Hi
I was thinking in buying the Stanton Str8-80, as you know these turntables have straight tone arm, and I heard that straight tone arm is better for scratching, but I would like to know if it doesn't matter if I use the straight tone arm in trance mixing.
Which are the effects caused by the straight tone arm in the NON scratching mixes.

I have another question.
which turntable do you recomend me. the Stanton STR8-80 or the Gemini PT-2100. I saw that the Gemini PT2100 have high torque and the Stanton STR8-80 dont. But I would like you to make me know which one of them is better.

so which tone arm do you recomend me?

You also want to scratch or just mix?
if you just want to mix than get the 2100... higher torque, and better for trance/house/techno.
if you want to also scratch than get the 8-80, because of the straight tone arm...

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p.s. SkyBreak, how are your record qualities since you use str8-80?

recording qualities?
i don't use the digital output
i just hook up to mixer and to computer
it should also depend on your needle...
the better the cartridge or needle, the higher quality.

could anyone quote some prices for these 2 tables?

I would say that if you are using a spherical/conical needle then a straight tone arm won't wear your records much more than an s-shaped tone arm, and should actually cause much less wear than an s-shape while backcuing.

It is said that sound quality is reduced a bit compared to s-shaped tone arms, but the fidelity coming from your table is effected more by overall design and implementation than just being s-shaped or straight. On a side note, almost all audiophile turntables come with straight tone arms.

As a trance DJ though, mixing with an s-shape or straight tone arm really won't make any difference. You could really go crazy while backcuing with the straight arm, though it would be best not to get too used to using one as you are quite likely to get stuck with something else while performing...


As for the decks I lean twords the Gemini-PT2100. They are a bit tighter than the SA-80. Also,ignore the key correction feature on the SA-80 as it can result in an echoey bass.

Most made for mixing needles are spherical, some are elliptical but they are usually only found with the higher end needles. Some good values ones would be Stanton 500 AL II($30), Sure SC35C($40), Ortofon Pro OM (Silver)($60). If you want to spend any more on that for needles then go with the Ortofon OM DJ(75$). Just make sure you set your tone arm up correctly and record wear shouldn't be much of a problem.

The PT2100's do seem to have more torque than the STR8-80's. Perhaps the platter is heavier also? I really don't know for sure as I haven't used the STR8-80's extensively. I'll be swinging by the audio store in town some time this weekend and I'll check them out for you while I'm there and report back.