• 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

$200 Turntable recommendations

HeyJB

HeyJB

Active Member
Hey all... I've been a casual vinyl listener for a few years and am looking to upgrade to a "real" turntable. I currently have an Audio Technica PL50, and it's been serviceable for me but I'd like to make a jump into something that will give a noticeable improvement in audio quality.

I have roughly a $200 budget so I am not expecting the world (but of course, cheaper is better). Locally there is a relatively small craigslist market. There is a Technics SL-Q5 for $50 and SL-B1 for $60 both supposedly working well... am I right in my research that the SQ-L5 is a better table? Are either of these even worth an upgrade from what I have?

And lastly, I'm looking for recommendations of what to look for in my price range
 
Register to hide this ad
Either would be decent for the price as long as they are, in fact, working well and in nice condition.

If you want a new table there's always the $200 U-turn Orbit.
 
Joshewah said:
Either would be decent for the price as long as they are, in fact, working well and in nice condition.

If you want a new table there's always the $200 U-turn Orbit.
Click to expand...

Either a nice vintage in good working order, or a new Uturn Orbit. Anything else new in that price range wont be an improvement over your AT.
 
Loads to choose from. As long as they are in good working condition or you can fix them. I am lucky I can work on them. Direct drives are easiest to start with. Here's my short list of direct drives:

Technics SL D1, manual
Technics SL D2 semi automatic
Technics SL D3 automatic
Pioneer PL 510 manual

Belt drives:

Technics SL B1,B2, or B3
Pioneer PL12D

I am married to Duals, as many know here. They are what I started with and looks like I will end with. They are rim or idler drive. The models I like are full automatic. You can run them manual or hit the start button and the arm will go to the record. At the end go the record it will return to the post and shut off. Great for me when I end my day listening to a record and fall asleep! The most popular are then 1200 series but there are some 1000 series I like. You can also stack records, and play 78s too. My short list is:

Dual 1219
Dual 1229 both have heavy 12 in platters,the 1229 adds strobe light to help you set its speed. Both above have speed controls. Once set, I have not touched it. Speed is dead on. I am lucky and can fix most problems on them. Once set up, they are very reliable, sound great.
Dual 1009, their first automatic turntable. Built like a tank. Lacks a cue and anti skate. Since getting one for parts, that I decided to fix, I have always had one on hand. Fix a half dozen for friends. They sound great.
Dual 1009SK. Little nicer arm and has anti skate and a cue.
Dual 1019, like above adds a speed control. These have a ten inch platters.
Miracord 50H or 760. 12 platter, built like a tank,automatic

Hope this helps. Over the years, I have owned these turntables. Have had many versions of above and come back to them. Good luck in your search!

Eric
 
I know what u realy want : a turntable that always fetch 200 max : here it goes been there !!
Akai ap-004 is quite a catch for 100 $ with a good stylus vintage like orthophon m 20e and i liked that a lot
A old jvc any could leave u anought $ to buy some reccords
 
Every once in a while a Pro-Ject Debut turntable comes up on Ebay for your budget. For the money, it's hard to beat.
 
Technics SL1500 not the MKII It's a nice entry level table. easy to work on and can be made to sound really good with a couple of tweaks.....................
The reason I made reference to the MKII is it's a nice table as well but they all have the broken cuing.
 
+1 on the Orbit. You can also find Pro-ject Elemental for around $250. I've not has personal experience on the Elemental but came across a few on Amazon.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom