The Best Vintage Full Automatic Turntable

[ETI_5000]

Here's a list of direct drive automatics, many of them quartz-locked. Most of them should provide very acceptable performance. There are also plenty of good quality belt drive automatics, including from brands like BSR, Dual, Garrard and Philips, which provide very good performance, but I haven't made a list of them.

I won't nominate the best turntable - close your eyes and use a pin to stab one from the list, or get your pet to choose, as they won't offend anyone.

Aiwa LP-3000E

Akai AP-L45, AP-L95, AP-Q310, AP-Q41, AP-Q60, AP-Q80

Aurex – see Toshiba

CEC (also known as CDC or Harksound) 8004, 8033, ST540, Harksound HS-910

Denon DP-3, DP-5, DP-7F, DP-11F, DP-12F, DP-15F, DP-21F, DP-23F, DP-31F, DP-32F, DP-33F, DP-35F, DP-37F, DP-40F, DP-45F, DP-47F, DP-51F, DP-52F, DP-55F, DP-61F

Dual CS-620Q, CS-627Q, CS-630Q, CS-714Q, CS-728Q, CS-731Q, CS-741Q

PX-6F
Harksound – see CEC

Hitachi HT-466, HT-500, HT-67, HT-68 CT, HT-L55, HT-660, HT-860, HT-L55, HT-L70

ITT Schaub-Lorenz HiFi 8013, 8015

JVC AL-FQ5BK, AL-FQ5BKX, AL-FQ555BK, AL-FQ555BKX, QL-A7, QL-A75, QL-F320, QL-F4, QL-F6, QL-F61, QL-G90B, QL-L2, QL-Y3F, QL-Y5F, QL-Y44F, QL-Y55F, QL-Y66F, QL-Y7, JVC QL-Y77F

Kenwood KD-50F, KD-5100, KD-55F, KD-7010, KD-7X, KD-850, KD-9XG, KP-7X, KP-660, KP-8080, KP-F5, KP-F7
Luxman PD-291, PD-375, PX-100, PX-101

Metz Mecasound TX-4963

Mitsubishi DP-EC1 MKII, DP-EC1 MKIII, DP-EC3, DP-EC5 MKII, DP-EC8, DP-EC10, LT-1, LT-3, LT-5, LT-5V, LT-20, LT-30

Onkyo CP-1046F, CP-1055F, CP-1057F, CP-1260F, CP-1500F, PX-5F, PX-6F, PX-8F, PX-55F

Pioneer PL-3F, PL-400, PL-445, PL-500X, PL-570, PL-600, PL-630, PL-7, PL-707, PL-8, PL-88F, PL-930, PL-L1000, PL-L1000A, PL-L800, PL-S50

Realistic Lab-500

Revox B291

Rotel RP-1010, RP-9400

Saba PSP-350

Sansui P-M7, XP-99, XR-Q5, XR-Q7, XR-Q9, XR-Q11

Sanyo TP-Q5

Sharp (Optonica) RP-7100H

Sherwood ST-905

Siemens RW-777

Sony PS-10F, PS-20F, PS-636, PS-B80, PS-FL5, PS-FL7, PS-LX5, PS-LX5R, PS-LX520, PS-LX55, PS-LX57, PS-LX7, PS-X35, PS-X45, PS-X5, PS-X55, PS-X555ES, PS-X6, PS-X60, PS-X600, PS-X65, PS-X7, PS-X70, PS-X75, PS-X800

Technics SL-1300, SL-1300Mk2, SL-1301, SL-1350, SL-1600, SL-1600Mk2, SL-1650, SL-5300, SL-5350, SL-7, SL-10, SL-15, SL-J2, SL-J3, SL-J33, SL-L2, SL-L3, SL-MA1, SL-M3, SL-Q3, SL-Q4, SL-Q6, SL-Q30, SL-Q300, SL-Q303, SL-QD3, L-QD33, SL-QL1, SL-QL4, SL-QL5, SL-QX300, SL-V5, SL-V6

Telefunken STS-1

Toshiba (Aurex) SR-FX70, SR-FX90,SR-L70R, SR-P50F, SR-P70F, SR-P90, SR-Q200, SR-Q300, SR-Q630, SR-Q650, SR-Q660, SR-Q770

Trio KD-9X

Yamaha P-650, P-700, P-701, P-751, P-850, P-950, PX-1, PX-2, PX-3

 

[SaSi]

"Ignoring" the request to leave linear trackers out, I'd suggest the Technics SL-15. It functions much like a CD player and even has buttons to select a track.

Can be a bit tricky to bring back to normal operation if lube has dried but when in full function must be the simplest device to operate. Even my wife and even a 12 year old have been able to use it without even telling them how.

Another option could be the Revox B795. I'd say it's semi automatic as you need to move the tonearm assembly over the record but it's so full proof you can rotate the tonearm even during play and no harm will be done.

Leaving these two behind, and being partial to the Technics, I'd suggest the SL-1300 or SL-1301.

 

[stereofisher]

Follow Kerms suggestion

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

With vintage, patience is key. Things have way of showing up. As said before I like Dual's. My 1219,1229, 1010S and 1009 are great. They can be finicky. Been blessed with an ability to get most going. Many Japanesse companies make decent automatics. Technics, Pioneer, Sansui, and Kenwood all were good. Fixed up a B and O. Nice. Cartridges can hard to get though. Had a Pioneer PL 514 and a Dual 1009 given to me. Both cleaned up nicely. Also a cool BIC 960. Free and very good! Would have kept it but no room at the Inn!

All above have worked well. Sound was pleasing the many brands I have worked on. I don't think any of the above will disappoint the Mrs. Good luck. One last tip. Replace the cart on what you end up with. We have a local record store here in Kingston NY. Fixed some nice vintage tables for them. They worked out better with new carts or stylus'.
Eric

 

[dfunghi]

Vintage = Refurbishing

Just realize the vintage TT you find will most likely need looking after either right away or soon after. It may (probably) will also need a new stylus (unless sold by a fellow enthusiast, not a garage sale flipper). Both these add expense and can be substantial. Also are you limited to local only or willing to ship? Shipping a TT will be close to $100 and a lot of back and forth with seller to ensure proper packing. If you find a shipper with "experience" you still need to be careful to confirm they know how to ship a TT.

That said, there is no "best". There is what I like best, what others like best and what you will like best. Back in the day literally dozens of choices existed and many were very close in spec and loyalty of customers all of which swore theirs was "The one".

I needed an auto return at least if not fully auto because I kept being away from TT as LP ended and had to run back to lift arm. I have a Denon (dp33f) that is all screwed up in its auto features despite sellers assurance it worked. It does not. It was only $60 so I did not hassle returning it and just use it manual. So my search lead me to a much nicer table. The Pioneer PL570 v.1, fully auto but I always start LP manually. This one was closer to $400 once shipped and adjusted.

If the Denon had worked properly it would have been my "best" choice. It was cheap, sounds great and looks nice.

What is your budget?

Here is a nice TT:
http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewitem-sugg.asp?itemid=21860362

 

[kermit z]

With vintage, patience is key. Things have way of showing up. As said before I like Dual's. My 1219,1229, 1010S and 1009 are great. They can be finicky. Been blessed with an ability to get most going. Many Japanesse companies make decent automatics. Technics, Pioneer, Sansui, and Kenwood all were good. Fixed up a B and O. Nice. Cartridges can hard to get though. Had a Pioneer PL 514 and a Dual 1009 given to me. Both cleaned up nicely. Also a cool BIC 960. Free and very good! Would have kept it but no room at the Inn!

All above have worked well. Sound was pleasing the many brands I have worked on. I don't think any of the above will disappoint the Mrs. Good luck. One last tip. Replace the cart on what you end up with. We have a local record store here in Kingston NY. Fixed some nice vintage tables for them. They worked out better with new carts or stylus'.
Eric

And to add to this, I know in the other thread the OP was looking for plug and play. Not sure if that is still a must. But that is not hard as most tables were simple. I also liked a Dual 1209 I had. I needed some lube and adjustments but overall nice working table. I also have a Pioneer PL-500. Nothing fancy but a good reliable Full auto. I also had a Kenwood KD-3077 with that awesome faux marble plinth. Belt drive and very fancy to look at.

 

[Blue Shadow]

I wold not consider any of the record changers such as the dual 1229 and such.

Don has a nice long list and the best one on the list is the one you can get your hands on in good, fully-working condition that looks good enough to please your wife. Without looking at each model, most should be a single button to start the record and then at the end it is like nothing happened with the record sitting there.

I usually use separate arms on tables, but I wanted a full/semi-auto to use when I can not be there at the end of the record. I picked up a Sony PS-X7, nice table, but my brother wanted a table so off it went. Then I happened on a Technics SL-1600 II that is another great turntable. This one is staying as my automatic, but in another CL deal I ended up with a JVC QL-F4 that is decent. The others are better but this one works and does all you need, plays a record automatically.

Specs have nothing to do with how a tt works if you get to the middle of the pack for quality from a manufacturer. Sure there are improvements in w&f, rumble and such but you are not listening to it and most can't hear those small differences. I'd use Don's list and find one that looks great, works well and is on the higher end of the model number run from the manufacturer. Then you have the best automatic...

 

[Sasha18]

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.

Why exclude them, if you think the tracking is superior?
In part, I ask, because an automatic linear tracker is the easiest to operate.
Place record on table. Press play.
My Mitsubishi LT-30 is a no-brainer and sounds amazing.

 

[MRL_Audio]

There is no best. There best at the time, best in my area, best based on cost range, best value... etc. No singular best. BTW - what's wrong with linear trackers. Frankly I'd reco a Yamaha PX-2, or the aforementioned LT-30, as a fully automatic table with repeat.

 

[bobins08]

While there is no best the Technics SL-1600 MK II is a full auto that has a lot of pluses.

Quartz lock, very nice arm, easy to get head shells and counterweights supporting a variety of cartridges, the automation gets out of the way of the arm when in play, there are parts available, there are upgrades available.

Solid performer with a track record for reliability.

 

[mr_petit]

I wold not consider any of the record changers such as the dual 1229 and such.

Why not?

Especially the 1249 is still on my wants list :yes:

 

[albowlly]

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.

:thmbsp::thmbsp:

 

[melofelo]

An akai ap-306 is fully automatic with great ergonomics. The 206 (which I have) is semi auto (auto return) and is also a great turntable.
The later 207 and 307 series are also worth looking out for.
These are very underrated turntables and should feature an Akai pc-100 cartridge which again, is a VERY underrated cartridge if you can mate it to a good stylus.
Being direct drives they will require some isolation (maybe a wall shelf) if you have wooden floors...but for user convenience..they are a joy to use.

 

[ChefE]

The rare Technics SL-5300 of mine works simply beautiful.

Note-
Any vintage turntable will have issues at some moot point in time and that time is costly.

 

[trueno92]

since no one has mentioned any of the sony biotracers, i'll just keep that as one of the best kept secrets in vintage vinyl.

from daily use, its clear that without getting into linear-trackers, from the gel-filled feet, up, its been engineered to be the best fully automatic turntable from the post-70's/pre-CD era.

it didn't get the press it deserved and I can think of a few reasons:

technological advancement

portability the then-next big movement

and

“But…it’s a Sony!?”

 

[Roivas]

since no one has mentioned any of the sony biotracers, i'll just keep that as one of the best kept secrets in vintage vinyl.

from daily use, its clear that without getting into linear-trackers, from the gel-filled feet, up, its been engineered to be the best fully automatic turntable from the post-70's/pre-CD era.

Yes, I know I've wanted a biotracer for awhile but they're either priced too high or in poor condition when I come across them. Sigh

But to reply to the OP, I've got two suggestions, neither of which should come as much of a surprise.
First, I've got the Technics 1600MKII, and have virtually no complaints. If you can find one of that series, or the earlier 1300-1500 series like kermit mentioned a few pages ago. Those are really solid tables for all but the most discriminating tastes (or borderline insane, YMMV ).

Secondly, I really, strongly, passionately encourage you to re-consider your no-linear-tracker line of thinking. Some other folks mentioned the great Technics tables in this line, but I think one of the best turntables I've ever heard - manual, semi-, full-auto; belt or direct drive; period - is the Phase Linear 8000. And while you won't often come across them, they were rebadged by Pioneer later as the Pioneer PL-1000 and the PL-1000A shortly thereafter. They are simply phenomenal tables if you can find them.

Good luck on the hunt, dude.

 

[TobascoKid]

Did I hear the un-word Biotracer?

I fired this PS-X600 tonight to test a few records. It’s a well-dressed machine. You can see the disco sparkle effect built into its “BPC” special-blend SBMC plinth; it isn’t dirty. I can use it in full automatic or take over manually.

The front panel controls are protective. They manage the isolated micro-servo motors and main grunt motor. The color-coded alloy buttons are outside the dust cover. The only controls inside are the combined electronic VTF/anti-skate adjustment and electronic tonearm balance override switch. It is fun to play with its buttons. It’s smart and an angel in black. I can play but if I get too rough then the computer takes over to protect it, my cartridges, and my records. Once, when playing, I bumped the arm hard. I instinctively expected skipping and multiple disasters. Instead of appalling death, the microprocessor and servo motors instantly took over. The arm thrusters re-angled the cartridge’s descent and emergency retrorockets fired. Okay...maybe not that dramatic. My expensive cartridge made a precision soft landing and the band played on- at a different spot. I stared wide-eyed and open mouthed. Saved my butt and my house payment! I rewarded it with a new record to eat.

It looks a little strange. Its tonearm is out of proportion. It is muscular in back then the lightweight alloy tube tapers down to the cast alloy lightweight headshell. It has an honest-to-gosh real ULM tonearm but it is an ultra-low-mass tonearm with active control. Its maneuvering seems unreal. Ignore the weird arm and the turntable looks simple- too simple.

It’s got brakes, automatic record size selector, special feet, and repeat. The tonearm stays cued up to prevent accidents like when I elbow the corner of the turntable. Save my butt again! Saved TWO house payments. It’s unusual. It is normally in pre-cued-up mode. It cheats. Pre-cued, it is always ready to swing into place; it is half a step ahead of the rest.

No strobe is necessary because of its special BSL drive.

Real-time motor speeds, servo-motors, SBMC shell, and unusually smooth bearings make is it a silent operator. Combined with high-compliance LOMC cartridges, its music reproduction is dynamic. It turns heads.

Sony built them to last; mine is still running like new. All in all, it is sinful today. All I can say is, ‘Shame on immoral Sony.’ Were they trying to give us value?

I’m happy that people remember to forget this model. And don’t consider the BPC PS-X55, PS-X70, or PS-LX3 either. Are they the best? Hell, I don’t know. I haven’t tried them all. I have one that is slightly better. It cost much more and is a semi-automatic so it doesn’t fit in your category. And it’s rather rare. But I’ve been satisfied with these Sony’s for a long time and they do have a special purpose over many other brands. Yes, I own the Many Others Brands too.

AK member JohnEdward has the foresight to preserve a review of the X600.
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3356852&postcount=2

 

[ETI_5000]

It looks a little strange. Its tonearm is out of proportion. It is muscular in back then the lightweight alloy tube tapers down to the cast alloy lightweight headshell. It has an honest-to-gosh real ULM tonearm but it is an ultra-low-mass tonearm with active control. Its maneuvering seems unreal. Ignore the weird arm and the turntable looks simple- too simple.

Yes, all of the electronically-controlled tonearms (Sony Biotracer, JVC Electro-Dynamic Servo, and Denon Dynamic Servo Tracer) had the fat bit around the pivot - that hid the vertical servo motor. The horizontal servo motor is under the base. They look strange, but were the best tonearms ever made.:thmbsp:

I've also got a Sony PS-X600, and also have one of the few turntables with 'half an active tonearm', the JVC-QLY3F, which has active electronic control of horizontal movement and anti-skating only, the same as the 'half Biotracer' (although it's not called a Biotracer) Sony PS-X65, and the later JVC QL-Y33F.

 

[ETI_5000]

since no one has mentioned any of the sony biotracers, i'll just keep that as one of the best kept secrets in vintage vinyl.

Actually, they were all in my list.:thmbsp:

 

[trueno92]

I can't agree more.

All I can say is that no strobe is necessary because of the quartz lock.

But yep, the secret is out

 

[MannyE]

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

I'm going to quote this again as at least one other person did so. The "best" automatic vintage turntable will be the one you find at a local thrift for 20 bucks just sitting there gathering dust but fully functioning.

It does take a little patience. I usually take a Saturday morning or Sunday morning to drive around visiting different thrifts in search of vinyl. Once in a while I find a decent turntable just sitting there. A $20 Denon in the condition listed above was too good to pass up and is now dusted off and making music in the HT. Didn't do anything but plug it in. Ha! I said but plug.