OVERVIEW
Stanton has completely revamped their turntable line, improving both design and functionality in the process. The T.80 replaces the STR8-80 turntable, and is the middle option in Stanton's new direct-drive turntable line. It's a step up from the T.60 in almost every way: stronger motor, sturdier construction, a wider pitch range, master tempo control, ability to play 78s, and more. It also comes with a standard Stanton 500B cartridge, so it's ready to use out of the box.

FEATURES
The biggest difference between the T.80 and the T.60 is the motor. The T.80s motor is much stronger, and feels a lot closer to the torque of a Technics. Platter drag was negligible when using good slip mats, and start up/stop times were very close to those of a Technics 1200. The T.80 also weighs quite a bit more than the T.60, which helps increase the overall stability of the turntable. Those things combined with the T.80's straight tonearm made it pretty difficult to get the cartridge to jump when scratching.

The pitch control range can be selected for either +/-8% or +/-12%, with a clickless pitch slider, and a pitch reset (override) button. Although the lack of numbers on the pitch control can be a little confusing, it feels relatively accurate. There's also a master tempo (key lock) control, which allows you to change the tempo without altering the key of the music & vocals. It works perfectly, even at the most extreme ends of the pitch control, and the T.80 is one of the very few vinyl turntables with this feature. In addition to standard RCA outs, the T.80 also features a digital S/PDIF output, which makes it ideal for recording vinyl onto your computer.

Following Stanton's current turntable design, the T.80 keeps with the standard Technics template while making some useful additions. It has two stop/start buttons so that you can position it regular (horizontal) or battle (vertical) style. The RCA cables and power cord are both detachable, which is great since those connections are usually the first things to go in a turntables' life. The T.80 also comes with a cloth dustcover, a minor innovation which I think will please a lot of people.

OUR OPINION
With an impressive list of features and attention to detail, Stanton has made a turntable that will meet the needs of a wide range of people in a relatively affordable package. It's a sturdy turntable, the feel is more than satisfactory, and the T.80 should satisfy most bedroom DJ's & producers, people in need of a turntable to rip their vinyl, and collectors of 78rpm vinyl. As we've mentioned, Stanton's T-Series of turntables is a big improvement over previous models, and these should last quite a while under normal stress.

- direct drive motor
- straight tone arm
- +/-8% or +/-12% pitch control with quartz lock
- digital key lock (master tempo)
- dual start/stop buttons
- target light
- plays at 33/45/78 rpm
- plays in reverse
- RCA and S/PDIF output
- phono or line output

- Stanton 500B cartridge & headshell
- cloth dust cover
- slipmat

• manufacturer's website

reviewed by the mgmnt