Using Numark PT-01 As Main Listening Deck

homealone · 2023-12-23T17:33:29.123Z

Hello peeps. Can anyone think of reasons (beyond audiophile mysticism) why doing as title states and using my PT-01 portable as main playback deck may be a bad idea? I’m constrained for space, it fits the spot I have available, and, apart from very low mains hum from the adaptor, actually sounds great to my ears hooked up through a little Soundcraft mixer into monitor speakers.

Mainly wondering if the plastic needle could damage records over the longterm, etc.

Doug · 2023-12-23T17:42:02.623Z

It genuinely does not sound as good. This isn’t audiofile mysticism. Grab a cheap Audio Technica or whatever. It’ll sound better.

Unless you really need a portable turntable, I would not recommend a PT-01.

Prints · 2023-12-23T17:42:33.430Z

The stock needle does cause more wear. The sound quality is passable for listening and Madlib used something similar for sampling, but the sound quality from any cheap Hanpin-made turntable with a cheap cartridge/needle and cheap mixer would sound better imo.

homealone · 2023-12-23T18:18:15.782Z

Interesting. It sounds fine to me. Perhaps neither of you have hooked one up to decent speakers before? Can’t exactly imagine what extra few % of ‘hi-fi’-ness I could be missing. Been listening to very full, detailed records this afternoon, and they are coming through loud and clear.

Doug · 2023-12-23T18:23:58.158Z

If it sounds fine to you, then I wouldn’t worry about it. But for me, there was a pretty noticeable drop in quality from my old Stanton turntable to the PT, especially in the high end.

Prints · 2023-12-23T18:25:20.594Z

If you’re happy with it, that’s all that matters. The cheap-ass needle on the PT-01 definitely causes more wear on your vinyl though. Also, my PT-01 had noise you might not be able to distinguish or hear well from your speakers.

homealone · 2023-12-23T18:29:09.266Z

Prints:

The cheap-ass needle on the PT-01 definitely causes more wear on your vinyl though

Do you know of any better quality needles I could use?

Prints:

Also, my PT-01 had noise you might not be able to distinguish or hear well

As I said, there is audible line hum from the transformer. It’s very low level and gets pretty well masked by the music. Unless you mean some other kind of noise?

I’m not expecting this setup to pass any kind of technical standards, just want to be able to listen to my records again in an uncritical, home environment, after a year of having them sit around unloved.

muzka · 2023-12-23T18:31:44.500Z

The needle, cartridge and audio interface are cheap and basic. It does the job though for listening purposes

I’ve got one but my technics 1210 with shure carts had a big difference in sound and there are more expensive turntables that sound better than that.

For handy listening it is fine though and I use it for sampling also as it has the built in usb audio interface

Prints · 2023-12-23T18:32:06.865Z

The hum/noise you mentioned is probably the same one I’m referring to.

Actually, I do know of a good replacement needle that should improve things a bit.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/184465831901?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=AdF4MXxIRae&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

homealone · 2023-12-23T18:41:57.613Z

Thanks. I’ll grab a couple of them ASAP.

Prints · 2023-12-23T18:54:46.548Z

I’m not sure which vendor is best to buy from. I found another one in the US.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/202654690632?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=Tq2SnOQaTu-&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

sndrsklr · 2023-12-23T19:02:23.105Z

There’s a lot of mods you can do with the PT01 like a better tonearm that carrie’s proper needles like the Ortofons or a better platter. In the turntablism scene it’s very popular (if not mandatory) to do that.
You can browse here for example:

turntabletrainingwax.com

One Stop Scratch Shop!

soup · 2023-12-23T19:10:02.623Z

A friend of mine used to bring his (pre-usb) pt01 into work so we could listen to records. It had a lot of warble. Not so noticeable on rock records but something like a solo piano record was borderline unlistenable. The motor is so tiny on that thing. I have a few portable record players and they all have obvious shortcomings. They’re great for portability but not much else.

homealone · 2023-12-23T19:10:12.215Z

Prints:

I’m not sure which vendor is best to buy from.

I’m in the UK so first link you sent is good, will grab one or two and see how it goes. Thank you.

sndrsklr:

There’s a lot of mods you can do with the PT01

Thanks, will have a look. I did see there’s a ‘scratch’ version, which is rather amusing somehow. Mine is the very first model they released, basic portable, no USB or fader or whatnot. Got it cos the classic Vestax one was too pricey and then Numark came out with their version, and I liked that it fits in a record bag.