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Recommendations on my next TT?

stencil

stencil

Active Member
Hey all - I'm new here, so be nice, but I've done some searching and research so I hope my question will at least start some discussion, arguments, wars of words, and eventual pitchforks and effigies.

So I'm looking to get a nicer turntable than my current plastic Technics SL-D30 with AT3482P.

I have a lifelong relationship with Yamaha, and I've grown enamored by the PF800, PF1000, and YP-D8.

However, I'm also into the simplicity and upgrade possibilities of the Thorens TD-160. That said, I'm not likely to get too crafty with this.

I really want something that works, works really well, and sounds amazing. Budget is around $300-500, not necessarily including cartridge.

So ... any thoughts? Am I comparing two crazy different TTs? Right now the PF800 and TD160 seem to be the most available, but I could be wrong. How is the YP-D8 as a player? I see one at Audiogon for $400, but don't have a reference point. The PF800 seems to go for around $400-500, and the TD160 seems to be all over the place based on condition and version.

Thanks in advance for your insights, and feel free to let me know if I'm way off base in my shopping.
 
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The PF series Yamahas are great tables and somewhat cult-like.

The Thorens 160 is also a classic worthy of it's great reputation.

While Technics made some fantastic tables too, your current model is not in their top offerings, and yes, easily bettered.


I think either the Yamaha or Thorens will be a fantastic choice for you.


If you are inclined towards belt drives, also consider the wonderful Ariston tables, and Systemdek tables, both within your price range.

There are lots of direct drive vintage Japanese tables within your price range. If interested in direct drive tables, let me know, and I'll add a few more suggestions.

But as for belt drives, I'd be proud to own that series Yamaha, and plenty of the Thorens (the TD-125 and 160 the most obvious), as well as Ariston and Systemdek and of course there are a few others.


Cheers!
 
Just looked at that YP-D8 and it looks like it could be fantastic.

My suggestion is post asking specifically about that table- put it in the thread title.

This way the Yamaha experts can chime in on it.

Oh- it's a direct drive model.

For what it's worth, the hard to find Yamaha GT-2000 direct drive tables are one of the most desired direct drive tables out there.
 
thedelihaus said:
Just looked at that YP-D8 and it looks like it could be fantastic.

My suggestion is post asking specifically about that table- put it in the thread title.

This way the Yamaha experts can chime in on it.

Oh- it's a direct drive model.

For what it's worth, the hard to find Yamaha GT-2000 direct drive tables are one of the most desired direct drive tables out there.
Click to expand...

I thought about that right after I hit "submit," but alas it's too late.

I'm not stuck on belt vs. direct. I'm leaning toward belt for the isolation properties (arguable, I know).
 
There are several turntables from the 80's era companies that produced high quality tables, which can be had off the used market for your budget.

1. Systemdeck
2. Ariston
3. CJ Walker
4. Sonegraphe by Conrad Johnson
5. Rega
6. Linn Axis

These are the usual suspects that I would look at. Note that these are all manual tables, and a few of them will come with specialty tone arms. So the price varies a lot, but a few of those can be had starting at 250.

Of course another decacto contender is the Technics SL 1200. There are earlier variants such as the SP25 that can be had for your budget also. A good place to look for quality used tables is Audiogon.

Regards
Mister Pig
 
While I certainly agree with Mr. Pig on recommendations, and have owned the first and last on his list..that Yamaha YP-d8 looks REALLY nice. It would most certainly be an upgrade from where you are at and it's just a truly beautiful looking turntable.
 
Whatever you decide on, I would ensure that the deck has been serviced, is 100% operable, and needs nothing else. Otherwise, go for a new one. Some pretty nice sounding new decks are just at the top end of your budget.
 
Thanks guys!

I'm definitely leaning to the Yamaha camp right now for irrational reasons.

But that aside - I'm stuck between the 70s direct-drive YP-D8 and the 80s belt-drive PF800. Can anyone give me a hint as to the sonic differences, if any, as subjective as they may be?
 
stencil said:
I'm definitely leaning to the Yamaha camp right now for irrational reasons.
Click to expand...

There's no better reason. I was just on Craigslist myself oggling some vintage gear that in no way competes sonically with what I have....but I just WANT it.

I've learned that the appreciation of gear has a lot to do with sound quality, but it's not 100% about that..at least not for me. The 'irrational' reasons, like your love of Yamaha...play just as much into enjoyment of it. While a Systemdek or something similar might sound better (and might not..I had one, it was great but not a sonic revolution in my system), really just liking what it is, is half the battle. I say go for the Yp-D8. It looks to have been extremely well taken care of and will certainly look more unique than a Technics 1200 sitting in your system.
 
You've pretty much received the creme de la creme of advice so I've nothing to add but say I hope you get that yammie! Good luck!
 
stencil said:
Thanks guys!

I'm definitely leaning to the Yamaha camp right now for irrational reasons.

But that aside - I'm stuck between the 70s direct-drive YP-D8 and the 80s belt-drive PF800. Can anyone give me a hint as to the sonic differences, if any, as subjective as they may be?
Click to expand...


Rationality is good, but can also sometimes deflate some of the fun and enjoyment out of this hobby.

Either of those Yammies will be excellent.

In fact, I'd consider one of each if you could swing it. They are both fantastic.
 
Having a backup table is a wise decision.

You may hate me now, but you will thank me profusely at a later date.


:D
 
Thanks. If my offer is accepted on the YP-D8, it looks like he has the original manual.

Also if said offer if accepted, I promise a full gallery of pictures for you guys! It's nice to meet some similarly irrational fools.
 
Have you thought about linear trackers?

Let me suggest another route.

If you know how to fix gear and like to do it, there is a Mitsubishi LT-30 linear tracking turntable on this auction site. It's supposedly in a good cosmetic conditions but non-working and so it's relatively cheap: currently $75. The LT-30 is one of the best linear trackers out there.

I have no affiliation with the seller but have an LT-30 and LOVE HER! This deck sounds just wonderful. Mine was also purchased non-working from epay and I fixed it rather easily. Based on what I've read about LT-30 most of them are fixable.

If you will go this route, you will be significantly under your budget and could use the surplus for a nice moving coil cartridge.

If you would like to stay with Yamaha, check PX-2 and PX-3 linear trackers. The working PX-2 might go over your budget, but the PX-3 most likely fit. However, my understanding is that Yamaha linear trackers are more difficult to fix and maintain than Mitsubishi.

Just my $0.02.
 
Hey Kotofei - I'm familiar with linear trackers, yes. In fact, I experimented with one last year before giving up (it was a cheap Technics and really wasn't worth fixing). The PX-2 looks amazing, but I think I'm going to start with a more traditional tonearm setup to get my feet wet with understanding counterbalance, skate, and all that.

Will look at the LT-30 just for lust purposes though.
 
kotofei said:
...The LT-30 is one of the best linear trackers out there....
Click to expand...

Agreed.

kotofei said:
...there is a Mitsubishi LT-30 linear tracking turntable on this auction site. It's supposedly in a good cosmetic conditions but non-working and so it's relatively cheap...Mine was also purchased non-working from epay and I fixed it rather easily. Based on what I've read about LT-30 most of them are fixable...
Click to expand...

Correct- most are. AK member 88Gibson fixed his- relatively straight fix, though quite time consuming in his case, and delicate.


Great tables indeed.


I opted the more traditional style myself but will freely admit the LT-30 was one of the nicest sounding tables I'd ever heard.



Hmmm... maybe the OP should go for three tables total?:scratch2:
 
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