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Options for a 1st turntable

Tex2112

Tex2112

New Member
Hi all. It's my first time posting here, and I'm putting together my first vinyl setup. I currently have an old pair of speakers with no discernible markings on them, and a Yamaha RX-596 receiver. I'm trying to buy everything through my local craigslist/fb marketplace, and I have few options as to what turntables are for sale. Here's my question. Which of these prices are reasonable, and of the reasonable ones, which one would you recommend?
  1. BIC 960 with the wood plinth and dustcover (no indication as to cartridge, but one is present)-$100
  2. Pioneer PL-55X (also no cartridge info, but one is present)-$200
  3. Pioneer PL-660 (needs new needle)-$75
  4. Audio Technica AT-LP60-USB-$40
Thank you for reading, please let me know if this would do better elsewhere!
 
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Run the model #'s through epray then click on completed listings to see what they go for. I wouldnt get any of those at those prices for what its worth. The 55x maybe if you know for sure its working and with what cartridge but nothing you listed strikes me a must grab right away kinda deal unless you find the 55x is turnkey.
 
Will do- thanks so much! I'm going to ask for some more info about the 55x, see if I can get the seller to play it for me. I had no idea you could look at past auctions on ebay, that's super helpful.
 
Heyday turntable at Target. $100, Bluetooth or rca. Look for videos online. Has gotten some decent reviews.
 
I'd recommend getting something that works. Projects are fun but when you want to listen to music and your gear is broken it gets annoying fast.

I don't know any of the models that you have listed except the AT-LP60 which a friend has. It's easy to use, sounds quite good for being such an inexpensive table, won't hurt your records and comes with the great AT3600 cart installed so replacement stylus are super easy to find as are belts if you should need to replace one. This is what I'd go for if I were you. You can always upgrade down the line if you feel like.
 
Thanks for all the advice everyone! I looked further into the PL-55X, and it looks like the photos that the seller is using are ripped from a vintage turntable website. At this point, I'm probably going to go with the AT-LP60 and upgrade later on as necessary.
 
I would work from a budget point of view to begin with. Do you have a budget?

It's OK if you find a great deal that falls below the budget you use and the list of TT you have found fit the budget. AT-LP60 is not something you will want to use a lot should you spend money on better vinyl. If you are strictly buying used vinyl and never spending more than $5 for a record, and more than not spending $1-$3 for a record, that's reasonable. I wouldn't be spinning $8 and up records on a player that is only $90 new. If you start to accumulate good vinyl, it can stay with you for decades if you take care of it.

Just my opinion. With a little work and some patience and help from some knowledgeable folks, $150 is a budget that can get you a used player and a new cartridge. There are more than a few late 70s and early 80s Japanese made direct drive tables that fly under the radar still. Some Kenwood, MCS, Yamaha, to name a few.
 
I see. I think $200 is pretty much the top of my budget for a turntable right now, and I'll admit that being only one piece away from being able to spin my records is probably making me impatient.
 
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