Hello! As you can tell by the title of this I'm new to turntables. I'm going to be purchasing one pretty soon here to complete my setup (Sansui G-8000, DCM TF1000's) and I would love some advice on what turntable I should try to pick up. I've heard very good things about Technics SL series such as the 1200. My price range is around $250-500. Thank you so much.
New to Turntables
- Thread starter bicroti
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Ever consider Kenwood?
Paid approximately the same for all three of these tables, all within your budget. The two Kennys are mine, the Technics I purchased for a young friend starting out in vinyl. Not sure if it's obvious from the pics but the Kennys dwarf the Technics.
Kenwood KD770D
Kenwood KD500/ Grace G707 arm
Technics SL-1200MKII
Shrugg
Active Member
Have you considered the cost for turntable cartridges? If not, i would set aside at least 150$ from your budget, and once you buy a turntable, choose a quality budget cartridge. Technics 1200s are rather high in price now, and the ones in your budget could be beat up and completely out of spec, which i would avoid. I would suggest looking at less well known direct drive turntables from the 1970s, such as other Technics models, Sony, Mitsubishi, Sansui, etc. also, I would stick to local listings for turntables, such as craigslist, letgo, kijiji, or offerup, to avoid the expense and possible damage from shipping. If you do coose to buy from ebay, i would only buy from reputable sellers who specialize in shipping turntables and audio equipment (NOT thrift stores!). i personally nominate sony ps-x5/6/7, or ps-x50/60/70, all competent, reliable, and excellent sounding turntables that wont obliterate your budget.
Balifly
Listening
What are your needs?
You should think about which one of the three type would suite your needs.
Totally manual, you do everything by hand.
Semi- auto, you put the tone arm over the LP and lower it down by a lever or button, when it finished playing, it will go back to the rest position by itself and turn off.
Automatic, you push a button and the turn table does everything for you from beginning to the end .
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Patience is your friend, as stated ALL of the tables I posted above were purchased within your budget, and all came with sevicable cartridges often worth the whole price of admission. All were purchased and shipped through eBay without a hitch, if there had been eBay's outstanding buyer protection policy would have covered me completely. You want the biggest selection possible, not just limited to your local neighborhood lol.
If sold on Technics the 1200 I posted above was purchased about 6 months ago on eBay for $300, plus $60 shipping, came with a Shure cartridge and new in box stylus. The table is pristine as these pics will attest, again patience is your friend, along with due diligence in communication with the seller before purchase a must.
If sold on Technics the 1200 I posted above was purchased about 6 months ago on eBay for $300, plus $60 shipping, came with a Shure cartridge and new in box stylus. The table is pristine as these pics will attest, again patience is your friend, along with due diligence in communication with the seller before purchase a must.
Patience is key. Those Kenny’s and Technics are really good choices. Three hundred for a 1200; wow! Fixed up several Technics SL 23s for a customer. He will be selling for around $100. I also worked on a really cool JVC semi automatic that shuts off at the end of the record. It’s a Direct Drive. Weighs a ton. That likely would be in the $150. You really can’t go wrong with the Japanese built belt or direct drives. Always reliable and well made.
While I love my Duals and Garrard Zeros they are all mechanical requiring upkeep. Might stay away from these,
Eric
Though I haven't heard one, one model I find interesting is the NAD C558. The budget decks from Rega, Pro-Ject, and Music Hall I find a bit off-putting due to the lack of tone arm adjustment (such as factory pre-set anti-skate on the Rega Planar 1) or cartridges I know I just don't care much for. This NAD has adjustments for azimuth and vertical tracking angle as well as adjustable tracking force and anti-skate, and its OM10 cartridge is, I think, the best supplied cartridge for this price range of turntables. Unlike the review linked to below, I actually prefer a matte finish to a glossy one; the reviewer does find the sound quality to be better than competing designs from Pro-Ject and Rega (though it's also noted that Pro-Ject is the likely manufacturer of this NAD 'table).
http://lbtechreviews.com/test/hi-fi/record-players-for-beginners/nad-c558
http://lbtechreviews.com/test/hi-fi/record-players-for-beginners/nad-c558
I deal with newbies all the time (I sell a lot of refurbished vintage decks) and as much as I love AK, you will get a different opinion from EVERYONE here. People will offer their "expert advice" about what works for them and extrapolate it out to what someone just getting into the hobby should know. Usually this makes things more confusing if you're looking for simple and straightforward guidance (which -- in my experience with newbies -- is what they really are looking for) because it's too many opinions and without fail some argument about these opinions will start taking place in the thread. Might even happen in this one. 
My advice that comes specifically from dealing with newbies.
My advice that comes specifically from dealing with newbies.
- Vintage decks are the best bang for buck. Some are more reliable and easier to service than others. AK is a great place to get info on specific makes/models of vintage turntables, so if you seem something on your local Craigslist, chime in here and ask if it sounds like a good deal. People here will usually have a good feel for the pros/cons of what you're looking at.
- Speaking of which, put your location in your profile. Who knows -- there may be an AK'er around with a good spare deck they can sell you.
- Anyone who tells you "you need to spend at least x amount of dollars for your turntable/cartridge/preamp/whatever" should be taken with a grain of salt. You can get an adequate starter setup for a very reasonable amount of money if you're patient and do your research.
- Technics SL-1200 Mk2s (mentioned in your post) are great decks. They are also the biggest crapshoot ever in terms of condition because the vast majority (the ones that come through my shop at least) were DJ'ed and hauled all over creation and are likely to have arm bearing damage. Again, research comes in handy. If you can find a good deal on one with a good arm (there are youtube videos galore about checking and troubleshooting 1200s) and stable pitch, then go for it. But don't get ripped off on a ratty 1200. There are so many of those out there.
- There are plenty of other Technics direct drive decks that are good bets -- the ones ending in "00" that don't have "MK2." So SL-1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900. These are solid units that may need a little TLC at this age, but they're easy to work on. And they probably weren't hauled around like the 1200s were. Most of the 1*00 Mk2s are also excellent performers, but some have some quirks that are trickier to fix. Again, you can ask here if you find one locally.
- There are plenty of other reliable vintage Japanese or European decks out there besides Technics. Again, you can ask here about specific ones if/when you find one for sale.
- Buying a vintage turntable online and having it shipped to you is a crapshoot. If you go that route, be sure you buy from an experienced seller who knows how to ship them properly. Buying local is always going to be a safer bet in that regard,
- Keep it simple -- if someone starts talking to you about input impedance, VTA or arm mass, tune them out. That's the graduate level stuff and you're in the 101 course. Worry about that stuff when you've got hundreds of records and are ready for your next big upgrade. For now, you just need a good sounding rig that plays properly.
- Have fun! One of the joys of the hobby (IMO) is dollar bin shopping and finding interesting stuff you would never listen to if it wasn't on a record.
- Learn how to clean your records. It can make a huge difference in the listening experience. This is especially important if you're bargain shopping (the bullet point above).
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All of my tables were under $350, this is why I suggest eBay, it's the largest market. If patient bargains can be had as evidenced by the Technics. I've purchased Thorens, Mitsubishi and others, all pristine, and I refuse to pay big $$$$$$, I've never paid more than $350 for any deck, I'm cheap lol. But I like top notch decks so I'm patient.
likebike23
Addicted Member
I'd start by thinking if you want a manual, semi-automatic, or full automatic table first. Once you know that it'll be easier to narrow it down. Is there a look you are going for? Do you want direct, belt, idler drive? Are you looking to buy local or eBay? If local then your options are going to be what's available. With eBay, the world's your oyster. To give you a suggestion is pointless at this point because there are so many nice tables out there. Your homework is to narrow it down. Good luck.
So far I feel like manual is a good option. It doesn't bother me at all. Also direct seems like a good choice. I'm definitely buying local.
I deal with newbies all the time (I sell a lot of refurbished vintage decks) and as much as I love AK, you will get a different opinion from EVERYONE here. People will offer their "expert advice" about what works for them and extrapolate it out to what someone just getting into the hobby should know. Usually this makes things more confusing if you're looking for simple and straightforward guidance (which -- in my experience with newbies -- is what they really are looking for) because it's too many opinions and without fail some argument about these opinions will start taking place in the thread. Might even happen in this one.
My advice that comes specifically from dealing with newbies.
Enjoy the adventure!
- Vintage decks are the best bang for buck. Some are more reliable and easier to service than others. AK is a great place to get info on specific makes/models of vintage turntables, so if you seem something on your local Craigslist, chime in here and ask if it sounds like a good deal. People here will usually have a good feel for the pros/cons of what you're looking at.
- Speaking of which, put your location in your profile. Who knows -- there may be an AK'er around with a good spare deck they can sell you.
- Anyone who tells you "you need to spend at least x amount of dollars for your turntable/cartridge/preamp/whatever" should be taken with a grain of salt. You can get an adequate starter setup for a very reasonable amount of money if you're patient and do your research.
- Technics SL-1200 Mk2s (mentioned in your post) are great decks. They are also the biggest crapshoot ever in terms of condition because the vast majority (the ones that come through my shop at least) were DJ'ed and hauled all over creation and are likely to have arm bearing damage. Again, research comes in handy. If you can find a good deal on one with a good arm (there are youtube videos galore about checking and troubleshooting 1200s) and stable pitch, then go for it. But don't get ripped off on a ratty 1200. There are so many of those out there.
- There are plenty of other Technics direct drive decks that are good bets -- the ones ending in "00" that don't have "MK2." So SL-1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900. These are solid units that may need a little TLC at this age, but they're easy to work on. And they probably weren't hauled around like the 1200s were. Most of the 1*00 Mk2s are also excellent performers, but some have some quirks that are trickier to fix. Again, you can ask here if you find one locally.
- There are plenty of other reliable vintage Japanese or European decks out there besides Technics. Again, you can ask here about specific ones if/when you find one for sale.
- Buying a vintage turntable online and having it shipped to you is a crapshoot. If you go that route, be sure you buy from an experienced seller who knows how to ship them properly. Buying local is always going to be a safer bet in that regard,
- Keep it simple -- if someone starts talking to you about input impedance, VTA or arm mass, tune them out. That's the graduate level stuff and you're in the 101 course. Worry about that stuff when you've got hundreds of records and are ready for your next big upgrade. For now, you just need a good sounding rig that plays properly.
- Have fun! One of the joys of the hobby (IMO) is dollar bin shopping and finding interesting stuff you would never listen to if it wasn't on a record.
- Learn how to clean your records. It can make a huge difference in the listening experience. This is especially important if you're bargain shopping (the bullet point above).
Thank you so much! I really appreciate the help. I'm definitely going to be buying local. Shipping almost always turns out badly for vintage equipment. Also, since you said to post about ones I've found near me here's one for you. Pioneer PL530. Any opinions on this one? Thank you again.
jimreeves
Poopy & Me
The PL-530 is a excellent turntable if it's in good working order and you can audition it. Does it include a cartridge?
I will also suggest for anyone who's new to turntables and wants to buy new on the cheap, the Denon DP-300F is a great starter table. I owned one for a short time, just to see if it was good or bad and was pleasantly surprised by the build quality for the price. The weakest link was the supplied cartridge, which was fine for what it is, but I believe some online dealers offer the table with an upgraded cartridge. It is the only automatic turntable I'm aware of being offered new these days.
I will also suggest for anyone who's new to turntables and wants to buy new on the cheap, the Denon DP-300F is a great starter table. I owned one for a short time, just to see if it was good or bad and was pleasantly surprised by the build quality for the price. The weakest link was the supplied cartridge, which was fine for what it is, but I believe some online dealers offer the table with an upgraded cartridge. It is the only automatic turntable I'm aware of being offered new these days.
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You're right, I have a dozen tables, 50 pieces of equipment, even more speakers, all purchased and shipped through eBay, all arrived intact. If they hadn't eBay's great buyer protection policy would have covered me completely, shipping included so no risk involved. The above tables were shipped to me through eBay, it's your money but claiming shipping is too risky is a false statement, with eBay there's absolutely no risk at all.
homebrew
Super Member
If you can up the budget $100, I'd go with the Project Debut Carbon Esprit. It's a NEW turntable with a warranty and perfect for entry level buyers. You'd have to spend over a grand to get anything better. Yes it's totally manual, but a better bet than a used 'table. They can get rather pricey if you have to rehab it or pay someone to do it.
Thunderbox
Super Member
For those who say they have bought good tables for less than the OPs budget I would have to ask when did you buy all these tables because prices have increased dramatically over the last 3 years. Tables that once were $100 are now selling for 3 times that much. The one piece of advice i think is the best is be vigilant and patient. You will find a great deal if you follow those guidelines.
The cartridge is from Shure and they said it's very new.
Read my post, it says I purchased the Technics 6 months ago.
Here, I copied and pasted it for you.
"If sold on Technics the 1200 I posted above was purchased about 6 months ago on eBay for $300, plus $60 shipping, came with a Shure cartridge and new in box stylus. The table is pristine as these pics will attest, again patience is your friend, along with due diligence in communication with the seller before purchase a must"
Just posted a KD500 with an AT arm, can't remember the cartridge in another thread a few days ago for $500, I've seen them for less in great condition but I have a search on eBay.
Not long ago I brought a KD770D going for $345 on eBay to the attention of another member here, they had shown interest in mine but passed because they had recently purchased a car.
Again, I watch eBay for certain decks etc by setting a search, it's how I scored my NOS Grace F8-L10, and F8C Custom currently on my Grace G707 arm.
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