... Being serious here? lol Never knew of such a thing.
i think the op requesting "under $200 price range" may not include MOST of the tables listed
The three I posted all cost me less than $200 (if you don't include the arm on the R-O-K), though I did purchase the Ariston a few years back so the price might not be so relevant.i think the op requesting "under $200 price range" may not include some of the tables listed
Your comment brings back the memory of Justin Gordon Holt vs. the meter reader reviewers. The turntable design, like any other engineering task, is a compromise between cost and performance. It is always a question of how good is good enough, which is somewhat subjective. For most high end AC syncro motor turntable, a precision bearing and a heavy platter is the key to remove the dependence on AC line frequency. It works very well to reduce it below audible level. The DC servo motor driven DD turntable design is much more complicated due to insolation of motor noise from the platter. Electronics can reduce wow and flutter reading to very low level, but it is not the only aspect of turntable sonic characteristics. There are some very well designed Direct Drive table in the tens of thousand dollar range. In the mid price range ($1000-6000), I always prefer belt drive turntable. The choice is by audition, personal and subjective.6 of one, half a dozen of the other. There's something to be said for both. A DC servo motor removes reliance on AC line frequency to determine platter speed. AC Syncro motors removes reliance on more complicated electronics. Measurement wise though the AC motor doesn't have a chance of matching the wow and flutter specs of a good quartz referenced servo drive. Whether or not the difference is audible is another question.
Your comment brings back the memory of Justin Gordon Holt vs. the meter reader reviewers. The turntable design, like any other engineering task, is a compromise between cost and performance. It is always a question of how good is good enough, which is somewhat subjective. For most high end AC syncro motor turntable, a precision bearing and a heavy platter is the key to remove the dependence on AC line frequency. It works very well to reduce it below audible level. The DC servo motor driven DD turntable design is much more complicated due to insolation of motor noise from the platter. Electronics can reduce wow and flutter reading to very low level, but it is not the only aspect of turntable sonic characteristics. There are some very well designed Direct Drive table in the tens of thousand dollar range. In the mid price range ($1000-6000), I always prefer belt drive turntable. The choice is by audition, personal and subjective.
For under $200 budget, an used Pioneer PL-12D is a reasonable choice for good sound. It is a entry level belt drive classic design.
Agreed! I'm quite enjoying my mid-range late 70s DD tables personally but if you like belts, then by all means go for it. I've just yet to find a belt drive that I want to fix up and listen to (So far, I've really only purchased tables that need work as I enjoy the process.)
:drool:
I should amend that. I've yet to find one in my price range that I want to fix and listen to.
I've done 6 late 70's Japanese tables so far (Well, 5, with 1 more still on deck) so I'm due for either a belt or idler soon. I just need to clear my current set down to 1 or 2 before I buy another or the WAF is going to plummet precipitously.
Go for quality regardless of drive type - dd, belt, or rim.
I have my eyes on a Sony PS-X50 locally, if I sell my current tables quickly enough I may be able to pick it up.
That sony that @Montycat posted is just gorgeous. Way better aesthetics than either the Denon, Technics, or JVC/Victor drive units in that same style.
Cheers,
Nathan