P-Rock

Hi,

Before anyone mentions anything about the Technics 1200
turntables...I just want to say that my budget only allows for the two
tables mentioned in the subject line. :-)
I actually owned a set of 1200's several years ago but sold them to
put myself through school. I still have all my records (3 crates of
mostly hip-hop) and was thinking of buying a set of tables again.
I've found two sets, the Gemini XL500II C or the Numark TT1520. Both
are used and I'd be buying them over the net. They are similarly
priced and in apparently good condition. Since I have no experience
with either of these decks, could anyone tell me which ones are the
better bet? I'd be using them primarily for blending beats and mid to
heavy scratching.
I know they won't be anything near the Technics quality-wise....but
I'm just hoping for something where I wouldn't have too much needle
skipping, etc. The cartridges I'd use would be either Stanton 505 or
Shure M25C.
Thanks in advance for your input!!

-P-Rock

Neonik

Ever give any thought to Stanton turntables? <g>

Neonik

"P-Rock" <pumsarai@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:ac57f6db.0307181032.5e89616@posting.google.co m...
> Hi,
>
> Before anyone mentions anything about the Technics 1200
> turntables...I just want to say that my budget only allows for the two
> tables mentioned in the subject line. :-)
> I actually owned a set of 1200's several years ago but sold them to
> put myself through school. I still have all my records (3 crates of
> mostly hip-hop) and was thinking of buying a set of tables again.
> I've found two sets, the Gemini XL500II C or the Numark TT1520. Both
> are used and I'd be buying them over the net. They are similarly
> priced and in apparently good condition. Since I have no experience
> with either of these decks, could anyone tell me which ones are the
> better bet? I'd be using them primarily for blending beats and mid to
> heavy scratching.
> I know they won't be anything near the Technics quality-wise....but
> I'm just hoping for something where I wouldn't have too much needle
> skipping, etc. The cartridges I'd use would be either Stanton 505 or
> Shure M25C.
> Thanks in advance for your input!!
>
> -P-Rock

Neonik

What kind of decks did Grandmaster Flash use back in the day?

Maybe he advocates "the DJ and not the equipment" mentality.

Neonik

"DJ David" <djdave_vaNO@SPAMhotmail.com> wrote in message
news:Q9%Ra.584$mo4.201@fe01.atl2.webusenet.com...
> pumsarai@hotmail.com (P-Rock) wrote
> > Before anyone mentions anything about the Technics 1200
> > turntables...I just want to say that my budget only allows for the two
> > tables mentioned in the subject line. :-)
>
> I have no experience with either TT, just Technics. But if I was a betting
> man based on experience with Gemini & Numark mixers & CD Players I'd put
my
> money on the Gemini being better durability.
>
> Also, I was watching a rerun of the Chris Rock Show on HBO the other night
> and was surprised to see Grand Master Flash using Gemini TTs & a Gemini
> battle mixer! I'm guessing it was a promotional agreement between HBO and
> Gemini... but he did a great job with them.
>

DJ David

pumsarai@hotmail.com (P-Rock) wrote
> Before anyone mentions anything about the Technics 1200
> turntables...I just want to say that my budget only allows for the two
> tables mentioned in the subject line. :-)

I have no experience with either TT, just Technics. But if I was a betting
man based on experience with Gemini & Numark mixers & CD Players I'd put my
money on the Gemini being better durability.

Also, I was watching a rerun of the Chris Rock Show on HBO the other night
and was surprised to see Grand Master Flash using Gemini TTs & a Gemini
battle mixer! I'm guessing it was a promotional agreement between HBO and
Gemini... but he did a great job with them.

Neonik

What kind of decks did Grandmaster Flash use back in the day?

Maybe he advocates "the DJ and not the equipment" mentality.

Neonik

"DJ David" <djdave_vaNO@SPAMhotmail.com> wrote in message
news:Q9%Ra.584$mo4.201@fe01.atl2.webusenet.com...
> pumsarai@hotmail.com (P-Rock) wrote
> > Before anyone mentions anything about the Technics 1200
> > turntables...I just want to say that my budget only allows for the two
> > tables mentioned in the subject line. :-)
>
> I have no experience with either TT, just Technics. But if I was a betting
> man based on experience with Gemini & Numark mixers & CD Players I'd put
my
> money on the Gemini being better durability.
>
> Also, I was watching a rerun of the Chris Rock Show on HBO the other night
> and was surprised to see Grand Master Flash using Gemini TTs & a Gemini
> battle mixer! I'm guessing it was a promotional agreement between HBO and
> Gemini... but he did a great job with them.
>

P-Rock

> Ever give any thought to Stanton turntables? <g>
>

I haven't looked into it too much. I noticed that most of the
Stanton's have straight tonearm assemblies, and heard that this was
"rough on the vinyl". However, if you've used Stantons for mixing and
scratching, I'd luv to hear your opinion on them (re: build
quality/needle skipping issues, etc.)
I guess the Stanton STR8-60 model would be the closest match to the
ones I'm shopping for (price-wise)?


-thanks!

Neonik

"P-Rock" <pumsarai@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> I haven't looked into it too much. I noticed that most of the
> Stanton's have straight tonearm assemblies, and heard that this was
> "rough on the vinyl". However, if you've used Stantons for mixing and
> scratching, I'd luv to hear your opinion on them (re: build
> quality/needle skipping issues, etc.)

I have Stanton STR8-80s, which as far as I understand, is a 6-60 with some
bonus features. The build quality is decent - plastic construction; I'm
pretty sure that the alternatives are made of the same materials. (I'm not
really a huge Technics "fan," but I would definitely say that the tank-like
structure makes me want a pair for longevity's sake.) I've taken them to a
few gigs and have yet to really put a major scratch on 'em, and that's just
strapping them into in a car, without hardcases.

I've only experienced cue burn on an old vinyl record that I owned. It's an
old poetry record that had a sample I wanted to scratch. I had the weight
set to about 3.0g, and after a few days, you could definitely hear the wear.
But all my records for mixing haven't worn out at all yet, and my scratch
record is still just as fresh as when I first bought it.

When I scratch, I set my tonearm weight to 2.5g, and the needle does skip
out if I'm aggressively jamming the vinyl forward. At 3.0g and up, I don't
really worry about the needle jumping out. I've watched other (very
experienced) DJs and their Techs, and they can really manipulate the vinyl
without worrying; I don't think that the Stantons are *that* good... But
I'll stick with mine; I would recommend them to anyone, really.

Stanton is rolling out some new models and equipment, so if you're lucky,
maybe you can catch a pair of STR8-80s for a bit of a discount? Good luck,
if you have any more questions, let me know.

Neonik

P-Rock

> Ever give any thought to Stanton turntables? <g>
>

I haven't looked into it too much. I noticed that most of the
Stanton's have straight tonearm assemblies, and heard that this was
"rough on the vinyl". However, if you've used Stantons for mixing and
scratching, I'd luv to hear your opinion on them (re: build
quality/needle skipping issues, etc.)
I guess the Stanton STR8-60 model would be the closest match to the
ones I'm shopping for (price-wise)?


-thanks!

Neonik

"P-Rock" <pumsarai@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> I haven't looked into it too much. I noticed that most of the
> Stanton's have straight tonearm assemblies, and heard that this was
> "rough on the vinyl". However, if you've used Stantons for mixing and
> scratching, I'd luv to hear your opinion on them (re: build
> quality/needle skipping issues, etc.)

I have Stanton STR8-80s, which as far as I understand, is a 6-60 with some
bonus features. The build quality is decent - plastic construction; I'm
pretty sure that the alternatives are made of the same materials. (I'm not
really a huge Technics "fan," but I would definitely say that the tank-like
structure makes me want a pair for longevity's sake.) I've taken them to a
few gigs and have yet to really put a major scratch on 'em, and that's just
strapping them into in a car, without hardcases.

I've only experienced cue burn on an old vinyl record that I owned. It's an
old poetry record that had a sample I wanted to scratch. I had the weight
set to about 3.0g, and after a few days, you could definitely hear the wear.
But all my records for mixing haven't worn out at all yet, and my scratch
record is still just as fresh as when I first bought it.

When I scratch, I set my tonearm weight to 2.5g, and the needle does skip
out if I'm aggressively jamming the vinyl forward. At 3.0g and up, I don't
really worry about the needle jumping out. I've watched other (very
experienced) DJs and their Techs, and they can really manipulate the vinyl
without worrying; I don't think that the Stantons are *that* good... But
I'll stick with mine; I would recommend them to anyone, really.

Stanton is rolling out some new models and equipment, so if you're lucky,
maybe you can catch a pair of STR8-80s for a bit of a discount? Good luck,
if you have any more questions, let me know.

Neonik

Neonik

"DJ Jules B." wrote in message
> Just a question, what sort of weight do you normally use for mixing? When
> I practise I use about 2.0g, but playing live I bump it up a little.

I usually use 2.5g, and haven't noticed any wear in my vinyl.

On that note, I do have this one record, and the needle will absolutely
*not* stay on at a tonearm weight less than 3.5g. I don't know if the bass
on the track was recorded too high, but the needle shakes like a mother on
that record. Clearance vinyl at the local record store. =P

Neonik

Neonik

"DJ Jules B." wrote in message
> Maybe the grooves aren't very deep - all the same, got to love clearance
> vinyl - makes up a fair percentage of my collection ;-) Some of it's
> pretty crappy, but you can sometimes find a real gem!

No kidding! I found a record at some tiny-ass record store in Venice, CA...
Jon Cowan & Andy Holt - "Please Call" on white label... Still has the $2.99
sticker on it, and is by far in my vinyl top 10, if not all-time top 10.

I'll record it from the tables and find some way to send someone a copy if
they want.

theag3ntqPIGFAT@yahoo.com
Just take out the bacon.

Neonik

"DJ Jules B." wrote in message
> Just a question, what sort of weight do you normally use for mixing? When
> I practise I use about 2.0g, but playing live I bump it up a little.

I usually use 2.5g, and haven't noticed any wear in my vinyl.

On that note, I do have this one record, and the needle will absolutely
*not* stay on at a tonearm weight less than 3.5g. I don't know if the bass
on the track was recorded too high, but the needle shakes like a mother on
that record. Clearance vinyl at the local record store. =P

Neonik

Neonik

"DJ Jules B." wrote in message
> Maybe the grooves aren't very deep - all the same, got to love clearance
> vinyl - makes up a fair percentage of my collection ;-) Some of it's
> pretty crappy, but you can sometimes find a real gem!

No kidding! I found a record at some tiny-ass record store in Venice, CA...
Jon Cowan & Andy Holt - "Please Call" on white label... Still has the $2.99
sticker on it, and is by far in my vinyl top 10, if not all-time top 10.

I'll record it from the tables and find some way to send someone a copy if
they want.

theag3ntqPIGFAT@yahoo.com
Just take out the bacon.