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best "budget" Turntables for a poor boy like me!
- Thread starter SixCats!
- Start date
Hi all,
4Play.....thanks for you're suggestions. I should of been more specific in my original post. At this point in time, I am (more or less) on a Recon mission trying to gather infomation for what is considered a good/solid Table in general. Once I gather that info, I then dig deeper into the "research" phase then.....after that come the "hunting" phase. I don't know if you read my (admittedly wordy) posts in this thread but, I've been a loooong time Audio guy. For instance, I have owned several models if Technics, Thorens and even one time had a brand new Linn LP-12. My current Technics SL-110 is having some "iffy" speed issues and I don't know how much longer it will continue to play. Due to lack of funds, I can no longer just go out and buy a new Table. As far as repairing the SL-110, I will have to find a Tech I can trust before I hand it over for repair. I very much appreciate the comments/suggestions made by AK'ers on older Turntables that are solid performers that have flown "under my Radar". Me being a "thrifty" guy (I have no choice) with information in hand, I can now start to scope out the Thrift Shops/Flea Markets in search of a Table with a much better understanding of what is considered a decent budget Table.
Thanks for your help.
Regards,
SixCats!
4Play.....thanks for you're suggestions. I should of been more specific in my original post. At this point in time, I am (more or less) on a Recon mission trying to gather infomation for what is considered a good/solid Table in general. Once I gather that info, I then dig deeper into the "research" phase then.....after that come the "hunting" phase. I don't know if you read my (admittedly wordy) posts in this thread but, I've been a loooong time Audio guy. For instance, I have owned several models if Technics, Thorens and even one time had a brand new Linn LP-12. My current Technics SL-110 is having some "iffy" speed issues and I don't know how much longer it will continue to play. Due to lack of funds, I can no longer just go out and buy a new Table. As far as repairing the SL-110, I will have to find a Tech I can trust before I hand it over for repair. I very much appreciate the comments/suggestions made by AK'ers on older Turntables that are solid performers that have flown "under my Radar". Me being a "thrifty" guy (I have no choice) with information in hand, I can now start to scope out the Thrift Shops/Flea Markets in search of a Table with a much better understanding of what is considered a decent budget Table.
Thanks for your help.
Regards,
SixCats!
I did read your post. But to answer your question, the Technics is the only one that comes to mind where you can find what you're looking for at any price range. The ones you mentioned in your post tend to be more pricey. Whenever someone says they are on limited budget or don't have a lot of money to spend on a table, Technics is usually the one that comes to mind. However GW, SA, and Flea Markets do not apply.
Cylontymany
Super Member
Technics SL-23
Back in 76 throwing the pasadena star news all I could afford was my budget technics SL-23 belt drive turntable with a stock Shure M91ED. To me this set up sounded great and you cant go wrong with Technics!
Back in 76 throwing the pasadena star news all I could afford was my budget technics SL-23 belt drive turntable with a stock Shure M91ED. To me this set up sounded great and you cant go wrong with Technics!
drknstrmyknight
Addicted Member
bangsezmax
Turntable Whisperer
Mostly the latter. But I don't think those (specifically the CEC-sourced units) are very well-designed tables either. The tonearms are decent, but the drive systems are a real problem.
Even the cheapest belt drive Technics ever made has better W&F specs compared to a CEC-sourced table. And you can adjust the pitch!
With those CEC tables, it can be quite difficult to get the table dead on pitch. You must have the exact right belt. And I keep spare motor spindles from donor CEC units because even though the motors are (theoretically) all the same, the spindles have some slight variations. I use these spares to my advantage when trying to get a unit on pitch, but I shouldn't have to.
There are also issues with the platter spindles freezing up on the CECs. Not a difficult fix, but I don't deal with many other units that do this.
The lightweight platters themselves create issues with pitch. The Thorens 160/165 and AR tables can get away with essentially the same drive system because their heavier platters smooth out a lot of pitch instabilities that might otherwise crop up (they also have better motors).
The bottom line is -- for me -- I can hear pitch issues on a CEC table, and I just can't enjoy a record when I'm hearing pitch issues. It's also why I don't like most entry-level new belt-drive tables, but that's a subject I've ranted about elsewhere.
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If the SL-110 is the model I think it is that is one nice deck! What arm is on it?
If you're having speed issues on it maybe it is a matter of some dirty speed pots? It isn't a quartz lock model, right? Give them a good clean before you get too worried maybe. The other obvious thing would be bearing lube.
If you've done these already my apologies for suggesting it. I suppose a re-capping of the board might be a possibility as well, but given accumulated experience dirty pots are really common and cause the sort of issues you describe.
If you like what you have I'd think a good inexpensive back-up would be something from the Technics SL-D_ lineup. The D1 is manual, the D2 auto-return and the D3 fully automatic. A back-up never hurts!
Hi all,
Fid.....yes indeed. The SL-110 is a VERY nice table which I didn't even know existed. I once owned a new SL-1300 waaay back in 1975. Believe it or not, I scored my Technics SL-110 (with a SME 3009 S/2 Improved Arm) at a FLEA MARKET for.....$100.00 cash! This was almost five years ago.
I have zero intentions of giving up the SL-110 however, I suspect it may need to be seen/repaired by a Tech in the future. I did infact De-oxit the controls and Oiled the bearing which DID improve the performance.
I think I will AGAIN De-oxit the switches as I think that is where the problems exist. I have been "hand spinning" (a little) the Platter when hitting the START button which seems to help. Once a bit warmed up, the speed is steady. I'm hoping the SL-110 hangs in for some time. I am however trying my best to find a decent (as recommended by AK'ers) solid, budget Turntable. I may have to do some "Horse Trading" to acquire what I want as I lack funds for most any Turntabe at this time.
Regards,
SixCats!
Fid.....yes indeed. The SL-110 is a VERY nice table which I didn't even know existed. I once owned a new SL-1300 waaay back in 1975. Believe it or not, I scored my Technics SL-110 (with a SME 3009 S/2 Improved Arm) at a FLEA MARKET for.....$100.00 cash! This was almost five years ago.
I have zero intentions of giving up the SL-110 however, I suspect it may need to be seen/repaired by a Tech in the future. I did infact De-oxit the controls and Oiled the bearing which DID improve the performance.
I think I will AGAIN De-oxit the switches as I think that is where the problems exist. I have been "hand spinning" (a little) the Platter when hitting the START button which seems to help. Once a bit warmed up, the speed is steady. I'm hoping the SL-110 hangs in for some time. I am however trying my best to find a decent (as recommended by AK'ers) solid, budget Turntable. I may have to do some "Horse Trading" to acquire what I want as I lack funds for most any Turntabe at this time.
Regards,
SixCats!
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melofelo
Addicted Member
+1..
Ditto ..the earlier PL12D and even the less common PL12.
These can surprise you when equipped with a decent budget cartridge like the at-95e or at-110e
Hi Mel,
Thanks for you suggestion. It appears that several early Pioneer Tables have quite a strong following. In fact, I recently saw a very nice condition Pioneer SL-10 for sale. The asking price is $185.00 The SL-10 appears to be a nice basic Table but.....I think $185.00 is still a bit steep for a vintage TT that sold new for about one hundred dollars. Then again, perhaps not. I must confess that I don't know a lot about old Pioneer Tables. Truthfully, I rather hold out and try to find a nice older Thorens TD-160 or TD-160 Super (something that can be modified). Of course I'll have to "Pony up" something of value to swap for said Table. At any rate, as long as my current Technics SL-110 keeps running, the more time I'll have to NOT make a impulse buy.
Regards,
SixCats!
Thanks for you suggestion. It appears that several early Pioneer Tables have quite a strong following. In fact, I recently saw a very nice condition Pioneer SL-10 for sale. The asking price is $185.00 The SL-10 appears to be a nice basic Table but.....I think $185.00 is still a bit steep for a vintage TT that sold new for about one hundred dollars. Then again, perhaps not. I must confess that I don't know a lot about old Pioneer Tables. Truthfully, I rather hold out and try to find a nice older Thorens TD-160 or TD-160 Super (something that can be modified). Of course I'll have to "Pony up" something of value to swap for said Table. At any rate, as long as my current Technics SL-110 keeps running, the more time I'll have to NOT make a impulse buy.
Regards,
SixCats!
audiomagnate
Addicted Member
Pioneer PL-7 or better yet PL-9. They go really cheap and sound excellent.
Hi all,
One of the posters asked me to post a pix of my current Turntable the Technics SL-110 (which as of today Saturday the 30th. the last day of November 2013) appears to once again be running beautifully!
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=140631&d=1236622246
I will continue looking for a budget "back up" Turntable, especially now that I will have more time and less pressure to find a good deal. I very much appreciate all the help/suggestions from AK'ers.
Regards,
SixCats!
One of the posters asked me to post a pix of my current Turntable the Technics SL-110 (which as of today Saturday the 30th. the last day of November 2013) appears to once again be running beautifully!
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=140631&d=1236622246
I will continue looking for a budget "back up" Turntable, especially now that I will have more time and less pressure to find a good deal. I very much appreciate all the help/suggestions from AK'ers.
Regards,
SixCats!
jleon92f
Addicted Member
Attachments
Hi Jleon,
Awesome pix of those two beauties. The Turntable pixs look nice as well.
Seriously.....the Pioneer LP-112D looks like a well made/solid platform. I saw what looks to be a very nice condition Pioneer SL-10 last week. How might that compare with the LP-112D ? I think I read the SL-10 was good but sorta middle of the road for Pioneer ?
Regards,
SixCats!
Awesome pix of those two beauties. The Turntable pixs look nice as well.
Seriously.....the Pioneer LP-112D looks like a well made/solid platform. I saw what looks to be a very nice condition Pioneer SL-10 last week. How might that compare with the LP-112D ? I think I read the SL-10 was good but sorta middle of the road for Pioneer ?
Regards,
SixCats!
Mad Mark
Active Member
i have a 518 that was up in the rafters of my garage for 20 years. works great! didnt do anything except wipe dirt off of it. only problem with these is the feet disintegrate and fall of, mine is on spray paint caps right now.
you should be able to find a technics of some kind at a goodwill or thrift store for cheap, like 40 bucks cheap, i find them where i live often. they may be beat up and need headshells/carts though.
Dandy
Addicted Member
SixCats if you keep your eyes open you should find a nice backup tt.
When you get it, I still suggest that you take a look under the hood of your SL110. Check out the circuit boards and look at the number of caps there. I think it will only cost you a few $$ to replace the caps with a steady hand and a good soldering iron.
You could even practice your recapping skills on a cheaper Technics. And you might find a really nice backup deck. They are out there.
When you get it, I still suggest that you take a look under the hood of your SL110. Check out the circuit boards and look at the number of caps there. I think it will only cost you a few $$ to replace the caps with a steady hand and a good soldering iron.
You could even practice your recapping skills on a cheaper Technics. And you might find a really nice backup deck. They are out there.
Hi Dandy,
Yes indeed Sir. I will take my time and hopefully find another one of SixCats! famous deals now that I'm back in the game. I will also look into your suggestion regarding my SL-110's CAPS. No doubt the CAPS will have to be looked into/replaced at some point. That being said (at this point) I'm not going to mess with the Turntable as long as it continues working (and working quite good) unless/until a problem should arise. Hopefully, the SL-110 will continue to perform like a champ for some time as it will buy me more time (to save money) and find a "back up" Turntable that is a SOLID performer such as a older Pioneer, Thorens, AR, Dual, Technics, etc.
Perhaps there is a Thorens TD-124, REK-O-KUT, EMT, Garrard 301, etc. with my name on it at the Flea Market/Thrift Shop/Estate Sale! Hey, it could happen! Thanks Dandy.
Regards,
SixCats!
Yes indeed Sir. I will take my time and hopefully find another one of SixCats! famous deals now that I'm back in the game. I will also look into your suggestion regarding my SL-110's CAPS. No doubt the CAPS will have to be looked into/replaced at some point. That being said (at this point) I'm not going to mess with the Turntable as long as it continues working (and working quite good) unless/until a problem should arise. Hopefully, the SL-110 will continue to perform like a champ for some time as it will buy me more time (to save money) and find a "back up" Turntable that is a SOLID performer such as a older Pioneer, Thorens, AR, Dual, Technics, etc.
Perhaps there is a Thorens TD-124, REK-O-KUT, EMT, Garrard 301, etc. with my name on it at the Flea Market/Thrift Shop/Estate Sale! Hey, it could happen! Thanks Dandy.
Regards,
SixCats!
I can say that my first turntable was a kenwood KD-5077. came with a Pickering XSV-3000 cartridge. worked great till i "fixed" the speed pots with deoxit. just replaced the pots, and have it playing now. paid $50 bucks for it off craigslist. I also got a Kenwood KE-2000. came with a Pickering P/AT-1 Cartridge. Semi auto table. also plays beautifully. 25 bucks with a crate of records, of which i sold 3 and made 75 bucks. So if i were you, watch craigslist for vintage players, and get one for cheap. Both of mine work flawlessly. I also just scored a Dual 1229Q for $15 bucks. came with an as of yet unidentified micro-acoustics cartridge. needs some time and attention, but for 15 bucks i couldnt pass it up. the KD-2000 might be sold if i can pick up this KD-2055 for cheap that i just found. Anyway, good luck on your search!!