Any of ya'll sample with a belt drive TT?

I use to have a belt drive...worked fine until I wanted to start scratching now I have a DD.

anyone using some kind of high end audiophile turntable?

the hip hop snob in me wouldn't be happy without a pair of 1210s around. had the same cheap shure carts for 12 years though, makes my sample sound nice and rusty, but would prefer something more high end - any suggestions on needles?

seen few people looking like they use those portable vestex TTs, surely the sound quality isn't up to spec?

Coz wrote:It's the STR8-150.

I bought a USB belt drive deck but I sent it back and bought the Stanton off eBay for a similar price. Really nice investment.

Lookin' at a STR8-80 on ebay...seems to be a good deal...we'll see how it get gets closer to the ehd of the auction.

Upright wrote:I use to have a belt drive...worked fine until I wanted to start scratching now I have a DD.

I hear ya...I've got a pair of DD decks I use for dj'ing...which is why I'm considering a nice bd just to have for listening/sampling.

SEED78 wrote:anyone using some kind of high end audiophile turntable?

Haven't bought one yet, but looking at brands like Rega, Pro-ject, Thorens, and Music Hall...I like the idea of having one that I can upgrade later, one that can grow with my vinyl setup. Not sure on high end needles, but check out needledoctor.com - great site.

b.read wrote:

Coz wrote:It's the STR8-150.

I bought a USB belt drive deck but I sent it back and bought the Stanton off eBay for a similar price. Really nice investment.

Lookin' at a STR8-80 on ebay...seems to be a good deal...we'll see how it get gets closer to the ehd of the auction.

yo the str8-80 and the str8-100/150 are totally different machines. the 80s are plastic, the 100/150 are metal. totally different design (google the pics). the 150 is a BEAST. the 100 is a MONSTER. the 80 is like a scruffy street dog. the 60s are an alley cat.

my buddy rocks a pair of 80s, and the pitch on them is so friggin wonky you have to learn to mix all over again...it takes forever to get to the speed you want, then it tends to 'hover' around it for a bit settling in. they are fine tables for goofin off but they are about the top/usable end of the budget spectrum.

not sayin it's a bad tt, but for 'listening/sampling' like you said, if you already got dj tables around, forget ebay, forget 'dj' tables (especially these budget ones), and get out there and THRIFT.