• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

“Respectable” turntable?

N

NW1

Active Member
Looking for something inexpensive to play a handful of older vinyl LPs that I’ve picked up here and there. By respectable, I mean not what came with my Panasonic AM/FM/Cassette w/ integrated turntable with a spring-loaded tonearm and Thrusters speakers; something that won’t destroy vinyl.

Options (both belonged to my dad):

(1) Garrard Synchro-Lab 95b. Probably ~50 years old and hasn't been used in at least 45. Transparent lid is stained/fogged. Was part of a Quad-capable Marantz system but if I recall correctly, was not set up for quad (didn't quad require a unique stylus?) I've read a tale or two of "Garrard's Grease" and bearings falling out if one is careless with disassembly.

(2) JVC - possibly a QLY5F (I don't have it with me - yet). ~ 40 years old. Less than 25 hours of use. Pretty sure it has a MC cartridge and a nondescript outboard preamp (blue metal box, don't recall brand).

I’m not in the mood to get in over my head with trying to resurrect either one, if it would involve more than cleaning & adjustment.

I assume a stylus/cartridge upgrade would be in order for either turntable. For convenience, can I put a MM cartridge on the JVC?

Would it be more practical to look at an entry level Fluance or something equivalent?

Thanks!
 
Register to hide this ad
Don’t know anything about the JVC but I can address the Garrard. It was a top of the line table for the manufacturer and can be a good performer but it is a complicated design that can require a lot of work and patience to get it going. I have an SL95 (the original, not the 95b) and I like it when it is working properly which it is not currently. There are videos on YT to help with restoration if you are interested, just take your time and don’t force anything. I personally think the 95b is one of the most handsome turntables ever made next to the Lab 80 (which is far more complicated).
 
What is your budget? Something like UTurn Orbit or some of the Fluance might be an option, and would come with a warranty and be a step out from the "not respectable" category (if I'm understanding your meaning).

On the other hand, a 1970's era table from any of the mainstream makers (Pioneer, Technics, Kenwood, etc) in good working order might be more bang for the buck. "In good working" order is the key.

You didn't mention what system you would connect it to. It of course needs a MM phono section, or get a phono preamp.
 
cgutz said:
What is your budget? Something like UTurn Orbit or some of the Fluance might be an option, and would come with a warranty and be a step out from the "not respectable" category (if I'm understanding your meaning).
Click to expand...

$200 for new, less for used.

cgutz said:
You didn't mention what system you would connect it to. It of course needs a MM phono section, or get a phono preamp.
Click to expand...

Mid 1990s Kenwood 2 channel integrated amp and a pair of Polk SDA-1C speakers.
 
For $200, I’d get the base model U-Turn Orbit with no options. (Providing your Kenwood has a ‘Phono’ input.) Then you’re ready to listen to your records right away.

Buying used is not for the faint of heart. You will need at least a new stylus or possibly a whole new cartridge. And then the work, parts, and money goes on and on….

I also know people who buy whatever they see on CL, a local thrift, or whatever. They get it home, plug it in, and they seem to enjoy it.

So there is no right answer. But if you’re asking here, it tells me you are trying to make an informed decision.
 
Last edited:
I'm with coolhand on buying new. Unless you stumble on a good one locally thats in mint condition, doesn't need a new cartridge and belt and is in your budget. If it's shipped with you budget it will probably arrive in pieces.

Fluance and Audio Technica make some budget Turntables that consistently get good reviews by both owners and the press. Pick one that has the features you want. You get a new table in perfect condition with a warranty. These tables are a big improvement over the one you describe.
 
Last edited:
I'll add a vote for a base U-Turn Orbit. I owned an Orbit and it sounded great. U-Turn also provides incredibly great customer service, with the owners of the company often being the ones who respond to inquiries. I don't think you'll find better with fewer hassles than this one.

I'll add the Fluance RT-80 for the same price, which has a few creature comforts like removable head shell, lid with spring hinges, internal phono preamp and auto-stop. Lots of features for that $199 but I still prefer the all manual Orbit because I think it sounds better, and I've owned them both.
 
With only 200 bucks to spend your looking at the bottom feeder tables. Tell us more about the JVC! That's an excellent table if it's in good working condition, it would take well over a thousand dollars to beat it with something new.
If the JVC is being gifted to you, take the 200 bucks and have it fully serviced, that's a table you don't need to upgrade. There is a monster thread on JVC tables that I started a few years back, read up on them.

BillWojo
 
For $240 you can get the base U-Turn Orbit Custom in the color of you choice with cueing arm (I'd highly recommend). That might be an OK starter. But not much better in sound quality then some Fluance or Audio Technica models.

For $370 we could get the better cartridge and platter. Still a very reasonable price, and this would elevate the table to what some might consider entry level audiophile quality.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: NW1
I have a QL Y5F and I'll likely be buried with it. Of the TT's with electronic damping, it seems like its one of the more reliable (generally). Mine was a garage sale find that wasn't used since the early 90's according to the owner, and after setting up with JVC's instructions and aligning the existing Grado cartridge on it, it was playing records in about 20 minutes. The only maintenance since then has been cleaning out the pots for the VTF/anti-skate with a little deoxit, which further improved the accuracy of the VTF -- setting it to 1-2g it's almost dead-on according to my scale.
 
If the JVC works, then it's probably going to work for a lot longer. If you don't want to get into that, look into some of the 70/80's tables from Pioneer(PL12-D types)Yamaha belt drives from the same time frame, or Yamaha 80's silver units P-300 and up,they were DD units. The Yamaha may need to be isolated though. Those units would also look better with your other gear IMO.
 
mr_petit said:
Where can you get a JVC QL-5F for less than $200?
These usually go for 500+.
The JVC will measure better specs in probably every thinkable way compared to the Garrard, they are very advanced.
Click to expand...

My father has the JVC. I don't think he'll care about handing it down.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom