Good, decent turntable?
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cgutz
AK Member
If you are willing to buy vintage, and watch craigslist in your area, something well within that price range should show up. I've bought two very nice Kenwoods for less than $100 each, both with good cartridges.
New? Not many good tables in that range. About $400 would be a stating point.
New? Not many good tables in that range. About $400 would be a stating point.
ferninando
Lunatic Member
I say techincs in the $30-$150 range on your local craigslist. semiauto direct drive(or belt as you choose). lotsa models available.
RamblinE
(╯°□°)╯彡┻━┻
You shouldn't just go out and buy a used turntable. If you're new to the hobby you could possibly, no fault of your own, end up buying a junker or something that doesn't sound that great.
Here's a new turntable you can order off of Amazon from Audio Technica http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002S1CJ2Q...&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&ref=asc_df_B002S1CJ2Q
It's a copy of the Technics SL1200Mk2 which is out of production for a few years now but will still sell for upwards of $600-$800 for a single unit. This isn't an exact copy but it's just as functional. The headshell is very basic and upgrading the cartridge (needle) is very easy. If you want to get your feet wet this unit is an easy way to start.
Here's a new turntable you can order off of Amazon from Audio Technica http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002S1CJ2Q...&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&ref=asc_df_B002S1CJ2Q
It's a copy of the Technics SL1200Mk2 which is out of production for a few years now but will still sell for upwards of $600-$800 for a single unit. This isn't an exact copy but it's just as functional. The headshell is very basic and upgrading the cartridge (needle) is very easy. If you want to get your feet wet this unit is an easy way to start.
gagelle
Super Member
I totally agree. The vintage turntable market is full of con artists. I learned the hard way. Most sellers are pawning off their garbage to the gullible. (Unless it's someone you know or a reputable Aker.) Get the Audio Technica. You won't be sorry.
I'm with RamblinE and gagelle--the Audio Technica AT-LP120-USB is probably the best option in that price range. It comes with the well-respected AT95E cartridge and has some nice features (78 rpm, reverse play, built-in phono stage, USB output, no belts to buy, etc.) that would make it well worth hanging onto as a second turntable even if you buy something higher-end in the future.
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Me Tarzan
EARTH
If after you do your research you come to the conclusion that you need to spend a little more look at the Denon DP300F with Ortofon 2M Red.
http://www.needledoctor.com/Denon-DP300F-with-2M-Red-Package?sc=2&category=45 N/A. The built in preamp can save you some money too.
http://www.needledoctor.com/Denon-DP300F-with-2M-Red-Package?sc=2&category=45 N/A. The built in preamp can save you some money too.
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Im solidly in the vintage value camp here, but do understand that old machines tend to need some TLC. If thats something you are willing and able to do, you can get some screaming bargains if you don't mind a little dust. I also as a rule do not buy anything new if I can get an old one that does the same thing. I consider it something of a test of durability. If it lasted 30 years and only needs a lube job to run perfectly again, it must have been built properly in the first place.
jsisk
Not 2 Old 2 Rock & Roll
I agree that a vintage Technics could provide the best value, however, if you are not prepared to do some repairs if needed - the Audio Technica might be the way to go.
I recently bought two used Technics turntables off Ebay. Both listed as working perfect.
Turntable 1 is a linear tracking SL-Q1 which was dirt cheap. When it arrived, the stylus was snapped off because the seller put bubble wrap inside the dust cover before closing the lid. Also, the tonearm was frozen in place. I was able to repair the tonearm issue with a clean, lube, and adjust job and was planning to replace the stylus anyway. The seller ended up splitting the cost for the stylus and we both walked away happy. The table works great.
Turntable 2 is a Technics SL1710 MK2 (black semi-automatic) that I paid a lot for because the black version of the 1600MK2 and 1700MK2 don't come around very often. This one arrived with suspension system (platter rubbing) issues, no auto functions, and the cueing non-operative. I fixed the suspension easily as it was missing a couple screws. The auto functions required replacing the tonearm drive belt which also was no big deal as I had a couple spares that I bought for my 1600MK2 several years ago when I replaced its belt. (had to meet the minimum order) The cue button still doesn't work as I have narrowed it down to one of several components on the arm control board. When I need a project this winter, I will order the parts and fix it. For now, I am using it as it is. The auto-return now works, just have to use my finger to place the needle on the record. Worked out a partial refund with the seller so we both walked away happy.
Buying a used turntable off Ebay is luck of the draw. In my case, luck was not in my favor upon receipt but I got a discount on both and was able to handle the repairs.
Make sure, if you buy used, that you buy from someone reputable. (local, or here on AK)
I recently bought two used Technics turntables off Ebay. Both listed as working perfect.
Turntable 1 is a linear tracking SL-Q1 which was dirt cheap. When it arrived, the stylus was snapped off because the seller put bubble wrap inside the dust cover before closing the lid. Also, the tonearm was frozen in place. I was able to repair the tonearm issue with a clean, lube, and adjust job and was planning to replace the stylus anyway. The seller ended up splitting the cost for the stylus and we both walked away happy. The table works great.
Turntable 2 is a Technics SL1710 MK2 (black semi-automatic) that I paid a lot for because the black version of the 1600MK2 and 1700MK2 don't come around very often. This one arrived with suspension system (platter rubbing) issues, no auto functions, and the cueing non-operative. I fixed the suspension easily as it was missing a couple screws. The auto functions required replacing the tonearm drive belt which also was no big deal as I had a couple spares that I bought for my 1600MK2 several years ago when I replaced its belt. (had to meet the minimum order) The cue button still doesn't work as I have narrowed it down to one of several components on the arm control board. When I need a project this winter, I will order the parts and fix it. For now, I am using it as it is. The auto-return now works, just have to use my finger to place the needle on the record. Worked out a partial refund with the seller so we both walked away happy.
Buying a used turntable off Ebay is luck of the draw. In my case, luck was not in my favor upon receipt but I got a discount on both and was able to handle the repairs.
Make sure, if you buy used, that you buy from someone reputable. (local, or here on AK)
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There are a number of members on this board who refurb turntables and sell them, several within your price range. Depending on where you live this may be an option worth exploring. With regard to sellers outside your area, many are quite skilled at packing and shipping them. If you're interested drop me a PM and I'll offer you some thoughts.
The OP needs to be selective if he's buying used, and it helps to have some guidance from a hobbyist with turntable experience, but IMO most 1970s component turntables in good condition will outperform anything he could buy new for less than $500.
I beg to differ on the A-T's functionality. It matches the SL-1200's feature content, but comes nowhere close to matching the performance of the Technics. The A-T's wow and flutter spec is 8x higher than the SL-1200's (0.20% vs. 0.025% WRMS) and its rumble spec is also poorer. Both of those problems will be audible to many listeners on solo piano recordings and several other types of music.
Easy, yes. Good-quality, not so much.
Theabs
Active Member
+1:thmbsp:
cnh2
Super Member
I'm not sure what the "Fear" of the used market is. Just buy a good table in that range from someone on this site! Seems simple enough.
It should be in "good' shape and there are 100 and one 50 somethings with goatees who can help you tweak it! They're all "vinyl obsessives, after all! lol
Absolutley nothing to fear and more table for your money than anything "new" in that price range! I have two old tables and they both ran perfectly from day ONE!
cnh2
It should be in "good' shape and there are 100 and one 50 somethings with goatees who can help you tweak it! They're all "vinyl obsessives, after all! lol
Absolutley nothing to fear and more table for your money than anything "new" in that price range! I have two old tables and they both ran perfectly from day ONE!
cnh2
silvernutsaq
Visiting Martian
Recipe for sucess for finding a vintage TT <$200: Pay $25 to join AK as a subscriber and post a WTB in Barter Town. Results could be spectacular!
RamblinE
(╯°□°)╯彡┻━┻
This is a recent comparo done by an AK'er of the AT LP120 and the Technics SL1200Mk2. http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=444759
A word on the subject from What Hifi http://www.whathifi.com/Review/Audio-Technica-LP120USB/
A word on the subject from What Hifi http://www.whathifi.com/Review/Audio-Technica-LP120USB/
RamblinE I purchase all kinds of items both new and used. One consistant thing I do is research the item. I recently purchased a commercial bar mixer off Ebay for about 1/4 of the retail price. Mixer arrived in perfect shape and looked/functioned like new, it will probably outlast me. I payed the same for the commercial mixer as I would of for a new mixer made of plastic from China that wouldn't last one year. Same thing with turntables, sold two (2) vintage turntables last year on AK BT for under $200 that would shame anything new selling for $600 and possibly more. When sold both performed perfect and the new AK owners were thrilled with the performance/sound. New is no guarantee of performance, quality or value. If you believe an AT LP120 is in the same league as a Technics SL-1200Mk2 I have a bridge sell you.
