Recommend some under $150 pre-owned turntables!

[EscapeVelo]

Ive got my eye on

Realistic LAB 400
Realistic LAB 420

Pioneer PL 518

Any recommendations? How about a Technics?

 

[gmku]

The PL-518. And if you see a Technics SL-23, grab it.

Of course, what you pay depends on the condition it's in. If it's been refurbished, serviced, it's all in good working order... these two are well worth spending 90-150 bucks, imo.

If you're getting a fixer upper, no more than 25.

 

[cactuscowboy]

"$150"

Why set the bar so high?

I bought a Pioneer PL-518 for twenty bucks at a yard sale about nine months ago. Excellent condition, with owners manual, Audio Technica cartridge and new (unused) extra stylus.

"How about a Technics?"

As long as you avoid the BOTL models, a Technics would be a great choice.

Again, don't bother blowing $150. Start hitting the yard sales and thrift shops. The real deals are out there.

 

[EscapeVelo]

I prefer Direct Drive, Quartz Lock a plus, and definitely an S or maybe even a J tonearm.

I have a Sanyo Plus Q50 with a AT 125LC that needs a little help getting started. Just assume put it in retirement.

 

[Balifly]

Price varies from region to region.

Technics SL-1600......SL-1600MKII (auto)

Technics SL-1700......SL-1700MKII ( semi-auto)

 

[EscapeVelo]

How are those 2 Technics compared to the 1200/1200MKII? What are the differences?

The 1200MKII's are going for big bucks!

 

[Balifly]

In case you have not seen this before, the library at the Vinylengine has specifications for most of the brands.
You can compare at your leisure.
http://www.vinylengine.com/library/technics.shtml

Don'e over look some of the other brands like JVC, Sony and Kenwood .:thmbsp:

 

[EscapeVelo]

Found differences amongst the Technics models here.

 

[pcpinfo]

I can vouch for those Realistics. I scored a cheap Realistic Lab-440 last summer, and it's been a fine first-string table ever since.

Luke

 

[EscapeVelo]

Thanks for the link, I had been looking at cartridges at that site, but didnt realize it had turntables as well. What a great resource! The internet rocks!

 

[mythless]

Between the tables you've listed, I would go for the realistic tables. I had both the LAB400 and LAB420 and they were great tables. Fully automatic with repeat is quite nice.

 

[EscapeVelo]

For some reason the Technics are commanding high prices.

I suppose they were the most popular turntables of all time for a reason. The demand is still there. Lots of parts. Many Technics headshells available as well.

I am building a Realistic system around the STA-90 and the Realistic turntables would match nicely.

But Im strangely attracted to that Pioneer PL 518, and it can be gotten for much cheaper than the Technics TT series, and even the Realistic LAB 400 series.

 

[Balifly]

For some reason the Technics are commanding high prices.

I suppose they were the most popular turntables of all time for a reason. The demand is still there. Lots of parts. Many Technics headshells available as well.

I am building a Realistic system around the STA-90 and the Realistic turntables would match nicely.

But Im strangely attracted to that Pioneer PL 518, and it can be gotten for much cheaper than the Technics TT series, and even the Realistic LAB 400 series.

Bring an LP with you to check it out.

Make sure all the features are functional.

Have a good look at the cartridge, it may be a pretty nice one.

The stylus probably can be replace or even upgraded.

Good hunting!!!

 

[EscapeVelo]

Im gonna pick up a couple of different cartridges to try out with one or two of these 3 turntables. Any recs?

Im thinking

Denon 103
Denon 110

Stanton 500
Stanton 680/1
Stanton 881

Shure V15 III
Shure M97XT
Realistic M47XT

Ortofon 2M Red

Audio Technica AT95E

 

[mythless]

All of them are great cartridges. I am still dying to hear a Denon. But. I've owned Ortofon (OM10 and FF15), Stanton 500, and a bunch of Shure and Audio Technica cartridges. They are all great cartridges. What is your budget, if you got the cash the V15 with Jico SAS is a super nice combination but you may be able to find a Denon DL-110 or DL-160 for that price.

The Orotofon Red is a revamped OM10/OM20 and suppose to sound better than the older OM series it replaces.

 

[EscapeVelo]

Note to self.

Realistic LAB 400 has tiller cue control, 420 has rotary switch. Prefer the tiller.

So drop LAB 420 from list.

Add

Realistic LAB 8500
Realistic LAB 400

Pioneer PL 518

Technics SL 1600/1600MK2
Technics SL 1700/1700MK2

 

[EscapeVelo]

All of them are great cartridges. I am still dying to hear a Denon. But. I've owned Ortofon (OM10 and FF15), Stanton 500, and a bunch of Shure and Audio Technica cartridges. They are all great cartridges. What is your budget, if you got the cash the V15 with Jico SAS is a super nice combination but you may be able to find a Denon DL-110 or DL-160 for that price.

The Orotofon Red is a revamped OM10/OM20 and suppose to sound better than the older OM series it replaces.

Im a nickel and dimer, however, Im willing to acquire and test and then sell.

Im very familiar with Audio Technica sound and cartridges. Though I might pick up an AT95E on the cheap.

Id be interested in trying Ortofon sound. And am hot to trot for a Stanton.

Ill probably pick up a Shure/Realistic as well.

The Denon seems worth checking out.

Not interested in dropping over $100 on any individual cartridge. Id be willing to stretch to try out a moving coil Denon, and to acquire a Shure V15 down the road.

As an side note...the AT 125LC has the box and paper workd purchased in mid 80s for $40.

 

[EscapeVelo]

I think Im going to target that Pioneer PL 518 first.

 

[cactuscowboy]

I think Im going to target that Pioneer PL 518 first.

Can't go wrong IMO. Very well designed, excellent build quality, reliable, and it'll sound fine with the right cartridge.

Downside?

ZERO 'audiophile bragging rights' and it's not available in shiny piano gloss black.

But if you want quality, performance and value, it's a good one. My PL-518 would see more use if I didn't have the need to spin so many 78s.

As for a cartridge? Keep in mind many used turntables will come with a cartridge. It's possible to find a very nice/expensive cartridge on a $10 yard sale turntable.

 

[EscapeVelo]

Pioneer PL 518x

But Ill probably stick with silver, as I think these were Euro models and harder to find.

As to bragging rights, Ill never have those on AudioKarma. :ntwrthy:

I like the ergonomics and aesthetics and will be very happy spinning vinyl on it.