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The Best Vintage Full Automatic Turntable

4Play

4Play

Super Member
Banned
In my search for a turntable, I am looking for a full automatic that would be easier for my wife to use when I am not home. Needless to say the search has been daunting as it has given me a case of decsional paralysis.

Just about every manufacturer had full automatics and semi automatics. I think we all know the differences between the two, so we can skip it and move on to the question regarding what would be the best vintage full automatic turntable.

In my search, I found the Denon DP models had the best wow and flutter numbers of 0.008%. In your search, how much do you rely on the specs in order to make your decision?

So, I come to you to ask what you believe to be the best vintage full automatic turntable. For the sake of the topic, lets leave the linear tracking turntables out of the question. These are the best tables for tracking due to the vinyl is cut the same way on a lathe, which makes the tracking force almost to zero.

I would like for you to name the brand and model, and why you choose that particular model. If this is rehashing an old topic I apologize. I'm sure there are other members who would like to know, especially if they are looking to add a turntable to their audio system. I know some of you will think it's all about what we prefer for our own satisfaction.

I do not want this thread to be a bashing of certain brands/models, nor do I want this thread to get closed. I want this to be a healthy discussion among the members of this forum. So, lets get this thread under way and lets have a good debate on what we perceive to be the best vintage full automatic turntable.
 
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4Play said:
I knew there would be those who would post negative remarks. There is no need for this type of post. So, why bother posting if you do not want to participate in the discussion?
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I participated in your earlier discussion without any negative remarks. Yet you imply it had a controversial subject and was shut down. It wasn't. Asking people to reference a specific brand and model with a vintage turntable is like asking people to name their favorite color.

Opening a new discussion will only result in the same opinions you already learned I think, but start over I suppose. When you finally buy something - then ask how your wife likes it.
 
OK, fair enough. Is the PL-600 the best automatic vintage turntable out there?

Your timing is perfect. Especially when you can find a PL-600 crap black plastic one, or a fantastic silver one. You proved my point completely. It's like asking people to name their favorite color.

I'll leave.
 
Best.... oh boy.
I wouldn't say the PL-600 is the best but it's not bad either.
I personally own the PL-600 direct drive and the QL-Y5F with electro-magnetic arm. Both are very good vintage tables.
 
Have you considered a Yamaha P-750/751?

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It's a fully automatic, quartz controlled, direct drive.

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I've had mine for a while now, and am very happy with it. It's quiet, easy to use, and has all the adjustments needed to sound great. Best of all, since it's not a wood cabinet, it can be had for pretty cheap.

I enclosed its specs up there ^^^.

When I was on the market for a TT, I had an idea in mind of what I wanted as far as features/specs. And when I found the Yamaha, and saw that it fit the bill, and how nice it looked, I didn't think twice about it. If I had it to do over, I'd get the same exact one.

No regrets.
 
Your best bet is find what's available to you, then do a search of comments. Best is too subjective, and as you know, no one here will 100% agree. I have HEARD the Denon DP-47F is a very nice auto table. Now if it needs work, then you could have a problem. IN autos, I like the ones I have. Dual 721 and a Technics SL-1301. Best? sure, I own them ;)
 
kermit z said:
Your best bet is find what's available to you, then do a search of comments.
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This is the right answer. I didn't end up with a Sony PS-X50 because I was looking for that specific model. Somebody in town happened to have one that was in good condition and they didn't want a lot of money for it. Just watch your local craigslist and jump on something once you see it.

If you go shopping for a specific model on eBay, expect to overpay and have a broken turntable show up on your doorstep.
 
I enjoy my Kenwood KD5070 and it performs well.

What would be the 'best' vintage may depend more on conditon, maintenance requirements and historical care rather than just initial product quality.

Perhaps your question should be 'which of the available tables would be best given these factors.' Or, 'what are some tables that have held up well and perform well.'

Have fun in the search.
 
If you want something simple for the wife, how about a Technics SL-J series. I know it's a linear tracker, direct drive quartz locked. Only slightly larger than a 12" record. Very simple to use, lift lid, place record on platter close lid, push button. I have a SL-J3, does everything automatically. Sets speed according to record size. Mine you can even set it up to play tracks in any order. I used one in the bedroom system. Replaced it with a BIC 980 another fully auto table, surprisingly good performer. Suffers from seized platter syndrome, BIC used 90w gear oil, using heat frees up the bearing, threads here on AK. A belt drive, but the belts don't turn to goo. Also a changer, can play up to 6 records, a bit more complicated, have to set a slide to the number of times you want the record to play and press a button. Both of these tt's are good at producing music. I wouldn't say they are the best, but then trying to define the best is difficult.
 
My obvious favorite is the 1976 PL-570. I really enjoy the sound and it is very pleasing to the eye.

Many of these vintage TTs have a weak point, which must be considered in your search. Many, including the PL-570, have chintzy 'veneer' film which usually needs replacing after 30 or 40 years. The main failure point of the PL-570 is the motor & gear assembly that drives the tonearm & auto features. If you are fortunate enough to find one in working condition, you need to get a qualified (and knowledgeable) technician to clean out the old grease, re-lube it, and ensure that the drive train is correctly aligned.

Enjoy your search - - -
 
As others have eluded to already, there is no "best" vintage TT and the cartridge is also a major factor. Usually, the belt-drive models will need the belt replaced, which is not typically expensive. Replacing a worn out cartridge stylus is another matter. As already suggested, buying a TT locally makes more sense than having one shipped. In addition to Craigslist, thrift stores and garage/yard sales are worth investigating. You can also check the US Audio Mart website or Bartertown here on AK for something within driving distance. As far as fully-auto vintage TT's go there are lots of great brands to look for such as Dual (belt and direct-drive models), Denon, JVC, Kenwood (resin composite base models), Luxman, Micro Seiki, upscale Sansui's, Sony (Biotracer models), Technics (SL-1x00 models), upscale Yamaha's. The Dual models are very good but often need the automatic gear part replaced as the plastic part typically wears out over time.
 
keithpgdrb said:
oh quit crapping on his thread.

the Pioneer PL-600 is an excellent table. Two versions though. a crap black plastic one, and a fantastic silver one.
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I had the "crap black plastic one." It does work fine. It takes a standard cart. Best of all, they're cheap and plentiful.
 
You might want to look into a Denon DP62L or the other similar UFO style Denons ending in L. Although strictly not full automatic, it does lift the tonearm and stop the platter at the end of the album. I've been lucky with mine everything works and it's the best sounding TT I've used. Has killer specs if you are into the numbers. Some don't care for the looks but that's a matter of taste. It's a large heavy unit with nice fit and finish and very easy to set up. Good luck on your search.



 
Fully automatics? I've had/have Dual 701, 1019 and 1219, ELAC Studio 10, Pioneer PL-600 and Sony PS-X65. Of these, my favorite is the Sony. It just does everything right, and quietly stays out of the way.
 
Dual 721.

Direct drive with one of the quietest motors ever, and probably the best tonearm gimbal suspension (with the least friction) of all automatics. There is no central pivot axis going through the deck (with extra large heavy running bearings...) to control the arm. It's gimbal suspension is more like the suspension used in 100% manual tonearms.
 
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