New to vinyl - is this turntable any good?

cmscott6 · « **on:** 30 Jun 2003, 01:23 pm »

Although I grew up using parents' turntables, I've never really had one of my own. I picked up a Stanton 8004 "gyropoise" at a thrift store for very cheap. It has no cartridge, though it runs, and everything has that "well taken care of but not used in a while" look. I'm wondering if this turntable is worth spending money on, or should I just try to find something else? If I buy a new cartridge are there any suggestions for brands, etc. Thanks for any help for a vinyl newbie.

Tonto Yoder · « **Reply #1 on:** 2 Jul 2003, 12:02 am »

Stanton is better known for their cartridges. I didn't know they used to make turntables for the home; they STILL do have direct drive TT's for DJ's. I'd be inclined to get a new belt for your TT since it probably is dried up from the years: even if it still turns the platter, speed accuracy (and hence tone) will be better with a nice fresh piece of rubber connecting the motor and platter. There was a site selling them for $10.

cmscott6 · « **Reply #2 on:** 2 Jul 2003, 01:41 am »

Thanks for the tip. Yeah, the belt is kinda' dry...
I did some poking around and finally found a review from "High Fidelity" of 1976 - gave it pretty favorable opinions.
Upon closer inspection, the cartridge is there - tho' no stylus. Here's the catch tho': the cartridge is labeled 681 TT. I know the 681 series is well-regarded, but no sites I've seen for replacement cartridges list a 681TT. Hmm...

jcoat007 · « **Reply #3 on:** 2 Jul 2003, 03:12 am »

These guys might be able to help you.

www.lpgear.com

zachslc · « **Reply #4 on:** 2 Jul 2003, 05:44 am »

Is it a P-mount cart or screw-mount? Could you post or link to some pics of the table? That would be most helpful.

cmscott6 · « **Reply #5 on:** 9 Jul 2003, 12:59 pm »

Hey thanks for the pointer to lpgear. Actually Stanton e-mailed me right back about the cartridge. Turns out that this is the original 681 cartridge. Just for kicks I ordered a new replacement stylus from lpgear. Sorry, but I don't have a digital camera to post pics. Now all I have to do is find a decent diy phono pre-amp. Any suggestions/opinions?

Wayne1 · « **Reply #6 on:** 9 Jul 2003, 01:45 pm »

I am partial to the phono preamps offered by Jim Hagerman .

http://www.hagtech.com/

He has a forum here on AC

I have built a Bugle http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=2711

and mgalusha has built a Cornet http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=3536

I am now getting the parts together to build a Cornet of my own.

cmscott6 · « **Reply #7 on:** 5 Aug 2003, 01:59 pm »

Well, I got a new Stanton EEE stylus for the turntable, and it sounds fantastic with a newly built Hagerman Bugle (despite what the local "high-end" shop said: "the tt has been dropped and is shot - not worth a new stylus"

) running through AKSA GK-1 and AKSA 55N.

If I can ask another stupid question... This tt came with a heavy rubber mat on the platter - obviously original equipment. Now when I play a record on the mat, the platter gets a wobble as it spins. If I take off the mat and play the record directly on the platter it spins (and sounds) perfect. Should I just replace the mat with something else? Or is this a sign that the belt is wearing? Thanks for indulging a newbie!

hifitommy · « **Reply #8 on:** 10 Aug 2003, 05:19 pm »

replacement styli and other cartridges are readily available.

kabusa.com, ewsaunders.com, garage-a-records.com all have things you might need, including belts.

Tonto Yoder · « **Reply #9 on:** 10 Aug 2003, 05:34 pm »

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3039283227&category=3283
A Stanton Gyropoise on eBay, though a different model.

Brett · « **Reply #10 on:** 13 Aug 2003, 04:13 pm »

I had one of those about 20 years ago. An AR was a much better TT and responded well to mods.

I wouldn't spend any money on it except for a belt, and save for a better TT.