Best options today for 78 playback?


Well it looks like I have inherited a couple of boxes full of assorted 78rpm records from family.
No idea how well they play...yet.
Visually they look decent, not cleaned any as of yet.

So looking for cost effective solution to actually play these!

Do not want anything too crazy priced but would like to listen to them at least once.

What are options for 78rpm tt? Anybody make new or are we looking at used? I read you need a specific stylus for them as well? Special cartridge too??
This will be hooked up to a phono stage as the system I will add too does not have phono specific input, so do I need a special phono stage as well?
Thank you
uberwaltz

Showing 2 responses by mapman

Uber that's basically it.  

The other option is to seek out a rebuilt victrola or similar old 78'record player and do it the old fashioned authentic way.  I would love to have one perhaps someday. 
Uber any used cheapo ceramic cart turntable with a 78 needle will do. No need to get fancy wi 78s. They are pre-hifi. Lots of midrange and thats about it. Very interesting to listen to. Look around at yard sales etc. I found one by Sylvania a few years back for 10 bucks that worked perfectly. I keep it around for when needed. Most people with ceramic cart tables that had the flp over 33/78 needles never used the 78 needle so many are in good condition. I played and converted my old 78s to digital and out them on my music server.  Ceramic carts are the ones used commonly on mass produced record players/turntables from the late 50s into the early eighties when people had some interest in playing old 78s as well as newer lps.    A ceramic cart table connects to any line level input on a pre-amp.   Not phono input!   I connect the Slyvania to my Audio Research pre-amp when needed. I bet it never had such good company!