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Any cheap tweaks for cheap turntable?

Hi A few days ago I found a package deal of 2 Stanton str8-30 'tables and a mixer for $100 cash. Obviously it is a beginner DJ system. Because my Dual 1237 is in the shop and might never get out, I jumped on it. I hooked it all up once with the mixer's preamps and once with the trusty radio shack. It sounded ok as I haven't listened to lp's for years. I'm just wondering if there is anything I can do to upgrade this cheaply as I would just get a lot better TT if I wanted to spend much more money. I only have about 50 albums that are not on cd so this isn't the start of something big. I'm considering getting one of those things that let me record my albums on the computer so I'm not going use this TT a long time. So if there is anyone out there who has gone through the same thing, what would you suggest?
dlr
aadi
2 posts
 
Sure.
Buy a couple of TT/Stylus tools, a stylus pressure gauge and an alignment protractor to get the basic adjustments back in line. Very important.
Add play clay, the type that stays soft, to the inside of the plinth, to dampen vibrations in it.
Add better audio connections and wires to the amp. Maybe a better power cord and plug.
Then put TT on a heavy stone slab you pick up at the stone yard where they make kitchen counters. Kills vibrations
BTW: Don't get the all-in-one TTs that record to the computer. By a used DAC for the same money.
Hope this helps.
ekobesky
259 posts
 
No offense, but that is a really rotten turntable and I'm not even sure it's suitable for your purpose. Some DJ decks have short arms designed for scratching and they can potentially damage your LPs when used with a hi-fi cartridge.

The other issue is, sound quality is going to be horrid. Now, if you're archiving your LPs to CD you're going to want to do it once and do it right.

My advice? Spring $395 for something like the complete Rega P1 package. When you're done archiving your LPs, turn around and sell it on A'gon for $295. Or better yet, find someone already selling a used one. The Music Hall MMF-2 and Pro-Ject Debut are also in the same price range and very serviceable.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
07-30-08: Ekobesky
No offense, but that is a really rotten turntable and I'm not even sure it's suitable for your purpose. Some DJ decks have short arms designed for scratching and they can potentially damage your LPs when used with a hi-fi cartridge.
And any Stanton with "STR8" (straight, get it?) in its name has one of these stubby groove-munching tonearms.

Best advice: flip these 'tables ASAP before any good vinyl gets hurt.
dlr OP
201 posts
 
Thanks guys. Aadi- I appreciate all your suggestions but most of those are beyond me. I will probably try some of them. The rest of youn's guys- I kinda thought you would say that. I know this is a piece of junk. But my albums are about 30 years old and were stored in a garage in Albuquerque where it gets in the 100's in the summer. They have been abused by roommates and really bad TT's. Pretty much just rock-n-roll. This is their last chance before I get rid of them. So I'm thinking of using it once and selling the package to some kid who wants to be a DJ some day. Getting a good one and reselling it is also an idea. I'd just have to come up with the cash. Thanks again all. Dan
mosin
410 posts
 
Hi,

I agree, except that the single alternative response that you got was to buy a turntable that cost four times what you have spent up to this point. There may be a better player than the Rega that can be had for the same $100 that the Stanton stuff cost you. A Dual 1019 is very musical for the price, tracks well with typical moving magnets, and is reliable. It's worth a look-see, I believe. I also believe it will outperform the Rega. (I own both a Rega and a 1019.) You may also be able to pick up a used lower-level Denon for slightly more, too. Your Dual 1237 may be in the shop, but there is a lot of used stuff around that will serve the purpose for very little money. A Thorens TD150, maybe?
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