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Getting Discouraged and Could Use Some Advice

W

Wobblefoot

New Member
Running into some snags while purchasing a new turntable. So far I've tried four separate units and have run into the following issues with each:
  • Pro-ject Debut Carbon EVO: very audible motor noise, loud enough to be heard over quiet parts on records
  • Fluance RT85: warped platter
  • Fluance RT85: also warped platter
  • Rega Planar 2: warped platter, audible motor noise
Having gone through the purchase and return hustle this many times is getting a bit discouraging, and while I realize it's possible I'm just having bad luck with otherwise decent turntable brands, can anyone offer some suggestions for a unit in the <$1000 price range (I already have a pre-amp and amplified speakers)?

I was eyeballing a NAD C 588 and a Pro-ject Debut Pro. Haven't heard much about NAD turntables other than I know they are made by Pro-ject, and I'm not sure if the Debut Pro touts considerable enough upgrades to warrant the extra $400 over the Cabon EVO. Are these worth trying out or should I look elsewhere entirely?
 
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MisterDK said:
Take your Planar 2, which has a flat, glass platter…and replace the subplatter with a nice, aftermarket aluminum one. “Platter warp” fixed. Lube the motor and main bearing well and it should be quiet.
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I can do this, but it's a bit disconcerting I have to go out of pocket to fix defects from the manufacturer. I'm all for upgrades but was hoping to at least ride the stock set up until I could do the upgrades when I was ready.
 
Wobblefoot said:
I can do this, but it's a bit disconcerting I have to go out of pocket to fix defects from the manufacturer. I'm all for upgrades but was hoping to at least ride the stock set up until I could do the upgrades when I was ready.
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Was this a new Planar 2? If so, test another. I’d understand that happening on an old one; could have been around for a long time, possibly since early 1980’s!
 
Wobblefoot said:
Having gone through the purchase and return hustle this many times is getting a bit discouraging, and while I realize it's possible I'm just having bad luck with otherwise decent turntable brands, can anyone offer some suggestions for a unit in the <$1000 price range (I already have a pre-amp and amplified speakers)?
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I think all of the turntables you have tried are decent. I'm assuming you have no local dealer and have had to do mail-order purchasing. In that price range, I like the Planar 2 the best. Whatever you choose to buy next, if there are problems, I suggest contacting the manufacturer or importer and insisting they fix those problems rather than returning the unit for a refund.
 
Wobblefoot said:
It was a brand new one. It's definitely possible I just had a dud and could always try another new unit.
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I would test another new one, straight from the box. Rega may be cranking tables out these days, but they should be going through quality control - and not having issues. I think that the only table (out of many..) that I ever bought new was a Planar 3 - and that was in ‘88. I never had any problems with it.
 
Thanks, all.

Audio Advice is about 100 miles from my location. I'd been doing online ordering up until this point, but maybe I'll take a jaunt over their way this weekend and check things out.

I probably will do the Planar 2 again, but maybe AA can do an inspection for me before I take it home or something.
 
Wobblefoot said:
Thanks, all.

Audio Advice is about 100 miles from my location. I'd been doing online ordering up until this point, but maybe I'll take a jaunt over their way this weekend and check things out.

I probably will do the Planar 2 again, but maybe AA can do an inspection for me before I take it home or something.
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If they have a retail store, I’m sure they’ll let you test ‘till you’re satisfied.
Though no longer my table of choice, my Rega (recently sold) was a very decent table.
 
How about e new Teac?

I have liked the look of their TT's Music direct has the TEAC - TN-4DSE Direct Drive Turntable , In stock with either piano black or walnut.

ATEACTN4DSEB.jpg


ATEACTN4DSEN.jpg


Athanasios
 
Wobblefoot said:
Thanks, all.

Audio Advice is about 100 miles from my location. I'd been doing online ordering up until this point, but maybe I'll take a jaunt over their way this weekend and check things out.

I probably will do the Planar 2 again, but maybe AA can do an inspection for me before I take it home or something.
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Yes. Call them in advance to let them know the issues you had with your previous Planar 2 sample. They can set up a unit and call you before you drive over after ensuring it's in perfect working order.
 
Wobblefoot said:
I'm in the states but will take a look and see what's available. Thanks!
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The Technics SL100C is a simplified and slightly cheaper version of the SL1500C, which may be available in the US. And then there is the good old SL1200. If you want to avoid motor noise and speed variations, a Technics direct-drive is an obvious solution, plus you'll get more flexibility in the tonearm - that is, an arm towards the low end of medium-mass with a detachable headshell, which can take a wide range of cartridges, as opposed to the ultra low-mass Pro-ject arms that need a high-compliance cartridge (of which there are not many to choose from in the current market).
 
Nashou66 said:
How about e new Teac?

I have liked the look of their TT's Music direct has the TEAC - TN-4DSE Direct Drive Turntable , In stock with either piano black or walnut.

ATEACTN4DSEB.jpg


ATEACTN4DSEN.jpg


Athanasios
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I had looked at these and they indeed look nice, but can't find much info on TEAC TT's.
 
Crab33 said:
The Technics SL100C is a simplified and slightly cheaper version of the SL1500C, which may be available in the US. And then there is the good old SL1200. If you want to avoid motor noise and speed variations, a Technics direct-drive is an obvious solution, plus you'll get more flexibility in the tonearm - that is, an arm towards the low end of medium-mass with a detachable headshell, which can take a wide range of cartridges, as opposed to the ultra low-mass Pro-ject arms that need a high-compliance cartridge (of which there are not many to choose from in the current market).
Click to expand...
Cool, I'll keep an eye out for stock on these Technics models.
 
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