option and send the signal to computer's speakers.
 
xStonr said:
How do you plan on listening to LPs? I see it has a line out that you may be able to use a line in on a amp but you'll be missing out on the whole stereo/vinyl experience. Another option may be the bluetooth option and send the signal to computer's speakers.
Click to expand...
This was an out of the blue gift. I didn’t have any thoughts until yesterday. :)
 
My oldest son is a vinyl enthusiast. I’m no expert but here are some things I’ve picked up from him:

I think there is a counterbalance weight on the arm. Tune that. There should be information online on how to do it correctly.

I don’t think you need to upgrade. The bluetooth and usb options will not sound as good as the preamp.

To get the most out of it, invest in the best headphones you can afford and the best-quality vinyl. If you want to spend more, look into an outboard preamp, high-quality amplifier, and excellent speakers.

Enjoy! He has let me listen to jazz on his rig and it’s an incredible immersive experience. YouTube and iPhone audio sound like AM radio after that.
 
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Looks like a pretty good one to me. It looks like it has a built in preamp, so I think you can hook them straight up to some speakers. Keep us posted because I’m going to be looking for one soon.
 
There used to be a rule of thumb for 'home stereo' that said that speakers were the most-important component, and therefore should take about half your budget.

I think the idea behind that is still more or less true; if you don't have decent speakers you can't hear how good the rest of the signal chain is. You can find great speakers all around, these days. Price / size / etc. will be up to you.

What's prompting the vinyl initiative? Desire for better sound? Cool factor?
 
Danhedonia said:
There used to be a rule of thumb for 'home stereo' that said that speakers were the most-important component, and therefore should take about half your budget.

I think the idea behind that is still more or less true; if you don't have decent speakers you can't hear how good the rest of the signal chain is. You can find great speakers all around, these days. Price / size / etc. will be up to you.

What's prompting the vinyl initiative? Desire for better sound? Cool factor?
Click to expand...
Just something different. I don’t know that I would have bought one anytime soon, so it was a fun surprise.
 
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