Does this look like an ok starter turntable?

[wuzzzer 1823]

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/745728549310315/

 

I offered $40, seller is firm at $50.  Never had a turntable before.  My receiver has a phono input.  I have a handful of records that I bought over the years that I'd love to listen to. 

[MeloManiac 1058]

Looks nice. These vintage tts are amazing, compared to today's entry level turntables. You'd have to pay at least 500 dollars to get comparable quality. 

It is a direct drive, so no belt to replace, but you should check the bearings for sound and engine for speed. 

Check this: 

 

[WMcD 760]

Looks good.  An issue is the condition of the cartridge and stylus.  But even at the seller's price the budget should have funds left over for a replacement.  OTOH it appears to have had TLC and those are not particulaly wear items.

WMcD

[thebes 3909]

Sony made great tt's. Price-wise It's a no brainer if the bearing isn't worn.  Use synthetic motor oil to oil the bearing when you get it home.The cart is probably ok. I would change the stylus (needle) or you can simply buy a new cheap replacement cart. A bad needle will harm you records so that's a must. Also it probably needs a fairly high compliance cart.

[billybob 13492]

Agree with those recc's above.

[RandyH000 5947]

12 hours ago, wuzzzer said:

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/745728549310315/

 

I offered $40, seller is firm at $50.  Never had a turntable before.  My receiver has a phono input.  I have a handful of records that I bought over the years that I'd love to listen to. 

100%  ----------in a heartbeat , the headshell alone is worth 50$

[parlophone1 296]

Decent TT.

I would change the cartridge with something new anyway.

[ricktate 624]

If it works, can you check it out before????  You can check speed of it with a phone app. then get a 100 dollar Ortofon red cartridge for it. 

[wuzzzer 1823]

Well, guy gave me his address.  I went there Saturday, could hear loud music playing.  Rang the doorbell a few times, knocked loudly.  Messaged him on FB that I was there with the $$.  No answer.  So, I went home and about an hour later he messaged me apologizing saying he was at a store nearby and didn't see my message.

So, I messaged him on FB this morning and said I'd be out running errands after lunch and could pick it up if he was home.  Haven't heard from him since.  😕

[billybob 13492]

Sorta strange brew...

[RandyH000 5947]

yeah , he either changed his mind , or here is ---the kind , you can't trust

[Dave1290 8860]

Eh, hit him again and try to pin him down.  If it spins and isn't too noisy its a good starter for the money.  Audition it naturally and if it sounds good pay the dude.  Not sure if you can get an Empire stylus or not anymore.  If you can just replace the stylus if not but a new cart.  He prolly wants to sell it but who knows w/ppl anymore.  I picked up an older oppo from a guy for $50 and he was happy to sell it.  Heck, I was happy to get it!  Possibly a jerk though.  Sort it brother and go.  They're out there.

[wuzzzer 1823]

Well, now I can see that the guy finally read my message but still hasn't responded.  I'm going to pass on it.  I don't need to get one and I'm sure I'll find another deal. 

[Dave1290 8860]

15 minutes ago, wuzzzer said:

I'm going to pass on it.

I'd give the guy a break and see what shakes out.  He's sortin it just like we all would.  To sell or not to sell.  That's why I have a house full of stuff!  hahahaha