Turntable question?

Question

Ok I'm thinking on buying a turntable, a Technics Sl-1200, however, although I have decent knowledge of turntables, I don't know a lot about the equipment I should buy. I am not planing on Dj'ing, just to listen to some vinyls, so here are my questions

What kind of amplifier would be the best to buy with a Technics turntable (something decent and cheap)?

What are the main differences between different brand of cartridges?

Answer 1

Hi. I am not familiar with Technics Turntables. I used to buy Thorens Turntables and mount the Tonearm of my choice.Today i am using a Pro-Ject Turntable from Austria and it is very good.They have many different models at various prices.The are belt drive turntables fitted with a high quality Tonearm, much better than the arms supplied with Technics Turntables.However,if you insist on the Technics SI-1200,that should be ok.

You will need to buy an Amplifier with a phono input that will match the Cartridge of your choice.A moving coil cartridge has a much lower output than a moving magnet one .Therefore the Amplifier must have a moving coil phono input if you choose to buy a moving coil cartridge.Some Amps. have a selector switch for both cartridge types.Some older Amplifiers with phono inputs are available to buy on eBay .They are usually in good condition.What type of speakers are you using ,or are going to buy. It is best to have an Amplifier of a higher output than the speakers recommended input power.The reason being,speakers are rarely damaged with higher power Amps. Lower powered Amps. can run out of steam at high volume levels possibly damaging Amp. and speakers.

The main differences between different brands of Cartridges are :
Output voltage,Compliance.Frequency range.Channel separation.Stylus type.Tracking force range.Internal impedance,DC resistance.Internal inductance.Recommended load resistance.Recommended load capacitance.Cartridge weight.Cartridge type.(Moving Magnet.Moving Coil )

EDIT.... If you want to discuss anything just email me .Or if no one else answers you can repost your question again to get more people to answer.I understand if what i have written does not answer your question.I hate it when i am the only one to answer ! If you put your question in the home theater section you should get more responces.