Each year, while proofing the data which makes up the Stereophile Buyer’s Guide, I come across new and interesting components. At this point in the proofing process, we’re deep into the analog gear, which of course comprises my favorite section of the book. So, while the task can be tedious and draining, it’s fun to discover new products. Here are just a couple that have caught my eye:
The USB-1 from Music Hall Music Hall has added an inexpensive USB turntable to their product line. The two-speed, belt-driven USB-1 uses an aluminum die-cast platter, has a groovy S-shaped tonearm equipped with an Audio-Technica AT3600L moving-magnet phono cartridge, and comes in a high-gloss black finish. Overall, it resembles something Run DMC might’ve brought to a gig. It’s like that, and that’s the way it is. I dig it. It has a USB output for transferring vinyl to a PC or Mac, comes with Audacity software, and throws in a USB cable. Basically, in the Music Hall USB-1, you’ve got everything you need to play and digitize records—and for just $249! The website says, “Designed and developed in the US and France.” I think that means it was made in China.
Thorens' TD 170-1 plays shellac.
I know a little bit about the great pleasure of listening to 78RPM records. Shellac. There’s really nothing like it. Music takes on this massively bold, authoritative, arresting quality that leaves you wondering if every sonic advancement we’ve made over the last several decades has been a joke. There’s something about listening to a good mono 78 that gets the listener closer to that flesh-and-blood original event. Maybe it also has something to do with the fact that, when listening to 78s, the listener is made keenly aware that he or she is hearing the long forgotten past, and for some reason made more willing to travel, made more willing to let go, more willing to be persuaded. It’s great. So, I’ve often wondered how I can get that experience in my own home. Without spending $20,000. What 78RPM turntables are available to me?
I know that Rega offers their Planar 78 for just $595, but I don’t want a ‘table that’s designed specifically for 78s. I want a ‘table that’ll play my 33.3s, 45s, and 78s. For that, Thorens offers the TD 170-1. This fully automatic turntable has a built-in phono stage, includes an Ortofon OMB 10 phono cartridge, and comes in red. Nice. It costs $559, and lets you listen to shellac. Even if it sucks, it’s kind of awesome. And you can’t say that about too many things in life.
