Manual vs Automatic Turntable
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ย. 2024
- When you start your vinyl journey, or decide to upgrade your equipment, you may be faced with the decision of whether to go with an automatic or manual turntable? In the spirit of brief explanations, I am here to help.
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Written & Produced by Rick Coste
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Yes but let us not forget that automatic turntables can also be used manually - manual turntables can never be used automatically.
I went with a manual a couple years ago when I got back into records and frankly I kinda wish I hadn't. Normally its not that big a deal - I certainly have no issue starting and stopping my records manually - its the few occasions that I've fallen asleep (just for a few minutes) and had the stylus in the deadwax for a bit longer than I'd have liked. In the old days (70s and 80s) I always had automatics so I got used to those. Again, not a huge deal but if you're prone to falling asleep to music like me, automatic might be something to consider when making a new purchase.
Well put!
I've owned various Dual semi-automatic turntables, then upgraded to a Fluance RT85. After 6 months I sold the Fluance and got a Mofi StudioDeck. I really like the simplicity of a manual turntable, but I do miss auto-lift and shutoff. Yes, I could get one of those lifters for manual turntables.
I recently bought a Fluance RT85 with the Ortofon 2m blue cartridge. Upgraded from a fully automatic Denon Dp300f. Overall I like the manual operation for the reasons you mentioned. Simplicity, and perhaps more effort was put into sound quality in the build rather than convenience. I do like the fact that it does have auto stop at the end however.
I'll have to check that out @Neil Fisher. I do like the idea of the auto-stop. I didn't realize that was the case with the Fluance RT85
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Yes, there is a switch on the back of the plinth where you can turn auto stop on or off. It will stop the platter after about 30 seconds once it reaches the run out groove. I'm very happy with this turntable.
I’ve never owned a totally manual turntable but my first units were semi-automatic Technics models in the early 80’s with both belt and direct drive and P-mount cartridges. There was something nice about placing that stylus down to start the music and yet watching the arm return to its rest at the end of the side (or by hitting the STOP button. These days though I’m lazy and my main table is a Realistic LAB-420 fully automatic. My eyes aren’t as good as they used to be and my hand isn’t as steady even with the cueing lever and I’d rather just push a button and let the turntable put the stylus down where it belongs (properly adjusted) and lift and return the tonearm when it’s done.
You know @Nick V, I can never say “never” on the manual. I do like the manual aspect and prefer it, but there’s something to be said for not having to worry that I will leave the needle spinning all night - which I have done and always hate myself for it.
I wouldn't have a full manual turntable. I already have too many appliances that demand my attention. Like the refrigerator that sounds the "door ajar" alarm while you're standing there trying to load groceries into it. A turntable needs to have AT LEAST an automatic arm return and shut off feature.
That door alarm drives us crazy :)
"In the end, it's all about you" - so aptly spoken! Btw, I am a "manual TT" guy - the less the automatism, the better! I grew up with a Dual CS-505-2 TT, which was semi-auto (the arm was lifted at the end of the record, without returning to the armrest) and that was it. Thus, I became so much used to pulling the lever and tracking the beginning of a song by myself. For me, it's an inseparable part of the "ritual". Nowadays, I use a vintage Technics SL-20 TT (revitalized) and I fully enjoy its absolute manual character! There is not even an arm lift-off at the end, you have to do it by yourself.
But, as you rightfully said, that's just me (belt-drive fan, as well). Nice video - thanks!
Thanks @Dr Rayman! And welcome to the channel!
Question for you. What are your feelings about dust covers while spinning vinyl? Open? Closed? Remove all together? Thoughts?
While I will always recommend a dust cover when not playing a record @CGC Vinyl, I leave mine up when playing. It’s easy to take off, and that’s probably even better, but I’m lazy 😂
I agree, its mostly down to personal preference, but didnt we establish in the Stylus Life video that 1000 hours is the absolute maximum and even quite ambitious for most styli? I would not recommend staying around 1500 hours even with a high end profile.
I do not care if the table returns the tone arm to a resting state, I just want it to shut off and a lot of turntable have this feature so yeah manual with auto stop not auto return is my next deck,...if I ever buy one. As for belt vs direct drive? for me direct drive all the way! But that's just me. I have owned direct drive turntables for roughly 40 ears and I LOVE them! I also realize there are not many (if any) that are auto stop. Just my thoughts!
Hi Jack! The Fluance RT80 is an autostop (without the auto return). It's belt driven though - might not be to your liking: amzn.to/3XyAxjL
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords No, it is definitely not a deal breakers i just like the simplicity and no belts to buy and I have had zero problems with Direct Drive. i also understand that today, unless I buy a SL 1200 i am going to for the most part be buying a belt drive deck to get a decent turntable. Thanks for the reply! Have a great night!
How about touching on the subject of the stylus life of differing stylus types. Are some more suseptible to wear than others?
Hi @Rod Rogers. I do have a video on stylus shapes. It might not address exactly what you are asking but it doesn't touch on it. I can always go a bit more in depth in another one.
I wanted but fell asleep the other night
Manual 4 life, or until i shake like a leaf when Im older😯
That's me exactly
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords imagine when We need to adjust tonecontrol!?! Thats why IL never buy a reciever witout tonecontrol, One day We need it too☺