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Two Turntables? Why

OK, been thinking about this for a bit.  Why do people own two turntables?  OK, I understand some traditional uses for a 2nd turntable.  One that is just for 78's, for example.  You may be on a journey to a set up you really enjoy listening to.  You may have even gone the route of an external power supply, isolators, base, phono PreAmp.  All of the accouterments you enjoy because, well, you enjoy records.  But if you are enjoying your LPs and you have purchased a turntable, cartridge and potentially a tonearm that you really enjoy, why do you need a 2nd turntable?  

If you go through all that effort and fun to get to a sound and system that makes you happy, and many of us have, why do it for two or more turntables.  You got a good one, why do you need a 2nd?  Maybe you play all your old LPs from High School on one standard turntable and play all your MoFi and QRP copies on the better machine.  I don't know. 

So, those of you who own more than one turntable, please let me know why you have more than one.  Let me know your thinking.  I'm curious.

Thanks 
pgaulke60

Showing 3 responses by chakster

chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
You can arrange a constant play using two of them.
You can compare different tonearm and cartridges. 
You can separate them in two different systems if needed.
You can have one for backup if it's rare one.  
And it's a lot of fun. 

Here is what i use, but how can i ignore some others like this or that, they are so nice. 

It's like being in the studio surrounded by audio gear. Constant learning process also. I prefer vintage turntables from the golden era, it's a bit like your own museum too. This is an interesting hobby, not just one turntable to play records. 
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
I like many here I cringe at using my $5K cartridge on an LP that saw weekly use in High School. I have not dared to play any of my 78s on it either. So, I have been contemplating a new 2nd turntable. One that plays my 78’s and other less audiophile quality stuff. The thought of two tone arms interests me.

Simply look for SP10R or earlier SP-10mk III or cheaper SP-10 mkII they are all designed for use with 33/45/78 records.

The SL1200G also play 78rpm.


Should I get good MM turntable to play the less pristine LPs? If so, which one? Should I get a turntable with two arms so that I can play 78’s on a well paired cartridge?

Definitely, and with really good MM under $1k from the golden era you will be surprised comparing it to your $5k MC :)) Read this.

Without breaking the bank you can find a decent MM with spare styli for Stereo, different era of Mono, and 78 rpm (Pickering and Stanton made all kind of styli for their MM cartridges). 

You can play 78 on Technics with MM cartridges, all you need is heavier headshell and stylus designed for 78 rpm.

If you want to be purist you can buy heavy tonearm like FR-64s and special mono cartridge for 78 rpm like Miyajima.

Technics SP-10r (or SP-10 mkIII, mkII) can be used with two tonearms, but tonearm must be at least "10.5 inch or longer (avoid "9 inch tonearms for this drive because of the short mounting distance).



chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
I'm surprised no one has provided the most obvious answerFor DJing. Of course I'm joking, no one here cares about DJing anyway


I do 
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