$1,000 budget - Which table do you buy?
- Thread starter 34dean
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
tnsilver
Stereo Puppy
It's 'Apt' Holman. Very nice MM preamp. I've recapped one my self. Other than that, a turntable is a source, just like a tuner. It requires a match to an amp or speakers about the same as your favorite FM station. In other words - it's irrelevant. The only difference is the lower input voltage of a turntable. The Holman will take care of that nicely for as long as you stick to an MM/MI/HOMC cart, and refrain from going LOMC.
Assuming you spend all of it, $1000 is a respectful budget for a used vintage turntable - or a 'meh' modern (new) turntable.
New first, I'm ignoring the usual Hanpin OEM turntables (including Audio Technica badged Hanpins - sorry) and the rest of the Asian lot. I regard none as worth the attention. This pretty much leaves us with the standard mediocre Pro-Jects and Music Halls (made at the same Czech Republic plant, with a substantial pool of common parts), the U-Turn Orbits and the Fluance RT-xx. I won't totally disregard the later two, but $1000 can get you better than an entry level turntable.
Not really my cup of tea, but a Rega Planar II (RB-220 tonearm) or a Rega RP-3 (RB-303 tonearm) would be, IMO, money better spent, especially with the later.
As far as vintage or used turntables go, you can have that hard earned money work for you much better, and deliver some real hi-end performance. With $1000 in the vintage turntable domain, the sky is the limit really - or rather your ability to grab an opportunity.
I'd love, for example, to snatch a nice VPI HW-19 Jr. and add it to my collection. It seems quite feasible with this kind of budget. You can never go wrong by starting out with a Thorens TD-125 (Mk-I or II) or one of the TD-126 early marks (not the DC motor Mk-III though). A classic Empire, such as the 298 'Troubadour' can get you some true return on investment.
Again, not my cup of tea, but even a used direct drive Technics, like the classic SL-12XX turntable can get you so much more than its modern AT/Pioneer/Stan/ION clones. Assuming a good intact tonearm, these are extremely robust and require the least amount of tinkering. Basically a plug-and-play unit.
Of course, there are many more, and I won't be able to address even a fraction of the list if I tried, but you could look further into Harman Kardons, Aristons, System Decks, Linn Sondek LP-12's, and any SOTA or VPI in good shape that you can grab.
Choose wisely. Best of luck!
Assuming you spend all of it, $1000 is a respectful budget for a used vintage turntable - or a 'meh' modern (new) turntable.
New first, I'm ignoring the usual Hanpin OEM turntables (including Audio Technica badged Hanpins - sorry) and the rest of the Asian lot. I regard none as worth the attention. This pretty much leaves us with the standard mediocre Pro-Jects and Music Halls (made at the same Czech Republic plant, with a substantial pool of common parts), the U-Turn Orbits and the Fluance RT-xx. I won't totally disregard the later two, but $1000 can get you better than an entry level turntable.
Not really my cup of tea, but a Rega Planar II (RB-220 tonearm) or a Rega RP-3 (RB-303 tonearm) would be, IMO, money better spent, especially with the later.
As far as vintage or used turntables go, you can have that hard earned money work for you much better, and deliver some real hi-end performance. With $1000 in the vintage turntable domain, the sky is the limit really - or rather your ability to grab an opportunity.
I'd love, for example, to snatch a nice VPI HW-19 Jr. and add it to my collection. It seems quite feasible with this kind of budget. You can never go wrong by starting out with a Thorens TD-125 (Mk-I or II) or one of the TD-126 early marks (not the DC motor Mk-III though). A classic Empire, such as the 298 'Troubadour' can get you some true return on investment.
Again, not my cup of tea, but even a used direct drive Technics, like the classic SL-12XX turntable can get you so much more than its modern AT/Pioneer/Stan/ION clones. Assuming a good intact tonearm, these are extremely robust and require the least amount of tinkering. Basically a plug-and-play unit.
Of course, there are many more, and I won't be able to address even a fraction of the list if I tried, but you could look further into Harman Kardons, Aristons, System Decks, Linn Sondek LP-12's, and any SOTA or VPI in good shape that you can grab.
Choose wisely. Best of luck!
Mister Pig
Pigamus Maximus
At that price, I would look for a Denon DP75 with arm and plinth combo from one of the Japanese sellers.
Something like this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/154849579162?hash=item240dc1109a:g:TwEAAOSwbeZiC04N
Something like this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/154849579162?hash=item240dc1109a:g:TwEAAOSwbeZiC04N
Crab33
Super Member
I don't think you can really choose a turntable to match an amplifier and speakers, except from an aesthetics point of view. The cartridge is the component you might want to consider the most in such a match - for example, for a bright system, you might want to choose a warm cartridge. Also, if your pre-amp includes a phono-stage, it would be useful to know its internal capacitance for the purpose of cartridge matching.
Really, you need to narrow down your choice by considering the features you want - direct vs belt drive, manual vs automatic vs semi-automatic, detachable vs fixed headshell. On looks, do you favour a retro look or a more modern minimalist look?
Really, you need to narrow down your choice by considering the features you want - direct vs belt drive, manual vs automatic vs semi-automatic, detachable vs fixed headshell. On looks, do you favour a retro look or a more modern minimalist look?
Thank you. I’ve read quite a few of your posts and know you really know your stuff when it comes to TT. What cartridge in the $200 to $300 range would you put on that table?
theflattire
Super Member
I'd go Rega or Music Hall. The Mofi looks nice too.
A bit more and I'd start looking at EAT or VPI.
A bit more and I'd start looking at EAT or VPI.
Mister Pig
Pigamus Maximus
You know the DP75 was as pretty much on par with any other expensive DD tables I had. You might need to replace the damping sheet between the upper platter and main platter, and that is one of the keys to this table. Denon also built a number of plinths and some are similar to panzerholz plywood, very inert and dead stuff. The 75 also had a multi-voltage design so you may not need a 100v step down transformer.
At $200 to $300 for a cartridge I would look at the Audio Technica offerings. Sometimes if you get lucky you might find a Denon DL 301 MK II at that price, but your phono stage has to support a low output moving coil.
twiiii
Lunatic Member
I would want an Empire 598 or 698 to restore.
I already have a TD 125 Thorens with Linear arm.
If I were really skilled a B&O 8000 series table might be fun . It tracks warped records like nothing else. The Revox 795 would be great to have in good working order, too.
But I would probably look for a pre-owned VPI Scout or early Aries model.
I will say I love my Mark Levinson 515B which is an updated co produced VPI prime Signature that I got new for 1/2 price..Audio Classics has one for a great price but its still way over your budget. But its fun to dream.
I already have a TD 125 Thorens with Linear arm.
If I were really skilled a B&O 8000 series table might be fun . It tracks warped records like nothing else. The Revox 795 would be great to have in good working order, too.
But I would probably look for a pre-owned VPI Scout or early Aries model.
I will say I love my Mark Levinson 515B which is an updated co produced VPI prime Signature that I got new for 1/2 price..Audio Classics has one for a great price but its still way over your budget. But its fun to dream.
Last edited:
Not being one to tinker or repair, I would choose something brand new, and for a good quality hifi system and a budget of $1000, I would probably choose a Rega Planar 2. I've started my record collection over again after moving to a new state, and I'm sticking to 33 1/3 vinyl lp's, so I don't need to worry about things like convenience of speed changes; I've also been in the hobby long enough to know that I prefer cheap, conical cartridges, and the Planar 2 comes with one I know I like, so I'm not concerned about how hard or easy it is to swap out cartridges. And I've done enough comparative auditions to know that at the lower price points, my ears prefer what Rega has to offer soundwise compared to the competition.
However, your needs might be different. I watched an interesting video entitled "Why don't I use the better-sounding turntable?" In it, an audio writer name John Darko explains why he prefers using his Technics SL-1210GR with Ortofon 2M Black cartridge even though he prefers the sound of his Planar 2 with ZU/DL-103R. And his reason is that features and functionality trump ultimate sound quality. He likes the almost immediate start and stop of the SL-1210GR, the ease of changing speeds, the adjustable feet for leveling the turntable, the removable headshell for ease in swapping out different cartridges for a different sound/mood, the adjustable tonearm height for ease in adjusting VTA, and the user-replaceable stylus on the 2M Black; for him, the Technics/Ortofon makes it faster and easier to do the things he wants to do with a turntable, and the small sacrifice in sound quality is a price he's more than willing to pay.
No affiliation but if your in New York there is a Rega P3 with NEO power supply and a Ortofon 2M Blue in Barter Town right now that fits your budget.
Kit Carson
Active Member
34dean $1,000 will get you a very good vintage table and Mr Pigs recommendation is excellent. I chose the same table the Denon DP-75 and never regretted the decision. With a good choice of plinth and tonearm anything new would be stretched well beyond its limits to compete at that price. Very popular in Japan the prices are very competitive. They also show up being sold in the USA and with luck you might find one with a VPI plinth and Acos tonearm like Mr Pig owned and is now on display in the VPI show room. If I remember correctly Mr Pigs evaluation was that the DP-75 edged out his Technics SP-10Mk2.
adnick
Addicted Member
Boy, $1000 spent on a vintage machine will still buy one heck of a table even today…can think of at least 5 I’d buy, several already mentioned, or have bought 
If you are capable of doing some minor maintenance and general refurbishing, you can end up with a table that performs many echelons above the initial investment.
Also have a DP 75, outstanding machine, can highly recommend one.
VR
Andy
If you are capable of doing some minor maintenance and general refurbishing, you can end up with a table that performs many echelons above the initial investment.
Also have a DP 75, outstanding machine, can highly recommend one.
VR
Andy
Get an ARXA max it out with mods and you’ll have a force to be reckoned with, with most anything under $2k . The only disadvantage would be VTA adjustment unless you have a totally different arm put on in which case would drive the drive the price up.The DP-75 Mister Pig is talking about is an excellent contender as well, I was fortunate enough to hear his and his Technics SP10/2 and the Denon was exceptional sounding.
Here’s mine
Audiofreak71
Here’s mine
Audiofreak71
Taketheflame
Super Member
I'd vote either a Thorens TD-125 (getting harder to find on a budget, but can still be done with patience/timing/luck), or one of the upper-range DD models from the usual suspect brands (Kenwood, Pioneer, Technics, etc.). Kenwood KD-500/550, KD-770, Pioneer PL-570, Technics SL-1200 are some units that come to mind. Maybe a Sony PS-2251 as another option? (could be thought of as a more affordable alternative to the Technics SP-10 from what I've read on them).
Blue Shadow
Waiting for Vintage Gear from this century
Vintage route has lots of table/arm/cartridge combos that are very nice today.
All that is needed is an armboard to mount a different arm on a table. I've got three different arms, multiples of one, four tables and have just finished making some armboards for the KD-600. I'll do some for the KD-500 soon enough.
All that is needed is an armboard to mount a different arm on a table. I've got three different arms, multiples of one, four tables and have just finished making some armboards for the KD-600. I'll do some for the KD-500 soon enough.
New: Technics SL-1200MK7 for $999 (you may even be able to get it for less if you call Guitar Center). This is a table onto which you could install your preferred cartridge, set it, and forget it. Just enjoy the music. The build quality likely won't *feel* quite as nice as a MK2, but I have no doubt that it will sound excellent. It doesn't have a hinged dust cover, in case that's important to you. For that, I would recommend the SL-100C from Amazon Germany, which comes to just over $1k shipped after the exchange rate.
Used: There are many options here, but you have to remember that condition is quite variable. Obvious cosmetic and functional issues aside, the older a turntable is, the more likely it will require servicing sooner than later. Many units from the 70's and 80's could potentially present issues at any moment, without at the very least being examined by a qualified tech.
It can be very fun to buy from Japan, as the used market there is far more extensive than here. Many models that are uncommon or were never sold in the US are plentiful there. Some Japanese sellers sell internationally on eBay; this gets you more buyer protection, but the prices are generally higher and the units not as nice cosmetically. If you become well-acquainted with Buyee or another proxy shipper, it is possible to find some really good deals on stuff through Yahoo Auctions. You can learn which sellers are bulk/junk (untested) audio sellers, which sell nice but unserviced items, and which sell serviced and/or mint items. Of course, you have to take into account shipping costs to the US, which can range from $150-400 depending on the unit in question. You also need a stepdown transformer for 100V units. If anyone has further questions regarding this process, I'd be happy to help.
I second Mister Pig's DP-75 recommendation, as well as the DP-80. Of course, aside from the DP-75M model, you would need a separate tonearm.
This seller frequently lists Kenwood KP-9010/KP-1100 turntables in excellent condition. The auctions tend to end around or under 90,000 JPY, or around $700. They go a bit overboard with packing, so shipping would be on the expensive side, but it should come to around $1k using Buyee:
https://buyee.jp/item/yahoo/auction/s1059301112
You could also likely find a used SL-1200MK2 for somewhere under $1k in the US from a fellow home user.
Used: There are many options here, but you have to remember that condition is quite variable. Obvious cosmetic and functional issues aside, the older a turntable is, the more likely it will require servicing sooner than later. Many units from the 70's and 80's could potentially present issues at any moment, without at the very least being examined by a qualified tech.
It can be very fun to buy from Japan, as the used market there is far more extensive than here. Many models that are uncommon or were never sold in the US are plentiful there. Some Japanese sellers sell internationally on eBay; this gets you more buyer protection, but the prices are generally higher and the units not as nice cosmetically. If you become well-acquainted with Buyee or another proxy shipper, it is possible to find some really good deals on stuff through Yahoo Auctions. You can learn which sellers are bulk/junk (untested) audio sellers, which sell nice but unserviced items, and which sell serviced and/or mint items. Of course, you have to take into account shipping costs to the US, which can range from $150-400 depending on the unit in question. You also need a stepdown transformer for 100V units. If anyone has further questions regarding this process, I'd be happy to help.
I second Mister Pig's DP-75 recommendation, as well as the DP-80. Of course, aside from the DP-75M model, you would need a separate tonearm.
This seller frequently lists Kenwood KP-9010/KP-1100 turntables in excellent condition. The auctions tend to end around or under 90,000 JPY, or around $700. They go a bit overboard with packing, so shipping would be on the expensive side, but it should come to around $1k using Buyee:
https://buyee.jp/item/yahoo/auction/s1059301112
You could also likely find a used SL-1200MK2 for somewhere under $1k in the US from a fellow home user.
Last edited:
