Going to Vinyl looking at the Audio-Technica AT-PL120 - Few questions

Hey all,

First off this is my first post here, so Hi everyone.

Coming from a total record newb, I hope I dont get flamed I did a search and read quite a bit on here and google which has lead me to lean towards purchasing the Audio-Technica AT-PL120 off amazon for $240.

I listen to about 90% rock music and after reading reviews on the turntable on Amazon some people have talked about getting the "Shure M97xE High-Performance Magnetic Phono Cartridge" and others about just getting a "lighter" stylus as the one that comes with this is quite agressive and more geared towards DJs. Although the cartridge it comes with is quite good?

I will be listening to some collectible LPs that I obviously dont want to damage with the wrong setup. But instead of just having them on my shelf I would love to listen to them. So I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction in regards to the stylus and cartridge.

Or if someone can recommend another unit, I would really like to keep it under $300 but if you think its really WORTH spending the extra money (Technics) thats not a problem. Im not going to be using this all day every day, probably a few times a week but hope to use it for life. The other thing to keep in mind I had to sell my entire home theatre system and switch to a Yamaha YSP-2200 and Im hoping to hook into that as it does actually sound pretty decent for music at low-mid volumes. But in the future when I move back into a house I will be getting a full home theatre again.

So far what im looking at getting are the following items:
- Audio-Technica AT-PL120 Professional Direct-Drive Turntable
- Shure SFG-2 Stylus Tracking Force Gauge (heard its a good idea to test)
- AudioQuest LP record clean brush (heard its nice)
- Audio Technica AT6012 Record Care Kit

Looking for some advice.

Thanks a bunch,
Matt

Awesome thanks. The adjustment is what I was worried about so ill leave it as is. How do I tell if the stylus is comes with is the right one? I could always get a local guy to install the M97 as on amazon it's only about $75 don't mind paying that if its worth it.

I also found my dads old Yamaha P-06 and Dual 506. Are either any good? I could always get a new cartridge for them and a pro to install and tune it?

Yes sorry that's what I meant. But I did read that some people swapped the stylus for what ever reason.

The other units...They both appear to be in very good shape. But I'm doubting the fact if even I were to replace the belt and cartridge on one that it would be a good choice over the PL120?

Ps: I can find info on the dual (people seem to like them) but nothing on the Yamaha, did it go by another model number? it would of been bought in Canada.
Edited by matt94gt - 2/24/13 at 1:30am

Well for the new AT-PL120 I wouldnt worry about switching if after hearing mcnarus's comments above. But for the older players I would probably get a new cartrige, stylus and belt.

I also did fine a Technics SL-5200 locally, looks mint and the guy would probably let it go for about $50.00 so I have 3 choices as of right now...would love some more opinions.

Thanks if you were to choose from one of those two (Dual vs Yamaha) which would you use?

The dual was my grandpas and I think was used about a dozen times tops, the yamaha my dads was rarely used as well. Maybe ill give them a shot, but I have no idea how to tell if they need a new belt, cartridge or really what Im looking for.

Great thanks for the comments! Im just debating this AT purchase still, as I can get it shipped to my father who is in the states for another month, which basically save me $200 as its that much more up in Canada.

Thanks for the input ill keep that in mind. Going to do some research on these two units I can't find a single thing about this Yamaha.

Also I found a guy with a few TTs for sale I know one is a Dual 1218 that's in mint shape for $80 not sure how this compares with the other dual but it has "eliptical diamond stylus and cartridge" that's in great condition. Any insight on this? Ill post an update this evening when I check out his other stuff.

Thanks for the help everyone. Im now leaning back towards a new unit, after costs and all that I think its worth my while as I will need a phono pre-amp, cartridge, stylus, belt etc.

So I know the AT-PL120 is hard to beat but if there are any other suggestions feel free to shoot them my way. Thanks again!

I heard the cartridge that now comes on them
is much better then the one that used to come with it and that its just fine and doesn't need to be replaced, people seem quite impressed with it. The preamp I heard is alright but that can always be upgraded down the road.

Thanks. So can anyone reccomed a good cleaning kit and or brush? I mentioned a few in my initial post. Also what about a MAT to replace the felt one?

Thanks all for the help!
Edited by matt94gt - 2/27/13 at 10:12pm

Great thanks!