Try asking r/turntables about the Phillips and Thorens.
A used Denon DP300F is not worth $300, you can get a Denon factory refurb for $219 and there are same quailty turntables for less cost or better turntables available for $175 to $300.
If you need fully automatic then the AT-LP3 $165 on sale has similar basic performance as the Denon.
Manual and better turntables:
The $200 Sony PS-LX310BT is not any better than the AT-LP60X which you can buy for $83. Both are easy setup beginner plug and play and lack adjustable tracking force.
If must have fully automatic then go a step up to the better AT-LP3 $157 that adds adjustable tracking force and a removable cartrdige. Balance the tonearm then set the tracking force.
Or if you don't need automatic then the better manual AT-LPW30TK $219.
Next step up is the Fluance RT82 $299 with auto stop. Pass on the older RT80 and RT81 that lack the new speed sensor. Pass on the RT83 since the cartridge is not any better.
Plus speakers, scroll down past the turntables for starter powered speakers (Monoprice, Insignia, Dayton or Edifiers). Or keep scrolling down for better passive speakers plus and amp or receiver starting with 5.25" Sony SSCS5 $199 $99 on sale plus a mini amp (3.5mm input instead of RCA so get the correct cable or adapter) or a stereo receiver.
Or what is a nearby town or zip code I can search for used speaker options? Reply here or chat or message.
Which model receiver?
Automatic turntables:
Better manual turntables:
These AT turntables all have a built in phono preamp so you can connect it to standard RCA input.
Or set the switch on the back of the turntable to Phono if your receiver has a Phono input and you want to use that instead, plus a ground cable connection.
$105 to $500 turntables:
Automatic starter turntable with a built in phono stage preamp: AT-LP60X $149 $105 is easy setup beginner plug and play.
Turntables with better tonearms with adjustable tracking force, balance the tonearm then set the tracking force:
Better automatic with a built in phono preamp: AT-LP3 $169.
Manual with a built in phono preamp: AT-LPW30TK $249 $175.
Next step up manual turntables without a built in phono preamp so connect to a Phono input on an amp or receiver or connect to a separate $15, $65 or $99 phono preamp:
The AT-LP60X is the cheapest turntable that isn’t a ripoff.
$105 refurbished:
https://outlet.audio-technica.com/turntables
If you don't need automatic playback then a better turntable is the manual AT-LPW30TK that adds a better tonearm with adjustable tracking force, lower wow and flutter, an updated cartridge and a solid MDF plinth. Balance the tonearm then set the tracking force.
$199 new:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q7TBNCM
If you do need automatic playback then the AT-LP3 adds a better tonearm with adjustable tracking force over the AT-LP60X.
$199 new:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6YK1GA
Thanks to https://www.reddit.com/r/turntables/comments/13xnvny/atlp60xbtusb_vs_atlp60xbt/jmi4tt6/ for current options and prices.
Automatic starter turntable with a built in phono stage preamp:
If you can budget over $200 for a turntable and speakers:
Better automatic turntable with a built in phono preamp that adds adjustable tracking force:
Better manual turntable with a built in phono preamp and adjustable tracking force:
The older LP60 had a skipping problem, which was solved in the LP60X (which was the model I linked).
It does not have an adjustable counter-weight or a user adjustable anti-skate, and is not upgradable, but it is an acceptable ENTRY LEVEL turntable. The diamond stylus MM 3600L is not damaging records unless you are hitting them with it.
If you dont care about the BT you can get the LP3 on sale for 199 that does have those two features and a better cart
No. Are you upgrading from a suitcase?
If you want a basic starter automatic easy setup beginner plug and play turntable then the AT-LP60X $149 $105 has some improvements over the Victrola.
The better automatic AT-LP3 $249 $168 adds adjustable tracking force. Balance the tonearm, then set the tracking force.
Or a better manual AT-LPW30TK $249 $175.
Do you already have speakers?
The outlet seems to be new so check back weekly for restocking or maybe they don't restock for months.
https://outlet.audio-technica.com/turntables/at-lp60x-gm-cr $83 shows in stock for me.
Amazon has the better https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP3BK-Automatic-Belt-Drive-Turntable/dp/B01N6YK1GA for $157.
$200 for a turntable lands you on the Audio Technica LP60X, LPW30, LP3BK or Fluance RT80. Other sub $200 units like victrola, ion, crosely, lp&no1, marley etc are not worth buying.
instead of a headphone amp and a separate for speaker setup, look maybe at the Onkyo 8260 or Cambridge AXA35, both at 399 , add Jamo Concert9, Klipsch RP160M or Paradigm MonitorSE all at 299/pair. plus your headphones and wiring
Or are you interested in used kit?
Turntable: Audio Technica at-lp3bk $200 https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP3BK-Automatic-Belt-Drive-Turntable/dp/B01N6YK1GA
Receiver: Sony str-dh190 $168 https://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH190-Stereo-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B078WFDR8D/
Or
Yamaha R-S202 $200 https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-Audio-R-S202BL-Stereo-Receiver/dp/B01EMQI2CU/
Speakers: Wharfedale diamond 220 $250 https://www.amazon.com/Wharfedale-5025941156901-Diamond-220-Walnut/dp/B00TYN3EUC
Add a sub for some extra oomph $70 https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-108248-60-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B009GUTJ34/
You could go cheaper with a small class d amp like the fosi tb10d or bt20a pro and a pair on Neumi bs5. I would only recommend this for a desktop or bedroom.
Bare minimum would be the Insignia turntable from bestbuy and a pair of edifier r1280t powered speakers.
Automatic:
Manual:
Do you already have speakers?
A $55 turntable may not necessary damage your records if it's not skipping and it shouldn't cause warping.
Neither. You can do better buying the turntable and speakers separately.
Turntable:
Better powered speakers with Bluetooth for a smallish size room:
The automatic AT-LP60X is easy setup beginner plug and play if you need those features. It's fine to start with or use for many years.
The manual AT-LPW30TK adds adjustable tracking force on a better tonearm for better tracking and playback and has a newer improved and removable cartridge. Balance the tonearm then set the tracking force. With the better turntable you may be less likely to want to upgrade later.
Next step up Fluance RT82 $299 has auto stop and then an optical sensor speed controlled servo motor for low wow and flutter and speed variation. Pass on the older RT80 and RT81 that lack the new speed sensor. Pass on the RT83 since the cartridge is not any better. Plus a $14, $65 or $99 phono preamp.
Or Drop + Audio-Technica Carbon VTA $349 has a built in phono preamp like the other AT models and adds a carbon fiber tonearm, VTA adjustment, a better stylus and replaces some plastic parts with metal parts over the AT-LPW30TK.
If you want automatic with adjustable tracking force then the AT-LP3 is $199, just not as good of a turntable as the AT-LPW30TK that costs $25 less.
However, whichever turntable you get may sound similar enough since it will be the sound bar that will be a sound quality bottleneck compared to a pair of better larger stereo speakers.
You don't have to use Bluetooth just because the turntable has Bluetooth. The AT-LP60XBT, just like the AT-LP60X version without Bluetooth, has a 3.5mm analog audio cable output and includes a 3.5mm to RCA audio cable to connect to the pair of Neumi powered speakers or an amp or receiver with passive speakers.
Or if you can return the AT-LP60XBT:
The better lower cost AT-LP3 $249 $199 adds a better tonearm with adjustable tracking force.
Or the even better manual AT-LPW30TK $329 $195 adds a better tonearm with adjustable tracking force, an updated cartridge, has lower wow and flutter, and adds a solid MDF plinth.
For both turntables, balance the tonearm then set the tracking force.
AT-LPGO/AT-LP60X is fine to start with if you must have an automatic turntable that is easy setup beginner plug and play.
You can get an AT-LP60X direct from Audio Technica for $83.
AT-LPGO just seems to be a unique Walmart model name so they can undercut the price of the AT-LP60X or so you can't price match it to the AT-LP60X if another store is selling it for less. This is a common tactic with Black Friday televisions.
If your budget is $160 and you need an automatic turntable then you can get the better AT-LP3 for $157 that adds adjustable tracking force and a removable cartridge. Balance
Or a manual turntable, 1byOne $135 or Insignia $129 that both also have adjustable tracking force and a removable cartridge.
The Marshall Stanmore III is a powered tabletop speaker with a built in speaker amp.
Those turntables with built in phono preamps would connect directly to the Stanmore.
Automatic AT-LP60X $149 $105 is easy setup beginner plug and play
Automatic AT-LP3 $249 $199 adds a better tonearm with adjustable tracking force.
Better manual AT-LPW30TK $329 $195 is a better value than the AT-LP120X, has lower wow and flutter and adds a solid MDF plinth.
The AT-LP60X is decent enough for the Stanmore speaker.
Get the better AT-LP3 or AT-LPW30TK if you plan on a later speaker upgrade to a pair of speakers with stereo separation for good imaging and sound stage.
For $150?
Automatic AT-LP60X $149 $105 is easy setup beginner plug and play.
Better automatic AT-LP3 $168 adds adjustable tracking force and a removable cartrdige. Balance the tonearm then set the tracking force.
Better manual turntable AT-LPW30TK $249 $175 also adds adjustable tracking force and a removable cartrdige. Balance the tonearm then set the tracking force.
No.
AT-LPW30TK $329 $199.
If you must have an automatic turntable then the AT-LP3 $249 $199 is a step up from the AT-LP60X but a step down from the AT-LPW30TK.
For either turntable, balance the tonearm, then set the tracking force and anti-skate.
The automatic AT-LP60X $149 $105 is easy setup beginner plug and play if you need that.
Better turntables than the AT-LP60X with a better tonearm with adjustable tracking force should fit on that shelf:
However that shelf may not be very sturdy.
Sturdier Soho turntable stands:
Lower cost stands:
If he may already has a turntable connect it to a USB interface with Phono or Line inputs.
Turntable plus USB phono preamp:
Connect any of the above to Art Phono USB $99 or Behringer U-PHONO UFO202 $25.
Turntables with direct USB output:
Turntables:
Powered speakers with Bluetooth:
5.25" mid bass driver powered speakers for a small to medium size room:
4" mid bass driver powered speakers for a small room or desktop setup:
USB is to record the record to your computer.
If you don't need Bluetooth then a better value is the AT-LP60X $149 $105.
If you don't need automatic playback then a better turntable is the manual AT-LPW30TK $329 $199 that adds a better tonearm with adjustable tracking force, lower wow and flutter, an updated cartridge and a solid MDF plinth. Balance the tonearm then set the tracking force.
If you do need automatic playback then the AT-LP3 $249 $199 adds a better tonearm with adjustable tracking force over the AT-LP60X.
So I purchased an Audio Technica AT-LP60X on RSD this weekend and the good news is I'm loving the addition of Vinyl to my music consumption methods. I find myself enjoying the purposeful, ritualistic listening to some of my favorite albums, front to back (the way it was intended). The bad news is I'm having buyer's remorse in buying the 60. The sound is fine! I haven't had any issues other than a few of my new albums being static-y but the static is not consistent from disk to disk, so I think the TT is functioning fine. However, I am considering buying a 120 but like the automatic function of the 60. Is there a r/vinyl-blessed TT with automatic function?
Edit: would this be an upgrade?
Starter powered speakers starting at $79 with an RCA audio cable input for the turntable, scroll down past the turntables.
Connect the turntable to the powered speakers with the included audio cable so you don't need to pay extra for the Bluetooth version of the AT-LP60X:
Turntables without Bluetooth for less than the cost of a new $219 AT-LP60XBT.
AT-LPGO-BT is the Walmart model name for the AT-LP60XBT so you are good to go!
The new X version AT-LP60X has some improvements over the older discontinued AT-LP60.
Or next steps up add adjustable tracking force:
You have speakers to use with the AT-LPGO-BT?
Turntable: Audio Technica at-lp3bk $200 https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP3BK-Automatic-Belt-Drive-Turntable/dp/B01N6YK1GA
Receiver: Sony str-dh190 $150 https://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH190-Stereo-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B078WFDR8D/
Speakers: Wharfedale diamond 220 $250 https://www.amazon.com/Wharfedale-5025941156901-Diamond-220-Walnut/dp/B00TYN3EUC
Add a sub for some extra oomph $70 https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-108248-60-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B009GUTJ34/
This totals around $600.
The G-Boom has 3.5mm Aux input so you don't need to pay more to have a Bluetooth transmitter in the turntable.
AT-LP60X $88 > 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux audio cable $6 > G-Boom speaker.
Or a better automatic turntable that costs less than the $219 AT-LP60XBT: AT-LP3 $165 adds adjustable tracking force.
Or a better manual turntable for the same $219 cost of AT-LP60XBT: AT-LPW30TK $219.
Or for the cost of the $219 AT-LP60X you could get the AT-LP60X and a pair of powered speakers with Bluetooth:
If I had to buy an automatic turntable I would just get the Pro-Ject Automat A1 at $399 (on sale now 100 off). I do like my manual DC, but I should add an armlifter to it (for the reason you mention). The Audio Technica LP3 is less money on sale for $199, but its plastic and has a lesser cartridge than the Pro-Ject
For an amp with BT I would look at something like the Denon PMA-600 $499 or the NAD 328 $699 (or Open box at 489). Both are extremely nice sounding uncomplicated stereo amps. If you can give up the BT you can be cheaper with a Cambridge AXA35 $399 or the NAD 316bee at $499. if you don't mind scratch&dent the PMA600 can be 426 and the NAD 316 can be 450. Personally I have a Cambridge and am more than happy with it. There are cheaper offerings from Sony and Yamaha etc, but they will not sound as good.
Unless you plan on making this a home theater I would stay away from AVR type surround processors, even if you aren't using the surround effects the amp is still designed around them, so it doesnt sound as good as it could. Also stay clear of gimmicky "WHOA 500W per channel" who are making up for sound quality with sheer volume...
For your speakers, its not a huge space so some good quality bookshelf is likely good. Wharfedale's Diamond 225 are on sale 40% off at 299. How loud do you like to listen? When picking speakers, size does matter. I wouldnt go below a 5" bass woofer. These have a 6" and you can always add a separate subwoofer to your system later if you feel its lacking. If you want hair raising loud, the Diamond 240 towers are also on sale for 599 per pair
Starter options, plus better options in bold.
Turntables:
Automatic:
Better manual turntables, balance the tonearm then set the tracking force:
Speakers:
Powered speakers with audio cable input for the turntable, a digital optical input and Bluetooth for streaming music:
Compact 4" mid bass driver speakers for a small room or a desktop setup
Larger 5.25" mid bass driver speakers for a small to medium size room:
If it's not working then return or exchange it. It may be hard to see if the styuls is damaged or not.
Paid $219 MSRP for the AT-LP60XBT?
Better turntables with a better tonearm with adjustable tracking force.
Which model speakers, 3.5mm or RCA input to connect to the turntable?
AT-LP60X $149 $105 is fully automatic and is easy setup beginner play if you need those features.
Turntables that add adjustable tracking force and a removable cartridge, balance the tonearm then set the tracking force:
AT-LP3 $249 $199 is fully automatic.
Manual turntables have a cue lever to gently lower the stylus onto the record for you:
Or better AT-LP3 or AT-LPW30TK plus a $15 USB audio interface.
Or $105 AT-LP60X if you don't need Bluetooth?
Or for $20 less than the AT-LP60XBT, better turntables that add adjustable tracking force:
Which model speakers?
If you already have speakers then sure return or sell the Crosley suitcase or all in one with built in speakers and get a better component turntable that does not have built in speakers.
Basic automatic AT-LP60X $149 $105 is easy setup beginner plug and play.
Better automatic AT-LP3 $169 has a better tonearm with adjustable tracking force. Balance the tonearm then set the tracking force.
Better manual AT-LPW30TK $249 $175 also has a better tonearm and adjustable tracking force. Balance the tonearm then set the tracking force.
Automatic: AT-LP3 $169.
Manual AT-LPW30TK $249 $175.
Or most any turntable with a built in phono preamp.
Plus a USB audio interface $15.
Optionally upgrade either turntable to an elliptical tip stylus.
Better over budget turntable that includes an elliptical tip stylus.
Fluance RT82 $299 adds auto stop and then an optical sensor speed controlled servo motor for low wow and flutter and speed variation. Pass on the older RT80 and RT81 that lack the new speed sensor. Pass on the RT83 since the cartridge is not any better.
Or most any turntable that does not have a built in phono preamp.
Plus a phono preamp with USB output.
What is your budget for a turntable and speakers? Under $200, $400 or more?
Looking for lowest budget options?
Turntables:
Plus compact powered speakers for a smallish size room:
No remote:
With remote:
Or better turntables and speakers:
Plus powered speakers:
Turntable:
Automatic: Instead of the easy setup beginner plug and play AT-LP60X the better AT-LP3 $169 adds adjustable tracking force, balance the tonearm then set the tracking force.
Manual: AT-LPW30TK $249 $175 is a better value to start for a $500 total setup budget than the $255 AT-LP120X and the AT-LPW30TK adds a solid MDF plinth, balance the tonearm then set the tracking force.
Speakers:
Compact 4" mid bass driver powered speakers to start with for a small room are Klipsch KD-400 $159 with analog RCA, Bluetooth, digital optical and USB inputs plus a remote and subwoofer output.
Or separate amplification and larger 5.25" or 6.5" passive speakers for a medium to large room:
Amplification:
Passive speakers on sale:
Plus speaker wire for the passive speakers, pure copper oxygen free 16 AWG. Then How To Strip Speaker Wire and How to Install Speaker Wire.
Or look for a used stereo or AV receiver and a pair of used passive speakers. What is a Craigslist or nearby zip code I can search? Reply here or chat.
Turntables:
Powered speakers with wired input for the turntable and computer plus Bluetooth for streaming audio:
Or can you test the Onkyo receiver and Aiwa passive speakers with your computer or smartphone? Which model Onkyo and which model Aiwa? Once you know the Onkyo is working you could upgrade to a good $100+ pair of passive speakers. You can connect a $29 Bluetooth receiver to the Onkyo if you want it to have Bluetooth.
>which won't damage my records.
Get something with auto stop, at the very least; for all its flaws the LP60 is fully automatic.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6YK1GA/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FMNBXG/
There is not much to be done with a cheap all in one with the cheapest $5 mechanism.
Replace the all in one with the better AT-LP60 then upgrade from the AT-LP60 to a better turntable for your main setup to use with the mini amp and passive speakers.
Which model passive speakers and mini amp? Speakers often make the most difference for good sound quailty.
Better turntables that add adjustable tracking force:
The automatic AT-LP3XBT is not really worth $299 since you can get a better manual with auto stop Fluance RT82 for the same price or you can get the previous version automatic AT-LP3 for $199.
AT-LP60X $149 $105 has automatic playback is easy setup beginner plug and play if you need those features.
AT-LP3 $249 $199 has automatic playback and has a better tonearm with adjustable tracking force.
AT-LPW30TK $329 $195 is a better manual turntable with lower wow and flutter and a solid MDF plinth.
Fluance RT82 $299 is manual with auto stop. Pass on the older RT80 and RT81 that lack the new speed sensor that the RT82 has. Pass on the RT83 since the cartridge is not any better.
AT-LPW30TK $329 $195 is a lower cost alternative.
AT-LP3 $249 $199 is $100 less than the AT-LP3XBT if you did need fully automatic.
The phono preamp in the Onkyo may be sufficient for the Model Six speakers. Or try a $99 iFi Zen AIR Phono if you plan on a speaker upgrade now or later.
Speakers, scroll down to Monolith, Polk or Wharfedale or Monolith towers on sale. Or what is a nearby location I can search for used options?