Numark TT250USB turntable (3)

DJ EXPO 2015: Numark TT250USB turntable

Numark TT250USB turntable (3)

At a time when high-end turntables are released on a regular basis, it’s nice that one comes along that looks to satisfy basic needs without breaking the bank. Numark’s all new TT250USB turntable doesn’t aim to change games, but does look to give you the same features as others but for less money.

THE TT250USB – THEIR SAY

NUMARK TAKES A SPIN AT DJ EXPO WITH THE TT250USB DJ TURNTABLE

Leading DJ manufacturer debuts highly-anticipated DJ turntable at influential DJ exposition

Ash Vale, UK (August 10, 2015)—Numark (numark.com), the world’s leading innovator of DJ solutions, today announced the introduction of their TT250USB DJ turntable at DJ Expo in Atlantic City NJ. Although Numark is recognized as a leading supplier of cutting-edge DJ controllers for all DJ artists—from bedroom to top-level professional—Numark understands that for some DJs, only a turntable will do. Numark is also well aware that along with top-flight turntable performance, value is equally important.

To fulfill this need, Numark is introducing their TT250USB. The TT250USB is a professional direct-drive turntable perfectly suited to heavy-duty DJ and music playback duties. It sets a new standard for an unprecedented combination of professional, no-compromise performance, operational versatility and value pricing. Its quartz-controlled motor delivers virtually perfect speed accuracy when playing back records, and its high-torque motor and heavy cast- aluminium platter provide the ideal amount of resistance and feel for scratching effects.

An S-shaped tonearm with anti-skating control and damped cuing ensures precise tracking of the record’s grooves with minimal error, so the sound is always clean and clear. A rugged, high- quality magnetic cartridge comes pre-mounted and perfectly aligned in the headshell, so the unit is ready for action, right out of the box. The days of users having to fumble with tiny cartridge mounting screws and alignment gauges are gone forever.

Convenience and versatility are the order of the day: the TT250USB converts analog records to digital files via the USB connection to the computer (USB cable and software download card included). Other thoughtful touches include adjustable height support feet, a 1/8-inch input for remote start when using a mixer that can provide remote start capability and a target light that illuminates the record under dim lighting conditions.

TT250USB features:

  • Quartz-controlled direct-drive motor for virtually perfect speed accuracy
  • Die-cast aluminium platter for rock-solid stability (.09% wow & flutter)
  • S-shaped tonearm ensures precise tracking of record grooves
  • Includes pre-mounted high-quality magnetic cartridge
  • Pitch Fader and Pitch-Bend controls customise the pitch for a perfect effect
  • Pitch adjustment range ±10%
  • Damped cuing raises and lowers tonearm
  • 45 and 33 1/3 RPM speeds and selectable 115/230V operation
  • Converts records to digital files with USB cable connection to computer
  • 1/8-inch input for remote start with compatible mixers
  • Attached stereo line-out RCA cable

“This is the ideal turntable for demanding turntablists,” said Karl Detken, Marketing Manager for Numark. He added, “Here is a classic turntable that will stand up to heavy-duty DJ use night after night and it also has all the modern conveniences and operational flexibility that make it incredibly satisfying and easy to use. Plus, of course, it sounds absolutely great.”

The TT250USB will ship with an MSRP of £199.99.

Be sure to visit Numark at DJ Expo, August 10-13, Atlantic City NJ, Booth 416.

OUR SAY

Numark TT250USB turntable (3)

First thing — it’s not a Hanpin unit, but is another OEM namely Yanhorng. I like that Numark has decided to use someone different unlike every other manufacturer putting out a turntable right now. It’s nice to have something else, especially as it lets the price hit the sub £200 barrier.

I really don’t see “demanding turntablists” giving this s second look, because those guys most likely have turntables already cost twice as much, and are equally happy to drop silly money in the second-hand market for used Technics.

Instead, this is a winner for the rest of the market, especially those who would like to try out oh so trendy turntables without dropping serious cash, or just to have a record player that can perform when needed and rip vinyl at the same time. With pro level decks costing upwards of £400 a time, £199 looks like a bargain. Just don’t be expecting high torque or outstanding chassis damping.

But it fulfils a need. I however need a pair of yet to be invented TTX2 with next level features, Get to it Numark.

YOUR SAY

Do you want a box ticker, or do you want insane turntables chokka with bells and whistles? or do you just want another Technics clone? 

GALLERY

The Old Owner
  1. Agree about needing a TTX Mk2 – mine are wearing out!! In the meantime though I’ll probably end up droppin money on a couple of the Reloop tables rather than battered 1210s for the same money (anyone else seen a well known DJ supplier selling Tech Mk5s for £1750+?!)

  2. Just wondering how these would stack up against a pair of ST 150s? My 16 year old daughter has resently shown an interest in vinyl and I can get hands on a pair of gently loved Stantons for about half retail from my local gear shop. Paired with my recently redundant Z2 and I figure she’s good to go for putting bids in on school dances and throwing small community center dances.

      1. Consider the fact that I’ve never touched a turntable other than a Tech 1200 MK2 in a DJ enviroment, I have no reference point to judge one of these tables against the other. Unless I compare it to either my first turntable (Mickey Mouse Disney for playing read along books) or the Marrantz I had growing up.

                1. there is no trolling in saying you’ll be buying bad quality, youre the one who mentioned the ST-150, then you say it’s too heavy for your lil daughter, lol youre a comedian?

                  1. Either reread or get a better handle on comprehending the English language. I asked how they stacked up against the ST 150s… side by side comparison. Nothing was said about how heavy they were. As I said, my daughter is just startin out. I doubt you had more than a pair of pyramids when you started up. Ever hear of paying your dues and working up? This is a product reveiw. It’s purpose is to inform the community, not something you are doing by answering with bs comments.

                    1. im getting the idea youre daughter is more mature than you are

                      anyway have fun cursing, good day :)

          1. As I said before, they are for a 16 year old to drag around, I don’t feel too comfortable with her leaving the house with my 2000NXS. I gave her a Z2, so she wouldn’t be leaving the house with my 850. How deep were you at the age of 16?

  3. The price and looks are on point and if what they are saying from numark about this TT ia true , i just need second turntable to go with my technics . This could be the one.

    1. My thoughts exactly. This is probably just a rebranded PT-2400 or worse it could be XL-500. I had a Gemini PT2100 and thought it was trash. I expect the same this thing.

  4. These are crappier than crap. 15 years ago I had one “IMG Stage Line DJP-202” turntable that was exactly the same (except the USB port). I can’t understand how a brand like Numark can bring sh*t like this to the market. This is the reason why their professional grade gear (which is awesome) will never be as successful as others.

    Plus: In-Music already have an entry-level brand that is full of crappy equipment named ION Audio. Why not put that name on this toy?

  5. Can’t believe the nerve to come out with this plastic basket case looking like a 90s technics clone..I want to see a better ttx with improved tonearm

  6. Whats the torque rating on these tables???

    I really could care less if deeper pocketed dj’s think these are a “Toy compared to the almighty ‘we didnt buy enough of these when they still made them to warrant them still being made” 1200’s. I just want a truly inexpensive table that I wont immediately outgrow. And, if these tables are good, im sure there will plenty be plenty more people like me, than there will be PLX or Reloop 8000 buyers.

      1. untrue, only the “instant torgue” is 2.0 kg/cm but in reality the constant torgue will be 1.2 kg/cm, and of course on the website they don’t tell that cause the beginner budget turntablist is clueless about manipulative promotion that hides negative facts

        1. what exactly is your problem ? yes the “instant torque” is 2.0 and is cited as that on the web site , and lets look at the Pioneer at a mere £500-£600 i.e. 200-300 % more money and which quotes er, um, starting torque as well! ….. you would have thought people on THIS forum would welcome ANY new turntables from ANY manufacturer……but sadly seems not, unless they meet your super high standards and don’t want anybody new entering your somewhat elitist world :-) its not for you, we all get it but it will be for some SOME people just starting out and telling them its a waste of time is not encouraging anybody…..

          1. i was hoping for something that would actually be ideal for turntablists, but this will skip and i had simular without usb when i had no money to buy 12s

            btw if the dots in the 3rd row aren’t bigger than the rest then youre dealing with a low budget deck, when the dots are bigger it means higher quality, so always check the freaking DOTS lol. it’s silly but very true

            http://www.dna-et.com/resources/www.dna-et.com%20-%20Eksovichea%20Tito%20Hak%20-%20my%20Technics%201210MK5%20adaptor.png

              1. they dont have dots, the turntables that do have dots need to be checked before buying, the big dots are impossible to manually get them steady at 45 rpm, try that on your str-150s, it will be steady when pressing 45rpm button. it means accurate quartz control.

                the low budget decks with dots (too many too mention) dont have the big ones in the 3rd row

  7. Just give me back my Blue Dog mixer, then add two of these and call it a day.

    Seriously, though, this is probably a decent turntable for those who want to explore vinyl DJing. If hipsters will have any say about the “purity” of DJing then I’m sure they’ll consider doing it with turntables for a more “pure” experience.

  8. No demanding PRO DJ in their right mind would use this. it is a piss poor clone of a 1200 without all the pro specs. The quality of the tone arm on this is an all out abortion with a thin backend that will surly jump around if a pro dj went hard on it.

    What I would be interested in would be a high quality TTX with top notch parts and all the bells and whistles! I would be a buyer of one if they did it right (hint hint numark), and yes a built in serato box would put it over the top.

    This turntable should be targeted to new DJ’s who are trying to get their feet wet and decide if they want to use vinyl without breaking the bank. Just saying it can live up to the needs of a demanding DJ is absurd and makes me laugh , thus costing the brand its credibility.

    1. A pair of beater decks to start off with gives you an appreciation of high end gear. Not to mention that you also aquire the skill of beat/pattern matching before you learn what sync does in software. I found that learning on a pair of crappy pyramids, back in the day, made the switch to Tech12s that much easier. It also gives you a healthy respect for the money that you fork out for gear that is of high quality.

        1. Those old belt drive pyramids from the late 80s, early 90s were pretty low end, but they did teach you how to beat match. I’d say more so than a pair of high end tts. The constant wandering made you a master of pitch control.

  9. Anyone know if the motor in this is DC Brushless (magnet on platter) like techs and hanpin clones or just the spindle like the audio technica at/lp120

    1. Doesn’t the TTX have the spindles, too? DC Brushless doesn’t have anything to do with whether there’s a magnet in the platter or not. The magnet in the platter does add inertia to it which stabilizes speed (as did the heavy rubber mat), as well as the lack of direct physical contact between the two acting as a kind of additional smoothing and dampening.

      1. I’m a turntablist who started out in the 80’s on my Cousin’s 1100’s and went on to own several pairs of 1200’s and 1210s. If this new turntable by Numark has the torque and stability that the TTXUSB has, then it’s already a winner. Ever since I switched over from Technics to Numark I NEVER had to replace or repair a turntable. All four of my TTXUSB’s (2 for home, 2 for touring.) are still going strong and I’ve had them since 2007.

        1. It has a continues torgue of 1.2 kg/cm maximum, I believe the TTX has 3.5 or more.

          It amazes me how experienced ppl seem to be blind when looking at a pic and don’t have a clue how it will perform in reality, truly unbelievable.

          1. I’m amazed you didn’t read my comment correctly….

            I not only sighted the fact that I never had to replace or repair any of my Numarks, like I’ve done several times in the past with my Technics, but I also pointed out the TTXUSB’s torque which in my opinion will determine if the TT250USB is a winner or not.

            I guess I’m going to have to wait until Numark publishes the specs before I can judge your claim about the torque, but so far I see nothing concrete to verify or dispute your findings.

            TT250USB: http://www.numark.com/product/tt250usb

            TTXUSB: http://www.numark.com/product/ttxusb

            Either way I’ll need to give them a spin for myself before I’ll even consider investing in a pair.

            1. pretty naive if you ask me, starting torgue of 2.0 kg/cm means in practice about 1.2

              you wouldn’t have had to replace anything if you had gotten a brand new out of the factory 5G at the time, build like a tank, no DJ deck in the world is better quality.

              Anyway if you like to downgrade then good for you, enjoy the USB connection also found on Crosley turntables, wow just wow

              1. Every pair of 1200 and 1210’s I ever owned were fresh out of the factory and they ALL broke down…..

                To this very moment I’ve NEVER had to replace a TTXUSB………

                The only naive person I see here is YOU making wild assumptions and fusing them with distorted conjecture in order to fit your narrative.

                The specs for the new TT250USB are not even released on the Numark website yet, so how are you obtaining this information about the torque? Seems to me that your pulling such magical specs from the 17th dimension of the alternate universe of your imagination……

                1. they broke cause you damaged them, mine never broke

                  looking at the pics and price this cannot be a proper deck, i only wish they build a better TTX with improved tonearm

                  1. Technics always had a weak ass motor. 1200’s were only the standard because they monopolized the game until other manufactures like Eli, Vestax, Stanton and Numark started making better versions. Numark’s TTXUSB is a far superior turntable than any version of the 1200. You can beat juggle or do the most complicated scratches with no problem. There’s nothing wrong with the tone arm, you just don’t know what you’re doing…..

                2. Strange, every 1200 i bought was second hand (never paid more than 300 for a deck) and never broke down. Sure, wear and tear parts i replaced with ease but never full fail. RCA cables for example. But Numark? Every Numark mixer and turntable I have owned broke within at least two years time. Original TTX were fail. Numark makes unreliable semi-pro gear. PDX 2000’s are fine as an alternative. Seriously though…these OEM things are junk to me. all the 1200’s i have ever owned are still up and running. Solid kit that will probably outlive me.

                3. Strange, every 1200 i bought was second hand (never paid more than 300 for a deck) and never broke down. Sure, wear and tear parts i replaced with ease but never full fail. RCA cables for example. But Numark? Every Numark mixer and turntable I have owned broke within at least two years time. Original TTX were fail. Numark makes unreliable semi-pro gear. PDX 2000’s are fine as an alternative. Seriously though…these OEM things are junk to me. all the 1200’s i have ever owned are still up and running. Solid kit that will probably outlive me.

            2. The torque on the TT250USB will be 1.2kg/cm – not the massive torque found on modern turntables such as the TTX.

              I believe the 1.2kg/cm torque was targeted for a specific reason, to provide the same feel as that found on a Technics turntable.

              The torque shouldn’t affect the quality of longevity of the unit, just the way it handles.

              BTW: I’ve had 2 x Numark TT500’s for 10-years+, never had an issue.

    1. The Reloop’s spec is disingenuous. It is the same exact motor and quartz system, just with a digital fader and a readout, the latter which I will not disrespect in and of itself. It’s a nice, high-res fader and the readout is more useful than a lot of CD players.. There’s is an asterisk and note that it wasn’t actually taken with the needle on a real record. Well, that’s not a W&F measurement, then! It’s not difficult to get a motor all by itself to get up to a speed rapidly, hold a certain speed, and then stop on a dime. But can you do that with a bunch of extra mass on it, speed being changed, resistance applied, and do this consistently, continuously, quickly, and without overcompensating too much? That’s the trick. The actual useable resolution of the 8000 is probably 1/10th of what is stated… or worse.

      1. ha! That’s even funnier then isn’t it? You’ve got how many turntables being built nowadays and NONE of them even begin to compare with a Technics. What a joke!

        Great info there, thanks!

        1. Actually, the Technics’ spec of +-0.01 was measured at the motor, too. In the real world it gets between +-0.02 and 0.035% real W&F when quartz locked at the center and after a low-pass filter is applied. Michael Fremer famously believes that last bit is not measuring a problematic higher-frequency flutter in the 1200s that messes up the treble. I don’t know if I ever believed Fremer on that, but with modern digital constant speed control it is possible for these usually otherwise-inferior higher torque motors to hypothetically achieve better W&F than they have. I don’t know about Technics-level, but better. According to the stated spec, the Reloop 7000/8000 series finally get the closets for DD, but I don’t know if anyone has actually verified this. If using a DVS with the new Reloop shows exactly the same value and increment in 0.02 steps within the software as the 8000’s display shows, then it’s possible Hanpin and Reloop achieved something special here. I’d be curious with all that extra circuitry and the power supply inside if it has EMF/RFI problems with unshielded cartridges like Grados, or even vibration from the PSU. Certainly the Reloops and the AT-LP120 are not as damped against the sound system as the Technics, let alone the Stanton 150 or the TTX.

          1. You need to be reviewing these turntables mate, great info.

            I’ve gone back to a set of technics after giving the stanton 150s a shot and the sound system interference being unacceptable imho along with the pitch increments being too wide.

            We need someone like you reviewing these turntables to give us the hard facts. I’ve been tempted by the reloop 8000 by the good specs they’ve quoted but they are still based on the Hanpin which puts me off after trying the stanton’s. I could not believe it when pioneer brought out their own hanpins and made no real improvements to them. So many people are being duped into these shitty oem tables that are quite frankly, shit imho.

            What in production turntable would you currently recommend ?

            1. Reloop appears to have had Hanpin improve the pitch and clock system in some way if they’re getting anywhere close to the stated specs. Pioneer did attempt to improve the RCA jacks and the tonearm based on comments people had made in their attempts to improve the AT-LP120. So it’s clear Pioneer’s people were actually following those conversations. It looks like the Hanpin Super OEMs could really up their game if they were a combination of the two sets of improvements from both Reloop and Pioneer. There are no in-production DJ TTs of such caliber. TTX maybe.

              Also, interestingly, I think there is something else additionally that could be done to really up the ante for the Super OEM TT that would be a complete game changer. I am hesitant to share it, because I would like to get hired by Hanpin to implement this. I think their name is as well known now as any other DJ branding and they could stand on their own feet with this product. I’m finishing an MBA and trying to get hired by one of these companies somewhere to do this, but I have no idea how you go about getting “on the inside”.

            2. I had these Numark turntables 1 day before I returned them to the store…. They are not even close to the Technics. Platter and speed of the turntable behave strangle when you are beatmixing and need to do small adjustments on the platter…

  10. HID or media control for tone playback for DVS. Not overly complicated, they managed it with the X2, mildly splined spindle that only requires you to put on a specific vinyl to control the media player (was a cd player hybrid)

  11. to all the “haters”… are you people DJ’s? I am looking at buy the TT250USB simply to play my collection of vinyl and to digitize it. I’ve heard a lot of good things about this turntable but a lot of hate mostly from DJ’s. I suppose DJ’s have higher standards than this tt offers but as I said, I’m not a DJ and this turntable seems nice. My older turntable, direct-drive with strobe, adjustable pitch, etc… (made by Scott), finally burnt out it’s motor. IT LASTED 30 YEARS!

    1. There’s a huge number of DJs brought up on Technics, and they won’t use anything else. I get that, but for some it borders on extremism and Technics mania. I do think manufacturers can get carried away with claims made in PR, but I don’t think anyone should expect a £199 turntable to rival a 40 year classic. For the job at hand, this will do well. I’ve got one ready to review — we shall find out soon enough.

    2. There’s a huge number of DJs brought up on Technics, and they won’t use anything else. I get that, but for some it borders on extremism and Technics mania. I do think manufacturers can get carried away with claims made in PR, but I don’t think anyone should expect a £199 turntable to rival a 40 year classic. For the job at hand, this will do well. I’ve got one ready to review — we shall find out soon enough.

      1. Thanks for the reply. One question I have is; where is that 1/8 input located on this unit? On my older Ion TTUSB, it’s in front, easily accessible. I use it as a pass-thru for my tapedeck (to digitize my tapes). So another question I have is this 1/8 input on this TT250USB a “stereo” input? I have NO idea and of course Numark techsupport has remained silent. In the description it is refered to a 1/8 input for “remote start bla bla bla”. I just need to know it it’s a stereo input. I spotted an equivalent Audio-Technica TT on eBay/Amazon. About the same price. I’m thinking about going with the Numark because it looks identical, just as nice, but has the 1/8 input (but still not sure if it’s stereo), and I already use an Ion which works perfect although it doesn’t have as many features.

          1. Well i havent received mine yet but already started the “return” process. This tt cannot be plugged into a receivers “Phono” input and must be plugged into another “Line in” input. That basically kills it for me.
            My equipment has no available Line inputs (all are used) so… Hello AudioTechnica and byby to Numark. I looked at Stanton but I personally hate how their tt’s are stamped all over with “Stanton”.

  12. Some of these guys on here are idol worshipping idiots, talking that only technics bull! Other than good feedback dampening technics haven’t been the standard for shit since 2001. And here is the truth… the only way to truly avoid feedback is the location of your set up. I had techs and feedback problems was always an issue so that is definitely not a selling point. Ask yourself this, if techs are the tanks you claim, why are there so many websites that either offer replacement parts are repair for techs… I’ve owned techs and the truth is they are mostly hype. People who think that old ass technology with that weak ass torque is the best you can get are the same idiots that think paying $300 for beats headphones seem reasonable… Your buying a fucking name sheep! The TTX1s make techs look like jokes…. Nowadays there are so many good choices out there that are a far better value than techs… if you are a newbie don’t let these clowns fool you into throwing good money away on relics…

  13. “OPINION: DJing is dead, and vinyl is what killed it”
    October 26, 2015 By Adam Stone

    Link: djworx.com/opinion-djing-is-dead-and-vinyl-is-what-killed-it/

    With each passing day Adam’s Stone’s “OPINION” appears to be not worth a damn. LOL!!!

  14. Amazing diametrically opposed opinions. The cost is low, and the quality is high for everyday use. Will it last in the DJ clubbing use, probably not. Does it make a fantastic home unit for playing records (adding a good cartridge and preamp). You had better believe it, and oh yeah my 1 year old Rega RP! is down because the cheap ass connectors broke on every tab. I’m waiting for the rebuild kit to do it correct. So for those people who are tired of trying to put a cart on upside down with leads falling (or breaking) off. Notice it has a screw on head, and this allows you to take the head off to add the cartridge you want. It has a height adjuster for thick cartridges. The ones who should be on the defensive are the audiophile TT group for cock up engineering. I notice the Clear Audio (top model) uses a screw on head. Now why don’t someone tell me why they use the audiophile TTs instead of this. I will sell my Rega, and this will replace it forever. Oh yeah, my other table is a Denon DP 300f with an Audio Technica 150 cart (best MM you can buy), and that turntable also has a screw off head. Are you beginning to get the picture. Stay away from the audiophile cheaply made tables and buy one of these. If you have more money, then buy the TTX150 or the Pioneer PLX1000 (Stereophile put it in the “C’ class with the $2000 audiophile turntables). Need I say more??

  15. I’m a big fan of the ttx1 because of the awesome features it had, like removable tone arms ( straight or s shape). the movable pitch slider for those of us that like to setup battle style. various pitch selections ( 8 / 10 / 20 / 50%) not that we all need this, but why take a step back words. the shape of the ttx1 is horrible but the features were great. I like the price point but I think the author of this article was on point by saying we need a ttx2usb. take this new design and add all the above mentioned features and you have a winner in my book.

  16. Has anyone had issues with the Numark tt250usb direct driver turntable speeding up slowing down, sound lowering then bk to normal sound freshly out the box used for 20minits set bk up and old deck that works perfect, 45 minute into a mix the other Numark tt250 started doing exact same also getting a cling clang noise when switching on,,,Please can some help I’ve had these for 3 days there brand new out the box,,,,,spoke to numark and telling me thay need servicing, like really these are brand new decks, how’s the hell do thay need servicing, its like if u buy a brand new car or boiler wy would thay need servicing,,,,,