Audio Technica AT-PL50 Belt Drive Turntable

Bought this because I wanted something simple and cheap. Works well with no problems. Is worth the money if you are looking for something to play your old records on.

This item is an all around piece of garbage. After about 3 months of light use, it is stuck in 45 rpm mode. I sometimes use my thumb to slow down the player to 33 rpm mode. Don't buy this piece of garbage, unless you like owning garbage, in which case this is right your alley, the Garbage Alley. I wouldn't even give this to a bum, because I would feel bad about it.

This is an entry-level, belt-driven turntable. The AT-PL50 does boast a number of attractive features including a switchable built-in pre-amp, a pre-installed cartdrige, a dust cover, automatic playback and return, and, of course, the budget-minded price tag.

My main gripe with this unit is the fact that it does not handle imperfections in the vinyl very well. The bulk of my collection is comprised of second-hand purchases, many of which are in average condition. These albums play without skipping on my father's 30-year-old JVC direct-drive turntable but they regularly skip on the AT-PL50. And since this unit does not offer an adjustable counterweight for the tone arm, there's no way to add weight to the tone arm other than to tape a coin to the head or tie a metal coil to the tone arm.

In retrospect, I wish I had ponied up for a more trustworthy direct-drive turntable.

Gave it to my bro for his birthday and he loves it. No complaints

There was no problem with the turntable, except the sound was very poor, distorted and muddy. I thought it had to be the cartridge, and so stated in my reply to you.
I thought perhaps you would provide me with a new cartridge, instead I was offered a 15% discount. I could not tolerate the sound, so that was not acceptable. I have quite a collection of records 33 and 45's. Some of them are in fair condition but the reproductio was very poor.

I have ordered several items on the net and that was the first return. so I don't think it was my problem.

Thank you,

Robert Sanders