I'm looking to buy a turntable (Vintage or New) that's at least under $500 (preferably closer to $400). I've been recommended the "Rega P1," "Sumiko Pro-Ject Debut III," "Music Hall mmf 2.1," and the "Pioneer PL-10." Any input, opinions, recommendations, or help of any kind would be much appreciated. Thanks
Best Turntable Under $500?
- Thread starter Garrett.H
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Flammaster
DrumCorpsZappaFreak
Out of those that you mention I would pick the Music Hall.
I picked up an Empire 598 for a little less than $500 and a Thorens TD-160 for $250.
goldwax
dozy ming-mong
This has got to be the best value at this price point. (I paid $200 for mine a year and a half ago. I also got a slightly lesser TD 165 for $100 in November, but the post office LOST IT!)
Balifly
Listening
The vaunted Technics SL-1200MKII is $10.26 over the $500.00 limit.:sigh:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00006I5VX/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new
TJLitt
Super Member
If you can find one of the 70's era Pioneer's, and are willing to maybe do a little sprucing up, you will be far under budget, leaving more money for either music, or a cartridge upgrade. I'm out,maybe, $300 on the PL-41, and wouldn't trade it for either the Rega, Pro-ject or Music Hall you listed(and, yes, I've heard all of them). No experience with the PL-10, but suspect it would prove the best of the lot.
Having said this, everyone has different ears, tastes and priorities in their equipment. The recommended Technics is a dependable item, I just think that it would sail over your stated limits with a decent cartridge.
Having said this, everyone has different ears, tastes and priorities in their equipment. The recommended Technics is a dependable item, I just think that it would sail over your stated limits with a decent cartridge.
dave b
Well-Known Member
I happen to have the Pro Jet III gloss black Ortofon om5e gorgeous looking..., sounds well too;within budget. I also have a used Technics 1200 (off someone's garbage) absolute brand new minus a cartridge) with a Shure M44 G, somehow fantastic, hard to say no to this one....... vintage Dual ,contact Bohhey here at Audiokarma threads no worries then, and then go buy some vinyl later dave b
BULLWINKLE
Super Member
Contact Dave at Vinylnirvana.com. He might have a well restored Thorens in your price range.
Bob_in_OKC
Addicted Member
If you want the Music Hall, get the 2.2, rather than the 2.1. Their entry-level turntable now has a better arm.
Mister Pig
Pigamus Maximus
I Would Go To the Used Market
and wait patiently for either a Sytsemdeck or an Ariston. The Systemdeck IIXE can usually be had for $350 or under. The stock Profile arm is quite decent, and you have some extra bucks to throw at a cartridge or record cleaning system.
The Ariston is a high quality table, that often floats under the radar of well heeled audiophiles. They will assent to the abilities of the Ariston, and then buy something more expensive. Often you can get a good tone arm with the Ariston at the 500 price point. But be johnny on the spot, and snap it up whenever it appears.
from time to time I also see a Conrad Johnson Sonegraphe come up, and thats a nice table too. One worth considering, and should be below your price ceiling.
Regards
Mister Pig
and wait patiently for either a Sytsemdeck or an Ariston. The Systemdeck IIXE can usually be had for $350 or under. The stock Profile arm is quite decent, and you have some extra bucks to throw at a cartridge or record cleaning system.
The Ariston is a high quality table, that often floats under the radar of well heeled audiophiles. They will assent to the abilities of the Ariston, and then buy something more expensive. Often you can get a good tone arm with the Ariston at the 500 price point. But be johnny on the spot, and snap it up whenever it appears.
from time to time I also see a Conrad Johnson Sonegraphe come up, and thats a nice table too. One worth considering, and should be below your price ceiling.
Regards
Mister Pig
PR Audio
Super Member
I recently bought an MMF-2.2 for my brother, very nice TT with very good sound. I have a modern Rega P2, the last year with RB250, and absolutely love it. If you want one, PM me, and will tell you where I found the very best price; from and authorized dealer with B&M store, way under list.
MuthaFunk
Vinyl Addict
If you don't mind the vintage looks the Systemdek IIX is a true audiophile bargin turntable. Some have a few minor issues in the used market such as a worn resistor on the board but as a whole, I feel you can't beat it for sonics at the sub $400 price point. That still leaves you with some cash for a nice cartridge too.
Edit* I have a VPI and an Oracle turntable in my main listening area and the Systemdek IIX is well within the same class sonicly IMO. It's not better than either the Oracle or the VPI but it's very close.
Edit* I have a VPI and an Oracle turntable in my main listening area and the Systemdek IIX is well within the same class sonicly IMO. It's not better than either the Oracle or the VPI but it's very close.
Used Systemdek
I just snagged a IIX900 for $375 on epay. it had the acrylic platter, was that standard on the IIX900? I have heard great things about this deck and am looking forward to hearing it for myself.
if anyone knows where to find a proper dustcover, please send me a pm. Thanks.
I just snagged a IIX900 for $375 on epay. it had the acrylic platter, was that standard on the IIX900? I have heard great things about this deck and am looking forward to hearing it for myself.
if anyone knows where to find a proper dustcover, please send me a pm. Thanks.
thedelihaus
Nocturnal transmissions
New or used?
Used gets you into the realm of wonderful tables- Systemdek, Rega P3, AR XA and XB, Thorens TD 160 and 125, and plenty of great Japanese direct drives- JVC QL-7, Kenwood 750, Sansui 838 and 929, Sony PS-8750, etc.
These can be had ranging as of late typically $200-$500.
New?
The value here is the venerable Technics SL-1200.
After that, you need to go to at least $650-$750 I feel to start competing.
Granted, the Rega RB 250 and RB 300 arms are a classic and strong performer, and I think the Music Hall arm is pretty nifty as well as the Pro-Ject arms.
You just need to move a bit up the model numbers, in my opinion, to get you true money's worth and a level of quality that becomes serious.
Good shopping could net you a new Technics for less than $500 (this past summer they were as low as $350) or a host of great lightly used tables from Rega, Systemdek, Pro-Ject, and more, over at Audiogon.
Used gets you into the realm of wonderful tables- Systemdek, Rega P3, AR XA and XB, Thorens TD 160 and 125, and plenty of great Japanese direct drives- JVC QL-7, Kenwood 750, Sansui 838 and 929, Sony PS-8750, etc.
These can be had ranging as of late typically $200-$500.
New?
The value here is the venerable Technics SL-1200.
After that, you need to go to at least $650-$750 I feel to start competing.
Granted, the Rega RB 250 and RB 300 arms are a classic and strong performer, and I think the Music Hall arm is pretty nifty as well as the Pro-Ject arms.
You just need to move a bit up the model numbers, in my opinion, to get you true money's worth and a level of quality that becomes serious.
Good shopping could net you a new Technics for less than $500 (this past summer they were as low as $350) or a host of great lightly used tables from Rega, Systemdek, Pro-Ject, and more, over at Audiogon.
In that price range, I'd look at either a new Technics SL-1200 or vintage as others have suggested. With persistance and constant searching, you can find some excellent deals.
As an example, I picked up a Kenwood KD-3070 with Ortofon OM-30 in perfect condition (sans dustcover) for ten bucks at a flea market about a year ago.
As an example, I picked up a Kenwood KD-3070 with Ortofon OM-30 in perfect condition (sans dustcover) for ten bucks at a flea market about a year ago.
vinylkid58
Super Member
Is that the black one with the RB250 arm? That was a really good deal with that arm. Shame it doesn't have the outboard motor controller, which really takes this deck to the next level.
Jeff
yep. i couldnt pass it up. i was very happy to get it. is the project speedbox se a sound investment in your opinion?
i was looking at new myself until i did some research and really got the itch for a systemdek.
Where are you located?
I may be able to help. A lot of good choices here. if you go vintage you can get some really good stuff. I like vintage Duals and Thorens. If I were to get new, the Technics 1200 is tomorrows classic. If I were to go Pioneer, the PL10 was their base model, go for a higher model. Used to have a PL 510, It was a direct drive. Decent. If you are in the NY area you are welcome to stop by. I can show you a range of Duals and a Thorens. It will show you a range of quality. Good luck in your search.
Eric
I may be able to help. A lot of good choices here. if you go vintage you can get some really good stuff. I like vintage Duals and Thorens. If I were to get new, the Technics 1200 is tomorrows classic. If I were to go Pioneer, the PL10 was their base model, go for a higher model. Used to have a PL 510, It was a direct drive. Decent. If you are in the NY area you are welcome to stop by. I can show you a range of Duals and a Thorens. It will show you a range of quality. Good luck in your search.
Eric