HeritageBob Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 Hi Gang, I am looking to buy my first turntable. I am going to mate it to my Scott integrated's phono section and run it to my Chorus II's. I have limited vinyls but plan on buying more as I like to browse used music stores and the such. If anyone has a TT setup they are looking to get rid of or find any solid good buys please throw out some ideas for me. I am looking in the range of $300 or so for a setup, unless I can find a really nice deal that may warrant more. TT's that interest me thus far are Linn Axis, Rega p2/p3, and Thorens variety. Mostly a black plinth is what I desire, but any color wood base would be acceptable with a nice rig. Thanks in advance, Bob P.S. What does everyone think of this one that caught my eye recently? Seems like older rega technology but its in great condition.. : http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3283&item=3082694301 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoggy Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 Another good table to keep an eye out for in that price range is the CJ Walker model CJ55. I had one for almost 20 years before upgrading to my LP12. Sold it to a good friend who loves it. I've only seen a few of them on Ebay. hoggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jnorv Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 I have just gone thru major mods to my vinyl system. The biggest bang for the buck was to decouple the drive motor from the turntable. The other major factor was the addition of lead plate, on the TT platter ( higher polar moment of inertia) and in the arm mount. Get a basic belt drive TT and then make mods to it. Jim N Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jnorv Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 I have just gone thru major mods to my vinyl system. The biggest bang for the buck was to decouple the drive motor from the turntable. The other major factor was the addition of lead plate, on the TT platter ( higher polar moment of inertia) and in the arm mount. Get a basic belt drive TT and then make mods to it. Jim N Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boomac Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 If you want something new, I can recommend the Pro-ject 2.1 Turn Table. It's basic and built with quality for $300. I'm using one with a Scott 299 and result is very enjoyable vinyl. I have also hooked it up to my Tandberg with positive results. For the money, I doubt the value can be beat unless you're handy and can score a dandy used table. From what others have told me, the Pro-ject 2.1 will hold it's value quite well incase you want to up grade later on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBusa Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 I have never heard one but have always wanted to own one ...a Denon dp47f. Slightly more than $300 but according to the glowing reviews, well worth the money. http://www.epinions.com/Denon_DP_47F_624561/display_~latest_prices Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marksdad Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 300 isnt very much to begin with, it will cost about that for a decnent ttpre, but once you do, man oh man, tt's are soooo much fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marksdad Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 oops i see you have a phono section.... and the pro-ject 2.1 is a really good place to start Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy Landau Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 Bob, I would prefer a newer Rega with RB300/250 arm. The arm on that one is an early R-200 which is not that good. It has a very delicate anti-skating mechanism that breaks easily and can not be fixed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy Landau Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 I really like this one http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3081312945&category=48649 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnalOg Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 Heritagebob, I have a Rega P3 that is being test driven by Smilen. If he is not interested, I can offer it to you. Black plinth RB300 arm Incognito wire Esspresemino Heavy weight & VTA Ortofon super 30 cart with alot of life still left in it. Have the original box & manual. Rated 8 out of 10, cover and plinth in great shape, the arm has some markings wire th screws hold the cart. Nice sounding table for a starter. $595.00 + shipping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 That's a beaut Guy. What type of cart is that? I've never seen one like it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 BTW - You can score a nice Thorens for around $100 as long as it's not a 124. I got my TD165 in NM condition for $113 on ebay. After spending $200 for a shure V15V, it's a great sounding table. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Anderson Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 Bob - I've had a Sumiko Pro-ject 2.1 for 3 years and it has served me well but then you need a cartridge which will take you over your $300 range. My Grado Ref Platinum was $350. The Rega deal mentioned sounds great but again it is above your range. Gary - I've been on lookout for a Thorens 124 or 125 but eBay prices of late are very high. 2 weeks ago a 124 went for $1,275. Audioclasssics.com has a 125 for $199 but they won't come down a penny or package with a cartridge for a deal price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan Songer Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 The 124 isn't for everyone and at over a grand it's no longer the cheap-o world beater it was a few years ago. It also needs a MASSIVE plinth and stand, all new rubber and a ringmat. You also have to use an Ortofon SPU to make these things sing, so you're looking at over $2000 for a nice set up with arm and cartridge and for THAT amount of cash there are LOTS of nice options! But I'll bet for $1300 that one on ebay must have had a 12" SME and some kind of nice cartridge along for the ride! The Thorens 125 is a helluva performer and $200 seems really fair to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeritageBob Posted March 5, 2004 Author Share Posted March 5, 2004 That Rega P3 offer sounds nice. A little over what I want to spend, but if its a nice deck (and it does sound nice) then it may be worth the money spent to me. So if Smilin passes on it, keep me in mind next for sure. In the mean time I will keep the search going. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 Thorens literally built dozens of models over the years. Most are very well built and will last a long time if properly cared for. I still think a good vintage Thorens is a steal in today's market. If you do go that route (or buy any vintage TT), have it professionally set up unless you happen to have the skills to do it yourself. It's only about $20 or so but it's so important to have the cart properly aligned and the settings correct. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aggie Klipsch Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 I second the Thorens route. I bought this in 1976 and it has never let me down. The good folks at the forum here even recommended places where I got a new belt and cartridge. The needle doctor is a great place to find hard to get items for the TT. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Anderson Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 The Thorens 125 I mentioned at audioclassics.com is gone. Any member have any experience with the Empire 598 or 698. Very nice looking '70's table. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan Songer Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3081149206&category=48649 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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