Turntable with no rumble & no diamonds or golden wires

[MBentefor]

Dear friends!

Huge hello to all of you from Ukraine.

I've been watching topics on this forum for a long time. Now it's time for me to ask the question.
I am not an audiophile. However I like straight sound - not "warm", "cold", "too high", "too low" and so on. Simply straight. Like "crystal sound" from Yamaha.
These days I am going to buy a new turntable for a new apartment where I am going to live next year. My current turntable are 2 Soviet ones (with Soviet carts), 1 Chinese (with Chinese piezo cart) and Dual CS 627 Q (with AT95LE - for me this one is exactly "straight").
Actually there are only few things I want to get from the new turntable.
First one - not in damaged state. But that's actually not really usable for you, Mister-Reading-This.
Second - most important: the rumble should be equal or less than -58 dB. Not weighted!! The unweighted rumble should be -58 dB or better.
Well and the last thing. Being able to rotate in 3 speeds is a big plus.

Please, friends, help me in here.
I've checked many turntables but there are thousands. And tens of manufacturers.
I would be glad to at least get the name of company (-ies), whose turntables I need to check.
There are many turntables for sale in my country. Most for a totally stupid prices - 3 times bigger than in USA for example. But still, I hope some good one is somewhere out there waiting for me.

With best regards,
MB

 

[for_p1]

Dear friends!

Huge hello to all of you from Ukraine.

I've been watching topics on this forum for a long time. Now it's time for me to ask the question.
I am not an audiophile. However I like straight sound - not "warm", "cold", "too high", "too low" and so on. Simply straight. Like "crystal sound" from Yamaha.
These days I am going to buy a new turntable for a new apartment where I am going to live next year. My current turntable are 2 Soviet ones (with Soviet carts), 1 Chinese (with Chinese piezo cart) and Dual CS 627 Q (with AT95LE - for me this one is exactly "straight").
Actually there are only few things I want to get from the new turntable.
First one - not in damaged state. But that's actually not really usable for you, Mister-Reading-This.
Second - most important: the rumble should be equal or less than -58 dB. Not weighted!! The unweighted rumble should be -58 dB or better.
Well and the last thing. Being able to rotate in 3 speeds is a big plus.

Please, friends, help me in here.
I've checked many turntables but there are thousands. And tens of manufacturers.
I would be glad to at least get the name of company (-ies), whose turntables I need to check.
There are many turntables for sale in my country. Most for a totally stupid prices - 3 times bigger than in USA for example. But still, I hope some good one is somewhere out there waiting for me.

With best regards,
MB

Too bad you probably cannot buy anything from Russian sellers. Other than that - the best bet is get something via eBay.de in Germany. But prices there are not cheap. You can also order table directly from Japan via http://www.hifido.co.jp or auctions at http://www.yahoo.co.jp/ (that one can be cheapest), but I have no idea how much shipping will cost to Ukraine.

 

[MBentefor]

Too bad you probably cannot buy anything from Russian sellers. Other than that - the best bet is get something via eBay.de in Germany. But prices there are not cheap. You can also order table directly from Japan via http://www.hifido.co.jp or auctions at http://www.yahoo.co.jp/ (that one can be cheapest), but I have no idea how much shipping will cost to Ukraine.

Thanks for the info, sir.
But first step is to at least make the list of what to look for.
In my country there are hundreds of turntables of all price ranges for sale. It will take me a week to scroll through them...

 

[for_p1]

Thanks for the info, sir.
But first step is to at least make the list of what to look for.
In my country there are hundreds of turntables of all price ranges for sale. It will take me a week to scroll through them...

Almost anything from this list http://www.hifido.co.jp/?lang=E&genre=0301&keyword=&arrival=10&limit=50&price=0 will be good. Look for something around 100000 yen ($900). At that price level everything will be very good quality. You will also need to buy cartridge - I always recommend NEW one, not used. Allocate $250-350 for that.

 

[Jeffery]

No diamonds is going to be tough when it comes to the cartridge. I did see one using a cactus thorn, but it was more expensive than a diamond tipped cartridge.

 

[muovimies]

Welcome to Audiokarma!

Is there something wrong with the Dual CS627Q, or do you just not like it for some reason? I know it's not the most attractive turntable if you like vintage styling, but performance regarding speed stability and 'rumble' at least should be very good and I suspect it should sound pretty decent as well, though I admit I haven't heard one in action.

EDIT: Hard to recommend much, but most turntables from big japanese manufacturers like Technics, Pioneer, Sony, Yamaha etc. should be pretty safe bets, especially if you stick to models from 70s or early 80s.

 

[MBentefor]

No diamonds is going to be tough when it comes to the cartridge. I did see one using a cactus thorn, but it was more expensive than a diamond tipped cartridge.

Oh, I wrote it wrong probably. I meant "no super-duper features which can be useful for audiophile who needs to show it off but which make minor change to sound".
However if what you wrote was satirical - then sorry.

Almost anything from this list http://www.hifido.co.jp/?lang=E&genre=0301&keyword=&arrival=10&limit=50&price=0 will be good. Look for something around 100000 yen ($900). At that price level everything will be very good quality. You will also need to buy cartridge - I always recommend NEW one, not used. Allocate $250-350 for that.

That's far too much. I have new AT95LE for 30$ prepared. I will never pay more for a cartridge - so... =)

After scrolling through up-to-1000$ models from that website, I tried to find those vendors sold in my local shops and found something.
Currently I've selected following models, all of them seem to be proposing a nice rumble level (weighted - -78 or -80 dB):
Denon dp35f, although a bit modified with a non-native cover, for 120$.
Denon dp45f for 250$ - with a bit damaged cover, so I don't really like the price.
Pioneer PL-L70 for 180$ - although I am not sure if it will allow changing cartridge to some 1/2''.
Pioneer PL-L800 for 312$ - without cartridge - way too much.
Pioneer PL-445 for 120$ - this one seems nice buy. Although some scratches on cover.
What do you think, guys?

Welcome to Audiokarma!

Is there something wrong with the Dual CS627Q, or do you just not like it for some reason? I know it's not the most attractive turntable if you like vintage styling, but performance regarding speed stability and 'rumble' at least should be very good and I suspect it should sound pretty decent as well, though I admit I haven't heard one in action.

EDIT: Hard to recommend much, but most turntables from big japanese manufacturers like Technics, Pioneer, Sony, Yamaha etc. should be pretty safe bets, especially if you stick to models from 70s or early 80s.

Thank you, sir!
First of all I don't like vintage styling. If modern DJ tts weren't so poorly built (in terms of rumble) I would definitely take a Stanton or AT.
Secondly, regarding my Dual. I like it very much. It is actually an awesome turntable. It has two problems though. 1) AT95LE seems to have poor coil positioning if used with this Dual: when Cartridge lays over (not touching) beginning of the platter, Signal To Hum level is -75 dB. When Cartridge is close to the middle of the platter, STH is -68 dB. And that is a bit hearable (I can't hear anything lower than -70 dB). 2) Rumble is too big. I can definitely hear it in quiet parts of audio tracks. And that's obvious: in official manual it says that unweighted rumble is -52 dB which is worse than well-known vinyl limit of -58 dB and worse than my ear limit of -70 dB. But both of these are not the problems why I am looking for a new device. Dual 627 will stay where it was for 2 years - in my grandma's apartment! And whenever I visit her - I listen to some rare Piazzolla and other stuff which is too expensive to listen to on non-tuned system (e.g. with wrong pressure set) or with a spherical stylus. One of my Soviet TT is also staying there (I use it mostly for playing damaged vinyl or shellac). Another Soviet TT is staying at my family house. Chinese one is currently being repaired - when it is done and my 3 mil piezo stylus arrive, I will use it for listening shellac in the new apartment. And the missing block is a NICE turntable to listen to in the new apartment.
And the only reason for me to look for a no-rumble device is that I am going to rip my vinyls. And rips should be both with minimum noise and with maximum straightness of freq. response.

Wow, that's a lot of words. Hope I didn't make everything more complicated.

 

[for_p1]

Oh, I wrote it wrong probably. I meant "no super-duper features which can be useful for audiophile who needs to show it off but which make minor change to sound".
However if what you wrote was satirical - then sorry.


That's far too much. I have new AT95LE for 30$ prepared. I will never pay more for a cartridge - so... =)

After scrolling through up-to-1000$ models from that website, I tried to find those vendors sold in my local shops and found something.
Currently I've selected following models, all of them seem to be proposing a nice rumble level (weighted - -78 or -80 dB):
Denon dp35f, although a bit modified with a non-native cover, for 120$.
Denon dp45f for 250$ - with a bit damaged cover, so I don't really like the price.
Pioneer PL-L70 for 180$ - although I am not sure if it will allow changing cartridge to some 1/2''.
Pioneer PL-L800 for 312$ - without cartridge - way too much.
Pioneer PL-445 for 120$ - this one seems nice buy. Although some scratches on cover.
What do you think, guys?


Thank you, sir!
First of all I don't like vintage styling. If modern DJ tts weren't so poorly built (in terms of rumble) I would definitely take a Stanton or AT.
Secondly, regarding my Dual. I like it very much. It is actually an awesome turntable. It has two problems though. 1) AT95LE seems to have poor coil positioning if used with this Dual: when Cartridge lays over (not touching) beginning of the platter, Signal To Hum level is -75 dB. When Cartridge is close to the middle of the platter, STH is -68 dB. And that is a bit hearable (I can't hear anything lower than -70 dB). 2) Rumble is too big. I can definitely hear it in quiet parts of audio tracks. And that's obvious: in official manual it says that unweighted rumble is -52 dB which is worse than well-known vinyl limit of -58 dB and worse than my ear limit of -70 dB. But both of these are not the problems why I am looking for a new device. Dual 627 will stay where it was for 2 years - in my grandma's apartment! And whenever I visit her - I listen to some rare Piazzolla and other stuff which is too expensive to listen to on non-tuned system (e.g. with wrong pressure set) or with a spherical stylus. One of my Soviet TT is also staying there (I use it mostly for playing damaged vinyl or shellac). Another Soviet TT is staying at my family house. Chinese one is currently being repaired - when it is done and my 3 mil piezo stylus arrive, I will use it for listening shellac in the new apartment. And the missing block is a NICE turntable to listen to in the new apartment.
And the only reason for me to look for a no-rumble device is that I am going to rip my vinyls. And rips should be both with minimum noise and with maximum straightness of freq. response.

Wow, that's a lot of words. Hope I didn't make everything more complicated.

In vinyl playback you get what you pay for. If you compare sound from $1000 table with $350 cartridge with sound from $200 table with $50 cartridge side by side, you will understand what I mean. Even $2000 table with $1000 cartridge is only a mid-range setup for playing LPs.

 

[MBentefor]

In vinyl playback you get what you pay for. If you compare sound from $1000 table with $350 cartridge with sound from $200 table with $50 cartridge side by side, you will understand what I mean. Even $2000 table with $1000 cartridge is only a mid-range setup for playing LPs.

Well, something like that I tried in Sri Lanka. In Hi-Fi audio shop they showed me side by side highest-end ProJect setup (with some MC cartridge + Project Phono Tube) and AT 120 USB turntable with built in preamp and AT95LE cartridge.
Neither me nor my friends could state first one being better.
Of course, maybe ProJect is a poor vendor. Maybe I should compare with top Yamaha or top Technics. But as there is no difference between CD and SACD (except channels number), same there will be (in my humble opinion) no difference between good TT with good cart and best TT with best cart.
Or me and my friends are deaf. Which can be of course.

Oh, and one more thing. That was my mistake we didn't do a blind test. Next time we will.

 

[muovimies]

If you hear rumble with the Dual 627 I think there might be something wrong with the turntable, from the specs it certainly seems like it should be silent enough to not be heard. I think it's possible it would need some kind maintenance and lubrication after all these years, but I don't know how those things are handled in the direct drive Duals. But anyway sounds like it's doing it's job situated where it is

Between the Pioneer PL-445 and Denon DP-35F I'd probably pick the Denon if both were in similar condition. I had a Pioneer a lot like that one but from a bit earlier series and it was a perfectly decent turntable, but I'd expect the Denon to be better.

 

[for_p1]

Well, something like that I tried in Sri Lanka. In Hi-Fi audio shop they showed me side by side highest-end ProJect setup (with some MC cartridge + Project Phono Tube) and AT 120 USB turntable with built in preamp and AT95LE cartridge.
Neither me nor my friends could state first one being better.
Of course, maybe ProJect is a poor vendor. Maybe I should compare with top Yamaha or top Technics. But as there is no difference between CD and SACD (except channels number), same there will be (in my humble opinion) no difference between good TT with good cart and best TT with best cart.
Or me and my friends are deaf. Which can be of course.

Oh, and one more thing. That was my mistake we didn't do a blind test. Next time we will.

It all depends on the rest of the system (mostly speakers), room and source material. Some LPs sound like crap on $10K table.

I do not advocate spending unlimited money on audio, but every time I upgraded my TT and cartridge to the next level (from $500 setup, to $1000 setup, to $3000 setup) the difference was significant. I feel need to do one more upgrade before reaching point when it will not be worth spend more to play LPs which I have.

And I do hear difference between CD and SACD (in stereo), though it is not large.

 

[MBentefor]

If you hear rumble with the Dual 627 I think there might be something wrong with the turntable, from the specs it certainly seems like it should be silent enough to not be heard. I think it's possible it would need some kind maintenance and lubrication after all these years, but I don't know how those things are handled in the direct drive Duals. But anyway sounds like it's doing it's job situated where it is

Between the Pioneer PL-445 and Denon DP-35F I'd probably pick the Denon if both were in similar condition. I had a Pioneer a lot like that one but from a bit earlier series and it was a perfectly decent turntable, but I'd expect the Denon to be better.

Thanks for another answer, sir.
First of all an update for the list:
Denon dp35f, although a bit modified with a non-native cover, for 120$.
Denon dp45f for 250$ - with a bit damaged cover, so I don't really like the price.
Pioneer PL-L800 for 312$ - without cartridge - way too much.
Pioneer PL-445 for 120$ - this one seems nice buy. Cover damaged.

Later on today probably I'll provide some photos.
I'll take into account the fact that Denon should be better than Pioneer.

Regarding my Dual 627. Well, Let's think about it. I can hear noise/rumble/hiss/hum if it is on -70 dB to my comfortable hearing level. And I am talking about unweighted low-freq. noise/rumble/hiss/hum.
So Dual 627 has in it's specifications stated that it's unweighted rumble (which is low-freq. one) is -52 dB. Which is worse than vinyl - which means it can be louder than quietest vinyl sound. AND take into account 20 or 30 (don't remember) dB amplifying by preamp. So -30 dB is greatly hearable.

 

[MBentefor]

Thanks for another answer, sir.
First of all an update for the list:
Denon dp35f, although a bit modified with a non-native cover, for 120$.
Denon dp45f for 250$ - with a bit damaged cover, so I don't really like the price.
Pioneer PL-L800 for 312$ - without cartridge - way too much.
Pioneer PL-445 for 120$ - this one seems nice buy. Cover damaged.

Later on today probably I'll provide some photos.
I'll take into account the fact that Denon should be better than Pioneer.

Regarding my Dual 627. Well, Let's think about it. I can hear noise/rumble/hiss/hum if it is on -70 dB to my comfortable hearing level. And I am talking about unweighted low-freq. noise/rumble/hiss/hum.
So Dual 627 has in it's specifications stated that it's unweighted rumble (which is low-freq. one) is -52 dB. Which is worse than vinyl - which means it can be louder than quietest vinyl sound. AND take into account 20 or 30 (don't remember) dB amplifying by preamp. So -30 dB is greatly hearable.

Oh, and by "rumble" I mean metal sound of spinning platter. Can this be lowered in any way? I don't think so. But will take time and read service manual. (in User one it's stated to never detach platter or smth like that).

 

[MBentefor]

update for the list:
Denon dp35f, although a bit modified with a non-native cover, for 120$.
Denon dp45f for 250$ - with a bit damaged cover, so I don't really like the price.
Pioneer PL-L800 for 312$ - with DMS 240 cartridge.
Pioneer PL-445 for 120$ - this one seems nice buy. Cover damaged.
aaand
Pioneer PL-5 for 112$ - seller claims in very good state, with some cartridge, and fully working.
I am totally tangled with all those Pioneer model number, so I have no idea if Pl-5 for example is better than PL-500 or worse. And if PL-445 is better than PL-300 or worse and so on.
Damn those lines!

 

[Wirehead]

Have you thought of a good direct drive linear tracker? They don't look all too vintage; they sell for a lower price due to largely being under the radar; they have a small arm which places arm resonance well under what you're able to hear; they're less prone to IGD and being from an era where DD is well-designed, they have very low wow/flutter. You're mostly limited to T4P cartridges; however; there are ones with a 1/2" mount as well...

 

[for_p1]

Have you thought of a good direct drive linear tracker? They don't look all too vintage; they sell for a lower price due to largely being under the radar; they have a small arm which places arm resonance well under what you're able to hear; they're less prone to IGD and being from an era where DD is well-designed, they have very low wow/flutter. You're mostly limited to T4P cartridges; however; there are ones with a 1/2" mount as well...

Where is he going to get T4P cartridges in Ukraine? Decent linear trackers for standard cartridge (Pioneer PL-L1000, Yamaha PX-2 and PX-1, Mitsubishi LT-30) cost more than he is willing to pay. Do not forget that anything which requires new belts is also likely out of question due - he has no easy access to US based sellers.

 

[Wirehead]

T4P cartridges are not that hard to come by. For example, all AT-1xxEP are the same body, and styli are interchangeable, even with non-T4P carts. Not too bad.. Also, Ukraïne is -practically- a member of the EU; so they have easier access to vendors all across Europe.

 

[Jeffery]

Oh, I wrote it wrong probably. I meant "no super-duper features which can be useful for audiophile who needs to show it off but which make minor change to sound".
However if what you wrote was satirical - then sorry.

.

Yeah, I was just playing around, should have dropped a smilie in there

Good luck and best wishes!

 

[MBentefor]

Have you thought of a good direct drive linear tracker? They don't look all too vintage; they sell for a lower price due to largely being under the radar; they have a small arm which places arm resonance well under what you're able to hear; they're less prone to IGD and being from an era where DD is well-designed, they have very low wow/flutter. You're mostly limited to T4P cartridges; however; there are ones with a 1/2" mount as well...

Actually that is a good idea. But I don't want a P-mount. I adore sound of AT95LE, it's neutrality.
We have a JVC QL-L2 for 130$ - but it's P-mount.
Pioneer PL-L70 for 150$ - but it's P-mount.
Akai AP-A50 for 120$ - but it's P-mount and has bad rumble.
Technics SL-J1 for 115$ - but it has bad rumble. And ... P-mount.
Pioneer PL-L1 for 3500$ - it's should come with golden piastres inside.
Grundig ps7550 for 115$ - P-mount.
Pioneer PL-L800 - as I noted upeer - for 312$, 1/2'' mount but I am not sure if it will be any better than Pioneer PL-5 or Pioneer PL-445 with same rumble value... (of course, will be better in terms of tracking error, but +200$ for something i doubt people can hear? however if that is THAT awesome device, I will consider it)

Just as an addition - there is an Pioneer PL-707 for 400$. It has better rumble value than others, but the price is MUCH higher.

Let me give you some pictures of 5 devices I am thinking about right now. Tell me if I should add more here.
Pioneer PL-L800
http://img15.olx.ua/images_slandoco...-proigryvatel-pioneer-pl-l800-kiev_rev001.jpg
http://img13.olx.ua/images_slandoco...ryvatel-pioneer-pl-l800-fotografii_rev001.jpg
http://img14.olx.ua/images_slandoco...yvatel-pioneer-pl-l800-elektronika_rev001.jpg

Pioneer PL-5
http://img08.olx.ua/images_slandoco...lovye-proigryvateli-kachestvennye-_rev006.jpg
http://img08.olx.ua/images_slandoco...lovye-proigryvateli-kachestvennye-_rev006.jpg
http://img07.olx.ua/images_slandoco...lovye-proigryvateli-kachestvennye-_rev006.jpg
http://img09.olx.ua/images_slandoco...i-kachestvennye-harkovskaya-oblast_rev006.jpg
http://img07.olx.ua/images_slandoco...ryvateli-kachestvennye-elektronika_rev006.jpg
http://img09.olx.ua/images_slandoco...nnye-cd-md-vinilovye-proigryvateli_rev006.jpg
http://img09.olx.ua/images_slandoco...gryvateli-kachestvennye-fotografii_rev006.jpg

Pioneer PL-445
http://img35.olx.ua/images_slandoco...igryvatel-vinila-pioneer-pl-445-zaporozhe.jpg
http://img35.olx.ua/images_slandoco...gryvatel-vinila-pioneer-pl-445-fotografii.jpg
http://img35.olx.ua/images_slandoco...neer-pl-445-cd-md-vinilovye-proigryvateli.jpg
http://img35.olx.ua/images_slandoco...ryvatel-vinila-pioneer-pl-445-elektronika.jpg

If these images are any useful, I can send Denons also.
However, frankly speaking, although I know it's a stupid thing probably, I would like to buy audio devices from different vendors. For example, I have Dual turntable. Would be nice to have a non-Dual one to see the difference. Also, I have a Denon cassette deck. So operating it I can make up an opinion regarding Denon company. And better to buy a non-Denon turntable also. And so on. If you get what I mean.

Where is he going to get T4P cartridges in Ukraine? Decent linear trackers for standard cartridge (Pioneer PL-L1000, Yamaha PX-2 and PX-1, Mitsubishi LT-30) cost more than he is willing to pay. Do not forget that anything which requires new belts is also likely out of question due - he has no easy access to US based sellers.

Regarding belts - it's not a problem here.
Regarding those high-end devices, no, I don't want to pay that much.
Regarding cartridges - anyway I am ordering them from USA.


Thanks for your time, guys!

 

[for_p1]

Actually that is a good idea. But I don't want a P-mount. I adore sound of AT95LE, it's neutrality.
We have a JVC QL-L2 for 130$ - but it's P-mount.
Pioneer PL-L70 for 150$ - but it's P-mount.
Akai AP-A50 for 120$ - but it's P-mount and has bad rumble.
Technics SL-J1 for 115$ - but it has bad rumble. And ... P-mount.
Pioneer PL-L1 for 3500$ - it's should come with golden piastres inside.
Grundig ps7550 for 115$ - P-mount.
Pioneer PL-L800 - as I noted upeer - for 312$, 1/2'' mount but I am not sure if it will be any better than Pioneer PL-5 or Pioneer PL-445 with same rumble value... (of course, will be better in terms of tracking error, but +200$ for something i doubt people can hear? however if that is THAT awesome device, I will consider it)

Just as an addition - there is an Pioneer PL-707 for 400$. It has better rumble value than others, but the price is MUCH higher.

Let me give you some pictures of 5 devices I am thinking about right now. Tell me if I should add more here.
Pioneer PL-L800
http://img15.olx.ua/images_slandoco...-proigryvatel-pioneer-pl-l800-kiev_rev001.jpg
http://img13.olx.ua/images_slandoco...ryvatel-pioneer-pl-l800-fotografii_rev001.jpg
http://img14.olx.ua/images_slandoco...yvatel-pioneer-pl-l800-elektronika_rev001.jpg

Pioneer PL-5
http://img08.olx.ua/images_slandoco...lovye-proigryvateli-kachestvennye-_rev006.jpg
http://img08.olx.ua/images_slandoco...lovye-proigryvateli-kachestvennye-_rev006.jpg
http://img07.olx.ua/images_slandoco...lovye-proigryvateli-kachestvennye-_rev006.jpg
http://img09.olx.ua/images_slandoco...i-kachestvennye-harkovskaya-oblast_rev006.jpg
http://img07.olx.ua/images_slandoco...ryvateli-kachestvennye-elektronika_rev006.jpg
http://img09.olx.ua/images_slandoco...nnye-cd-md-vinilovye-proigryvateli_rev006.jpg
http://img09.olx.ua/images_slandoco...gryvateli-kachestvennye-fotografii_rev006.jpg

Pioneer PL-445
http://img35.olx.ua/images_slandoco...igryvatel-vinila-pioneer-pl-445-zaporozhe.jpg
http://img35.olx.ua/images_slandoco...gryvatel-vinila-pioneer-pl-445-fotografii.jpg
http://img35.olx.ua/images_slandoco...neer-pl-445-cd-md-vinilovye-proigryvateli.jpg
http://img35.olx.ua/images_slandoco...ryvatel-vinila-pioneer-pl-445-elektronika.jpg

If these images are any useful, I can send Denons also.
However, frankly speaking, although I know it's a stupid thing probably, I would like to buy audio devices from different vendors. For example, I have Dual turntable. Would be nice to have a non-Dual one to see the difference. Also, I have a Denon cassette deck. So operating it I can make up an opinion regarding Denon company. And better to buy a non-Denon turntable also. And so on. If you get what I mean.


Regarding belts - it's not a problem here.
Regarding those high-end devices, no, I don't want to pay that much.
Regarding cartridges - anyway I am ordering them from USA.


Thanks for your time, guys!

I recommend that Pioneer 707. $400 is not much for it. But need to check all functions - it is filled with electronic features.