Sampling turntables

Hey everyone, quick question, does anyone know any good turntables that's good for sampling alone, not scratching? At first I was gonna go the route of getting two tables for scratching and sampling but that might seem a little tough, or does this idea sound silly? Any opinion would be appreciated, thanks.

unless you're plannin on mixing then you don't need two tables, jus get a solid one so you can scratch.

im using a handy traxx at the moment, gets the job done.

i use a standard component stereo turntable with a shure stylus. i'm not a dj and i cant scratch, so i dont need the top end turntable.

roll with a mid grade stanton..

A good stylus and needle will be ur biggest concearn

If it's just for the occasional sampling, you could use a cheap turntable you have laying around at home.

If you're planning on sampling records very much (if you have lots of lots of records and if you maybe want to scratch with it later) it's good to have a decent turntable:

like a Technics SL-1200(MK2), the worldwide DJ-standard.
You can get one second hand for 250-300€, it will keep its value if you ever decide to sell it again.

Cheaper tt's are the socalled OEM-tt's
They all use the same basic components, so on the inside they all look pretty much the same.
Here are a few examples:
Stanton ST/STR8-150
American Audio HTD 4.5
Citronic PD-45/45mk2
Synq XTRM1
Akiyama Acura DJ-4000
Reloop RP6000MK5
Ominitronic DD5250
Kam DDX5000
BST PRO-PR4.5
Koolsound TDJ-04

I have used the sync myself before, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised:
they have a very quick start-stop time (good for sampling)
have a big torque (good for scratching)
are cheaper (good for u'r wallet)
pitch can't beat technics though (only important for mixing)

If' u'r on a tight budget, any TT will do actually but try to mind these things:
direct drive(more stable) = better than belt drive(slower)
higher torque=faster then low torque (start & stop)
as stated a good needle and stylus are the most important things when ripping vinyl to digital
make sure the tt has a standard headshell mount.

2 of the most common needles around are ortofon pro, shure M44-7 or stanton 500, can't really go wrong with one of these

Good looking out, thanks.

Quick question, would it matter if I go for a belt drive or direct drive turntable if I'm gonna be sampling?

if you plan on doing a lot of scratching then any direct drive table will do. if you dont know how to dj or scratch i dont see the purpose in gettin a direct drive though unless you're planning to learn that or dont mind spending the dough.

and depending on which table you get you might need the mixer for preamp purposes as well. otherwise you wont get a loud enough sound.

Technics SL-1210mk2 and a Stanton 681EEE mk3 or 680EL..or Grado DJ-200i orrrr Grado Gold end of..
Unless you plan to scratch

I focused on the stylus (Needle) as well when i was shopping for my setup. I do not scratch at all, but thought I would learn just in case I want to incorporate it in my production. And also to have a backup for my Uncles Mobile DJing gigs...


I have a Technic SL1200MK2 and as stated, the Tec !200 series is the recommended setup... For the price of a good used one you are def in the 200+ range for just one turntable... My Tec 12 was the victim of a drive by chewing by my dog while I was out of town, so to replace it I just got a new TT.. I went with the Numark TT500. It was not too expensive and the feature set seemed ideal for my needs. And so far I agree. It is a good TT for the money.


If you are on a budget, and are not sure you are actually going to be scratching allot, then almost anything with a good Stylus/Needle will do just fine. But def search, you may find a gem somewhere unexpected...

Okay, I just bought a Stanton turntable which unfortunately doesn't come with a cartridge. Does anyone know good cartridges specifically used for sampling and not scratching or mixing?

Pmounts are supreme to sample with. Known as magnetic cartridges. They make dull records sound dimensional.

Okay, two days ago I bought a Stanton T.52X turntable, which is really a belt drive, just to sample with. I didn't open it yet, I was just wondering if I made a mistake in picking the wrong turntable?

if the turntable has a metal tonearm and you put a decent cartridge on it, it should be fine for sampling... in some cases, belt driven can be better for sampling than direct drive... you won't need direct drive if you don't plan on scratching or nothing other than just playing records.