Hi,
I'm looking for an entry-level turntable, for now just for listening to
records, but I do hope to learn to mix eventually. I've been looking
at a Stanton STR8-100 and a Technics SL-1200. I've heard that this
Technics is supposedly the industry standard for basic turntables, but
that's pretty much all I know.

Could you tell me why I would want to buy one or the other (or if I'm
barking up the wrong tree and should be looking at something completely
different), and what I should look for in a turntable in general?

Thanks

wrote:
Hi,
I'm looking for an entry-level turntable, for now just for listening to
records, but I do hope to learn to mix eventually. I've been looking
at a Stanton STR8-100 and a Technics SL-1200. I've heard that this
Technics is supposedly the industry standard for basic turntables, but
that's pretty much all I know.

Could you tell me why I would want to buy one or the other (or if I'm
barking up the wrong tree and should be looking at something completely
different), and what I should look for in a turntable in general?

If you want to deejay these are what you want. For serious home
use-high-end listening-you want a belt drive table with a heavy platter
and a very smooth quiet bearing.

The Linn Sondek is the standard bearer but substantially to obscenely
overpriced and requiring much dedication to learn to set up-and learn
yourself you must. Similar tables include the crudely made AR, which
may be upgraded to better-than-Linn performance but at substantial cost
and hassle. Non-suspended tables like the Rega and Music hall are the
most common "affordable" ones today, but lacking suspension they are
unduly sensitive to room vibrations, particularly in today's ticky-tack
floored houses.