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Best vintage turntable under 600 usd with auto stop?

T

TrevorBarten

Well-Known Member
I recently had to sell my ps-x75 and while I am looking for a different one where I live they are really hard to find. So I was wondering what a good option would be for use in the mean time. It needs to have an auto stop and I would prefer if it was not a mechanical mechanism. Extra points if it was full auto. Any tips?
 
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I'd look out for something like a Technics SL-1400 mk2 or SL-1700 mk2. Photosensors used on both so the auto stop has no mechanical interference with operation.
 
muchachos said:
I'd look out for something like a Technics SL-1400 mk2 or SL-1700 mk2. Photosensors used on both so the auto stop has no mechanical interference with operation.
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I have had to replace the cueing mechanism on a 1400 mk2 before and that was a real pain, had to drill out some of the screws because they where fully stuck and had to readjust the amount of dampening fluid for the lastic piece like a million times. I did think it was a very nice deck though. Really heavy.
 
TrevorBarten said:
I have had to replace the cueing mechanism on a 1400 mk2 before and that was a real pain, had to drill out some of the screws because they where fully stuck and had to readjust the amount of dampening fluid for the lastic piece like a million times. I did think it was a very nice deck though. Really heavy.
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Should have mentioned it's good to get one of these AFTER the fix is in! The quartz lock and electronic controls are lovely on these. Mine wasn't that bad to fix, but I had no issues with screws being dethreaded. There's an SL-1300 mk1 on a local classified site for $200 right now - something along those lines would fit the bill.
 
TrevorBarten said:
I recently had to sell my ps-x75 and while I am looking for a different one where I live they are really hard to find. So I was wondering what a good option would be for use in the mean time. It needs to have an auto stop and I would prefer if it was not a mechanical mechanism. Extra points if it was full auto. Any tips?
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Get a Technics SL-1300 or SL-1600 in top condition and be done with it. Mechanical mechanism but much better built, more reliable, than any Sony. Full Auto and superb. Technics SL-1700 the semi auto version.
 
KentTeffeteller said:
Get a Technics SL-1300 or SL-1600 in top condition and be done with it. Mechanical mechanism but much better built, more reliable, than any Sony. Full Auto and superb. Technics SL-1700 the semi auto version.
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I would argue that some of the more professional sony direct drives from the late 1970 are more reliable but I get your point. The biotracer series is indeed very demanding in terms of service and are not all that reliable but they are fantastic players. I have worked on and even used quite a few technics players from the 1x00 and 1x10 series and have liked them but they also aren't all that easy when it comes to servicing either, especially the automatic ones or the ones with auto return. Considering my budget I would rather buy an sl 1400 mk2 as mentioned earlier in this thread but chances are I would have to replace the plastic piece for the cueing mechanism which I'd rather not do unless I can get one really cheap. And chances are a serviced one would be more than the +- I'd be looking to spend. I would also need to keep an eye on resellability.
 
TrevorBarten said:
I would argue that some of the more professional sony direct drives from the late 1970 are more reliable but I get your point. The biotracer series is indeed very demanding in terms of service and are not all that reliable but they are fantastic players. I have worked on and even used quite a few technics players from the 1x00 and 1x10 series and have liked them but they also aren't all that easy when it comes to servicing either, especially the automatic ones or the ones with auto return. Considering my budget I would rather buy an sl 1400 mk2 as mentioned earlier in this thread but chances are I would have to replace the plastic piece for the cueing mechanism which I'd rather not do unless I can get one really cheap. And chances are a serviced one would be more than the +- I'd be looking to spend. I would also need to keep an eye on resellability.
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TrevorBarten,

Technics was THE professional direct drive turntable manufacturer. In AM/FM broadcasting, discos, and in recording studios, mastering studios, and in record manufacturing plants, record label A&R departments. Sony made 2-3 turntables which were of that standard in their whole history. The SP-10 Mk II motor also was the drive system used in many Neumann lathes which cut the records we all love. Consider these thoughts. The Sony DD motor is far less robust than the Technics motor is, and the classic Technics motor is maintainable, and designed to be repaired and maintained. Just pointing out some things.

All of my tough records with unusually short space between last of the music and the trail out will play reliably on Technics automatics in good condition and automatic return work reliably. Big Sony problem, the grease on them often turns to gum and not unusual to see them turn to cement in the Southern climates. Same automatic parts fail, same common weak points. Professionals use Manual Turntables by the way. So my definition of professional and yours are quite different.

Technics, the turntables Classical Radio Stations use, and Discos Abuse.
 
Quite a few JVC’s and Denon’s could also be worthwhile, though I personally avoid the computer controlled arms.
Just restored a ITT HIFI 8015 that meets your specifications, but that would be a bit of a step down from the PS-X75 (l have the PS-X50 for comparison)
 
I have a Technics SL-1700 Mk2 and I love it. I used to have a SL-D2 and an SL-B2. The D2 was much better than the B2. The 1700 mk2 is much more complex than the D2.
 
Jens Sinding said:
Quite a few JVC’s and Denon’s could also be worthwhile, though I personally avoid the computer controlled arms.
Just restored a ITT HIFI 8015 that meets your specifications, but that would be a bit of a step down from the PS-X75 (l have the PS-X50 for comparison)
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Isn't itt the oem manufacturer for the cheaper micro seiki turntables? I had a budget itt turntable before and was pleasantly surprised with how nice it was. Pretty sure it was the model you mention except not quartz locked. Though with my current budget I would think it's a shame to buy something that would only fill 1/6th of it.
 
Try a Technics SL-7 fully auto, close lid and press a button, machine takes care of everything. Also quartz locked.
 
I have a recently purchased Denon DP-30L. Not fully automatic, but it drops the needle when you hit the speed button and lifts at the end of the record and shuts off. Took it apart to lube and clean it when I first got it and was impressed with the engineering that went into it. Mine is the model with the S arm which is said to be the better version. Put an audio technica 540 cart on it. It's quiet, excellent sound. Gets many good reviews

Also picked up a Pioneer PL-5. This table also gets good reviews, but the Denon is a much better table. Especially from an engineering standpoint. The Denon is just a much better thought out table. You can find either one of these series of tables for not much money
 
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