Re-entry TT Quandry

[Bleds]

First post here, been lurking for awhile. I did make an attempt at finding an existing thread that might help before posting this and nothing definitive popped up for me.

I'm building out an analog setup for the first time since I gave my JVC L-E600 (purchased at Marvin Electronics in Ft Worth ) to my new in-laws back in 1990 or so.

What I have so far:
Receiver: Sansui 9090 (found at a vintage place in Seattle)
North American Sound Mini-Monitors (high-school graduation present from mom and dad in 1982)

I've been doing a lot of searches, youtube vids and general hand-wringing about what turntable to get. My original plan was to use my wife's beogram 1700 with a MMC 20CL cartridge and get it refurbished. But after doing some research have arrived at the conclusion it would be far more money to do than simply getting a new or already cleaned up working used turntable. It's a shame given the cartridge sounds like it was one of the higher end. I have played records on it and it all works, the problem is that the suspension has completely disintegrated and the slightest vibration is picked up.

So the question is what to get? I have $300 - $500 to spend.

I'd love to get something contemporary with the receiver but looks like something good would be above my price. Also, given I'm just getting back into this, wondering if it would be a better idea to get something new that's decent & solid.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated!

 

[Crab33]

New vs used is a frequent question on these pages. I think it depends on how much of a risk taker you are and how willing you are to get your hands dirty. Vintage used turntables can be huge bargains and very satisfying, but can also be a bit hit and miss - they often require at least a little work, even if it's just replacing the belt (on a belt-drive) and adding a bit of oil. Having said that, new turntables can be risky too, as they are not always built to a high standard and can have faults - at least you would have a warranty though.

If you want to stay with the era of the Sansui receiver (mid-70s), there should be no shortage of vintage models available. A popular choice is the Pioneer PL12D, which you should easily be able to get within budget. Sansui had an equivalent model called the Sansui SR212 (except it also had auto-return). The slightly later SR222 MkII is well-liked and looks really nice if you're a fan of gloss black. Don't forget that you may need to budget for a new cartridge or at least a new stylus for the turntable's existing cartridge.

In the new camp, I'm not sure what to recommend, but popular choices are Rega Planar 1, Pro-ject Essential III (as well as other Pro-jects), U-Turn Orbit, Audio Technica AT-LP5. But these may look a bit boring compared with vintage models. Some of the Fluance models are a bit more in keeping with a vintage look.

 

[kermit z]

With your stated budget, I would look for a nice used table. As Crab states, budget in a new cartridge as well. Now, it depends on what you are looking for in a turntable. Wood look is popular and there are many tables that will fall into that range. High up the cost ladder, you can find Dual, Thorens, AR, Linn, older Pioneers and so on. The more industrial tables (my best friend in high school DJ'd and had a pair of Technics SL-1200) which will generally be direct drive, and will be Technics, Pioneer, Kenwood, Sansui and so on. Find a table that when you look at it, you want to spin up a record.

 

[BamaBilly]

Hard to find but in your price range is the Sansui SR-636. I own one and it’s a great table for the money, same arm as the more expensive 838.

 

[patient_ot]

So the question is what to get? I have $300 - $500 to spend.

Look for something used locally that has already been serviced by a reputable shop. Do not buy online because 99% of sellers cannot pack and will not follow instructions if you give them. I would primarily focus on Japanese direct drive turntables, the less complex the better. Those will be reliable if serviced.

 

[elcoholic]

Welcome to AK @Bleds. I'd shop locally for vintage for a while and if nothing turns up then go new. A new entry level table in one piece is better than a killer vintage table that arrives in pieces. If you haven't done so already, I'd also login over at Beoworld and see if reviving the 1700 suspension is really that big of a project.

 

[Zenith4me]

Hello and welcome.

You said you picked up your receiver in Seattle. Have you shopped at Turntables and Trails in Seattle? I live in the Seattle area. I have bought some turntables from him that needed minor repairs but he also sells turntables that he has already restored. He always has some nice Dual turntables in the lower end of your price range. He’s always a pleasure to talk to.

I would recommend a Dual 1219 or 1229. Both are very nice and built like tanks.

Good luck with your search.

 

[spark1]

Sent an article about how to inspect a used turntable...check your inbox.

 

[ctjetta]

OK, so this source seems to come highly regarded- no direct experience myself or knowledge of, (mentioned in other threads) but, may be interested in future if I have a sudden lapse of judgment and decide to acquire another turntable (heaven forbid).
He currently only has one turntable, though maybe a good one. He goes by capt.mark on the auction site. But click on the link for his youtube videos, where he'll tell you all about the TT in question, but let you know that he'll offer it cheaper outside of the auction site. I'm guessing his shipping skills are impeccable and shipping fees not unreasonable.
His current offering-

If you're patient there will be others. I'm assuming that what he offers are 120v units, can't say for certain. Many of the units he has offered are available from Japan, but, 100 volt items.
This is all just fodder for thought. Craigslist may offer you something as well. Just be open minded.
I'm not discounting new options- I just can't tell you any thing about them.