Stanton Str8-150 Turntable Review

With Technics bowing out of the turntable business and no more lovely 1210s being produced, where should vinyl DJs go for their turntable needs? Well Stanton have you covered with the Stanton Str8-150. At the time of this review the STR8-150 has been out for some time but that doesn’t mean it now doesn’t take the crown for the top turntable to buy.

The STR8-150 is Stanton’s top of the range turntable and with good cause. It is obviously based on the Technics 1210s from its looks to build quality. Both decks are heavy, giving them a good sense of solidness as well as damping down vibrations. The motor in the STR8-150 is a high torque motor meaning the speed will stay more constant when applying pressure to the platter when mixing. We’d even go so far to say its better than the Technics. The pitch control is just as smooth as the Technics and the similarities don’t end there with dots around the platter, metal finish and adjustable feet all feeling rather familiar.

The most obvious difference is the tone arm which is straight, hence the name. Different DJs prefer different tone arms, straight tonearms minimise inward/outward force on the needle while S shaped are designed for maximum fidelity.

The layout is a bit different with 2 stop/start buttons to allow you to align the deck differently for scratch DJing who don’t want a tone arm getting in the way. There is also no lid which depending on your preference is good or bad. Obviously a lid stops dust getting to the deck but its hardly the nicest looking thing on a deck in use. You also get pitch lock for those DJs that prefer to not use the fader itself and an adjustable pitch range which is great for the more experimental DJs out there.

The deck comes with a detachable deck light which is a nice touch and reverse controls for when you really want to mess with your mixing and you can even alter the start/break speed controls for when you want your turntable to rev up or slow down. There is switch able line/phono out so you don’t need a pre-amp to get your sound out at a good level and means you can also record from the line out. There even a digital out for those who want digital quality.

The Stanton is a master in all areas and competes well with the Technics. If your Technics has died or you fancy having a new deck without paying loads for a second hand model the STR8-150 is for you. You can’t fault any part of it and whilst the stronger motor will take some getting used to you won’t have any complaints about how your vinyl play and sound.