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First Turntable Recommendation in The Netherlands

H

homeslicerK

New Member
hi,

I have an order of a AT-LP60XUSB that's not shipped yet, but now I've come across some information telling me that it might not have been a purchase that is wise.
By chance I have found on a forum called Reddit that this is not a quality turntable and that older turntables like Pioneer are better with, necessary needle replacements. I have now found that I have access to such older turntables in my country, brands like pioneer. but I was wondering if anyone has advice on which route I should pursue, before the matter of the AT-LP60XUSB order is settled. The payment would soon follow.

The budget is 300 euros.
 
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sorry, the budget is 300 euros. The thread has been edited to include this.

I will research the availability of that model, per consultation
 
I'll make a first comment. The ATLP60 is a very affordable new turntable that is considered decent-sounding and serviceable, especially for newcomers or casual listeners. If you have a real interest in getting into listening to records I would recommend something more substantial that will likely sound better. The ATLP60 is perfect for someone who listens just a little or is very limited on their budget, in my opinion.

If you are inclined and motivated, then yes an older model like many of the Pioneers will be better than the ATLP60, but with old machines there are maintenance and functional concerns that may need to be ironed out to make them sound good and work well.
 
If I wish not that the worry of maintenance enters my subconscious but still opt for higher quality, should I still choose the Audia Technica brand? I have no attachment to this brand. Widely available locally is Pro-Ject Debut III.
 
Is there an Audio Technica model, other than the ATLP60, that you can get in your market for your 300 Euro budget? Which one(s)?

While I haven't owned a Pro-ject, they are very popular and sell models in a large range of prices. I would consider the Debut III to be superior to the ATLP60, but without the automatic functions.

If you'd decide you want a new turntable with warranty, and are in Europe, Pro-ject and Rega are the biggest sellers there I believe. Have you looked at the price of a new Rega Planar 1 where you are?
 
The AT-LP60X is a fine beginner turntable and a very popular choice. It is a significant improvement over the original LP60 which was discontinued in 2019. A lot of the criticisms of it are outdated information based on the original LP60, or are simply out of touch with its market segment. For example, the people complaining that you can't upgrade the cartridge on it, when even if it did have an upgradeable phono cartridge, those same people would turn around and say that it's not worth upgrading the cartridge on a $100 beginner turntable anyway!

The next step up in Audio-Technica's turntable line is the AT-LP3, which is based on the same automatic mechanism as the LP60X except it has a fully adjustable tonearm, and a standard half-inch-mount phono cartridge that can be replaced with a better one. Its built-in pre-amp also supports moving coil cartridges, although I don't know why anyone would want to put an MC cartridge on it. The AT-LP3 sells for around 240€.
 
If you can stretch the budget a bit you may wanna check out the
Audio Technica AT-LP5x.

It's been praised in a couple of reviews and comes with the good vm-95 cartridge which easily can be upgraded with better stylus if desired.
 
I agree that the AT-LP60 is probably not a wise choice if you want to listen to records seriously and perhaps have the option of upgrading the cartridge in the future. The next step-up is the AT-LP3 (also look out for the similar AT-LP2x) and the next one up is the AT-LP5 or newer LP5x. These turntables get good reviews from What Hi-Fi. There is also the AT-LP120, which is modelled on the Technics SL-1200 with some DJ features.

The Pro-ject turntables are popular purchases but I would be apprehensive in that I've seen too many complaints about them. If you want to upgrade the cartridge in the future, this also won't be as easy on a Pro-ject arm with fixed headshell as on an arm with detachable headshell (like on the AT-LP3 updwards).

The Fluance turntables are quite popular and attractive - the RT81 and RT82 might be within budget, although I don't know about their availability in continental Europe. Also look at the Dual DT-400 and DT-500 - I have the latter in my 'home office' and it is a nice turntable.

There is also the vintage route, but I wouldn't really advise this unless you are happy to get your hands dirty and do at least some maintenance. The Pioneer PL12D was a very popular turntable in the 1970s and is easy to find - at least in the UK, but I don't know about The Netherlands.
 
At this price point I'd also recommend a rega P2 even the P3. Their tonearms are better than most turntable's arms at this price, and this will allow the cartridge to perform its best, even if it is a quite expensive one in the future.
 
DavidTT said:
Is there an Audio Technica model, other than the ATLP60, that you can get in your market for your 300 Euro budget? Which one(s)?

While I haven't owned a Pro-ject, they are very popular and sell models in a large range of prices. I would consider the Debut III to be superior to the ATLP60, but without the automatic functions.

If you'd decide you want a new turntable with warranty, and are in Europe, Pro-ject and Rega are the biggest sellers there I believe. Have you looked at the price of a new Rega Planar 1 where you are?
Click to expand...

Found ATLP3 for 250 euro, ATLP120X+USB for 280 and LPW30TK for 300.

Planar 1 is 360 new, but I was able to find second hand for 290~. RP1 is 269

vwestlife said:
The AT-LP60X is a fine beginner turntable and a very popular choice. It is a significant improvement over the original LP60 which was discontinued in 2019. A lot of the criticisms of it are outdated information based on the original LP60, or are simply out of touch with its market segment. For example, the people complaining that you can't upgrade the cartridge on it, when even if it did have an upgradeable phono cartridge, those same people would turn around and say that it's not worth upgrading the cartridge on a $100 beginner turntable anyway!

The next step up in Audio-Technica's turntable line is the AT-LP3, which is based on the same automatic mechanism as the LP60X except it has a fully adjustable tonearm, and a standard half-inch-mount phono cartridge that can be replaced with a better one. Its built-in pre-amp also supports moving coil cartridges, although I don't know why anyone would want to put an MC cartridge on it. The AT-LP3 sells for around 240€.
Click to expand...

I wish for it to be 100$ as much as I wish for steak to grow on trees! AT-LP60X amounts 160~200 euros here unfortunately.

T68 said:
If you can stretch the budget a bit you may wanna check out the
Audio Technica AT-LP5x.

It's been praised in a couple of reviews and comes with the good vm-95 cartridge which easily can be upgraded with better stylus if desired.
Click to expand...

I will keep that thought in mind, thank you. At that price range I would prefer not to look for upgrades though, haha

Crab33 said:
I agree that the AT-LP60 is probably not a wise choice if you want to listen to records seriously and perhaps have the option of upgrading the cartridge in the future. The next step-up is the AT-LP3 (also look out for the similar AT-LP2x) and the next one up is the AT-LP5 or newer LP5x. These turntables get good reviews from What Hi-Fi. There is also the AT-LP120, which is modelled on the Technics SL-1200 with some DJ features.

The Pro-ject turntables are popular purchases but I would be apprehensive in that I've seen too many complaints about them. If you want to upgrade the cartridge in the future, this also won't be as easy on a Pro-ject arm with fixed headshell as on an arm with detachable headshell (like on the AT-LP3 updwards).

The Fluance turntables are quite popular and attractive - the RT81 and RT82 might be within budget, although I don't know about their availability in continental Europe. Also look at the Dual DT-400 and DT-500 - I have the latter in my 'home office' and it is a nice turntable.

There is also the vintage route, but I wouldn't really advise this unless you are happy to get your hands dirty and do at least some maintenance. The Pioneer PL12D was a very popular turntable in the 1970s and is easy to find - at least in the UK, but I don't know about The Netherlands.
Click to expand...

I must ask, is the maintenance generally speaking a one time thing, or is it something that must be done continuously? Monthly, every quarter?

LP-THORN said:
At this price point I'd also recommend a rega P2 even the P3. Their tonearms are better than most turntable's arms at this price, and this will allow the cartridge to perform its best, even if it is a quite expensive one in the future.
Click to expand...

I have found the P2 for 499 euro, I am afraid to look at P3. Is the different so substantial?
 
Of the models you noted I'd look first at the Rega RP1 at 269Euro. Next would be the ATLP120. Really though, if the RP1 is in good condition that would be my choice. Rega turntables look like nothing, just a slab and a tonearm, but they sound REALLY good within each price bracket. There are also lots of easily available and not expensive parts for them, especially in Europe. That's the one IMO.
 
I am a big fan of the heavy platter idler-drive Lenco turntables, models L70, L75, L75/S and L78. They seem to be fairly easy to come by in good condition at your budget, in your neck of the woods.
These are turntables that sound excellent in stock form (if in very good condition), but also they can be upgraded with modifications like building a heavy plinth for them and adding an excellent tonearm (eventually if the bug hits you) and thus can compete with the best.
Just one opinion.
 
300 EU doesn't buy much new. Look at the used market. Try to get something that has already been serviced that you can pick up yourself instead of messing with shipping. You can post some listings in this thread if you want.
 
DavidTT said:
Of the models you noted I'd look first at the Rega RP1 at 269Euro. Next would be the ATLP120. Really though, if the RP1 is in good condition that would be my choice. Rega turntables look like nothing, just a slab and a tonearm, but they sound REALLY good within each price bracket. There are also lots of easily available and not expensive parts for them, especially in Europe. That's the one IMO.
Click to expand...
Sadly I received an email from the store bringing me the news that the product is not available anymore. It did seem strange that it was the only store offering the RP1

doctor fuse said:
I am a big fan of the heavy platter idler-drive Lenco turntables, models L70, L75, L75/S and L78. They seem to be fairly easy to come by in good condition at your budget, in your neck of the woods.
These are turntables that sound excellent in stock form (if in very good condition), but also they can be upgraded with modifications like building a heavy plinth for them and adding an excellent tonearm (eventually if the bug hits you) and thus can compete with the best.
Just one opinion.
Click to expand...

patient_ot said:
300 EU doesn't buy much new. Look at the used market. Try to get something that has already been serviced that you can pick up yourself instead of messing with shipping. You can post some listings in this thread if you want.
Click to expand...

I found some Lencos between 250~400 region, and also these
https://www.marktplaats.nl/v/audio-...eerde-lenco-l75-draaitafel-met-nieuwe-stofkap
https://www.marktplaats.nl/v/audio-.../m1787649150-l012-pioneer-pl112d-platenspeler

Netherlands is not a very big country so everything is in driving distance
 
homeslicerK said:
Sadly I received an email from the store bringing me the news that the product is not available anymore. It did seem strange that it was the only store offering the RP1





I found some Lencos between 250~400 region, and also these
https://www.marktplaats.nl/v/audio-...eerde-lenco-l75-draaitafel-met-nieuwe-stofkap
https://www.marktplaats.nl/v/audio-.../m1787649150-l012-pioneer-pl112d-platenspeler

Netherlands is not a very big country so everything is in driving distance
Click to expand...

I would recommend the Lenco over that Pioneer. Just know that as they are, the Pioneer arm might be ever so slightly better. But also know that the Lenco can be upgraded over time until it competes with the best turntables out there.
 
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