Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Let me begin by saying that I am a retired audio engineer/producer and video editor/shooter. I also grew up in the 50's and 60's with my $14.99 record players that played speeds from 16 to 78 rpm and later in the 80's and 90's enjoyed sophisticated studio systems in my home. Now, being retired, I want something that has basic fidelity, reliability and flexibility in one self-contained package. I bought the Electrohome Signature about a year ago expecting reminiscence of my $14.99 1964 player but with more features such as the CD player and radio. Not the case - I was pleasantly surprised. This unit has 4 speakers. Two per channel (left/right). The CD plays crisp and clean. The AM radio is about as good as AM radio is going to get considering its limited broadcasting frequency response. FM plays as bright and clean as the CD. Both radio bands are quite sensitive and I pick up about 20 AM and at least 30 FM stations, being about 40 miles outside of Dallas. The volume is more than adequate, although as with many consumer level electronics, distortion creeps in when you really crank it up. Clean volume is there though, should you need to crank up the volume knob for quieter sound sources such as a classical record, CD or distant radio station. The turntable, as mentioned by others, is NOT going to have the same performance level as a $400 Teac turntable, so let's talk reality. I play mostly 78s from 1900 through 1955 (10" and 12"), some 45s from the 60's and 70's and once in a while a 33rpm album from the 50's, 60's or 70's. I have had NO SKIPPING at all since I bought the unit. Although I would, at times like a little more low end out of the speakers (bass) when I play records.. The radio and CD player are noticeably better, particularly FM Stereo. Some records, however, do have enough if they were mixed by the engineer with more bass in the studio. I plan to add a small subwoofer to the unit after the warranty expires. Although stereo separation is good with stereo audio sources, it is not realized unless you are situated within 8 feet or so of the unit. With the speakers so near each other in the cabinet, distances beyond that only yield a fuller sound rather than stereo separation. If I were to have a complaint, it would be that the record tone arm returns too soon before the song is finished. THIS IS ONLY WITH OLDER 78 RPM RECORDS because the grooves traverse farther into the center of the record. I don't have that problem with every one and never have the problem with 45s and 33rpm albums. Their labels are bigger and they don't play as far in toward the center. Overall a fine purchase for $199.00. I would venture to guess that some of the failures listed here are due to rough shipping conditions either knocking internal connections loose or damaging. circuit boards. Other turntable problems may be caused by failure to read the instructions on how to unlock the turntable properly during unpacking. I still work freelance and have an incredible digital studio upstairs, but as I'm preparing breakfast and lunch, I can't wait to turn on my Electrohome and enjoy talk radio or the news...after dinner it's usually 78 rpm 1950's classics on the record player...and I have a pretty darn big, 26' ceiling opened area living room / dining room / kitchen and entry way. My Electrohome fills it with great sound just fine. And it looks great too!