Stanton STR8-150 & ST-150 Turntables - Exceptional Quality and Solid Features

DJs are a picky sort, especially when it comes to turntables. So when Stanton decided to create the ultimate wheel of steel, they went back to basics. The result: the new ST-150 and STR8-150 Turntables. Both models sport a rugged new design that minimizes feedback, industry-leading torque and an ultra-stable platter and tone arm. Aside from the color, the difference between the two is simple: the ST-150 features an S-shaped tone arm, while the STR8-150’s is… well… straight.First Impressions

One of the first things you’ll notice about the ST-150 is its high-quality construction. Just pick one up and you’ll feel the difference—these turntables are heavy! The additional weight, combined with unique flexible rubber feet, make the ST-150 extremely solid no matter where you place it. In fact, it would take nothing short of an earthquake to vibrate this puppy! In the past, DJs have tried all kinds of tricks to minimize feedback and resonance—from hanging their tables on chains to padding them with foam. With the ST-150, you don’t have to be MacGyver to get clean and stable sound.

Stanton obviously spent some time engineering the ST-150, because this thing has about as much torque as a Ferrari (all right, maybe not that much—but it is an impressive 4.5 Kgf-cm). Fact is no other turntable can match the ST-150 in this respect. When you hit the start button, the platter instantly responds—getting you right up to 33, 45 or 78 RPMs. What’s really impressive, however, is how stable the platter is; regardless of how much you alter the pitch, it instantly snaps to the correct speed. And with quartz locking, there is minimal speed drift—crucial for performing long mixes.

It’s All About Feel

Whether you’re a scratch DJ or house jock, the ST-150 can adapt to your style of mixing. Take the tone arm, for instance. Stanton gives you a choice of the traditional “S-type” tone arm (ST-150) or their unique straight tone arm design (STR8-150). Either way, you’ll get incredibly stable performance that’s virtually “skip proof,” even if you’re doing intense scratching and backspins.

DJs can also customize the feel of the turntable. First, the ST-150 can be placed either horizontally or vertically; there are start/stop buttons on both sides so you won’t have to reach over. You can also adjust the platter’s start and brake speeds to suit the particular style of mixing you do. Even the pitch control can be customized with adjustments up to ±8%, ±25% and ±50% for airtight mixing. Stanton really did their homework here!

Retro-Future Design

While the ST-150 is first and foremost a great turntable, it also comes with modern conveniences that take it to the next level. First up is Stanton’s digital key correction feature, which lets you alter the tempo of a record without affecting pitch—great for key mixing. There’s also a reverse function that automatically reverses playback without missing a beat. (This is a great effect that will definitely get your crowd’s attention.) Last but not least is a S/PDIF digital output, making the ST-150 a great choice for sampling vinyl into your digital audio workstation or other digital gear.

Loaded with Extras

After spending some time with the ST-150, you’ll realize that Stanton spent plenty of theirs creating it. Every little detail has been carefully thought out—from the location of the buttons and controls to the “extras” like a selectable phono/line analog output, motor off function and removable target light. Best of all, Stanton includes all the accessories in the box: a removable headshell, slipmat, cables and professional Stanton 680HP cartridge all come as standard.

So if you’re in the market for a new turntable, the Stanton ST-150 and STR8-150 are well worth a closer look. The combination of outstanding construction, killer torque, extremely stable platter and tone arm are likely to make these the last pair of decks you’ll ever want or need. So for mobile gigs, club use or just mixing at home, do yourself a favor and get your hands on the Stanton ST-150 or STR8-150.