OVERVIEW
The AT-LP2D USB Turntable improves upon our bestselling AT-PL50 and AT-LP2Da turntables by replacing the RCA output with a USB port for direct connectivity to your MAC or PC. This means super easy vinyl-to-digital conversions without the need for a costly interface...
expand review or flimsy adapter cables. No interface necessary!
FEATURES
The AT-LP2D comes with everything you need to get started, right out of the box. You get the USB turntable with built-in pre-amp and cartridge, Pyro recording software for PC and Audacity recording software for Mac so you can create MP3s, WAVs, WMAs, and burn CDs from your vinyl. The PYRO Software also remove clicks, pops, and crackles from noisy, old LPs with DeClicker. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
With Technics prices at an all-time high, the Audio-Technica AT-PL120s offers a secondary, more inexpensive option with features the 1200 does not have. Firstly, you will notice that the AT-PL120s looks very similar to the 1200. Audio-Technica has basically "borrowed" the 1200's...
expand review popular layout and design. The major difference is that the AT-PL120s' body is mostly constructed of plastic (vs. the metal of the 1200); however the key parts remain metal (platter and tonearm). In addition, the AT-PL120s retains some of the 1200s most popular features including a high-torque direct drive motor and 3-way adjustable tonearm assembly. Additionally, the AT-PL120 features a built-in pre-amp, -/+ 20% pitch adjustment, 33/45/78 options, and reverse play button; and includes a cartridge, slipmats, and dust cover.
FEATURES
Direct Drive Motor: The ATPL20s features a high torque direct drive motor that is suitable for DJing. The motor also features quick start-up, a reverse button, and options for 33/45/78 rpm.
Built-In Preamp: The ATPL20 features a switchable built-in pre-amp which allows you to directly connect either into an AUX input (found on most stereos or computers) or a phono mixer. The switch is located underneath the platter.
Pitch Control: The Pitch Control of the ATPL20s is selectable between -/+20% and the standard -/+10%.
Tonearm + Cartridge: The S-shape tonearm features 3 adjustable controls including anti-skate control, tonearm height, and tonearm weight. The ATPL20s includes a Audio-Technica ATP-2 cartridge and headshell.
OUR OPINION
We have tested the ATPL20s for two weeks and it has worked well for both listening and DJing. It is definitely a viable alternative to 1200s and includes some excellent features for recording and listening (not found on the 1200). Having the pre-amp and cartridge included also made setup much easier. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
This is an excellent belt-drive turntable for those who wish to simply listen to or record vinyl records (it is designed strictly for non-DJ home use). We have been looking for something to replace the eternally back ordered Technics SL-BD20, and this...
expand review outstanding (and inexpensive) turntable from Audio Technica may be an even better deal. It's obviously great to get a brand new reliable turntable for under $100 dollars, but this also includes a few features, like a built-in phono pre-amp, that make it more than just a cheap solution.
FEATURES
The biggest feature here is the built-in phono pre-amp. Most stereos and receivers these days do not have a phono input or support a direct phono input, which mean you would have to route any turntable through some sort of pre-amplifier (such as a mixer) in order to play your records. Not so with the AT-PL50! Not only can you plug this directly into your stereo or receiver (any input will do), you can also plug it directly into your computer for easy vinyl recording. It's an extremely useful feature, and the AT-PL50 is literally one of the only turntables in production to offer it. Note that you can also shut the pre-amp function off if desired.
Another appealing feature here is the automatic tonearm. You can choose to either manually start the platter at your desired position (or song) or let the turntable automatically place the needle down on the beginning of the record (you need to choose the record size for both options). When the record has finished playing, the arm will automatically return to the arm rest, stopping the platter. Very convenient for home listening. It comes with a cartridge already installed, and will play both 33 and 45 RPM records. Since it's a belt-drive turntable, this cannot function in any dj capacity: back-cueing, scratching, etc are NOT advised.
OUR OPINION
The Audio Technica AT-PL50 is an absolute score. If you aren't going to be doing any dj'ing and need an inexpensive solution for listening to or recording records at home, this comes highly recommended. -mgmnt
OVERVIEW
Ion's TTUSB turntable is a simple and affordable all-in-one vinyl to digital turntable. It is modeled after Numark's TTUSB (minus the pitch shift) and includes software for both Mac and PC to make digitizing your vinyl very easy. It also includes Audacity...
expand review software for more advanced editing.
FEATURES
The Ion TTUSB is a belt-driven turntable with USB connectivity. Simply plug and play into your Mac or PC with no drivers needed. The turntable features 33 1/3 and 45 RPM play, adjustable anti-skate control for increased stereo balancing, switchable phono/line level RCA outputs, and a handy 1/8" stereo line input (for connecting and digitizing cassettes and other sources). The included EZ Vinyl Converter 2 for PC (EZVC2) and EZ Audio Converter for Mac (EZAC) makes recording and transferring vinyl directly to iTunes extremely easy. Also included is the Audacity software for more advanced audio editing and recording of 78 RPM LPs.
OUR OPINION
This USB turntable package is perfect for anyone looking to capture their vinyl into digital format. The 1/8" input makes this a great value since you can record from other sources (cassettes,etc) as well. Full-sized, pro turntable design is a plus too (though mixing is not recommended due to lack of pitch control).
-the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
iPTUSB is Numark's popular PT01 turntable with an added USB output, plus the EZ Vinyl Converter software for recording vinyl into your computer. In addition, the iPTUSB includes Audacity Software for editing your recorded tracks with the ability to remove clicks and...
expand review pops, etc.
FEATURES
The iPTUSB is highly portable with many features designed with the DJ / collector in mind. Firstly, the iPTUSB includes both a built-in speaker and a line-level (connect to your stereo) and headphone outputs. For easy transportation, the iPTUSB features a locking cover and carrying handle. and is designed to fit into most 12" record bags and DJ crates. The iPTUSB operates on either (6) D batteries or an included AC adaptor. -mgmnt
OVERVIEW
Numark's Battle Pak v.4 package offers an excellent way for beginners to get a complete DJ setup for a very affordable price. The box comes with everything you need to get started - 2 turntables, a mixer, cartridges, headphones, and all necessary...
expand review cables and accessories.
FEATURES
The Battle Pak comes with 2 Numark TT1625 multi-directional direct drive turntables with aluminum platters which include all the basic features necessary for djing and a reasonably high torque direct-drive motor which is decent for scratching. The mixer included is the Numark DM950, which features 2 channels + mic input with EQ on each channel and slider style cuing. You also get the Numark HF125 flexible 7-position headphones, 2 Groove Tool cartridges, slipmats, and all necessary cables so you can start djing right out the box.
OUR OPINION
DJ's of all styles will benefit from the direct drive feature on the included turntables, but this feature is a necessity for battle djs. If you want to get into scratching or trick mixing, this is the beginner setup for you. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
Numark's DJ In A Box package offers an excellent way for beginners to get a complete DJ setup for a very affordable price. The box comes with everything you need to get started - 2 turntables, a mixer, cartridges, headphones, and all...
expand review necessary cables and accessories.
FEATURES
The DJ In A Box Package comes with 2 Numark TT1610 multi-directional efficient belt drive turntables with aluminum platters which include all the basic features necessary for djing and a belt-drive motor which is not recommended for scratching (go for the Numark Battle Pak if you want to start scratching on direct drive tables). The mixer included is the Numark DM950, which features 2 channels + mic input with EQ on each channel and slider style cuing. You also get the Numark HF125 flexible 7-position headphones, 2 Groove Tool cartridges, slipmats, and all necessary cables so you can start djing right out the box.
OUR OPINION
The DJ In A Box Package is perfect for the beginner that wants to start djing at a very affordable price. You get everything you need, but due to the nature of the belt-drive turntable - this set up is not recommended for those wanting to cut or scratch. Check out the Battle Pak for a package with direct drive decks. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
This is Numark's most economical direct drive turntable, and an excellent budget starter turntable. At this price range (the low end under $175.00 including cartridge), the TT1650 has the top pitch control (speed control) and torque (motor drive) we've tested. The controls...
expand review are very responsive, and relatively accurate. The motor is consistent and relatively strong with higher torque than its price competitor, the Stanton STR8-30. These features make this an excellent turntable to learn mixing with.
The TT1650 comes with a Numark "Groove Tool" Cartridge pre-mounted on a headshell. The Groove Tool is Numark's standard line cartridge. When we tested the scratch resistance, we found the needle to skip more than similarly priced straight arm set-ups (partially due to tonearm, partially due to turntable weight), but this issue can be partially equalized by more weight on the cartridge, a solid surface to play on, and taping the hole in your record.
The construction of the TT1650 consists of an aluminum platter and tonearm, and a plastic body which is standard for turntables in this price range. However, Numark's design is more functional than its competitors in several ways. First the turntable controls are designed to be set up in both standard (favored by mix djs) and battle (favored by hip-hop djs) positions. Secondly, the 1650 features large rubber feet, an important feature for stabilizing the lighter plastic body turntables. Lastly for reliable connections, the power plug and rca/ground wires are detachable and user replaceable.
OUR OPINION
The TT1650 has the best available performance in its price range (the low end under $175.00 including cartridge), making this an excellent budget-minded choice for beginners. If you are considering purchasing this turntable, we would highly recommend checking out the TT2000 which is $30 more expensive, but features higher torque, a straight tone arm, better construction, and does not come with a cartridge. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
The TTi USB combines Numark performance, USB connectivity and direct-to-iPod recording all in one easy-to-use turntable unit. The USB turntable features a built-in universal dock for easy transfer of vinyl to your iPod, as well as line-level RCA outs with built-in phono...
expand review pre-amp to connect to a mixer and record to analog sources, and a USB out for recording to your Mac or PC with included software.
FEATURES
The TTi USB features a built-in universal dock for direct vinyl recording to your iPod video (5th gen) and/or iPod nano (2nd gen). It also records with any docking iPod when used through iTunes and connects via USB to your MAC or PC for direct digital recording with included software - no drivers or interfaces required! Line level RCA outs allow for connecting to mixers, recievers, etc. while turntable itself features belt drive performance with +/-10% pitch control and 33/45 RPM playback (78 RPM recording is possible with bundled software). Included are the EZ Vinyl Converter software (PC) and EZ Audio Converter (Mac) for hassle-free recording, as well as Audacity recording (PC and Mac) software to reduce vinyl noise and pops.
OUR OPINION
The TTi USB gives you all the options you can possibly need to get your vinyl to digital format. With the option of direct to iPod recording, computer recording, and analog recording (via RCA outs), the TTi sets itself apart as one of the most versatile and easy to use vinyl-to-digital solutions. Add to this the bundled software and the +/-10% pitch control and you've got a turntable that is ideal for all levels of DJs and vinyl enthusiasts alike. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
The TTUSB turntable makes digitizing your vinyl record collection a breeze. The belt-drive table is equipped with an adjustable anti-skating control for increased stereo balance, support for 33.33 and 45 RPM playback speeds, ± 10% adjustable pitch control, and a 1/8-inch stereo...
expand review minijack input connector to facilitate the transfer of cassette tapes, Numark's TTUSB is an excellent and affordable tool for digitally archiving your record collection. Combined with Audacity's software (PC and Mac compatible) for removing clicks and other noises, the TTUSB is an easy-to-use solution for transferring your record collection to a computer and converting them into WAVs or MP3s. -the mgmnt
Stanton's new DJ Lab 2 package offers an extremely affordable all-inclusive solution for beginning djs. It comes with everything you will need to get started djing: 2 turntables with cartridges and slipmat, a mixer, a pair of headphones and all the necessary...
expand review cables.
The DJ Lab 2 comes with Stanton's T.60 turntables, which include all the basic features necessary for djing and a reasonably high torque direct-drive motor which is passable for scratching. The M.201 mixer is a basic 2 channel mixer with enough features to satisfy beginning djs. It has a high powered 3 band eq (+9/-26 dB boost/cut ) for each channel, which is a rarity for inexpensive mixers. There is also a mic input with 2 band eq. The T.60 also comes with Stanton 500B cartridges, pre-mounted on Stanton headshells for easy setup, plus slipmats and dustcovers. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
Stanton has completely revamped their turntable line, improving both design and functionality in the process. The T.60 replaces the STR8-60, and is the most affordable direct-drive turntable in Stanton's line- or any other line for that matter. The T.60 includes all the...
expand review basic features necessary for djing and a reasonably high torque direct-drive motor which is passable for scratching.
FEATURES
The T.60 covers all the bases of turntable functionality, keeping with the standard Technics template while making some useful additions. It has two stop/start buttons so that you can position your turntables regular (horizontal) or battle (vertical) style. The pitch control is clickless, with a red light that comes on when you're at zero, and feels relatively accurate. I say relatively because turntables in this price range will never be as accurate as a Technics, but the T.60 functions quite well.
The RCA cables, ground wire and power cord are all detachable, which is great since those connections are usually the first things to go in a turntables' life. The T.60 also comes with a cloth dustcover, a minor innovation which I think will please a lot of people. The construction is fairly standard for this price range- plastic body, weighted bottom, aluminum platter & tonearm- although these do feel a lot more sturdy than Stanton's old STR8-60.
OUR OPINION
You would be hard-pressed to find another passable direct-drive turntable for $149.00. The T.60 is perfectly good for learning to dj, and should last quite a while under normal stress. While you won't be blown away by the torque on the platter (butter rugs recommended for scratching), Stanton's attention to the little details means this turntable will hold up longer with a better overall experience. A drastic improvement from past Stanton turntables. -mgmnt
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