wuzzzer Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 Since the guy I was going to buy a TT from hasn't been responding to my messages I'm now thinking about just buying a brand new one. I don't want or need anything fancy, this will be used very minimally. What are some brands to look at in the sub $500 price range? Also, my Sony reciever has a dedicated phono input. Do I need to be concerned about the type of player I get if this is the case? I know there are differences as far as being an MM or MC design? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schu Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 Technics... Rega... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarheel Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 Denon's are work horses and were often used for DJ work as were Technics. Denon's are direct drive. Mine holds speed perfectly after all these years. That's my vintage table. I also have a Rega P3 which has been called one of the best $1000 tables. You may find an older model Rega for your price range but look at both brands. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iaRIVR Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 That's a big range. Yes to moving magnet, although moving coil in that price range is pretty uncommon so most will be MM. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the major brands, though they all have better models. I would look for fully manual as the automatics just have more to go wrong. Used TT are of course better bang for the buck, but if you want something solid and reliable you can get a Pro-ject Debut Carbon for $449 which is basically plug and play. https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/ele/d/saint-paul-pioneer-pl50/7219717276.html https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/ele/d/prior-lake-pioneer-pl-630-turntable/7204275533.html You could also take a chance on a super cheap one if you just want to try vinyl again. This one is casually sitting on top a La Scala: https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/ele/d/stillwater-pioneer-pl-518-turntable/7219968646.html Not sure where you are in MN. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rplace Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 Music Hall, Project. 99.999999% sure if your receiver is set up with a phono input it will be for MM only. MC cartridges are sweet, but probably not something you want to mess with in that budget. We always like to spend others money here. If you can bump up that budget...a good bit...this is a table you could have till the grave. Good deal given that the Basis Reflex clamp is $500 alone. If you got it near the opening bid of $1,150 you will have done good. It has a Basis badged Rega amr. Fool proof. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Basis-1400-Turntable-Virtually-Mint-and-Upgraded-with-Extras/193724191857?hash=item2d1adc9471:g:7NMAAOSwJVJfldAr 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuzzzer Posted October 28, 2020 Author Share Posted October 28, 2020 13 minutes ago, iaRIVR said: Not sure where you are in MN. Alexandria. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris A Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 From ebay a few years ago...a buyers guide: Turntables-What should you buy.pdf Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 There is a recent thread here by another that had some good info. Same budget. Found an online topic posted comparing. Will look... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 Look : https://www.audioadvice.com/videos-reviews/10-best-turntables-under-500/ there is a Denon... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hanksjim1 Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 If you reconsider a used TT, lots of Thorens fans out there... also, very good site dedicated to everything turntable, cartridge and vinyl...one of the best sources for reviews, specs, manuals and user guides for used turntables: https://www.vinylengine.com/ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC39693 Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 @wuzzzer folks have provided input on TT for me under thread TT PAIN. My budget is same as yours but in Canada bucks. I’ve not had good luck with sellers of vintage or even newer used TT. They just don’t know their gear, are less than transparent “oh you’d like a cartridge and stylus?”, their gear is busted, especially dust covers... etc. I made a mistake not buying a local Luxman PD-274. Check the Luxman 200 series? I’m looking into a Sony PS-LX3 now. If I go vintage/used I’d like direct drive and new cartridge on a well maintained unit, add my low budget and that’s the problem. Oh well if I’m still in the market on Black Friday maybe a new TT is a better option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 11 minutes ago, MC39693 said: @wuzzzer folks have provided input on TT for me under thread TT PAIN. My budget is same as yours but in Canada bucks. I’ve not had good luck with sellers of vintage or even newer used TT. They just don’t know their gear, are less than transparent “oh you’d like a cartridge and stylus?”, their gear is busted, especially dust covers... etc. I made a mistake not buying a local Luxman PD-274. Check the Luxman 200 series? I’m looking into a Sony PS-LX3 now. If I go vintage/used I’d like direct drive and new cartridge on a well maintained unit, add my low budget and that’s the problem. Oh well if I’m still in the market on Black Friday maybe a new TT is a better option. Yes think your topic the recent one... thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henry4841 Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 I am well satisfied with my Fluance. Hard to beat for the money. There are reviews on youtube and they are positive. I installed a Denon DL-110 MC cartridge a few months after purchasing it but the cartridge it came with is very good for a MM. The turntable itself is half your budget. https://www.amazon.com/Fluance-Turntable-Cartridge-Adjustable-Counterweight/dp/B01F2EXIFM/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=19UQ7U487MRV6&dchild=1&keywords=fluance+turntable&qid=1603912270&sprefix=fluance+tu%2Caps%2C215&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzNTVEN04zTDMzVEY2JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODY4Mzk3MTUyN0UzMU5LVUg1WSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTUzNjE5MTRDRTBDQzZVREdUNSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU= 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tromprof Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 Pioneer PLX-1000, A bit above your budget but this is a great time of year for a sale. Built like a tank, very positive reviews, and sound very good too IMO. https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PLX1000--pioneer-dj-plx-1000-professional-turntable?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organicpla 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 Fluance in this I recall: https://www-cnet-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.cnet.com/google-amp/news/best-record-player-for-2020-rega-pro-ject-audio-technica-more-turntable-reviews/?amp_js_v=a6&_gsa=1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarheel Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 Fluance with the bamboo plinth (my preference) may be the best deal. Install a Ortofon blue or a Nagaoka MP-110 cartridge and save the stock cartridge for a spare. You're in almost on budget and all is new. Fluance has some good reviews. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJkizak Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 3 hours ago, rplace said: Music Hall, Project. 99.999999% sure if your receiver is set up with a phono input it will be for MM only. MC cartridges are sweet, but probably not something you want to mess with in that budget. We always like to spend others money here. If you can bump up that budget...a good bit...this is a table you could have till the grave. Good deal given that the Basis Reflex clamp is $500 alone. If you got it near the opening bid of $1,150 you will have done good. It has a Basis badged Rega amr. Fool proof. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Basis-1400-Turntable-Virtually-Mint-and-Upgraded-with-Extras/193724191857?hash=item2d1adc9471:g:7NMAAOSwJVJfldAr Kind of wondering about the sweetness thing. JJK 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuzzzer Posted October 29, 2020 Author Share Posted October 29, 2020 Thanks for everyone's advice. I ended up ordering a Sony PSLX310BT. Found a good deal on one for $169 with free shipping. This is my first turntable so I think it'll give a try and then see how much I actually listen to it. Right now I only have about a half dozen vinyls. As I expand my collection I might step up to a nicer player. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted October 29, 2020 Share Posted October 29, 2020 Cool... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parlophone1 Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 You opted for plug and play solution, congratulations 😃. I don't know what cartridge and stylus Sony uses or if you could upgrade it later. But for that kind of money it seems like a solid starter TT. You will appreciate the convenience of not having to align the cartridge and set it right, if you have never done that. If you by any chance have access to a separate phono amp, give it a try. I doubt that the one built in the Sony is of good quality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
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.