hello everybody. i am looking to get my own decks this month. i am currently borrowing a pair of gemini pt-2100's and i like them very much. of course my goal is to pick up techs 1200's, but at the moment, i am looking to grab some good decks for about $250 each that will keep me going for a year, myabe 2.

here's what i found..

gemini pt-2100 ($219) and pt-2400 ($249)
as far as i know the only difference is the 2400 has a 78rpm and a lcd display. those are useless to me, so i figure i could stick with the 2100. i like it. correct me if i'm wrong.

now on to the stantons, str8-60 ($179) and str8-80 ($249)
the big drive here is i really have a thing for blue LEDs. so my question to all of you is how do these decks compare to the geminis? and how do these 2 compare to each other?

ps: i know there is a gemini pt-2410 ($239) that has blue lights, but i really don't like the shell on that one.. hmm.. maybe, maybe not..

all info is greatly appreciated!! and if you have any other suggestions for ~$250 decks let me know!!!

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I'm also gonna buy my own TT's and have been reading reviews and posts on different forums for weeks.

Well, most of the ppl recommended me Stanton str8-90's. They r around 290 $ and are very good TT's.(higher torque than str8-80; 2.2 Kgf-cm)

My choice would be Stanton...

good luck

go for the gemini deckz...you won't regret it...(more power, better wow and flutter the the stanton 60/80).

gemini sa2400 are very nice =) they are straight tonearm though. and they have so much power behind em(2.2kg of torque) its got a solid platter and stops on a dime with barely any noise!i currently use these and have used technics.. and comparing them i found not much difference.. the only difference is that technics are very well built with aluminum face and hard as a rock... gemini sa2400 is solid as well and has more features then TECHS and higher torque!! if you have the money, by all means buy the tech's but if you want to save some CASH then i highly recommend these!!!! now for the pt2100 ... i found these to be very weak... platter feels like its going to break down if you apply pressure... but they are a very good entry level DECKS... but remember... dont put to much pressure on platter cuz it just might stop on you.

No straight tonearms! No straight tonearms! Rememebr that!

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what's the difference between SA2400 and PT2400?

and no straight tonearms? reasons please..

(just doing my homework guys.. gotta be sure im know i get what i want before i blow that big a wad)

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I talked to a lot of ppl who said that their str8 tonearm TT's never made any damage to their vinyls...

quote:

Originally posted by Werewolf I talked to a lot of ppl who said that their str8 tonearm TT's never made any damage to their vinyls...

same here! ... i love my straight tonearm!!! =) and it never skips!!! im sure later in my vinyl life the vinyl will wear a bit.. but to tell you the truth...no such problems has occured. gemini SA is striaght tone arm and PT 2400 is S-shape tone arm. They are basicly the same other then the tone arms(same torque,digital display.. so on) there is nothing wrong w/ getting straight tone arm...even though i spin mostly TRANCE, i like spinning a little hip hop now and then at house parties and stuff so it works out perfectly for me that i have SA2400.

I own the STR8-80's so I can tell you what I've learned from my experience with them. They've got decent torque & solid construction. I've never had a skipping problem, and I used to setup my battle coffin on top of my bed to practice -- so you can imagine the amount of bumping and shaking these things were absorbing. If you're looking for a turntable in that price range, I'd recommend them because they do what they advertise -- they're not 1200's but there's decent, solidly built turntables. Ultimatley however, at least for me, and I think for everyone who spins and dosen't own 1200's, you'll end up buying a pair in the long run if you plan on sticking with it anyway, and STR8-80's won't have great resale or trade in value, so maybe you should think about saving a bit more of it's possible and get the technics now, and actually save money.

PT2100 vs. ST-R60
I would definately get the PT-2100's.. more power in them and have a nice look too.

PT2410 vs ST-R80

This is a hard one.. the 2410 is a lot cheaper.. but the ST-R80 is also quite torquey..
But didnt you want straight arm? So i guess the 2410 is the one for you.. the pitch % display is also very very handy

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