Welp, just like everyone else... and just like the beginning of every post, I'm strapped for cash and a complete dumbass. I need someone to hold my hand and walk me through this process. Please?

I don't know anything so illogically decided to take the plunge and flat out just buy a turntable.

So I browsed the classifieds and found an ad for 1 Technics SL-2100 MK5 Quartz at $350, I got it for $250. Deal or no deal? Came in original box w/ manual, etc. only been used twice, no scratches anywhere, blahblah. I've obviously browsed other list prices but have only seen dislikes of the Quartz model here on TA & instructions on how to modify it. Should I have paid less?

Also, it has Numark needles. After browsing these threads for the past couple days, it seems the general consensus is that Numark equipment is shit. What of their needles? I've never touched a turntable before. With the needle and inexperience combined, is this potentially dangerous to my fave records?

If I'm patient and diligent enough, can I get a complete setup for $800? Pioneer mixer + headphones + another table?

Last Q, I'm wanting to buy everything seperate in hopes to save some $$$. Do the TT's actually have to be the same model? Any advantages/disadvantages in them being the same/different?


Still can't believe I did it. I don't know what the fuck I'm doing. I'll just stare at it for a couple more days.

quote:

Originally posted by Bulgatti If I'm patient and diligent enough, can I get a complete setup for $800? Pioneer mixer + headphones + another table?

Yes.

quote:

Last Q, I'm wanting to buy everything seperate in hopes to save some $$$. Do the TT's actually have to be the same model? Any advantages/disadvantages in them being the same/different?

They don't have to be the same model/brand but if they are the learning curve for you will be much more quicker. No two USED tt's will be the same, even if it is the same model. Definitely get another mk5, you got a great deal btw.

Ok man, thanks for the input. On the prowl for another MK5. You have any say on the Quartz lock or needles?

when the pitch is set at zero and playing at 33rpm, the middle dots of the platter appear to be perfectly still. if they are moving, the motor is fucked.


keep this in mind.


if they ar efine then you really are on to a winner. as far as needles go. while you ar elearning, the stanton 500 AL's will do.

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quote:

Originally posted by ZeJayMan when the pitch is set at zero and playing at 33rpm, the middle dots of the platter appear to be perfectly still. if they are moving, the motor is fucked. keep this in mind. if they ar efine then you really are on to a winner. as far as needles go. while you ar elearning, the stanton 500 AL's will do.

Hey, thanks. I really appreciate it. I'll be Pm'ing you.

I think the issue that most people have with the quartz lock is that there is a notch around the 0 that makes it hard to make small +/- adjustments. I don't have any experience with turntables (I opted for CDs when I started =/), so I could be wrong. Someone please correct if so.

On the topic of the strobe and dots, what do the other rows of dots mean? I'm guessing for other RPMs, and maybe also for a certain setting for the pitch. Pretty sure this could be calculated out.

* I know most of those are answerable by searching the Internet, but if they were answered here, interested readers could find it in one place.

quote:

Originally posted by AnomalyConcept I think the issue that most people have with the quartz lock is that there is a notch around the 0 that makes it hard to make small +/- adjustments. I don't have any experience with turntables (I opted for CDs when I started =/), so I could be wrong. Someone please correct if so. On the topic of the strobe and dots, what do the other rows of dots mean? I'm guessing for other RPMs, and maybe also for a certain setting for the pitch. Pretty sure this could be calculated out. * I know most of those are answerable by searching the Internet, but if they were answered here, interested readers could find it in one place.

the mk5 doesn't have the click. it has a button for the quartz lock.

the dots go like this, from top to bottom:
+6.4 % change in pitch when stationary
+3.3 % change in pitch when stationary
Normal turntable speed when stationary
-3.3 % change in pitch when stationary

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