Stereo for my daughter

I'd get something that doesn't require her to mess around with removing the platter or futzing with the belt to change speeds. The AT-120 seems like a perfect entry-level table, sounds very good for the price, well built, and user friendly.

 

"Well built"

 

I haven’t “heard” it. But an amp that you “hear” is a DISTORTING component.

Do you want to read an opinion from who hasn’t “heard” it, but has something to tell you?

Still do you want to read an opinion from who hasn’t “heard” it, but has something to tell you?

Why “bookshelf” only?

 

If you could stretch to $1k for speakers + amp, the ELAC 2.0 system is shockingly good for the money. Just heard it at AXPONA. Not sure the integrated amp has a phono section, tho.

 

Klipsch ‘The Sixes’. $700 but you don’t need an amp.

 

How big is daughter's room? If small - do yourself and her a favor and stay away from rear-ported speakers, even if good and cheap at the same time.

Wharfedale 225's are bottom-ported, Cambridge Audio Aeromax 2 are front-ported. Prices are within budget, if you look.

 

I see no speakers, amp, etc. IMO this is a turntable. A "record player" is a self-contained unit.

 

The v2 lost the USB input(vs the original version), but gained the phono pre, which she needs. Do you guys think the loss of the USB is a big deal for how I am describing her needs?

My guess is she will play records and music from her phone or MacBook.

 

Perhaps I should have said has anyone “used” it. I think maybe understood what I was asking..

 

No idea. She’s graduating in a few weeks. I assume she’ll have a typical first job type shared apartment of small house...

 

It's not bulletproof or audiophile quality but for under $300 it's well built enough that a casual listener should get many years of use out of it. IMO it's a better choice for a novice than a Planar 1 just because it's so easy to use.

 

My guess is she would play LP’s only, no 45’s...

 

Whats hard to use about a Planar 1? In fact it should be easier with a P1. No complicated setup with balancing tonearms and setting dials. Just put the counterweight on and its good to go.

And if changing slots for the belt is too complicated then I think we have other problems here.

 

Bingo!

 

I'd say the optical would work fine, plus I think that would be more convenient for her given it is using the MacBook headphone jack, but I noticed that optical output is being dropped by some newer MacBooks so you might want to look into that first. Maybe if she uses bluetooth as a matter of course it isn't an issue, but it does seem to potentially limit the use of it in that your not using it's dac if going that route.

 

I agree that moving the belt isn't hard, but I think a novice would be more comfortable just pushing a button. And the Planar is a fair amount more money. Doesn't sound like it will be an issue either way, I hope she appreciates her new system.

 

What about a mini system like this?

Pioneer X-HM76

Pioneer X-HM76B 40W Network Wireless Mini Music System with CD Player, Bluetooth, USB Connection, and Network Audio

It has an USB input for audio files, Airplay, Bluetooth and it can stream Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, Deezer. You still need to get a pre-amp for the turntable.

 

Why guess? Find out what she wants, so your investment doesn't end up as a dust-catcher.

 

As said above, if your daughter's MacBook is one that has an analog/digital combo output then that is an alternative. Another idea is to buy a first generation Airport Express, connect it digitally to the NAD optical input, and use AirPlay to wirelessly send music from iTunes on the MacBook or iPhone/iPad. Should work well and no need to tether the laptop.

If you can't find an old AE, this device claims the same functionality:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mini-Wir...ck-For-Windows-PC-Mac-iphone-Android/50852752

 

Do you have to get those from a white van...?

 

I was going to recommend them as well, but price is out of range.

 

Maybe go Vintage?



Aux. Inputs can be used.
Or, if cables aren't her thing you could get an NAD Pre like a 1600 and have a tech burn Bluetooth Capability into it?

Should not be too difficult. I know there are simple burn in mods for the Yamahas out there.

 

Well, what I’ve understood, if I neither “haven’t heard it” nor “haven’t used it”, my opinion is nothing for you.

And an important (in my opinion) consideration that an amp that you “hear” is a DISTORTING component, is nothing for you.

And more, the question I put in my post is not worth answering for you.

Good luck.

 

Wicked!

 

I would go with something on the smaller side, as she is likely to be moving a few times over the next couple of years. Powered speakers and a compatible turntable sound like a great solution. If the speakers can also connect to Bluetooth she can stream from her favorite source as well via her phone - which will be really nice as it’ll take a while to build out a vinyl collection.

Sounds like a great graduation present!