NAD 7240PE Reciever - Turntable Recommendations?

[Spellbinder]

Hi all! It's been a while since I've been around. Glad to be back.

I'm currently building a system for a small man-cave/large den. It's nearly complete, I have the following...

Reciever: NAD 7240PE (Manufactured 1988)
Speakers: Boston Acoustics HD 9 (Manufactured 1989-94)
CD: JVC XL-V75BK Single Disc CD Player (Manufactured 1990-91)
Turntable: ??

Looking for recommendations for a vintage turntable. I'd prefer to stay in the late 80's for continuity, but anything from the late 70's through the late 80's would be fine. my budget is around $200. Thoughts?

Specs for the NAD 7240PE

 

[Electone]

I used to run a Thorens TD166mkII with my NAD 3240PE (the integrated amp version of your receiver). Or perhaps a Dual 505-2.

 

[Spellbinder]

Thanks for the response!

 

[MacNoob]

Any number of fine Japanese quartz lock direct drive tables from late 70s can be had for $200. Something like a Technics SL-Q2/Q3

 

[MCM_Fan]

Any number of fine Japanese quartz lock direct drive tables from late 70s can be had for $200. Something like a Technics SL-Q2/Q3

I second the recommendation for a late 70s (or VERY early 80s) Technics direct drive TT. There are many different models to consider, so I can't give a specific recommendation. I did check the Chicago craigslist listings, and it what is currently there mostly looks overpriced (much of it WAY overpriced), but if you're patient, you'll find a bargain. You should be able to find a good sample for about $125 (depending on model), which would leave you a little left over for a replacement stylus (if needed).

Also, keep an eye out for one of the Panasonic made direct drive MCS models. These share drive parts and tonearms with the comparable Technics models, but tend to fly under the radar. I picked up an MCS 6601 over the weekend. It's comparable spec wise to the Technics TL-2000, but with the added bonus that it's a semi-automatic table. Here's what it looks like:

It was also available in silver as the MCS 6602.

I'd avoid newer Technics and MCS models as the quality really started to go down hill after the very early 1980s.

 

[MCM_Fan]

I second the recommendation for a late 70s (or VERY early 80s) Technics direct drive TT. There are many different models to consider, so I can't give a specific recommendation. I did check the Chicago craigslist listings, and it what is currently there mostly looks overpriced (much of it WAY overpriced), but if you're patient, you'll find a bargain. You should be able to find a good sample for about $125 (depending on model), which would leave you a little left over for a replacement stylus (if needed).

Also, keep an eye out for one of the Panasonic made direct drive MCS models. These share drive parts and tonearms with the comparable Technics models, but tend to fly under the radar. I picked up an MCS 6601 over the weekend. It's comparable spec wise to the Technics TL-2000, but with the added bonus that it's a semi-automatic table. Here's what it looks like:

It was also available in silver as the MCS 6602.

I'd avoid newer Technics and MCS models as the quality really started to go down hill after the very early 1980s.

And keep in mind, craigslist prices are asking prices. I think most craigslist sellers expect people to haggle a little and build a little cushion into their asking prices with this in mind. Don't be afraid to offer less and don't be afraid to walk away. There are a lot of these vintage Technics tables out there. They sold a lot of them, and because they proved to be durable and reliable, there are a still lot of them out there. You should not have to overpay to get a clean, properly functioning table.

Also, I've owned a couple NAD receivers and still have a 3150 integrated amp. Love the sound of the vintage NAD gear and all the ones I owned all had very nice phono sections.

 

[bimasta]

All good suggestions above. But I think the cartridge you use is a more direct concern than the TT itself — it's the cart that feeds the electrical signal into the receiver and then to the speakers. I don't know your model, but I have two other NAD receivers — does yours have MC stage as well as MM? Does it have adjustments for impedance and capacitance? By all means choose a TT that you like (you'll have to look at it all the time) but be sure the cartridge is a good match to the NAD's phono section.

 

[Ilikevinyl]

I'm using a NAD 7240PE receiver too, excellent sounding! Have both of these turntables connected to it, Thorens TD-160/SME 3009 turntable, and a Technics SL-1650. The Technics is connected directly into the phono section on the 7240PE. The Thorens TD-160 is connected to a tubed Yaqin MS-23B phono preamp (excellent sounding for the money!!). That is connected to the CD input (line level). Both of these turntables sound awesome connected to the 7240PE! These vintage NAD receivers sound very "Tubed" like, smooth sounding! I also have another NAD receiver that's just a few years older, for backup. These NAD receivers have a very good sounding phono section!

 

[Wolverine]

I ran a Technics SL-1300 and 1700 off my 7240 at various times without issue.

 

[majick47]

The late 1970s to the early 1980s was the high point for turntables, by the late 1980s and early 1990s CD players were dominant and most turntables from that time frame would not be a good choice.