My daughter is turning 11 next month, and would adore a record player. My normal method of purchase is to buy the best used equipment on FB marketplace. However, this one stumps me. I can get some modern chinese boxes with bluetooth, cd's for under a 100. but I want something that sounds good, and when she's tired of it can sell again. chinese box doesn't seem like the answer to me, but I don't know what does. If you were spending around 200, what would you go with?
I would hit up Goodwill and the like. Here a just a few I found on the GW auction website:
Toshiba SR-355 Direct Drive Record Player - Tested
Toshiba Stereo Sound System Turntable record Player Black SL-3147
JVC Model L-E600 Automatic Turntable Record Player
Sony PS-X6 Direct Drive Turntable Record Player For Parts/Repair
Vintage 1970s/80s Hitachi HT-324 Belt Drive Record Player Turntable; Powers On
Do you have an amp or stereo receiver with a phono input? Without that, you are pretty much stuck with an all-in-one box or shelling out more money for powered speakers or an amp.
If you go the amp route, make sure it has a phono input or you will need a preamp of some sort to boost the phono output to a usable level.
In reply to Toyman! :
I have nothing, but I'm not against purchasing more components. small home theater system plus an older player maybe?
That's a weird ask from an 11 y.o., but okay. Any explanation of the appeal? Does she understand that analog equipment is going to be more delicate and finicky?
That said:
Audio Technica
That's the brand to look at and the question is going to be which specific model meets her needs. Speaking of which, what features/equipment does she need? What will she be pairing this with?
Some stand-out options each right at $200
I would buy new - not used - unless you (or your daughter) wants to dive down the rabbit hole of learning to repair, upgrade, and calibrate turntables. Used, you're probably going to have to buy, install, and calibrate a cartridge. That's going to be an additional $60+, and several hours learning and then working.
In reply to Beer Baron :
Those actually look like pretty good tables for the price.
Given a choice, I'd go with 1 or 2 and pick up a decent set of powered speakers.
In reply to Beer Baron :
she loves music enough that I know she would adore it. Especially if I can add bluetooth for tablet/phone so it gets even more use. She collects records now just because she loves how they look. So find some decent speakers on FB, a small amp with bluetooth on amazon with bluetooth, and an audio technica player?
In reply to Toyman! :
That's an even better approach. Powered speakers plus turntable.
I know nothing about record players, but I just wanted to pop in and say that I think it's super cool that an 11 year old collects vinyl, and kudos to you for supporting the hobby!
In reply to lnlogauge :
Used speakers and amps are much easier and safer to source through marketplace than turntables. It is generally pretty easy to recognize if they've been damaged or abused. They're also very common.
I'd probably go used Amp and Speakers through FB. Then get the first of those TT's I shared.
If you can do a setup that is wired from the turntable through to the speakers (no BlueTooth), that will be best and cheapest. I don't see a huge value in BlueTooth for records, because your turntable is always going to sit in one place, and you need to flip or change records every 15-22 minutes. Unless the goal is for her to be able to listen through headphones without everyone else having to hear.
You can also add a BlueTooth adaptor later, that's pretty cheap and easy.
In reply to lnlogauge :
She's your daughter, and you know better what she will like. It's also your money, and I don't know how much you want to budget for the rest of the stereo. Here are my thoughs...
Amp:
I'd go stereo amp and speakers rather than powered speakers. It's cheaper, simpler to connect more devices, and more modular. You can upgrade speakers, add a subwoofer, or add new inputs (CD player) as desired easily.
If she likes collecting records because they're cool, look nifty, and provide a fun tactile experience, I'd get a used vintage amp for $50-$150. Something like this one. Personally, I love vintage amps. They are delightfully tactile with heavy knobs and really clicky switches.
If she likes listening to and discovering lots of different music, I'd get a modern BlueTooth stereo receiver. Something like this. She can connect to a laptop, tablet, or phone to listen to streaming music.
Speakers
Then, get decent speakers. Used is often a solid choice. Studio monitor speakers are often KILLER deals. This kit is the cheapest price for serious audiophile quality speakers. But I'd probably start with less expensive, then trade them on later and upgrade to the fancier stuff in a year if she keeps getting into things.
New laser turntable, plays records without wearing them down and they commonly have plenty of modern features, there are plenty of models available for under $200
Edit: Sorry, the under $200 options are traditional stylus units, turns out the laser units are kind of impossible to search for and still cost into the 4-digits. Those new stylus players are still a good option though, and from reviews tend to sound better any time the record isn't surgical-level clean.
Just stay away from Crosley. They suck.
(nothing useful to add) I didn't get this posted under the "TDK cassette" thread b/c of course I knew there would be a more appropriate thread later (not really).
I concur on the Audio Technica stuff. Even their entry level gear is good stuff that actually works and has serviceable parts if something goes. A set of around-$100 Edifer powered speakers via Amazon would complete the setup pretty well. My nephew recently set up a rig with a set of these and a Denon turntable my dad found at the local recycling center that someone threw out because the belt slipped off the motor. Popped the belt back on and it worked perfectly!
Thank you for your help Beer Baron.
This showed up on facebook MP for 60$ in rather new condition. I haven't tried it yet, need to find some vinyl now.
While I was in NC for a work trip, I found these not too far from where I was heading on FMB again. Paid for them, but then ran out of time and wasn't able to pick them up. I wasn't even going to ask for my money back, and the guy offered to ship them. I paid for shipping, and they showed up today. All in with shipping it was 60$.
I'm pretty excited about these, I love being able to buy nicer things for my kids by find deals. I'm pretty sure she's gonna love it.
My son was 12 when we bought him a turntable for Christmas. He loves it. A cheapo semi tube amp followed for his 13th birthday.
We did monoprice tube amp with speakers, and an Audiotechnica lp60. Sounds so cool. I will be robbing him of it.
In reply to lnlogauge :
Good finds!
Most likely someone got it and got bored of records or decided to upgrade to something fancier, so probably a good find. The one component that is liable to be a problem is the stylus. It is a wear item. The cheaper they are and the worse quality records, the faster they wear. It isn't tough to replace the stylus/cartridge.
There is no good way of determining condition of the stylus visibly.
The indispensable tools are having a way to clean records.
A record brush to wipe off lint and dust is a must. If she likes used records, a way to "wet clean" them is very handy. The basic versions of this are not expensive.
Here is a basic kit with everything you need for $20. And a fancier kit for $30
I got that $20 kit. It does the job fine. I have upgraded since.
On the record cleaning kits, Beer Baron has good advice. You need "something" to clean the records to start. I started with a felt brush and liquid cleaner kit I got from Amazon; it was around $15. I've since upgraded to a Vinyl Vac vacuum attachment and makeshift cleaning turntable rig, which makes a huge difference when cleaning used, gungy records compared to the felt brush. I still use that brush all the time though, so it's good to have.
Our current receiver doesn’t have a phono input, so I use a Technolink TC-750LC preamp. It’s like $50.
I've had remarkable success washing thrift store records with dish soap and water and a microfiber cloth.
Teachmoan on youtube I think has a few videos on what to look for in a used record player, not necessarily what to buy. Alone, you should make sure the stylus can be replaced with a new one and so can the belts.
+1 vote for a good preamp or amplifier setup. Honestly speakers and how simple they are is how kids discover sites like Parts-express.com and suddenly are asking for soldering irons for Christmas. And have kickin sound systems in high school 
And I’m still rocking my dad’s Technics SL-QD2. The internet says it’s from 1985.
Beer Baron, I owe you a beer.
I went to a records store today, which was a pretty awesome experience on its own. I wanted a record to try out, so that's what I did when I got home today. I expected it to be good, but its absolutely beautiful. Even my wife who doesn't care that much about music, loved it and wants one in our living room. Its absolutely incredible. My original idea started with a crosbey walmart piece of garbage. I'm really glad I asked on here and found a better direction.
So now I fall into the rabbit hole of getting my own setup, and then spending more money on records I didnt know I needed last week. but I'm kinda excited about it.
In reply to lnlogauge :
Glad I could help! If you want any more help or guidance on fancier stuff for the living room, let me know. Although most of that is in the thread that Tuna linked earlier.
I've found it to be a very fun hobby. I don't subscribe to the "analog is the best audio quality!" It's not. A properly mastered* digital file of CD quality or better will be a better recording.
I love going to record stores and poking around. It's really exciting to find something special and build up a collection. (I have immaculate original pressings of 'Physical Graffiti' and 'Shades of Deep Purple'.) I like selecting music by flipping through a stack of records, pulling out a couple and deciding what I want to listen to. I like playing them on a dedicated piece of equipment that doesn't try to distract me with a million other functions.
It's like getting in an old, analog sportscar. It's not as comfortable. It's not as fast. It's a more special experience.
It's also gotten me more in the habit of listening to and thinking about music in terms of albums with sides than mere collections of songs.
*Many CD's and digital files are crappy recordings because they are mastered poorly. This was known as the Loudness War. They cranked up the volume on tracks until they hit the ceiling so that the volume floats at 9-10 all the time, and there is no dynamics. This is the real reason why vinyl sounded better in the early 2000's. It's largely less of an issue with the death of terrestrial radio.
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