Hello all and merry Christmas!
Over the past 3-4 years I have acquired and restored a few turntables, some I gave away, but I also kept a few. Now I’m trying to figure out as much as possible for each of them, and somehow rank them.
Here’s the list, with some comments.
1. AKAI AP-B21: This is my favourite. Made from wood, relatively heavy (for a low-level turntable). It has a J-type tone arm, it’s semi-automatic, and easy to service. I would prefer if it had a pitch control or strobe light. Also, the head-shell connector is not round, which makes it more difficult to find a replacement.
2. SANYO TP740: I love this turntable because it was really beaten up, but I was able to save it. It’s made of plastic, significantly lighter than the AKAI. Also semi-automatic, with pitch control and a strobe light. It has a standard removable head shell, so it’s easy to have a selection of styluses to use. Its feet are connected to springs. I can’t say anything negative for this piece, I think it’s a great entry level system.
3. Philips F7212: This is a fully automatic turntable, with a tonearm scale on the plinth. It loses points because I have to adjust the start and stop positions when I change heads. I find this a tedious process since there’s no guide, it’s pure trial and error. Also, the head shell is not removable. All in all, I just can’t get to like this unit. Maybe I need to spent more time with it?
Two more turntables that are out of the contest:
1. Sansui P-M7: Fully automatic turntable with a linear tracking tonearm. I see this more like a gadget than a turntable
I was lucky enough to find the service manual, and restore it. I am not using it much mainly because I do not have its cover and I want to protect it from dust. For sure I will use it in the future until I find a workaround for the missing cover - I can’t pay the ~$100 they’re asking for a replacement…
2. Sansui P-900: I know many may disagree with me, but I like this one because it’s a good choice for people on a tight budget or just want a “plug-and-play” system! It even has a nice window with a strobe light and pitch control. Unfortunately, it’s a dust magnet. Sometimes, I may have to clean the stylus in the middle of the play. This is the main reason I do not use this turntable very often.
I will add pictures hopefully later today.
I would love to hear your views on any of these turntables – either by experience or knowledge. Unfortunately I was not able to find much information about these systems apart from the AKAI and the P-M7.
Any feedback would be much appreciated!!
Thank you very much in advance!
Best wishes
Michalis
Over the past 3-4 years I have acquired and restored a few turntables, some I gave away, but I also kept a few. Now I’m trying to figure out as much as possible for each of them, and somehow rank them.
Here’s the list, with some comments.
1. AKAI AP-B21: This is my favourite. Made from wood, relatively heavy (for a low-level turntable). It has a J-type tone arm, it’s semi-automatic, and easy to service. I would prefer if it had a pitch control or strobe light. Also, the head-shell connector is not round, which makes it more difficult to find a replacement.
2. SANYO TP740: I love this turntable because it was really beaten up, but I was able to save it. It’s made of plastic, significantly lighter than the AKAI. Also semi-automatic, with pitch control and a strobe light. It has a standard removable head shell, so it’s easy to have a selection of styluses to use. Its feet are connected to springs. I can’t say anything negative for this piece, I think it’s a great entry level system.
3. Philips F7212: This is a fully automatic turntable, with a tonearm scale on the plinth. It loses points because I have to adjust the start and stop positions when I change heads. I find this a tedious process since there’s no guide, it’s pure trial and error. Also, the head shell is not removable. All in all, I just can’t get to like this unit. Maybe I need to spent more time with it?
Two more turntables that are out of the contest:
1. Sansui P-M7: Fully automatic turntable with a linear tracking tonearm. I see this more like a gadget than a turntable
I was lucky enough to find the service manual, and restore it. I am not using it much mainly because I do not have its cover and I want to protect it from dust. For sure I will use it in the future until I find a workaround for the missing cover - I can’t pay the ~$100 they’re asking for a replacement…2. Sansui P-900: I know many may disagree with me, but I like this one because it’s a good choice for people on a tight budget or just want a “plug-and-play” system! It even has a nice window with a strobe light and pitch control. Unfortunately, it’s a dust magnet. Sometimes, I may have to clean the stylus in the middle of the play. This is the main reason I do not use this turntable very often.
I will add pictures hopefully later today.
I would love to hear your views on any of these turntables – either by experience or knowledge. Unfortunately I was not able to find much information about these systems apart from the AKAI and the P-M7.
Any feedback would be much appreciated!!
Thank you very much in advance!
Best wishes
Michalis