Getting Discouraged and Could Use Some Advice

[Ilikevinyl]

Planar 3 much better than Planar 2, less upgrading necessary. A better foundation for a nicer Rega experience.

Yes, Planar 3 has that special metal plinth supporting brace the Planar 2 doesn't have.

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Wonnlefoot - If you buy cheaper T/T's like the ones mentioned, you are always in danger of buying a dud, but 4 of the trot is difficult to achieve, but as you found out not beyond the realms of possibility. The manufacturers work with cheaper components and cut cost due to economics, however if the company does not have a established Statistical quality engineering set up, they will not have the knowledge & techniques to reduce variation in the components. No company can inspect quality into their products, the car industry found that out in the late 70's when superior build Japanese cars arrived on the market.

I would like other people have suggested look to get a Technic's, as they have been going with a lineage of T/T like the SL1200 for quite a while now. Companies with a proven track record are always a better bet.

Cheers

I use Technics turntables daily (sometimes many hours a day). For me, they're the most reliable, least finicky record playing hardware built. And the least maintenance. I own Technics SL-1200 Mk II, SL-1300, and SL-1500. (the latter had more repair and technical issues, all sorted).

 

[Kit Carson]

Remote possibility some noise caused by electrical outlet shared with major appliance like a fridge or AC but other complaints were warped platters. After reading AK threads and getting up to speed with current turntable state of affairs and listening to a pro like Kent the smart money would be spent on a Japan made SL-1200Mk2. Personally owned one years back deck ran flawless and with a respectable cartridge sounded very good. Not out of your price range one in excellent plus to mint condition will be under $1K. As to how much under $1K is up to your ability to sort out the abused to the pampered. As far as I can see the pitch control is a non issue, don't need it don't use it. The SL-1200Mk2 I had was a one original owner from early 1980s, forget the exact cartridge but very respectable, just needed a light cleaning/dusting had been sitting for a while unused no damage scratches etc ran perfect local pickup for under $2 Benjamins. Prior owner mature adult from right side of tracks in affluent neighborhood. Get the drift?

 

[Wobblefoot]

Replacement table arrived. No warp/wobble and the table sounds great.

Thanks for all of the suggestions, everyone. Greatly appreciated! And I will definitely keep the Technics in mind when it's time for another TT.