Crosley spinnerette

[beat_truck]

You can buy used Technics tables all day on Craigslist for a couple of hundred dollars (or less) and they will play just fine. I'd stay away from Thorens, Linn, Dual, and pretty much anything like that until I had a bit more experience. They can be finicky and will likely require some work to be usable. Japanese direct drive tables are the epitome of reliability. JVC, Kenwood, Pioneer, Sansui, and others all made tables that are still perfectly serviceable today and will likely outlast a new one.

If we knew your location there may be more help available...

Agreed.

And if you watch CL like a hawk, great deals pop up sometimes. I've bought several respectable 'tables for cheap, that needed little to no work aside from stylus replacements. I got a VERY nice Technics SL1300 and Pioneer PL550 from the same seller for $100 for the pair. I also picked up a near mint Technics SL D202 for $60.

 

[maxhifi]

Are you sure they're not just being assembled in Germany? Because most of those Dual units are similar (if not identical) to other models from PRC... Otherwise, I absolutely agree. China or not, I love my AT-LP120 & wouldn't change it for anything!

Edit...

Well, there's a big "Made in Germany" written on the front of the ones I have seen in the store. (the nicer ones, not that model)

Making this claim has certain legal implications, but only Dual knows how they meet it. In any case they do look like good value.

 

[UncleBingo]

AFAIK, all the new models of Dual, Thorens, Denon & other popular brands are nowdays made in China. In fact, everything's made in China lol. So, unless you're willing to go old-school like @majick47 suggested or pay a LOT of money on a high quality turntable you're stuck with China products. But keep in mind that if you DO buy old-school table, you will need a dedicated preamp, in order to hook it up to a computer or powered speakers. That is, unless you have a very old amplifier with "phono" input.

Last I heard was that the Thorens were made in the old Dual factory in Germany. Not China.

 

[Trekkie4]

You're right apparently. I did a small research & as it turns out, all the Thorens units, even budget ones are made (assembled?) in Germany. So there you have it @Jason!978 - one (if not the only?) remaining brand that's not made in PRC.

 

[majick47]

Trekkie4 I'm not going to flame you but the situation here in the USA is likely very different than in Europe. Back in the 1970s-1980s multi millions of Japanese tables were imported into the US and a good number are still in the hands of the original owners who have retired and are downsizing making these tables available for second owners. One should pick out a table that is in full functioning condition from an owner that took good care of it and pass on any basket cases that were mistreated by immature individuals.

 

[UncleBingo]

You're right apparently. I did a small research & as it turns out, all the Thorens units, even budget ones are made (assembled?) in Germany. So there you have it @Jason!978 - one (if not the only?) remaining brand that's not made in PRC.

Supposedly the Shinola and U-turn are made here in the states.

 

[antv20]

Highly recommend barter town. I bought a nice Technics that Leesonic had went through. Think I paid around $300 or so for it. Well worth the money and it has been my daily driver since.

 

[Jason!978]

I'm going to keep an eye out for a good used turntable I am very disappointed in the new stuff I bought and I'm not dying to have a turntable in 2 days but I'd like to find something hopefully in 3 months if possible. I want to buy locally ordering through the mail is very risky on a used turntable I feel.

 

[majick47]

Jason wise move, instant gratification from Amazon hasn't proven to be very satisfying, purchasing locally will both save on the cost of shipping which isn't cheap if done properly and also eliminate any chance of damage. Three months should be adequate time to find a competent fully functional table on Craigslist at a price you are willing to pay. If you see something really good priced right don't hesitate to check it out right away that day. Also it doesn't hurt to ask the seller what else do you have for sale, might be an equally good receiver and speakers at a bargain price.