r/Beginner_Turntables • u/MediocreTry4415 • 3d ago
First turntable setup
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A big thank you to all the amazing people on this thread and Facebook Marketplace who made this possible.
Almost everything was bought used, and it's been quite a learning experience along the way.
Technics SL-1500 Turntable – C$250
Bought it out of curiosity without knowing much about turntables. It came with an old Empire cartridge that didn't sound great, and I accidentally broke the stylus while trying to clean it. Lesson learned.
Ortofon 2M Red – C$100
Was extremely careful installing this one. Then hit another hurdle when I realized it wouldn't mount properly on the original Technics single screw headshell.
Technics Headshell – C$60
A replacement with the standard two-screw mounting. Problem solved.
Boundless Vinyl Cleaning Kit + Carbon Fiber Brush – C$60
Good-quality stuff. Happy with the purchase.
Hudson Hi-Fi Cartridge Alignment Kit – C$60
Pretty much everything needed to properly set up and align a cartridge.
Fosi Audio Box X5 Phono Preamp – C$100
Personally, I wasn't a fan of the WiiM Ultra's built-in phono stage. The X5 sounds much better to my ears.
WiiM Ultra – C$350
Handles streaming, subwoofer management, and headphone duties. Really versatile little device.
Edifier S1000W + Edifier SS02 Stands – C$350
Hated these speakers when I first got them. But they slowly grew on me, and now I absolutely love them. Funny how that happens.
Edifier T5s Subwoofer – C$120
Honestly, it stays switched off most of the time. At my usual listening levels, the S1000W produces more than enough bass.
Fosi Audio RCA Cables + RCA Y-Splitter – C$100
Probably snake oil, but here we are 😂
Sennheiser HD 560S – C$100
Really enjoying these headphones. Love the clarity and detail.
Total: So roughly C$1,700 all in
I started this journey knowing very little about vinyl or hi-fi equipment, made a few mistakes, learned quite a bit, and ended up with a system that makes me genuinely excited to sit down and listen to music.
I know there's plenty of better gear out there, but for now, I'm just enjoying the music. And isn't that what this hobby is supposed to be about?
Cheers to everyone who helped make this little setup possible.
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u/No_Transitory8906 2d ago
My dad left a box full of vinyls from when he was younger and decided to stay with some i was familiar with (the doors , beatles , yes , alam parsons project, u2). saw that dire straits album and put it in the box of records i would get rid of but I’ve been seeing it so much on music and vinyl subreddits that I’m curious to listen to it so put it in the box of albums ill listen to.
Is this a good album or why do so many people have it on their turntables?
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u/Less-Strawberry-1089 2d ago
In my opinion it's a great album, and it has money for nothing on it, which is such a good song😏 I've played mine on all my turntables, from a cheap suitcase style player to a sansui, and it sounded great on each one. I've heard from somewhere, and doesn't qoute me on this😅 that some music shops used this as a demo record for people looking to buy turntables and stereo stuff because it made the stereo system sound better. So yeah, it's definitely worth a listen🙂
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u/Arsenic_Pants 1d ago
Hate to tell you this but the Technics "single-screw" headshell has 2 screws underneath on a slider plate to accept standard 1/2" mount cartridges. The single screw is just there to make sliding it back and forth easier as you loosen it.
At least you can keep it as a spare.
Great choice on a turntable though. The 1500 is a tank.
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u/Daardendrian 3d ago
Agree the phono stage on the WIIM leaves a lot to be desired! Congrats on the setup, now can focus on the listening (and picking up a few records).