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Built from scratch...record player console

71.35.109.137
Posted on March 10, 2017 at 16:28:22
J_Eliz
Audiophile

Posts: 1
Location: Seattle
Joined: March 10, 2017
 Hey gang, woodworker here. I'm looking to build a retro record player/bluetooth radio console. I spoke with a rep at parts express to get some components to piece together the unit. But I'm not sure I'm getting what I need. I was commissioned to put this unit together and it needs to have decent, consumer grade sound. Where do I start? What components are available to me? Essentially I'm looking for an amp, with bluetooth capability. The ability to have a basic 3 band EQ, bass, mid, treble. And audio input for a record player. Speakers etc... basically a whole setup. It needs to be consumer grade, meaning its not an audiophile whips buying but say your average home consumer. Hey any help is greatly appreciated, I have no clue how to get started. Thanks

 

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RE: Built from scratch...record player console, posted on March 10, 2017 at 18:30:12
Rod M
Web Geek

Posts: 16242
Location: So. California
Joined: March 1, 1999
Contributor
  Since: March 1, 1999
 Bluetooth is easy. There are plenty of bluetooth receivers with RCA outputs that you can plug into any receiver for $30-$100. A vintage Marantz receiver has a phono input and most have bass, mid and treble controls and an AM/FM tuner.

Putting speakers in the cabinet would be tricky. In addition to design, you'd have to worry about vibration to the turntable. My recommendation would be to look for a kit where you could build cabinets matching the cabinet and do them an as separate boxes that could be placed next to the cabinet if desired and placed separately for better performance.

-Rod

 

RE: Built from scratch...record player console, posted on March 11, 2017 at 02:35:01
russ69
Audiophile

Posts: 951
Joined: December 13, 2009
 For speakers, I think I would strip the drivers out of a pair of Klipsch loudspeakers and install those into the console. That would need some concept of enclosure design, do you have that knowledge? To get decent sound it's not as simple as just putting speakers in a cutout, there is some engineering involved.

 

Retro Console, posted on March 11, 2017 at 06:09:55
Inmate51
 I don't know "how retro" your client is thinking, but they were all the rage in the 1960s, so I'll to go with that, and I'll assume you mean something with a lid that opens either with spring-loaded hinges or with a sliding support brace, and with very nice woodworking work and decorative fabric covering the speakers, a la Magnavox, Voice of Music, etc. Since you call yourself a woodworker, it sounds like your client has found the right person.

Now for the bad news...

" I was commissioned to put this unit together"
"I have no clue how to get started."

Hmmm, maybe your client commissioned the wrong guy - you're in over your head. I suggest you handle the woodworking, and partner with someone who can handle the audio.

:)

 

A little expensive,, posted on March 11, 2017 at 10:13:55
M3 lover
Audiophile

Posts: 6600
Location: SW Mich
Joined: May 29, 2005
Contributor
  Since: July 4, 2007
 to say the least!

But here is one example of a commercial console system designed with specialized audio components. Ignoring the price, this does look to be built by people with a sensitivity to modernizing a few older quality audio concepts.

"The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing, if you can fake that you've got it made." Groucho

 

RE wow!, posted on March 12, 2017 at 03:34:28
digda_beat
Audiophile

Posts: 1723
Location: Canberra
Joined: July 31, 2003
 that's nice.
Only thing missing is screen, for those of us who like youtubing through our stereos

 

Keep it simple!, posted on March 12, 2017 at 08:41:47
MannyE
Audiophile

Posts: 2088
Location: Miami Beach
Joined: March 4, 2001
 I would not worry too much about it.

Aside from making sure the console doesn't resonate so much that the needle jumps on the record, you can get away with a bottom of the line receiver like the Onkyo TX-8020. A pair of sealed bookshelf speakers like the ELAC B6 that go for under $300. And a Fluance fully automatic turntable like this one that I had to put the whole link in because I don't know how to do multiple links in one post. All "consumer grade" stuff that should get the job done.

https://www.amazon.com/Fluance-Elliptical-Counterweight-Anti-Skating-RT81/dp/B01F2EXIFM/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1489333265&sr=1-3&keywords=automatic+turntable



 

RE: A little expensive,, posted on March 12, 2017 at 11:28:38
Green Lantern
Audiophile

Posts: 16952
Location: San Diego, Ca
Joined: November 12, 2002
Contributor
  Since: June 17, 2003
 wow-that's a beauty!









 

if you're designing it for millennials- it just has to be high enough to lean LP covers on it -nt, posted on March 12, 2017 at 17:43:54
Green Lantern
Audiophile

Posts: 16952
Location: San Diego, Ca
Joined: November 12, 2002
Contributor
  Since: June 17, 2003









 

RE: Built from scratch...record player console, posted on March 13, 2017 at 00:19:43
fantja
Audiophile

Posts: 15518
Location: Alabama
Joined: September 11, 2010
 Welcome! J_Eliz

 

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