So I've been wanting to buy a turntable since forever, mainly since I've always been keen on the physical format of music and building up such a collection. I already have a couple vinyls that came with special editions I've bought throughout the years, but obviously I'll start buying them more once I get a turntable.
Thing is, since I'm totally new to this I'm not 100% sure how it all works. I've looked up and read about it a fair bit, but without going hands on I'm still a bit confused.
Basically, I'd like a set up that I could afford for a reasonable price that doesn't take up too much space (small room!). I currently lack pretty much any of the equipment needed, so this really is starting from scratch.
I do have [what I consider] a fantastic set of 2.1 Logitech Z-2300 speakers. These however are obviously computer speakers, so I have no clue as to how these would connect up to a turntable. They use a 3.5mm headphone jack. If possible, I'd like to be able to use them as the main speakers at first before upgrading to some desk/floor speakers (which would be a couple years down the line if I didn't have get them now).
Link to my speakers if you need any info about them:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-Z-2300-Multimedia-Speaker-System/dp/B0006FFO9G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300981908&sr=8-1
Right, onto the actual turntable. I've been looking at a few, but at the moment for what I want this seems like a decent option (from what I've found, any recommendations would be appreciated!):
ION Profile USB Turntable £60
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Profile-Turntable-Record-player-Systems/dp/B0032BN7NG/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1300982600&sr=1-3
Is Ion considered a decent make for turntables? I know this is a lot cheaper than pretty much everything else out there, specially when compared to makes like Audio Technicha and Denon.
I mainly get confused in how the turntables set up to the speakers. From what I understand, you connect your turntable to a receiver, and then to the speakers? Thing is, I've read a lot about pre-amps, and phono pre-amps and I start to get confused. As I said, it would be nice if I could set it up to my 2.1 speakers, but I'm not sure how I'd go about doing this. Also, if it can work would it reduce sound quality at all from not going through a receiver? As i said before - total noob!
One final thing - do turntables take much maintenance with having to change the cartridges and anything else needed? Mainly on the cost side, as I have no problem looking after my equipment!
Anyway I've rambled on, but hopefully someone can help me out here.
Cheers in advance!
Thing is, since I'm totally new to this I'm not 100% sure how it all works. I've looked up and read about it a fair bit, but without going hands on I'm still a bit confused.
Basically, I'd like a set up that I could afford for a reasonable price that doesn't take up too much space (small room!). I currently lack pretty much any of the equipment needed, so this really is starting from scratch.
I do have [what I consider] a fantastic set of 2.1 Logitech Z-2300 speakers. These however are obviously computer speakers, so I have no clue as to how these would connect up to a turntable. They use a 3.5mm headphone jack. If possible, I'd like to be able to use them as the main speakers at first before upgrading to some desk/floor speakers (which would be a couple years down the line if I didn't have get them now).
Link to my speakers if you need any info about them:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-Z-2300-Multimedia-Speaker-System/dp/B0006FFO9G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300981908&sr=8-1
Right, onto the actual turntable. I've been looking at a few, but at the moment for what I want this seems like a decent option (from what I've found, any recommendations would be appreciated!):
ION Profile USB Turntable £60
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Profile-Turntable-Record-player-Systems/dp/B0032BN7NG/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1300982600&sr=1-3
Is Ion considered a decent make for turntables? I know this is a lot cheaper than pretty much everything else out there, specially when compared to makes like Audio Technicha and Denon.
I mainly get confused in how the turntables set up to the speakers. From what I understand, you connect your turntable to a receiver, and then to the speakers? Thing is, I've read a lot about pre-amps, and phono pre-amps and I start to get confused. As I said, it would be nice if I could set it up to my 2.1 speakers, but I'm not sure how I'd go about doing this. Also, if it can work would it reduce sound quality at all from not going through a receiver? As i said before - total noob!
One final thing - do turntables take much maintenance with having to change the cartridges and anything else needed? Mainly on the cost side, as I have no problem looking after my equipment!
Anyway I've rambled on, but hopefully someone can help me out here.
Cheers in advance!