Turntable Troubles

[shutupuface]

Hi! :wave:
I'm an "old dude" who just joined your website. I've got an old Technics SLQD35 direct drive turntable from around ' 85. Not much used since ' 90. It still works fine. However, I've been trying to locate an Audio Technia replacement stylus ATN142LP. (VS245LP cartridge P-mount)
I've been "out of turntable circulation" for over 20 years. So, please have pity on me for my current lack of knowledge.

I am in the process of trying to convert some BRAND NEW still sealed recordings from 1968 that I just purchased and converting them to the computer so I can try putting them on CD. All the places online, including some in the UK only offer an inferior Eliptical stylus as opposed to the linear stylus I currently have. As far as I know, Audio Technic no longer offer this stylus. The online website draws a blank. (The Needle Doctor tells me I'm S.O.L.) (Sorta Otta Luck) LOL
However, I've been lookin' around and find that there still seems to be alot of folks buying refirbished Dual 1229's and 701's. So, it makes me wonder about the quality of those units as well as the "planned obsolescence" of most modern manufactures.

So, my questions are:
1) Is there another type of cartridge/stylus combo that I could purchase for the current turntable? Or, Do I "bite the bullet" and buy another turntable? And, if so, what kind do you recommend that would be comparable to the above direct drive made by Technics? I've read some negative info on the web regarding P-mounted cartridges and don't know if there's anything to that. So, I don't want to spend $14, 000.00 for a turntable. But, on the other hand, I don't want a piece of crap, either.

2) What in your opinion is the best/easiest to use LP to CD computer program out there? I read about "Spin it Again" and DAK puts one out there, also.

I only want to do this "once". So, this is the reason for consulting you online Audiophiles for your greatly appreciated advice.

If your expertise is not in turntables, perhaps you could point me to someone who's "in the know"? Thanks, again for your time and trouble.

Best regards,
Rob Carducci
Houston, TX

[Curiosity]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

From what I understand finding really good P mount cartridges with line styli is very difficult.

If you're in for the long haul in vinyl, it may be worth looking at getting a new turntable. I don't know your budget but something like a Rega P3 upwards might be of use.There are quite a few really good cartridges you can fit to the supplied arm. The guys will drop you some good suggestions available in the States I'm sure.
Many of us find we start off wanting to archive our vinyl and start buying even more of the stuff because we like the sound or the only really good versions of our favourite artists recordings are on the LP.

[Toka]

Double Edit:

Ok, I found what I was looking for:

http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=ATC08


Maybe that will work for you?

[Koptapad]

I just bought an Ortofon OMP-10 P-Mount for my Technic SL-BD22 and I think it sounds pretty good.

[MikeyH]

http://www.stereoneedles.com/audio-technica.html

Stereoneedles has some. $130 though.

You have a quite competent turntable there that will work fine. LPgear.com still sell some high quality cartridges made by Audio Technca for p-mount, though they're not the same style as yours.

There are many answers to your computer recording to CD question - do a forum search for 'Needle Drop' and you'll find some answers. Many of these will be too complex for your needs.

I record from my preamp into my PC computer using Audacity, which is a free sound editor and recorder. I've also used a program called AudioGrabber, which is simpler to use. If you want to have the same tracks on your CD as on your LP, the only real solution is to split the recording manually (there are many so-called automatic splitters out there, but you will end up changing their results anyway because there's a lot they don't do) and for that I use CDWave (not free but amazingly easy to use).

Have fun.

[JBStephens]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Audio-Technica-AT-92ECD-Universal-Mount-Phono-Cartridge_W0QQitemZ140155880476QQihZ004Q QcategoryZ64620QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQ cmdZViewItem

P-mount, dirt cheap, and sounds a lot sweeter than the price would lead you to believe.