New to vinyl - suggestions please!

[old skool junkie]

I plan to purchase a Technics SL-1600 locally sometime this week. Here is my problem: My knowledge of record players (in general) is limited to knowing how to start the song .

Is the Technics (usually) a reliable unit to begin with? Which parts would you recommend I replace or upgrade for at least "acceptable" playback quality?

Any and all help is greatly appreciated, and I thank you in advance

Don

[Conrad Hoffman]

Mostly be aware that used tables can have hardened lubricants, stiff arms and bad connections. Most don't, but just be on the lookout for things that don't work smoothly or the way it seems they should. Check out Vinyl Engine.

[NoQuarter]

Usually they're reliable,but the arm auto-lift almost never works, since they use a rubber band that desintegrates with time, but it's easy to replace

And that one is automatic, but without a replacement of the rubber band it will not work in auto

[old skool junkie]

What a great link Conrad, thank you!

And thank you both for the info!

Will I need a preamp for this unit? Again, sorry for the newbie questions; I want to make sure I get everything just right. And more importantly, I want to know what I'm getting myself into!

[rongon]

Yes, you'll need a phono preamp (aka RIAA preamp or preamp with RIAA frequency characteristic).

The only lower priced, commonly available turntables I know of that have built in preamps are the very cheap ones you'd find at Best Buy or the like. A Technics SL-1x00 will be a very different beast, and much better.

Will you get to try the turntable out before you buy? If so, spin a record, see if it plays OK, and sounds good to you. It should sound at least pretty good, i.e. "clean." Carefully move the tonearm around a little (carefully...). It should move very smoothly, with extremely low friction.

Good luck with it. I snagged an SL-1200MK2 from the next-to-last year before they stopped making them, and I do like it a lot.

[old skool junkie]

Thank you rongon. Unfortunately, the seller says "it needs a needle". I assume he means a stylus, but regardless I won't be able to test before I buy. If it is any consolation however, he is only asking $55 for it. I hope that is a fair price..

And from a quick google reference, it seems (overall) that "vintage" preamps came with the RIAA you speak of, and it is quite lacking with the newer preamps unless specified. Any truth behind this? Additionally, as I am trying to be frugal with my audiophilia , I've sourced a Mitsubishi DA-C7 tuner/preamp for close to $100. Would you (or anyone) recommend a newer or better suited preamp in that price range? Thanks very much again everyone!

[old skool junkie]

I may be in luck! The receiver I use is an Onkyo TX-DS777. In the owners manual it states:

3. Turntable
This receiver is designed for use with turntables using moving magnet cartridges.
Connect a ground (or earth) wire to GND terminal.
With some players, connecting a ground wire results in larger noise. If so, do not connect any ground wire.

Does this mean that I've just lucked out of having to buy a preamp? (fingers crossed)

[6L6]

Yep. You are good to go!