Suggestions for a compact turntable.
- Thread starter dbanda23
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- compact turn table
MCM_Fan
AK Subscriber
On the SL-5, the buttons are low profile and the only one you really need to use on a regular basis is the Start button. With 2" to spare, it shouldn't be difficult to access the Start button. The AT-LP-60 is 14.17" deep. So, access to the front mounted Start button may be a bit more challenging.
Final_Baton
Well-Known Member
Doesn't the SL-7 also have the controls on top? That'd be perfect if OP can't find an SL-10 withn his budget
I can't see the buttons on the SL-5 in my pic, but you are correct, all you need is start. If you need to interrupt just lift the lid.
The Denon DP15F is a great fit for what you need. It’s NOT a T4P table, either. Manual or full auto use. It’s very precise, quiet, upper tier performance. They can be had in your budget. I have 2 of them. Servo tracer tonearm, too, so it isn’t finicky about arm resonance.
You can find them on eBay, like this.
You can find them on eBay, like this.
Welcome to the forum from Virginia!
Dual 1019 has a small footprint and is automatic.
hey there I found this Dual 1019 for a reasonable price. Visually, do you think this would be an acceptable item to buy in its condition? I have no experience with these vintage tables so I’d rather get y’all’s input.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/333578793792
Good call. Standard mount cartridges would be a big bonus.
halkaloogie
The Jerk
The 1019 is a fine table, but the fact that it is sold as parts/repair, unless you're comfortable with going through it to trouble shooting and fix it, I would probably pass. It will probably cost you more than your budget to have someone fix it. And there are some inherent problems with shipping turntables. Where are you located? If you let us know, we may be able to look at local options that may be a better option.
MCM_Fan
AK Subscriber
No, not if your budget is $150 for a functional turntable with a cartridge and a decent stylus. I don't know where you're located, but for me, the shipping cost for that item is more than the cost of the opening bid - which puts it over your budget for a non-working parts unit with no cartridge or stylus.
My 1019 is my favorite turntable, but be aware that it looks like a Swiss watch on the underside. Unless it's sold in verified working condition, it's going to be a lot of trouble to get working.
I messaged the seller and he said the auto play works but it needs a new needle and the sound is kind of quiet. I agree with you that this project may get expensive pretty quick. I’m located in Charlotte, NC.
Shipping to me was about $40 which puts it right under my budget hence why this seemed like a good deal. But I agree that getting new cartridges and what not may get pretty expensive.
MCM_Fan
AK Subscriber
What is it that's drawing you to the Duals? Is it the looks? The ability to stack records? That it's "period correct"? A properly serviced Dual is a great machine (well, some models), but they do need to be serviced and are complex buggers to work on. Not something I'd recommend as a first time DIY project. If you do decide to still go that route another compact model I recommend is the 1228. Its one of the nicer 10" platter models.
If you like the look and features of the Duals, you may want to also look at the Elac Miracords. They are similar in style and function to the Duals, but in general, I have found them more reliable and easier to work on. The 50H is a great model, but I don't have one handy to check the dimensions. The ones the made for Radio Shack are just a step down from the 50H, very compact and tend to fly under the radar. The Realistic Miracord 45 is a really nice model with a 12" platter an the Realistic Miracord 40C is a compact 10" platter model similar to the smaller Duals. Just be aware that these compact models with a 10" platter will need additional clearance to the side and front for actually playing a standard 12" 33 RPM album. They also often require additional clearance at the rear and the opposite side for clearance for the tonearm counter weight as it moves across the record. That's why those 10" platter models with an 11" x 13" base usually came in a 13.5" x 16" (or larger) plinth. You need that extra clearance to actually play records on them.
If you just want something to drop in and plug and play and don't really care about "period correct" looks or stacking albums, I'd stick with one of the compact direct drive linear trackers. Just make sure it's in working condition and if the speeds need adjusted, it's not rocket science. Yes, the T4P (P-Mount) models limit your cartridge options, but you only need one. A $20 NOS AT3472 sounds very good, or a $65 NOS AT450 sounds great on the SL-5. You should be able to find a nice, fully functional SL-5 for less than a Dual "for parts or repair" unit, and even with a nice NOS cartridge, still come in under your budget.
Hey, thank you for this write up! To answer your question about the Duals: 1. It was recommended by others so I wanted to explore that option. 2. I like the looks of it, and it feels more period appropriate.
The SL-5 seems like it would clash from a design perspective, which is completely separate from the functional aspect of a good turntable.
I will look more into the Elac and the Realistic turntables.
So, I don’t get the discussion on the Duals, as it doesn’t really meet the requirements. They are big, clunky tables. Heavy, too.
The Denon DP15F is barely bigger than an LP jacket. 1/2” cartridge mount. Full auto. Within the budget and doesn’t cost a mint to ship. Servo Tracer tonearm, so it’s not finicky on cart compliance.
MCM_Fan
AK Subscriber
I have all of the following on hand, if you need any measurements: Realistic Elac Miracord 40C, Realistic Elac Miracord 45, Dual 1228, Dual 1215S.
MCM_Fan
AK Subscriber
The Duals the OP is focusing on are the models with the 10" platters. They are compact and sometimes came installed in high end consoles. They "look like" they belong in a vintage console. They are neither big, nor heavy. Clunky? Perhaps, but definitely complex as they were usually fully automatic changers.
That's why I recommended the Technics SL-5. Turntables don't come any smaller. It's direct drive, reliable and in the case of someone new to turntables, the P-Mount system actually might be considered a plus - literally plug and play. You don't even need a screwdriver to install a cartridge. No alignment, VTF, VTA, anti-skate, etc. to fiddle with. Just plug in the cart, replace the thumbscrew by hand, put a record on, close the lid and push start. You can literally be playing music in less than 5 minutes.
But, like the Denon DP-15F, it's not "period correct" and doesn't look "right". Not sure why that's an issue. It's going to be tucked away in a console, not sitting out in plain view, but people want what they want.
I have had several Dual 1019s and a 1009 or two. I still have one of each. I've also had or worked on many other Duals.
The 1019 has been the least problematic of any of them. At least 2, maybe 3, of the ones I've had needed practically nothing to get them to work well. I still did cleaning and lubing to most of them but it was very much less an issue. They pretty much worked like the last 50 years had been only 5. When they do need work, what to do is pretty well documented here and elsewhere.
That said, the SL-5 could be a good bet too. There are some other compact linear trackers that might also suit. I have a Realistic LAB-2100 that is very close to the right size and design. It might be a shade too deep though and the controls are on a sloping panel at the front. The design is good though and I like the fact that the entire lid is clear.
You can see it here:
https://flic.kr/p/fKtQNz
The 1019 has been the least problematic of any of them. At least 2, maybe 3, of the ones I've had needed practically nothing to get them to work well. I still did cleaning and lubing to most of them but it was very much less an issue. They pretty much worked like the last 50 years had been only 5. When they do need work, what to do is pretty well documented here and elsewhere.
That said, the SL-5 could be a good bet too. There are some other compact linear trackers that might also suit. I have a Realistic LAB-2100 that is very close to the right size and design. It might be a shade too deep though and the controls are on a sloping panel at the front. The design is good though and I like the fact that the entire lid is clear.
You can see it here:
https://flic.kr/p/fKtQNz
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