Looking for first turntable

[RemoWilliams]

There are not many sources up here for picking up anything reasonably priced, so far looking through Craigslist I have found these TT, my budget is around 200, perhaps 250.00 so that obviously limits the playing field.


I should mention that I did notice a Hitachi PS 48 going for 300.00 in excellent condition, they seem to be highly regarded and wonder how much of a performance improvement there might be compared to the PS 12 that is also for sale. It can be a difficult choice given cartridge combinations as well.


This might change as something else shows up before I am able to decide and hopefully some of you can chime in, I have been researching most of them beforehand, the Akai in particular ( if still available ) seems like a very good candidate. All are in great condition and most have been serviced with newer cartridges, belts, lubed and adjustments made so none are really in need of anything.I would prefer to have one that I can hold onto and not replace because of just average sound, assuming a good cartridge of course.


Here is the list:


Pioneer Pl 10. 180.00
Technics S 20 180.00
Dual 502 150.00
Hitachi PS 12. 200.00. ( will need needle soon )
Pioneer SL 20. 180.00
Akai AP 306. 220.00
Sony PS T30. 125.00

 

[Balifly]

Check this one out too!

Technics SL- D3
https://www.vinylengine.com/library/technics/sl-d3.shtml

https://vancouver.craigslist.org/van/ele/d/vancouver-technics-sl-d3-turnable-pyle/6779173626.html

 

[Fritz411]

Hard to compare the U.S and Canadian pricing, but 180 for a PL-10 seems high. That Sony is intriguing though

 

[RemoWilliams]

Thank you for the heads up on that Technics SL D3, it certainly appears to be held in high regard, hopefully they still have it for sale.

 

[Van_Isle]

Technics SL-D3 ... but we know what you mean!

Akai AP-100C $140: https://vancouver.craigslist.org/pml/ele/d/coquitlam-vintage-akai-ap100c/6787133464.html

Pioneer PL-516X for $200: https://vancouver.craigslist.org/rds/ele/d/surrey-pioneer-record-player-turntable/6784064922.html (although if the seller can't clean it up prior to taking pictures ....)

Panasonic RD-2900 for $140: https://vancouver.craigslist.org/bnc/ele/d/burnaby-vintage-panasonic-record-player/6782905469.html

Technics SL-B101 for $95: https://vancouver.craigslist.org/pml/ele/d/surrey-technics-sl-b101-turntable/6785473240.html

Sansui SR-1050C reduced to $275 (is it going to drop further??): https://vancouver.craigslist.org/rds/ele/d/langley-sansui-sr1050c-100-price-drop/6783516874.html

JVC L-A55 $140: https://vancouver.craigslist.org/pml/ele/d/coquitlam-vintage-jvc-a55-record-player/6774302363.html

Sony PS-LX2 $100: https://vancouver.craigslist.org/rds/eld/d/vintage-sony-ps-lx2-dd-turntable/6780262349.html

Panasonic MCS-2500 $140: https://vancouver.craigslist.org/pml/ele/d/coquitlam-vintage-panasonic-technics/6787120727.html

Technics SL-3 linear tracker $50: https://vancouver.craigslist.org/rds/ele/d/langley-technics-compact-sl-3-linear/6793855261.html

Pioneer PL-115D $175: https://vancouver.craigslist.org/pml/ele/d/maple-ridge-pioneer-turntable/6793673970.html

Pioneer PL-10 $200: https://vancouver.craigslist.org/rds/eld/d/surrey-mint-vintage-pioneer-pl-10/6778699820.html

etc.

Some of those seem to be fairly well cleaned up and serviced with new needles or cartridges.

 

[RemoWilliams]

I really appreciate the time taken to list more TT that might be worth considering - changed that slight oversight on the SL D3, already getting confused! I wonder which ones would make a short list of the best performing, It can get a tad confusing wondering which one would fit the bill, I do not consider a fully manual to be an issue although semi or even fully automatic is fine as well. I like the idea of a wood base, just think they look like the quintessential classic design but performance is the most important. Hopefully I can get some suggestions that will steer me in the right direction.

The main criteria is finding one that will be a cut above CD play back - I do not use anything truly high end and of course in either case the quality of the recording has a bearing on this but I have to believe a decent TT will allow for a better musical experience. Mind you, the only components I currently have with a phono input is a Denon DRA 685, Luxman R113 and a Luxman L 215 or of course I could use a separate phono pre amp into the Vincent SV 236 MK which makes me wonder if that Technics SL D3 with the Pyle phono pre amp for 200 is perhaps a reasonable deal for the price.

I like the look of that Panasonic RD 2900 but again, how does it compare to what is listed? It's getting a bit complicated.....

 

[Markoneswift]

I see the Sony T30 listed up there, I just sold a PS-T33 and that was a very nice turntable with good specs.

 

[Grenadeslio]

Might want to consider looking at eBay, it's the largest market with the most choices available. With their comprehensive buyer protection policy all risk is removed with due diligence in communication with the seller before purchase being a must.

Here's a nice Thorens if stretching the budget a bit.

 

[Van_Isle]

The Thorens is nice, but keep in mind the OP is in Canada. I realize that's an example, but it really does more than stretch the budget ... $396 (CAD)! Shipping would be a tad more than $40 (even if it did ship to Canada) ... and no cartridge. So in reality that would probably be $600 to $700.

You do see the odd deal shipping from Canada. But buying local is the safest bet.

Regarding the SL-D3 ... that Pyle pre-amp really is a 'pile' of you know what ... I wouldn't factor it into the equation.

 

[Van_Isle]

Try Canuckaudiomart and you also may consider becoming a subscriber and look at Bartertown.

 

[Grenadeslio]

The Thorens is nice, but keep in mind the OP is in Canada. I realize that's an example, but it really does more than stretch the budget ... $396 (CAD)! Shipping would be a tad more than $40 (even if it did ship to Canada) ... and no cartridge. So in reality that would probably be $600 to $700.

You do see the odd deal shipping from Canada. But buying local is the safest bet.

Regarding the SL-D3 ... that Pyle pre-amp really is a 'pile' of you know what ... I wouldn't factor it into the equation.

Only an example to show deals are still out there if patient.

 

[RemoWilliams]

Thank you for all the suggestions - I am a member on Canuck Audio Mart and was checking there and as much as i would like to explore Ebay the currency exchange really puts a damper on that - I would hate to have to deal with issues regardless if they came up so finding a competent Seller locally would be beneficial though something might show up as a relative bargain - of course I would have to be certain that it was an above average performer.There appears to be at least two on Craigslist that are offering multiple players that have been gone over. Van_Isle - I will look into Bartertown as you suggested.


This is going to be interesting trying to narrow it down to the the most competent TT!

 

[hjames]

Moved thread to Dollars And Sense, where questions asking value should be posted!

 

[ghamilton]

Great first turntable...> https://uturnaudio.com/collections/...MIzq3o4oXu3wIVAWSGCh0UcwWIEAAYASAAEgLc2fD_BwE

 

[gogofast]

https://vancouver.craigslist.org/van/ele/d/port-coquitlam-turntable-record-player/6793657115.html

Here's one near you. Dual 1214 - according to the seller, professionally serviced and new stylus. Good price imho. Not affiliated in any way.

 

[goodolpg]

Might want to consider looking at eBay, it's the largest market with the most choices available. With their comprehensive buyer protection policy all risk is removed with due diligence in communication with the seller before purchase being a must.

Here's a nice Thorens if stretching the budget a bit.

View attachment 1386045

To the OP, keep in mind that turntables MIGHT BE THE AUDIO ITEM MOST LIKELY TO BE DAMAGED DURING SHIPPING.
There are ways to prevent that by properly packaging, but not everyone knows what steps are needed to ensure safe, damage free shipping of a turntable

 

[Grenadeslio]

To the OP, keep in mind that turntables MIGHT BE THE AUDIO ITEM MOST LIKELY TO BE DAMAGED DURING SHIPPING.
There are ways to prevent that by properly packaging, but not everyone knows what steps are needed to ensure safe, damage free shipping of a turntable

Capital letters? Really lol?

Last 6 tables purchased through eBay all arrived intact, all work as new. Due diligence in communication with the seller before purchase is a must, but keeping this in mind I've scored some really nice deals.

And if there had been any issues eBay's outstanding buyer protection policy would have covered me completely so absolutely no risk on the buyers part.

Being in Canada might make eBay a non starter for the OP, but it does no-one any good to attempt to scare people away from the largest market for no reason.

 

[goodolpg]

REALLY?

So warning the OP to exercise due caution IF buying a turntable that will be shipped to him is a BAD IDEA?
Such as discussing the packing before it is sent.

REALLY?

 

[goodolpg]

I guess the numerous stories about turntables being shipped with loose platters, non secured tone arms, not removed dust covers are just all in my mind.
REALLY?

 

[stereofisher]

IConsider the Technics SL-D3. Sold these new. Nice deck. It will make a CD sound off. Like something isn’t right. Be patient in your search. There are still deals out there. Found this for $150. An odd and rare BSR 810. Married to Dual 1219s but had to have this. And it works well. Good luck!