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Turntable Advice Request

High_Noon

High_Noon

Active Member
My 16 yr old daughter is rather musically gifted, plays 4 instruments, has great musical taste and I'd like to get her a good, used, semi-automatic TT to replace her Audio-Technica AT-LP60, which I view as an entry-level deck. She has a pair of nice sounding active Pioneer DJ speakers & I was thinking of getting her a separate phono pre as well.

Budget is around $200.00 - $250.00 for a used TT and around $50.00 for a phono pre - ideally around $250.00 for both.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
 
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Best is to search or let others search your local outlets, CL, fbmp, ou and such to find a reasonably priced gem that won’t get destroyed when you go pick it up. So post your location a bit more accurately and some may search a bit for you. Any limitations on weak, bouncy floors?
 
Another vote for direct drive Technics. I have an SL-D2, which has auto return. I’ve had it for about fifteen years and it’s been trouble free.

See if there are any places in your area that service turntables, because they may also sell them, and have a little bit of a short warranty or guarantee.

Otherwise, and this is unpopular, is there anything wrong with her LP60? Does she have any complaints? While it’s also plastic fantastic, the Audio Technica LP3X is still fully auto, but adds an adjustable tone arm that will allow for changing cartridges. The LP60 lets you change the stylus only, and even that is a mine field because you can’t adjust the tracking force, limiting your selection of styli. The LP3X offers everything a traditional table does without “losing” anything that the LP60 has. Shame their prices have skyrocketed so much the last few years.
 
If you struggle to find something used and in good shape, maybe consider a new U-Turn Orbit w/cue, which will cost $299 but will come with three year warranty backed by the best direct customer service you'll ever experience. The Gen2 Orbit is a truly excellent turntable that often gets overlooked around here.
 
Buck Rogers: Yes, Duals are great TTs, but I've always found them to be a bit finicky and although my daughter could indeed effect certain repairs, I'd rather she have a solid, reliable deck. I have a Dual 1219, which is in another system and I have a Dual 1225, which I will be giving to my nephew soon.

loudnoises: I like Technics TTs quite a bit. I have a SL-1300 and it's been rock solid, but I didn't realize Technics was within my budget. & yes, her AT-LP60 has some issues - none of the automatic functions work and the dust cover is cracked, but it does work in manual mode. It needs to be serviced, but I'm not sure it's worth the cost to repair.

yofi: I briefly looked at the Technics SL-D2 the other day, but I will definitely take another look. Also, I do have an excellent audio tech here that is very reasonable and fast, so I will have him check out the TT I end up purchasing.

DavidTT: I will take a look at the Gen 2 Orbit, thx
 
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A vintage Technics DD is a good option for the budget minded. Try to get something quartz locked if you can. Just less hassle running it compared to ones that use speed pots.

A Technics linear table is also a good choice, often called "close and play" models, but they certainly are not a toy. They're serious turntables with linear tracking arms.

I picked up a Technics SL-QL15 last year for 60 bucks. All it needed was a quick polishing and a servicing. It's running with an AT132 cart and a VMN40ML stylus and is quite quickly becoming a favorite among my tables (despite it's "humble" collectable status):

fr_5319.jpg

That''s compared to my two Dual tables (1249 and 1229Q):

fr_5615.jpg

Full auto though and it has the added bonus of being able to program which tracks you want to play and in what order. There are several other Technics liner table options out there too. P mount cart, so that removes the possible setup errors you can get in a regular 1/2" mount, not a bad thing for a 16 year old. P mount also limits your cart choices somewhat though.

I use ART Precision Phono PRE preamps:

81kI2SWRrzL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

A little over your budget, but I find them to be very good value for the money. They are quite configurable, they review quite well and they can support either a MM or a MC cart with a button push. Nothing fancy looking, but they get the job done nicely. I use them on all three of my TT's now.

Good luck.
 
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I highly recommend the Technics SL-Q2. Another Direct Drive Semi-Automatic turntable that sounds way better than you would expect. I also vote for Dual, but it needs to be gone over. An exceptional turntable, in my opinion. In fact, I just sold one, and now regret doing it, because now my grandson is interested in vinyl. His first record was Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon, 50th anniversary edition. The Q2 would have been perfect for him! I'll keep my eyes open for something else I like.
 
You could also look for a Pioneer, something like a PL-15R. Good tables that last a long time and easy to maintain. I have a PL-12D, but this one is fully manual. I did have a PL-15R in the past and it did lift the tonearm at the end of the record. They should be found in your price range, if not cheaper.
 
tourmax: Thx for the pre recommendation, I will keep an eye out. Daughter does not want a linear tracker.

Hoytis: That SL-23 looks good. I'll see if I can get out there soon. & I was thinking that a Schitt pre might be a good choice. Thx.

Bilbo: Yes, I was considering The SL-D2 & the SL-Q2. I have some time so I'll definitely keep an eye out.

ranf1970: Pioneer might indeed be a good choice and I will take a look
 
Dual does make New turntables and are some the highest regarded designers.

I'm not shillin for them, I thought he asked for an "Automatic" turntable, I missed the "Semi" part.

Apologies...
 
Buck Rogers: don't sweat it. The new Dual CS 618 would be great but unfortunately is way over budget. Thx
 
A few on fbmp
HK T-45 or T-35 for the same price. The 45 should be better
Sony PS-1100 and a PS-5520 need to check if they do something at record end.
 
I'm 15, not a musician and I highly suggest you get a Japanese 70s table, BD or DD doesn't matter. I started with a Dual 506, then got a 1245 and 1019 - none wanted to work and were frankly poorly made. I ended up parting them all out.
Think of a Realistic lab400, or something similar, Pioneer pl115, PL518 or 510a would also do the job.
I run a small business repairing turntables and stereo receivers at the discretion of my parents, the old Japanese tables just won't die and there was only one Technics SL1700 which was unrepairable after an idiot jacked the tonearm bearings.
 
For what it's worth I would not spend over $100 on any 70s entry level Japanese turntable, that SL23 looks really overpriced. I'm not sure about Texas but where I am $250 can get you a Linn Axis, Lenco, Rega, Pro-ject...
 
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