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Narrowing down my 1st TT choice

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lisbethann

New Member
Please forgive me in advance, this is a whole new world for me. Looking to buy me and the hub our first TT. Have found a couple on eBay (although shipping and reputation scare me) including a Pioneer PL-518 (auction currently at $225+$60 shipping) and a Technics SL-1200MKII *as is* ($145+$22). A few hours away there is a Technics SL-Q3, SL-1900, SL-BD21, SL-D2, and SL-1710 (waiting for pricing on these Technics) or a Pioneer SL-740 ($170). I've been trying to read reviews, but there is so much back and forth sometimes I can't make heads or tails of some of the arguments. The SL-Q3 and SL-1710 are attractive as far as I can tell, depending on price. All of the TT that are within the few hours driving distance have been cleaned and refurbished and I believe come with a warranty. Who wants to weigh in and help me out!?
 
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I'm still waiting for pricing, thanks for the link of things to look for. I don't know where people are finding all these "great used buys" on TTs, everything I've come across seems a little inflated in price. It is that time of year though I suppose …
 
lisbethann said:
A few hours away there is a Technics SL-Q3, SL-1900, SL-BD21, SL-D2, and SL-1710 (waiting for pricing on these Technics) or a Pioneer SL-740 ($170). I've been trying to read reviews, but there is so much back and forth sometimes I can't make heads or tails of some of the arguments. The SL-Q3 and SL-1710 are attractive as far as I can tell, depending on price. All of the TT that are within the few hours driving distance have been cleaned and refurbished and I believe come with a warranty. Who wants to weigh in and help me out!?
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The Technics SL-1710 is a very sturdy semi-auto that can be used with a wide variety of cartridges.

Ours in in the living room where the husky roams, no footfall issue at all. :thumbsup:
http://www.vinylengine.com/library/technics/sl-1700.shtml
 
I have an original 1700 and really like it. 1710 is a black 1700. Comes in original and Mk 2 variants. Both are good although the Mk 2 has a little drive belt to automate the tonearm that can fail.
 
lisbethann said:
Please forgive me in advance, this is a whole new world for me. Looking to buy me and the hub our first TT. Have found a couple on eBay (although shipping and reputation scare me) including a Pioneer PL-518 (auction currently at $225+$60 shipping) and a Technics SL-1200MKII *as is* ($145+$22). A few hours away there is a Technics SL-Q3, SL-1900, SL-BD21, SL-D2, and SL-1710 (waiting for pricing on these Technics) or a Pioneer SL-740 ($170). I've been trying to read reviews, but there is so much back and forth sometimes I can't make heads or tails of some of the arguments. The SL-Q3 and SL-1710 are attractive as far as I can tell, depending on price. All of the TT that are within the few hours driving distance have been cleaned and refurbished and I believe come with a warranty. Who wants to weigh in and help me out!?
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You could go with a new lp120 great table to get started with direct drive cartridge that comes with it ok and can easily upgrade the stylus $299
 
Ummm, this thread is 9 years old, and the OP hasn't been seen on the forums for that long, as well. Would kinda hope she's made a decision by now.......
 
ernieb1536 said:
Oops !
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It wasn't a bad recommendation, though, other than being a bit late. I took advantage of the holiday pricing ($249, down from $349) to pick up a new LP120XUSB plus an ATN-XP3 stylus upgrade (well, an upgrade for those of us who like heavier-tracking conicals, anyway) and enjoyed New Year's Eve with several hours of great music!
 
jrtrent said:
It wasn't a bad recommendation, though, other than being a bit late. I took advantage of the holiday pricing ($249, down from $349) to pick up a new LP120XUSB plus an ATN-XP3 stylus upgrade (well, an upgrade for those of us who like heavier-tracking conicals, anyway) and enjoyed New Year's Eve with several hours of great music!
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It’s a good bank for the buck , I here the lp140 is a good step up , but of course more money !
 
ernieb1536 said:
It’s a good bank for the buck , I hear the lp140 is a good step up , but of course more money !
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I’m quite content with my pl120 after a rubber mat and an acrylic one under it and getting the revised antiskate spring from AT installed , thanks Dr Audio still tracking flawlessly ! And of course the sumiko pearl really nice cart for the money !
 
ernieb1536 said:
It’s a good bank for the buck , I here the lp140 is a good step up , but of course more money !
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I never had a chance to audition the LP140XP against the LP120XUSB, but Audio Technica seems to suggest that for my usage, which is just enjoying records at home, the cheaper LP120XUSB with its reduced torque motor might have the advantage:

"The original AT-LP120-USB model uses a high-torque (1.6 kgf.cm) motor with a reverse direction and two pitch adjustment ranges, +/-10% and +/- 20%. This motor provides quick starts and stops and is suitable for light commercial use in addition to casual use at home. The motor offers a good compromise between features, performance and fidelity.

The latest generation of the turntable, the AT-LP120XUSB, uses a slightly lower torque motor (1.0 kgf.cm) that does not have a reversible direction, but, in part, this motor enables the turntable to have higher overall fidelity due to its lower-noise design. In fact, the noise floor of the LP120XUSB turntable is so low even low-output Moving Coil (MC) type phono cartridges requiring additional amplification may be used with it. Two pitch adjustment ranges, +/-8% and +/-16%, are provided. Offering a higher fidelity listening experience, the AT-LP120XUSB is suitable for casual or critical listening at home. Its motor is a good compromise between cost, performance and fidelity.

With a starting torque of 2.2 kgf.cm, the AT-LP140XP turntable has the highest torque motor of the three. It is a professional-quality turntable designed for commercial use, but the well-damped chassis and platter make it suitable for home use as well. This motor features a reversible direction and offers three pitch adjustment ranges, +/-8%, +/-16% and +/- 24%."

In my current circumstances, the LP120XUSB's built in phono stage is a welcome convenience, and it also got an upgrade, "The built-in phono preamplifier is an improved design providing extended high-frequency response."
 
jrtrent said:
I never had a chance to audition the LP140XP against the LP120XUSB, but Audio Technica seems to suggest that for my usage, which is just enjoying records at home, the cheaper LP120XUSB with its reduced torque motor might have the advantage:

"The original AT-LP120-USB model uses a high-torque (1.6 kgf.cm) motor with a reverse direction and two pitch adjustment ranges, +/-10% and +/- 20%. This motor provides quick starts and stops and is suitable for light commercial use in addition to casual use at home. The motor offers a good compromise between features, performance and fidelity.

The latest generation of the turntable, the AT-LP120XUSB, uses a slightly lower torque motor (1.0 kgf.cm) that does not have a reversible direction, but, in part, this motor enables the turntable to have higher overall fidelity due to its lower-noise design. In fact, the noise floor of the LP120XUSB turntable is so low even low-output Moving Coil (MC) type phono cartridges requiring additional amplification may be used with it. Two pitch adjustment ranges, +/-8% and +/-16%, are provided. Offering a higher fidelity listening experience, the AT-LP120XUSB is suitable for casual or critical listening at home. Its motor is a good compromise between cost, performance and fidelity.

With a starting torque of 2.2 kgf.cm, the AT-LP140XP turntable has the highest torque motor of the three. It is a professional-quality turntable designed for commercial use, but the well-damped chassis and platter make it suitable for home use as well. This motor features a reversible direction and offers three pitch adjustment ranges, +/-8%, +/-16% and +/- 24%."

In my current circumstances, the LP120XUSB's built in phono stage is a welcome convenience, and it also got an upgrade, "The built-in phono preamplifier is an improved design providing extended high-frequency response."
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I’m sure you’ll really enjoy it they’re a decent fuss free table !
 
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