ok so are the cheap turntables really bad or is that just gatekeeping

by kate_b_92 on May 30, 2026(edited)

#turntables#vinyl
I keep seeing the cute suitcase ones for like 50 bucks with the speakers built in and every single time theres alot of people in the comments going "that will destroy your records" is that real or are people just being snobs about it. i dont have 400 dollars to spend on this
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2 replies

  • deck_doctor on May 30, 2026(edited)

    The issue with the all in one suitcase players is the cartridge. They're ceramic, they track heavy, and the tonearm has no real adjustment. That combination puts a lot more pressure in the groove than it should. It will not eat a record in one play, but over hundreds of plays on your favorites, yes, it wears them faster. The fix is not spending 400. It's spending 100 to 150 on a used entry level belt drive with a proper cartridge. Marketplace is full of them. That jump gets you most of the way there.
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  • leo_again on May 31, 2026(edited)

    mine was 60 dollars off marketplace and its fine. your not gonna wreck anything overnight
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