Buying a Turntable

Im thinking of buying a turntable but I dont wanna spend alot if I dont have to.
so my question is what do I have to loose in quality if I buy a Numark PT01 vs a Technics 1200 MKII?
Thanks for you input

Well, if you are just needing a TT for sampling or listening to records, just go with the PT-01. It's portable as well so you can take it with you on diggin' sessions. The Tech is gonna have more torque but, that's a feature you'd want if you were mixin' and scratchin' and doing the real DJ stuff. Ask yourself what you really need in a table and make your choice. If its basic needs and affordability you want, get the PT-01. If you are anticipating getting a bit more technical with mixin', scratchin' and all that good shyt, you may as well invest in a really good TT like the 1200. I hope I was of some assistance, good luck with your decision.

pretty much thanks

Anyone ever think about flutter and stuff with those cheap belt-driven portables? I can't imagine getting a decent sample off of those. And I imagine it can be a hassle working with a sluggish belt-drive when you want to sample several small spots on a record. It needs a second to return to a stable speed again. For portable use, crate-digging, or if you're on a really low budget, ok. But for serious use, I would get a real turntable. Doesn't need to be a Technics.

The issue with the PT-01 and Handy Trax from a sampling perspective is that the integrated cart/needle is low quality. I'm not saying that from an audiophile point of view, but from an average dude with above-average ears point of view.

Belt drive is not such an issue unless you're talking about really bad decks. A Stanton T50/52 or T60/62 would be fine for you. Even a $30 Shure cart is better than what's on the PT-01.

Do you need a 1200? Absolutely not. But you do need something with a standard mount headshell because that's your weakest link when it comes to turntable sound quality.

Adding to the pile of good advice my experience with the pt-01

love.........

---that i can bring it into my bedroom or kitchen and listen to records in there.
---that it has a built in speaker so i can listen to music while rewiring the studio or when i'm too lazy to flip the power switch on the conditioner
---the simple pleasure of plugging a pair of headphones straight into the turntable


hate.........

----the sound quality is not as crispy as a technics. nice to listen to but more warm than hi-fi. and yeah if you are serious about your samples sounding the best, the difference is noticeable. this isn't even getting into flutter, just the tone quality.
----pretty flimsy build. definitely get the warranty. doesn't really fit in with all the other top-notch gear in my studio.
----the needle is not compatible with other brands, you have to buy the numark pt-01 replacement.

I personally consider it $100 well spent but a real turntable is a much better investment.

I have the PT-01, I personally cant use it for sampling, I tried a few times and the needle is just not up to par. its sounds too scratchy for me. I love taking it out digging tho. Perfect for that. I would rather buy something that you could swap out the needle on.

I have the PT and I use it for sampling, I have no problems with the sound quality infact I find it warms up the sound nicely. When I'm sampling drum breaks at 45 RPM and pitching them up, it gives the MPC plenty of information to work with and a nice crunch. The only issue I had was when it was on the same desk as my computer it would pick up a low hum but in my new setup this isn't a problem.

wow guys thanks you are giving me alot of food for thought

anyone who says that the pt-01 doesn't sound bad has never sampled from a real turntable. don't waste your time with the portable tables if sampling is your main concern. i had to sell my pt-01 to buy something i could swap the cart on... got an old marantz turntable for just $40 and spent $90 on a real nice grado cart. HUGE difference in sound quality.

don't ever waste your cash on a turntable with a plastic tonearm.

crossings wrote:anyone who says that the pt-01 doesn't sound bad has never sampled from a real turntable.

I've sampled from a real turntable, belt drive and DD, tech 1200 you name it. The PT doesn't sound bad.

...doesn't sound good either.

Define good, I find it serves its purpose - getting sound from a record groove into my MPC.

no way man, I have an MMF 2.1, a gemini with a good needle and the PT-01, theres no way it can compete. It'll get the job done but its definitely not the best choice.

To second what crossings said . . . there's some great vintage decks out there that can be had for a reasonable price that were top notch in their day. Grab a new belt for them, a good cart, and you have a great sampling table.