Older Turntable

[jon56]

Any opinions on Realistic turntables? I have noticed that they are worth in great condition almost what they cost new. I have a Lab 440 that is in immaculate condition and works great. It has a Shure 1000 EDT Cartridge on it. How does anyone think it compares to other newer turntables that are around now or even other tables of its time?

Jon

 

[Wes_in_VA]

I've never heard a 440, but I've owned LAB 250, 400 and 500. All of those were nice tables. The LAB 500 was a superb table.
I think that 440 would be hard to beat for the kind of money they sell for these days.

 

[MacNoob]

Realistic generally didn't manufacture their own stuff. So quality varies depending on who made it for them.

Cheap models came from BSR or similar makers and are just as junky as they were in the 70s.

Many of their better tables were made by CEC or Mitsubishi. These are excellent. I have a nice Lab-400 that is every bit as good as contemporary Technics etc. A Lab-500 would be a great find for me.

Considering that these were about $200 turntables in 1978, that's about $750 today.

Vintage vs new is always a huge storm around here. Older tables tend to have better specs. Some of the new tables in that price range can have really nice tone arms but they often have worse technical specs and lack automation features.

Ya gotta listen and see what you like.

 

[Wolfe64]

I have a Lab 440 turntable with that cartridge and a newer needle and think it sounds fantastic, just as good as any of the other turntables I have.
Mark

 

[Eric Lloyd]

Never heard the record player, but have heard good things. But I have a Realistic R1000EDT cart that I like very much. My experience of Radio Shack audio gear of the 70's/80's has been very good and I generally pay attention when I see it for sale.