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I'd appreciate some turntable advice

boonie

boonie

Active Member
Hi guys,
I'm a newbie to this (wonderful) forum and I was wondering if I could benefit from your experience and advice.
I've been getting back into vinyl and have been setting up a new system. I have seen a couple of vintage turntable models that I like the look of for a reasonable price ( Sansui FR- 1080, Pioneer PL-510A).
The advice I am after is, is it worth picking up one of these or I am better off saving up for technics sl-1200?
I should point out that I am not an audiophile, I am just looking for a solid turntable that I can listen to at home that won't damage my vinyl and will sound okay to an untrained ear.
I love the look and feel of vintage gear and I will be teaming up the turntable with a sansui 661 receiver.
I'd appreciate any advice/opinions that any of you guys out there would care to share.
Thanks.
 
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I would say it depends on the money your willing to spend. You could always get something to see if this is the path you want to take, then upgrade to something nicer.
 
1200s are a joy to use, reliable, sound great and can be upgraded/modified down the line if you choose. Both of those TTs you listed look to be decent, but the 1200 is truly excellent. Just watch out for ones that have been abused by DJs.
 
Thanks for your replies, guys.

Kermit, it's not really a money issue. I could afford to purchase a technics sl-1200 soon enough if that would be the best way.
It's more of a just working out if it's worth having a punt on one of these little vintage machines (not spending over $100 Australian dollars) or is it just too unreliable or will the sound quality be too crappy to bother with.
Appreciate the input from everyone so far.
 
G'day boonie, I'm unsure whether the PL-510A is similar to the PL-500X that I picked up a week ago but if it is in that league and you can get it for the right price, then I would recommend it. You mention that you're Aussie so the bargain Technics 1200 everyone is raving about (justifiably I think) will not be an option for you.
I agree with you that it's better to dangle your toes until you work out whether you'll stay with the format. I think you will. :thmbsp:
Welcome to AK
 
Thanks, thilaseen.
Definately not a case of testing the format. Will definitely be staying with vinyl. Just like the idea of a vintage table, but not sure if it's worth it. Especially for someone with no repair skills, ha ha.
 
The PL-510A was an excellent turntable. It's fully manual so no mechanics to fail. It does not have quartz lock or the adjustable VTA, but I'm sure you could pick it up easily for 1/5 the price of the Technics, if not less. For your purposes I would think it would be more appropriate. You could buy a lot of vinyl for the difference in the cost between the two.
 
Since money is not the issue for you, I say go for the new Technics 1200. There's a chance after a couple years of spinning vinyl you'll get the itch to upgrade tables if you get one of those used versions.

You only go around once, get the new one.
 
Well, be warned, you are entering into an addiction that will take over your life. I have spent the past year testing, experimenting, upgrading all manner of vintage turntables - Garrard, Dual, Yamaha, Sansui. (I regret passing up the Pioneer P-500) I have tried lots of used cartridges, lots of cables, lots and lots of records. You will get addicted and will be seen hanging around the alleys behind thrift shops.

The Sansui SR-525 will probably stay for quite awhile, the Yamaha works great too. I haven't had much luck with the Duals and Garrards - squeeky idlers, unsteady motors, sticky automatics, etc.

But, with all the vintage stuff I have been through, I have just purchased my only new table - you guessed it - Technics 1210 M5G. There are just too many great reviews, incomparable reliability, the stability to listen and dance at the same time. So much said that is so good, and tons of possible future upgrades. I must add, they are reasonably priced and they will always have tremendous resale value if I ever get an audiophile ear transplant (ask for one at your local hifi shop).

By all means, indulge in the classic tables, but in the end, I bet you will track down a Tech-12 and be happy with the performance. Of course you will still probably be addicted to the vintage scores, so make sure you have room for at least two turntables at all times - I am tracking down an old Luxman these days. And I have purchased 13 albums in the past two days.

I make this addiction sound sad, but really, my wife and I are loving the genuine sounds of vinyl as compared to the compression of MP3s and CDs. Analog junkies are better lovers.
 
Welcome Boonie,

There are a few Aussies here who will be able to help for anything Australian specific.

For AUS$100 you can find many a fine vintage TT. Personally I like the look of the 70's stuff because it suits the look of the rest of my system and decore.

Best of luck

Lee
 
All the talk of the Technics 1200's is dead on. I own a SL-1200MK5 myself and its amazing. feels good having a table that will out last me and most likely never need repair or servicing. there is also a wide range of available upgrades, but out of the box with a good cart its amazing. If you can afford it or find it, buying new is nice since you know for a fact its never seen a DJ or a club and not abused.
 
Yeah that's why I'm interested in the vintages, bhundu. The sansui FR-1080 would match my sansui 661 nicely too.
But the reliability of the technics compared with the uncertainty of buying vintage has me unsure.
Thanks for all the very reasoned replies from everyone.
 
You're welcome to PM me anythime Boonie if you would like to discuss any vintage TTs on our local 'bay.

Everyone should have at least two turntables so a vintage ($50-$80) and a Technics ($?) would be the perfect solution.

One for peace of mind and one to experiment with/compare to.

Cheers

Lee
 
boonie, I don't doubt you're getting the best of advice on the 1200 but what they are not taking into account is the fact that you live in Oz. I posted in a recent thread about the cost of shipping turning what is a great deal in the US into a deal buster out here.
Everything I've heard about the Technics tells me it's a great table BUT have you checked out the best price you can get in Oz. I haven't but I can guarantee that it will be scary.
You say money is not a problem but I'd bet that means "within certain limits" ?
Whichever way you go, good luck!

Oh and BTW my technical skills are BASIC....I rely on AK members like Hakaplan among others. AK is the way to go. :D
 
thilaseen,
I can pick up a new sl-1200mk2 in melbourne for $850. If I decide on a technics I'll use my tax dollars that K-Rudd's giving us back in April. Do my bit for the economy. :D
 
boonie said:
thilaseen,
I can pick up a new sl-1200mk2 in melbourne for $850. If I decide on a technics I'll use my tax dollars that K-Rudd's giving us back in April. Do my bit for the economy. :D
Click to expand...

:banana:

Go K-Rudd!!!

I'll be ordering a few new LPs from qualityrecords (no affiliation), and the balance on the mortgage (sorry Kevin)
 
Got my $900 today. Thank you Ruddy!
I recently bought a Denon DP-300F brand new for $300 (list in Aus $700) and, while it is good, the Pioneer I got last week for $34 is every bit as good but if it packs it in after a year or so then I can go and get another bargain.
I reside in both camps....let your ears and the $ decide.
 
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