Jump to content

Recommended Turntables


o0O Bill O0o

Recommended Posts

I want a turntable.

Okay, I don't know much about turntables since they were used before my time.. I hit the late 80s with tapes and then in 1991 I got my first sony "Discman".. from there it was CD player, DVD player, then iPod.. go ahead laugh it up..

BUUUT looking at this thread, man would I like to listen to some records on one of those turntables.. BUT BUT I don't think these are the "cheap ones" just from my years and my generations accute ability to surf the web for all things audio.

I have seen companies such as Music Hall Audio, Rega, Technics, and Sony that sell Turntables that look okay.. how to they sound? what would be a reasonable sub $1000 Turntable?

Should I just got to Guitar Center and get a pro audio one?

Thanks,

Bill

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This seems to be a reasonable discussion on that topic:

eBay Guides - Turntables What should you buy

After reading this, I invested in an Empire 398 (on eBay, no less). This is the quietest turntable that I've personally heard, even though it was produced in 1961-63, and it was much less than $1K (US) to acquire in 2009. I listen to classical records that I acquired in the late 70s through the mid 80s. This includes Philips, DG, and other "audiophile" labels and pressings. The results: I now listen to my old records, whereas before the Empire 398, I had archived them for future date of listening.

I think more $ for a turntable means "eye candy"...

Chris

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You can look at Rega, Pro-Ject and Music Hall all have models that are under $1000.

I purchased a used Thorens 160 from a member here and after purchasing a Shure M97xE cart and new belt I still spent under $250 for it. It has served me well and continues to. I just need to spend more time listening to vinyl as I do find it more relaxing then anything, plus listening thru Cornwalls help also..

James

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have a friend that has a Technics SL1700 (essentially the same as an SL1200) that is very nice, Denon DL160 cart with very low hours and a NAD PP1 Phono preamp for sale. He is selling all for $250 + shipping. This is a very good deal if you want to try vinyl.

The TT is excellent and will outlive all of us, cart is also very good at surpressing record noise. I attached some photos.

post-10861-13819524419274_thumb.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Very nice, However I am not going to move on this untill next fall, I am just "Data mining" for what is what, since I am a total greenhorn to the whole LP/ Vinyl media.

I do understand that each componet can be sweated over, and the Phono cartridge is very important, but the maintenance and other care is unknown to me. Is there a Hitchhikers Guide to Vinyl out there?

Thanks,

Bill

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You'll kick yourself for missing such a good deal. You can do better in vinyl, but it will cost you wayyyy more. That gives you that 95% for a song.

I didn't want to say it, but yes, you are correct. He paid about $180 for the cart alone and it is barely used. This was quite a deal, I almost bought it myself but I do not need a third table.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You'll kick yourself for missing such a good deal. You can do better in vinyl, but it will cost you wayyyy more. That gives you that 95% for a song.

I didn't want to say it, but yes, you are correct. He paid about $180 for the cart alone and it is barely used. This was quite a deal, I almost bought it myself but I do not need a third table.

If I didn't already have mine, I would be all over it. You can't make a mistake jumping on this now, even if you change your mind later, you'll lose nothing.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

If one has no experience with TT's, I would recommend the Technics SL-1200, etc. Reason? Very reliable, good quality and one can later look at the more "high end" stuff.

That's why I choose it. Built like a tank and at the time, I didn't know what I didn't know. I have no regrets over the decision on the table or the cartridge.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest davidness

I would recommend the Technics SL-1200

Now that this morning's eBay auction is over, I'll share my latest acquision. I just bought this today. Now, I realize that none of us would EVER spend more money on a piece of gear just because of the 'bling' factor ;-), but I chose a SL-1200 series turntable because 1) they're built to last forever, 2) parts are, and always will be, readily available, 3) the model I got will (should) hold it's value pretty well, and... 4) daammmmd, it looks good (bling, bling)!

I present the Technics SL-1200GLD. They can be had for under $1K. They only made 3000 worldwide, and only 1500 of those were US bound.

post-38614-13819524660484_thumb.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hello everyone, I am normally found in the RIGHT NOW section. But, I too just got BACK into a turntable. I have NOT played any LPs since 1986 when I bought my first CD player. However, just this past October, I picked up a new Music Hall mmf 5.1 and I absolutely love it! I am playing LPs that I have not played in many years - its wonderful!

Added to this is a photo of the new baby with a classic ProgRock LP from StarCastle [:)]

Enjoy!

.......Gary

Davidness, that TT looks very classy..........But, it has a DJ edge to it at the same time [;)]

post-23544-13819524665998_thumb.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...