Help me decide

[msm187]

Ok so yesterday I sold my near mint Pioneer PL-35A, it was still in the original box and plastic when I got it from a guy who pulled it from a storage unit a few weeks ago. I got it for a steal and flipped it for a decent price. My end game is a Marantz 6300, Technics 1200 mk2, or Pioneer PL-570(obviously the good one, not the plastic junk one form the 80's).


Here are my options from what I've found looking around this week.

$300 Marantz 6150: Sitting at a local stereo shop, and in excellent condition. Just serviced by them as well.
$700 Marantz 6300: Rough shape. Some dings on the plinth, scratched up dust cover, and missing feet. 4hr drive
$700 Technics 1200 mk2: Moderate shape, original dust cover with normal scratches. Discoloration on the plinth, looks like it sat in the sun or in a smoker's home. 4-5hr drive

All are in my budget at the moment after selling my Pioneer and with what I have allocated for this upgrade. Two are, as mentioned above, my end game for my setup. But the condition and drive to get them is holding me up. With current gas prices, I'm adding another $140 in gas onto the prices. Not sure about the carts that come with the 6300 or 1200, but just gonna assume I'll need to replace them when I service and clean them. The 6150 had a green AT cart, but I didn't catch the model number. There is also a few Pioneer PL-518 within a couple hours of me in the $300-450 range. My other option, is to just keep waiting and saving and keep using my backup Denon DP-300F with a 3M red on it, not like I'm without a turntable and this is an urgent thing. So....help, I'm stuck and need someone to push me in a direction. Thanks.

 

[loudnoises]

The marantz 6300 is a cec made deck, and while nice, imho not worth the premium the name commands.
That's a pretty good price for a working 1200mk2, but they are not rare...

If these were my choices I'd offer $200/$250 for the 6150.

 

[msm187]

The marantz 6300 is a cec made deck, and while nice, imho not worth the premium the name commands.
That's a pretty good price for a working 1200mk2, but they are not rare...

If these were my choices I'd offer $200/$250 for the 6150.

The shop it's at doesn't usually like to negotiate. They claim to price everything at their rock bottom price already, which I know is BS because one of the employees told me their max buy price on used gear that isn't super rare is 40% of retail value. So there's plenty of meat on the bone if all they had to do was a service and put it out on display. I've seen 1200mk2's for better prices, but usually in worse shape, missing dust covers, ex-dj junk. I'm gonna ask the guy for the serial number to narrow down the production year and see if I can get him down below $600. If it were $550, before the cost of gas for the round trip, would you still go with the 6150? I also figure at worst with the 6300, I could part it out and turn a profit to get me closer to a nicer unit of the 6300 or 1200mk2

 

[Blue Shadow]

The service costs money. The location costs money. Seems right that paying 40% or less of retail is about right.

This question of value will probably be moved to the $&¢ forum.

Post your location and requirements of a TT and folks might look over your local offerings and point out good buys. Your choices have the star of the show for priced well above performance the 6300. Everyone wanting a complete Marantz system wants one because of looks. It’s performance is just not up to the cost.

The SL is ubiquitous and you should be able to find nice ones for the stores ask or less.

Are those choices because that is what the shop had? Lots of great tables out there from many different brands. Give us more info to help you get a great table.

 

[mikenelson]

Ok so yesterday I sold my near mint Pioneer PL-35A, it was still in the original box and plastic when I got it from a guy who pulled it from a storage unit a few weeks ago. I got it for a steal and flipped it for a decent price. My end game is a Marantz 6300, Technics 1200 mk2, or Pioneer PL-570(obviously the good one, not the plastic junk one form the 80's).


Here are my options from what I've found looking around this week.

$300 Marantz 6150: Sitting at a local stereo shop, and in excellent condition. Just serviced by them as well.
$700 Marantz 6300: Rough shape. Some dings on the plinth, scratched up dust cover, and missing feet. 4hr drive
$700 Technics 1200 mk2: Moderate shape, original dust cover with normal scratches. Discoloration on the plinth, looks like it sat in the sun or in a smoker's home. 4-5hr drive

All are in my budget at the moment after selling my Pioneer and with what I have allocated for this upgrade. Two are, as mentioned above, my end game for my setup. But the condition and drive to get them is holding me up. With current gas prices, I'm adding another $140 in gas onto the prices. Not sure about the carts that come with the 6300 or 1200, but just gonna assume I'll need to replace them when I service and clean them. The 6150 had a green AT cart, but I didn't catch the model number. There is also a few Pioneer PL-518 within a couple hours of me in the $300-450 range. My other option, is to just keep waiting and saving and keep using my backup Denon DP-300F with a 3M red on it, not like I'm without a turntable and this is an urgent thing. So....help, I'm stuck and need someone to push me in a direction. Thanks.

Keep saving your money and searching, and get that turn table and tone arm you really want. It is far more satisfying then settling for second best.

 

[msm187]

The service costs money. The location costs money. Seems right that paying 40% or less of retail is about right.

This question of value will probably be moved to the $&¢ forum.

Post your location and requirements of a TT and folks might look over your local offerings and point out good buys. Your choices have the star of the show for priced well above performance the 6300. Everyone wanting a complete Marantz system wants one because of looks. It’s performance is just not up to the cost.

The SL is ubiquitous and you should be able to find nice ones for the stores ask or less.

Are those choices because that is what the shop had? Lots of great tables out there from many different brands. Give us more info to help you get a great table.

The only one the shop had that I liked was that 6150. And yeah, the Marantz tax is because of the looks, which is part of why I want one, they are just impressive looking, while I am aware the 1200mk2 is a better performer, the 6300 is what my dad had and gave to me...and me, being a young idiot in the late 90's, traded it for an ounce of weed. So over the past 30yrs I've been trying to rebuild his old collection and gear. Luckily he didn't have a top end Marantz amp or really nice speakers, but I loved that turntable as a kid. I'm in Ohio, and obviously willing to drive several hours away if I can find something at the right price.

 

[DLStryker]

Ok so yesterday I sold my near mint Pioneer PL-35A, it was still in the original box and plastic when I got it from a guy who pulled it from a storage unit a few weeks ago. I got it for a steal and flipped it for a decent price. My end game is a Marantz 6300, Technics 1200 mk2, or Pioneer PL-570(obviously the good one, not the plastic junk one form the 80's).


Here are my options from what I've found looking around this week.

$300 Marantz 6150: Sitting at a local stereo shop, and in excellent condition. Just serviced by them as well.
$700 Marantz 6300: Rough shape. Some dings on the plinth, scratched up dust cover, and missing feet. 4hr drive
$700 Technics 1200 mk2: Moderate shape, original dust cover with normal scratches. Discoloration on the plinth, looks like it sat in the sun or in a smoker's home. 4-5hr drive

All are in my budget at the moment after selling my Pioneer and with what I have allocated for this upgrade. Two are, as mentioned above, my end game for my setup. But the condition and drive to get them is holding me up. With current gas prices, I'm adding another $140 in gas onto the prices. Not sure about the carts that come with the 6300 or 1200, but just gonna assume I'll need to replace them when I service and clean them. The 6150 had a green AT cart, but I didn't catch the model number. There is also a few Pioneer PL-518 within a couple hours of me in the $300-450 range. My other option, is to just keep waiting and saving and keep using my backup Denon DP-300F with a 3M red on it, not like I'm without a turntable and this is an urgent thing. So....help, I'm stuck and need someone to push me in a direction. Thanks.

Check out this guy.....turntablesbycth.com..... I purchase a 1980 Technics SL-Q2 from him. Complete resto including changing out the capacitors. I would do business with him again for sure. Very pleased. TT was double boxed for shipping. He knows what he is doing for sure.

 

[msm187]

Keep saving your money and searching, and get that turn table and tone arm you really want. It is far more satisfying then settling for second best.

That's where I'm at right now. Spoke with a guy while I was a at a flea market today who claims to have 4 1200mk2's in storage. Supposed to text him later in the week to see about looking at them. I still want the 6300 eventually, but can do a lot worse than a 1200mk2 as my daily driver...and I suppose the 6300 would be in that category...lol

 

[Blue Shadow]

Well you have explained exactly why the Marantz tax is so high. Almost as high as you were and now to put one in the system you will need to pay. No problem if the funds are available.

How bad is the shop’s 6300? Can it be saved and enjoyed? 7 sure beats 23, what I have seen as a high ask, another one that must have a bag of weed. That price is ridiculous.

Ohio, so do we look at Cleveland, Columbus or Cincinnati? Or are you close4 to WV or Holiday City?

Maybe one of those 1200s won’t be beat and will work for you.

 

[msm187]

Well you have explained exactly why the Marantz tax is so high. Almost as high as you were and now to put one in the system you will need to pay. No problem if the funds are available.

How bad is the shop’s 6300? Can it be saved and enjoyed? 7 sure beats 23, what I have seen as a high ask, another one that must have a bag of weed. That price is ridiculous.

Ohio, so do we look at Cleveland, Columbus or Cincinnati? Or are you close4 to WV or Holiday City?

Maybe one of those 1200s won’t be beat and will work for you.

the shop had the 6150, the other two are marketplace finds. The 6300 isn't in the worst shape I've ever seen, and I don't mind a restoration job and can service myself. And yes, I'm looking at listing within 250mi of me.

 

[DLStryker]

the shop had the 6150, the other two are marketplace finds. The 6300 isn't in the worst shape I've ever seen, and I don't mind a restoration job and can service myself. And yes, I'm looking at listing within 250mi of me.

Can you change out the electrolytic caps yourself? I just refreshed a Technics SL-D202. One of the caps had started to leak. Had not damaged the PCB yet, but it probably would have at some point.

 

[msm187]

Can you change out the electrolytic caps yourself? I just refreshed a Technics SL-D202. One of the caps had started to leak. Had not damaged the PCB yet, but it probably would have at some point.

Yeah, I've re-capped a couple receivers. Spent a couple years in vocational school for electronic engineering before shifting gears to software development. Reading a schematic is beyond me almost 30yrs later, but I can take old caps out and put new ones in still.

 

[Bourbon]

You've seemed to have settled on the looks of the Marantz with less than stellar performance, or the performance of the Technics without the stellar looks of the Marantz. I get it. I found myself in the same mindset, but really wanting the best of both worlds, about 15 years ago. I managed to find a pair of 6300 tables for very little $$$. One was destined to be a parts table, but it was in such good condition, that I ended up with two near mint tables. The performance was decent, but not great...and I wanted more.

So I started looking at Technics decks. The silver plastic stuff didn't wow me at all. But then I found the SL-M line of tables (SL-M1, SL-M2, SL-M3, and SL-MA1). These were beautiful decks and the specs were similar to some of the more well-respected models. I ended up with a pair of MA-1 fully-automatic decks - with the p-mount cartridge platform. One was actually a "convertible" model from the Japanese market with the removable headshell, which allows me to run standard carts. I had to pick up a step-up transformer to use it but that was no big deal. Then I began keeping a close eye on p-mounts on ebay until I had accumulated a nice collection. I also "hot-rodded" the carts with really good styli. It took a while to complete my collection, but I did it - with absolutely no regrets. Now, when I spin an album, it's almost always on the Technics.

I'm certainly not trying to talk you out of the 6300 or the 1200 - or into a MA1, but there are more options out there that will give you everything you seem to want in a turntable without breaking the bank.

And a couple other things to think about: the Marantz 6150 is a cheap plastic table. I had one for a while and couldn't get it to keep speed. I didn't pay much for it and didn't bother trying to resell it. It went into the trash. At least I was able to salvage a headshell. And that brings me to another point. Headshells for the 6300 are ridiculously expensive. When I was buying them, the were $40-50 each. Not so anymore. If you decide to buy the 6300, make sure it has the solid aluminum headshell and not one of the cheaper versions. Original feet are also expensive, so be ready to dish out the bucks if you go that route.

 

[Apreggiator]

I would cap my budget at 200 (preferably including new stylus) and see what I can find locally for that budget.
Then save up for a good SL12xx and keep looking out for one until asking price and budget align.

I see plenty of nice Duals, Philips/Aristona/Erres and the occasional Garrard I could happily live with within the 'now' budget locally. (What you get over there will differ of course.)

 

[msm187]

You've seemed to have settled on the looks of the Marantz with less than stellar performance, or the performance of the Technics without the stellar looks of the Marantz. I get it. I found myself in the same mindset, but really wanting the best of both worlds, about 15 years ago. I managed to find a pair of 6300 tables for very little $$$. One was destined to be a parts table, but it was in such good condition, that I ended up with two near mint tables. The performance was decent, but not great...and I wanted more.

So I started looking at Technics decks. The silver plastic stuff didn't wow me at all. But then I found the SL-M line of tables (SL-M1, SL-M2, SL-M3, and SL-MA1). These were beautiful decks and the specs were similar to some of the more well-respected models. I ended up with a pair of MA-1 fully-automatic decks - with the p-mount cartridge platform. One was actually a "convertible" model from the Japanese market with the removable headshell, which allows me to run standard carts. I had to pick up a step-up transformer to use it but that was no big deal. Then I began keeping a close eye on p-mounts on ebay until I had accumulated a nice collection. I also "hot-rodded" the carts with really good styli. It took a while to complete my collection, but I did it - with absolutely no regrets. Now, when I spin an album, it's almost always on the Technics.

I'm certainly not trying to talk you out of the 6300 or the 1200 - or into a MA1, but there are more options out there that will give you everything you seem to want in a turntable without breaking the bank.

And a couple other things to think about: the Marantz 6150 is a cheap plastic table. I had one for a while and couldn't get it to keep speed. I didn't pay much for it and didn't bother trying to resell it. It went into the trash. At least I was able to salvage a headshell. And that brings me to another point. Headshells for the 6300 are ridiculously expensive. When I was buying them, the were $40-50 each. Not so anymore. If you decide to buy the 6300, make sure it has the solid aluminum headshell and not one of the cheaper versions. Original feet are also expensive, so be ready to dish out the bucks if you go that route.

Yeah I've been looking at other stuff as well, I'm just looking at my "endgame" setup now, something that looks great and plays great as well and with service will last. Have looked at a few newer options in the $700-1500(Pro-ject, Fluance, Teac, Technics) range too, But I've only ever had vintage audio and not sure if I'm in the wrong or not assuming that the quality for money is better spent on vintage than new. I did find a Pioneer PL-550 for $200 that needs some love, and I love a project to tinker on, so I think I'm gonna grab that for now and restore it, The PL-5xx series definitely has the look I love, and what what I've read, they play very well, it's just missing the nostalgia because my dad had the 6300, but I can always keep kicking that can down the road, I have to this point.

 

[msm187]

I would cap my budget at 200 (preferably including new stylus) and see what I can find locally for that budget.
Then save up for a good SL12xx and keep looking out for one until asking price and budget align.

I see plenty of nice Duals, Philips/Aristona/Erres and the occasional Garrard I could happily live with within the 'now' budget locally. (What you get over there will differ of course.)

I mean, I can live with my Denon DP-300....I just don't really want to. It sounds alright after upgrading the cartridge, the pitch is a little high, just barely noticeable...so I can live with it for now, I just don't want to for much longer. lol. While I wait for my ADS tweets to come back from Richard So I'm trying to get the rest of my setup to the point that I don't feel the need to upgrade anymore.....doesn't mean I'll stop, but I won't NEED to keep going.

 

[loudnoises]

Endgame is a moving goalpost for most of us. Unless you've got unlimited funds and can jump the line, I expect you'll have the same experience. At risk of turning this into a price post, it takes a lot of table to break the $500 price point. There are just too many excellent tables out there. Honestly I think many keep upgrading to help justify esoteric expensive carts. Upgraditis is real. At that point you need to start looking at the rest of the system.


Tables are fun, there are so many different variables. Each style has its pecking order, which is generally well established at this point. You don't have to throw darts, if you don't like something about your table someone will suggest a change.

 

[Bourbon]

it's just missing the nostalgia because my dad had the 6300, but I can always keep kicking that can down the road, I have to this point.

That's a completely different matter. If you get something else, you won't be satisfied and you'll keep going through this process until you get one. My suggestion is to keep saving until you can get a 6300 that's at least 90% intact and 100% functional. Then find a good, used Shure M91ED cartridge and outfit it with an excellent stylus. But start saving soon, as those tables aren't going to get any cheaper.

Loudnoises is correct in that an endgame is a moving goalpost. Until is isn't. Like you, I bought and sold several tables until I got what I wanted - which was a vintage Marantz system and a bedroom system that I could use with my old Sony receiver that I bought in college in the early 90s. It's not a great system, but I guess that was part of the nostalgic in me. Doesn't matter, I'm completely satisfied with both systems, and they're my endgame.

Get what you want. You won't be happy until you do.

 

[shelly_d]

A Technics SL1200 Mk2 or later is about 16 dB quieter then the Marantz 6300 (-78dB rumble vs -52dB) as reported in the Vinylengine database. It does not tell me if the Marantz spec is weighted or not, I am pretty sure that the Technics is. If the Marantz figure is not weighted then this caparison if not valid, however glancing through the specs of some of their other tables, it looks to me like they do use weighting on their specs. On a performance only preference, ignoring esthetics, I would go with a Technics 1200 MK 2 or later.

Of course, with today's pricing, the cost of gas must be considered. Out here in CA, a tank of gas can push past $100, don't ask how I know.

Good luck

Shelly_D