I don't think you'd fit 100 vinyl 12" records (album or single) in one foot width myself TBH. ....
I had counted and measures this before somewhat recently, but the details were a bit foggy in my brain. Currently my best guess was 10" to 12" for 100 albums. As it turned out, I still had every 10th record pulled forward, so it was very easy to measure again.
100 Albums ~ 14" (356mm)
But, for the purposes of this discussion, the exact length is not that important. We are merely using a given length as a visualization, to picture in our minds the number of albums we will eventually have. Though admittedly that is hard to predict.
In my mind I see two possibilities guiding the choice of a turntable.
1.) Turntable in proportion to your other equipment. This is the guideline I generally use as a starting point when searching out a complete Stereo system
1x to 1.5x = Turntable (the extra 0.5x is for a cartridge upgrade if needed)
1x = Network Player
1x = CD/Disc Player
1x = Amp/Receiver
2x = Stereo Speakers
So, if you have ÂŁ1500 in your Amp, then proportionally you could justify a turntable in the roughly ÂŁ750 to perhaps ÂŁ2000 range.
2.) Turntable in proportion to the number of Albums you anticipate having. I've already explained this in my previous post. Repeating, while you can do anything you want, it is hard to justify a ÂŁ1000 turntable if your collection never rises much above 100 albums. But ... your money ...your life.
Now in the case of equipment or a turntable, the guidelines merely establish a starting point and perspective. Once it comes time to actually buying, while I've given a starting point, you can deviate as you see fit. Most often, based on personal preferences and the equipment your find, rarely do you hit the suggested amount dead on. But both guidelines do give you perspective and a starting point.
And do keep in mind that a turntable, well chosen, in the roughly ÂŁ300 to ÂŁ500 range are not slouch turntables. These are very highly rated and well regarded, and certainly no danger to the sound or to the records.
The
Audio Technica LP120 is a very nice turntable at a modest ÂŁ240. Though eventually it will need a cartridge upgrade, though again, that will depend on how serious you are.
At ÂŁ299, the
TEAC TN300 is certainly worth considering and a very attractive turntable if that means anything to you. A very basic cartridge, but that is enough to get you started.
The highly regarded
Project Debut Carbon with Ortofon 2M Red cartridge is an exceptional deal at ÂŁ325, and it has a very good cartridge.
Still staying under ÂŁ500, the
Audio Technica LP1240 is highly regarded and priced at ÂŁ420, cartridge extra. This is a DJ turntable that will have some features not needed in a home stereo system, but a good turntable none the less.
Their is a deluxe version of the Project Carbon, that falls under ÂŁ500, the
Project Debut Carbon Esprit SB at ÂŁ425, also with the
Ortofon 2M Red cartridge.
I've certainly skipped over many worthy candidates, but I'm simply giving a cross section.
Lastly, pushing up very near ÂŁ500, the
REGA Planar 2 with Peformance Pack is ÂŁ460, which includes the
REGA Bias 2 cartridge (ÂŁ75).
I don't think anyone would be crying about having any of these turntables. However, if you have the money and can justify the cost, then turntables in the ÂŁ500 to ÂŁ1500 range are also very nice ... if you can justify the cost.
For myself, I draw the line at about ÂŁ1000 to ~ÂŁ1500. Even if I have
win-the-lottery money, I don't see much need for more than that. That said, in today's market, my current turntable is in roughly the ÂŁ400 to ÂŁ600 range. Though I bought it many years ago, so the stated price is adjusted for inflation.
Again, in covering this range, I skipped over many worthy turntables just to present a cross section of possibilities.
So the point is, while I recommend this range for those less serious, the above are all serious, but entry level, turntable, all worthy of any record collection. You just need to workout your budget and priorities.
Just a few thoughts.
Steve/bluewizard