Just ordered an ION USB Turntable from Costco for $99 Good quality unit?

[Mike Sellers]

[quote cyclemax]the iTTUSB05, does not have the anti-skate or removable cartridge like the iTTUSB model
Even if the whole cartridge in not removable, I'm guessing you can still replace the stylus itself. Those usually slide right out of the cartridge and aren't built in to the cartridge shell. Otherwise, the lifespan of this unit is only as long as the stylus stays sharp, which would have people howling.

[cyclemax]

[quote GeneL]cyclemax, it sounds as if you are satisfied with the quality of your ION model.

Do you feel that using the stock cartridge won't damage my albums? If so, I should return this purchase and buy the iTTUSB10.
The cartridge and stylus quality seems comparable to the one I have on my home stereo system. I played my LPs on that turntable for many years with no noticeable damage to them. The stylus is replaceable. I found some online at about $12 for two. The stylus pressure can be adjusted nicely using the counterweight to optimize contact on the LP. I don't expect you will have to worry about damaging them.

[GeneL]

Thanks, cyclemax.

I guess I'll try copying one of my "less important" albums and see how it does.

I did a search and the other usb turntables that I found were either very expensive (well over $200, which is not a lot in audiophile terms, but high for me right now) or too cheap (in the sense that they didn't have some basic features that I feel are important, i.e. dust cover and an effective cueing system for my shaky senior hands)

I'm also wondering what to use to clean my long stored records? The device I used before has disappeared years ago.

[cyclemax]

Your welcome GeneL.

I hope it works out for you. The DISCWASHER D4+ Record Cleaning System is supposed to work well. I have an old version of this that I bought at Radioshack many years ago and it still works well although I am out of solution. Do a Google search to find it online.