Gotta Choose: Technics, Denon, B&O RX2

[RedGary]

I need to replace my turntable. I've found the following available locally. I'd like some input from those more knowledgeable than me.

• Technics SL-QD33 with cartridge and stylus - $100
• B&O Beogram RX2 with cartridge and stylus - $200
• Denon DP-23F without cartridge and stylus - $75

I have a sansui p-d11 that needs a new stylus. It also doesn't have a dust cover, which I feel I need.

 

[BilboBaggins]

While I like Technics and Denon, I’ve also had the RX2, and with a good cartridge it can’t be beaten by them. Good weight, my only gripe with the RX2 is that it has a very soft spring suspension that tends to bottom out when you run a tonar brush over the record. Mine had to go for that reason. It sounded great! Note that to replace the stylus, you can only get it retipped by I believe soundsmith. Or buy on eBay.

 

[RedGary]

While I like Technics and Denon, I’ve also had the RX2, and with a good cartridge it can’t be beaten by them. Good weight, my only gripe with the RX2 is that it has a very soft spring suspension that tends to bottom out when you run a tonar brush over the record. Mine had to go for that reason. It sounded great! Note that to replace the stylus, you can only get it retipped by I believe soundsmith. Or buy on eBay.

Thanks for that info. I feel like my heart wants the RX2, but it probably makes sense economically to get the technics or Denon. Did you ever have any repairs done on the RX2? I'd like to know what I might expect for upkeep over time, aside from the cartridge.

 

[Fatuncle]

I had an RX2 that I bought new in the Mid 80s I loved it it was a nice table I used it for twenty years But B&O no longer make the proprietary Carts and as far as I know there are NO affordable Styli available for it. There are High end options from folks like Soundsmith and retip services that are more than the cost of the used table. Just do a search for "RX2 Stylus"

 

[KentTeffeteller]

I would go Technics but not that model. Get one which is not T4p mount only. With the Beogram, remember the stylus is not user replaceable, and you're looking at over $200 to replace the cartridge each time when the stylus wears or having to get it retipped. The Denon is nice when working well but those servo arms are getting prone to issues with age, but if working well and in top condition is a turntable which performs great. Out of these 3, consider the Denon.

 

[Montycat]

Of those 3, I'd take the RX-2. But of course the proprietary cartridges are a real problem. I'm set up though as I have 3 B&O cartridges.

 

[psemeraro]

I would go Technics but not that model. Get one which is not T4p mount only. With the Beogram, remember the stylus is not user replaceable, and you're looking at over $200 to replace the cartridge each time when the stylus wears or having to get it retipped. The Denon is nice when working well but those servo arms are getting prone to issues with age, but if working well and in top condition is a turntable which performs great. Out of these 3, consider the Denon.

Always sage advice Kent! I think the "Goldilocks" cheap used turntables are the original Tehnics Q series with the S arms. Same motor as the 1200 Mk2, nearly same quality tonearm as 1200 Mk2, and still often dirt cheap. All the caveats of old used Technics turntables apply but if it holds speed and someone is capable of oiling the spindle and adding a basic cartridge, it's possible to step into the world of mid grade Technics for $100 - $150 which is remarkable.

 

[JonL]

The B&O is a joy to use, beautiful, and sounds great. Yes, the cartridge will be more expensive to maintain, but it's not crazy expensive and amortized over the hours of listening enjoyment it's really not very much. The B&O tables are designed as a total system. The tables, arms, and cartridges work together seamlessly with no fussing required. They'll play warped records better than anything, and they're very immune to skipping from footfalls. I recognize that B&O tables are not everyone's cup of tea, but I'm obviously a big fan.

Caveat: The $200 price tag is only reasonable if the cartridge is in good shape. Suspension failures are common on the original cartridges after years of storage or disuse. Look at where the cantilever exits the cartridge body. The cantilever should be pretty well centered in the exit hole.