Alternate cartridge? I'm brand new to vinyl, in fact this will be my first record player. I don't fully understand how everything works, but I have read some reviews that speak negatively about the default cartridge. Amazon offers to package it with the Shure M97xE for a discounted price, and I have read great reviews of this cartridge. Is this a good option? Any thoughts? Alternate cartridge? I'm brand new to vinyl, in fact this will be my first record player. I don't fully understand how everything works, but I have read some reviews that speak negatively... » Read More Alternate cartridge? I'm brand new to vinyl, in fact this will be my first record player. I don't fully understand how everything works, but I have read some reviews that speak negatively about the default cartridge. Amazon offers to package it with the Shure M97xE for a discounted price, and I have read great reviews of this cartridge. Is this a good option? Any thoughts? « Show Less
257381
Actually, you should read ALL of the posts about ALL the problems with thisturntable -- but don't get scared off by them; it's a good-enough product.I bought an AT-PL120 for two main reasons: 1 - I wanted a combination of direct drive, 78 RPM, and a wide-range pitch control.2 - I couldn't afford to spend much money.
257382
The ATP-2 is not a bad cart, but it isn't great, either. The one that came with my '120 has never been used.I have several better carts; I have been using a Shure M91EDthat I had mounted on a shell years before I got the '120.The M97 would be a worthwhile upgrade. It will provide very good sound at a very reasonable price.Please read the posts (including mine, of course) about the anti-skating on this turntable.
2222819
Hi, Definitely, the sound will improved. The build in phono preamp sound quality is low in order to keep the cost down. To disable the build in preamp, the phono cartridge will has to be wired directly to the input of the external phono preamp. Your AT LP120 may already have RCA jacks and or switches to bypass the build in preamp. Look at the turntable manual. In general, vacuum tube preamps sound better than solid state or transistor preamp. The vacuum tube preamp is more expensive than the solid state preamp. Bellari VP130 is an exception. It is excellent in sound at low cost. RegardsDanai Hi, Definitely, the sound will improved. The build in phono preamp sound quality is low in order to keep the cost down. To disable the build in preamp, the phono cartridge will has to be wired directly to the input of the external phono preamp. Your AT LP120 may already have RCA jacks and or switches to bypass the build in preamp. Look at the turntable manual. In general, vacuum tube preamps sound better than solid state or transistor preamp. The vacuum tube preamp is more expensive than the solid state preamp. Bellari VP130 is an exception. It is excellent in sound... » Read More Hi, Definitely, the sound will improved. The build in phono preamp sound quality is low in order to keep the cost down. To disable the build in preamp, the phono cartridge will has to be wired directly to the input of the external phono preamp. Your AT LP120 may already have RCA jacks and or switches to bypass the build in preamp. Look at the turntable manual. In general, vacuum tube preamps sound better than solid state or transistor preamp. The vacuum tube preamp is more expensive than the solid state preamp. Bellari VP130 is an exception. It is excellent in sound at low cost. RegardsDanai « Show Less
752364
Yes, you'll need to buy a cartridge, but the turntable sounds great. Records sound close to the origional master, dinamic and alive, with that alluring analogue soft-sweetness. I also have a Stanton ST-150, and I much preference the Audio Technica over the Stanton. The fit and finish of the Audio Tecknica is head and shoulders above the Stanton. The sound of the two are identical, but when it comes to looks, as well as price, the Audio Technica 1240 stands above the Stanton, like a tiger stands above a leopard. I'm using a Stanton Groovemaster v3 MP4. It's easy to install, just plug in it. It's sounds very professional. It's a true remastering cartridge, and it's verily inexpensive. Yes, you'll need to buy a cartridge, but the turntable sounds great. Records sound close to the origional master, dinamic and alive, with that alluring analogue soft-sweetness. I also have a Stanton ST-150, and I much preference the Audio Technica over the Stanton. The fit and finish of the Audio Tecknica is head and shoulders above the Stanton. The sound of the two are identical, but when it comes to looks, as well as price, the Audio Technica 1240 stands above the Stanton, like a tiger stands above a leopard. I'm using a Stanton Groovemaster v3 MP4. It's easy to install, just plug in it.... » Read More Yes, you'll need to buy a cartridge, but the turntable sounds great. Records sound close to the origional master, dinamic and alive, with that alluring analogue soft-sweetness. I also have a Stanton ST-150, and I much preference the Audio Technica over the Stanton. The fit and finish of the Audio Tecknica is head and shoulders above the Stanton. The sound of the two are identical, but when it comes to looks, as well as price, the Audio Technica 1240 stands above the Stanton, like a tiger stands above a leopard. I'm using a Stanton Groovemaster v3 MP4. It's easy to install, just plug in it. It's sounds very professional. It's a true remastering cartridge, and it's verily inexpensive. « Show Less
752366
Yes, you have to. I bought this one: Shure M97xE High-Performance Magnetic Phono Cartridge It seems to be recommended by Audio-Technica. You can read reviews about it on that amazon page.
1964667
I don't know if all of these cartridges open up after a definite number of playing hours. In my case, there was a subtle change after 30-40 hours. suddenly there was a dramatic difference! IMO is difficult to give precise answers, given the large number of variables (tone arm, tracking force, etc.) My TT is a Denon DP300F, and I listen classical music, both symphonic and chamber. At the beginning, the sound was lacking in spaciousness and the treble was a bit shrill. Now the sound is well balanced and open and using a good pair of headphones is thrilling. There is also a definite reduction in the amount of surface noise and no inner groove distortion. I use a tracking force of +/- 1.4 grams, using the tonearm's calibration. Good luck and good ;listening!
89862
The needle that comes with it works perfectly. No need to buy a different needle. I just bought this turntable largely so I can rip a bunch of 78s to MP3, but before buying another needle like people are saying, I first tried it using the needle that comes with it. And it works just fine on 78s. I have some with good quality grooves, poor quality (scratched, warped, melted) and it works great on all. Of course sounds great on 45s and 33s also.
160384
I think it would be a good cartridge for the DP 11-F. It does depend on what kind of music you listen to most though. I don't mean to be vague....its a good cart for most music, but would not reccomend as highly if you listen to mostly newer, electronic music. Awsome for any albums with music recorded pre 1999, if that makes sense. Hope this helps!
694546
It says you can but I haven't messed with it yet, BECAUSE THIS RECORD PLAYER SUCKS!!! It is built cheap and it is awful. Get something from ION. They are quality and have a vinyl to mp3 output and software. Lesson learned. Cheap aint good and good aint cheap.
1727051
I bought the Ion turntable from Costco (in store) too. After reading all of these issues, I think I'll just not even take it out of the box and return it tomorrow! Also, I paid more for it at Costco than it's costs here. I bought a gadget from QVC called an Inport Deluxe for about $80. Note that I have not used it yet so I cannot give an opinion on it. You have to use your own turntable, cassette player, reel to reel or radio and connect to your computer. It comes w/software that removes pops and clicks. I like that it's more versatile than just a turntable. Hope it works!
859451
This cartridge is an excellent performer. You can Google it on a site called Audiokarma to see audio experts feedback. If the rest of your gear is up to it you may want to consider the Denon here... http://www.needledoctor.com/Denon-DL-110-Cartridge?sc=2&category=369 This is considered one of the best cartridges for the money that will mate well with the Technics tonearm.
463581
Hello Alicia when I ordered the cartridge it was displayed with the headshell. but only the cartridge came? I e mailed the seller and said the product shows the headshell so they sent me the haedshell. IT DID NOT COME WITH SCREWS !! I went to a watch repair shop to get the mounting screws. normaly only the cartridge needs to be replaced, but my kids had a party (150 teens) and one of there guests walked off with my headshell and cartridge?? not sure if it is compatible with your turntable. you could check google. good luck and keep turning viynal !!
1397063
Yes, you need a 78 cartridge, which is mono, and has different stylus geometry. The Shure M78s is the one to buy. It's by far the easiest just to buy another cartridge shell and mount the M78s in it, then swap when needed. There is a storage hole behind the tonearm to keep the second cartridge shell.
424778
My player quit playing . Would not start playing CD;s or would skip tracks. (It is 6 months old) I took it in to authorized TEAC dealer who told me it would be $151.00 to fix unless I could show proof of purchase receipt. I purchased it in May 2015, however when we checked the plate on the back of the unit, it showed it was manufactured in 2013 !!!!!!!!!!! Been sitting on a shelf for two years ???? . Now I have to find a proof of purchase to cover warranty or pay for repair out of pocket. Looks like it is cheaper to buy new one !I have a model RW-890 player/recorder and NEVER have a problem with it ! My player quit playing . Would not start playing CD;s or would skip tracks. (It is 6 months old) I took it in to authorized TEAC dealer who told me it would be $151.00 to fix unless I could show proof of purchase receipt. I purchased it in May 2015, however when we checked the plate on the back of the unit, it showed it was manufactured in 2013 !!!!!!!!!!! Been sitting on a shelf for two years ???? . Now I have to find a proof of purchase to cover warranty or pay for repair out of pocket. Looks like it is cheaper to buy new one !I have a model RW-890 player/recorder and NEVER... » Read More My player quit playing . Would not start playing CD;s or would skip tracks. (It is 6 months old) I took it in to authorized TEAC dealer who told me it would be $151.00 to fix unless I could show proof of purchase receipt. I purchased it in May 2015, however when we checked the plate on the back of the unit, it showed it was manufactured in 2013 !!!!!!!!!!! Been sitting on a shelf for two years ???? . Now I have to find a proof of purchase to cover warranty or pay for repair out of pocket. Looks like it is cheaper to buy new one !I have a model RW-890 player/recorder and NEVER have a problem with it ! « Show Less
2152609
I purchased SHURE M44-7 for 45 records and it's a world of difference...For LP's i've been using audio technica AT440ML.. I also use the spin clean record washing system, it's alot cheaper than the other cleaners on the market and does a fantastic job.....
218580
Hi, Michael... I haven't played any records since I had this reciever until I read your e-mail. It took me a couple of minutes to coax my ancient turntable into playing, but it did play a record just fine... I turned the volume up to about 22 and it sounded great, and I don't have a pre-amp in my system. I hope it helps and if you buy this receiver, I think you'll be happy...we've enjoyed ours and have had no problems with it. We're not real serious audiophiles, but it does sound very nice on our CDs and radio use. Good luck...best regards... Doug in Niceville, FL
632952
I've been using this GPX player for about 4 months now, Mr. Webster, and I honestly can not tell any difference between how this player sounds compared to other MP3 players I have used in the past.There is an EQ on this player which, if I recall correctly, has seven different settings...pretty much what ones you would typically find on an MP3 player.To answer your last question...I am afraid I am unable to answer that because I have never had possession of a cowon e2. You unfortunately would have to purchase this GPX player to find out for yourself. SO SORRY!I truly hope I have satisfactorily answered your inquiries for you. Have a wonderful day! I've been using this GPX player for about 4 months now, Mr. Webster, and I honestly can not tell any difference between how this player sounds compared to other MP3 players I have used in the past.There is an EQ on this player which, if I recall correctly, has seven different settings...pretty much what ones you would typically find on an MP3 player.To answer your last question...I am afraid I am unable to answer that because I have never had possession of a cowon e2. You unfortunately would have to purchase this GPX player to find out for yourself. SO SORRY!I truly hope I... » Read More I've been using this GPX player for about 4 months now, Mr. Webster, and I honestly can not tell any difference between how this player sounds compared to other MP3 players I have used in the past.There is an EQ on this player which, if I recall correctly, has seven different settings...pretty much what ones you would typically find on an MP3 player.To answer your last question...I am afraid I am unable to answer that because I have never had possession of a cowon e2. You unfortunately would have to purchase this GPX player to find out for yourself. SO SORRY!I truly hope I have satisfactorily answered your inquiries for you. Have a wonderful day! « Show Less
231534
I agree with all the other commenters/reviewers. You can't go wrong with either the AT311EP or the AT92E (also known as the AT92ECD)---The AT92ECD package also includes an accessory kit which has a small screwdriver for securing the cartridge in the tonearm. And, as ProfessionalGamer mentioned, it IS cheaper. I will add that some people also like the AT3482P cartridge, the cheapest of the three. It uses a carbon fiber stylus which (possibly) smooths out shrill "metallic" sounding high frequencies which might occur on some records. And it's supposed to be ideal for playing 45 singles, if you have a lot of those. Just another option to consider. Anyway, Good Luck, Shawn! I agree with all the other commenters/reviewers. You can't go wrong with either the AT311EP or the AT92E (also known as the AT92ECD)---The AT92ECD package also includes an accessory kit which has a small screwdriver for securing the cartridge in the tonearm. And, as ProfessionalGamer mentioned, it IS cheaper. I will add that some people also like the AT3482P cartridge, the cheapest of the three. It uses a carbon fiber stylus which (possibly) smooths out shrill "metallic" sounding high frequencies which might occur on some records. And it's supposed to be ideal for playing 45... » Read More I agree with all the other commenters/reviewers. You can't go wrong with either the AT311EP or the AT92E (also known as the AT92ECD)---The AT92ECD package also includes an accessory kit which has a small screwdriver for securing the cartridge in the tonearm. And, as ProfessionalGamer mentioned, it IS cheaper. I will add that some people also like the AT3482P cartridge, the cheapest of the three. It uses a carbon fiber stylus which (possibly) smooths out shrill "metallic" sounding high frequencies which might occur on some records. And it's supposed to be ideal for playing 45 singles, if you have a lot of those. Just another option to consider. Anyway, Good Luck, Shawn! « Show Less