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Upgrading from beginner TT; Technics SL-23, Dual 503, or Sansui FR 1080

tongrd

tongrd

New Member
Just got my beginner set up with a Sanyo TP 1005, receiver and speakers a few weeks back and loving it. I couldn't find much info on the Sanyo table but it seems to do the job well for a beginner. Just comparing specs, the Sanyo table is a 1980 belt drive, signal-noise 60db, wow&flutter 0.05% (I know gotta listen to it to compare!)

I've been keeping an eye out for 2nd hand tables, got my eye on a few at the moment. Thoughts on these?
  • Technics SL-23: $100. I like the look of this table, lots of positive reviews as well. Specs are pretty similar to the Sanyo but its 2kg heavier, made 1978, construction looks much better
  • Sansui FR 1080: $120. Again like the look of it, specs actually not as good as the Sanyo. Wow & flutter 0.08%, signal-noise 50dB. But it looks cool!
  • Dual CS 503-2: $150. Specs are better than the Sanyo and Technics
Should I upgrade my TT or hold out for a bigger step up?
 
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Budget is always a determining factor. The rabbit hole can get very deep, it seems you caught the bug, enjoy what you have for a while then maybe a cartridge upgrade. But if wallet drainage is a must then maybe have a look at some offerings from Kenwood and Thorens, the Kennys were in the $350 range, the Thorens about $100 less.

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If you're looking to upgrade, don't go from one entry-level turntable to another, it's unlikely that you'll hear a difference, even if the specs are slightly different.

What kind of cartridge does it have?
 
tongrd said:
Just got my beginner set up with a Sanyo TP 1005, receiver and speakers a few weeks back and loving it. I couldn't find much info on the Sanyo table but it seems to do the job well for a beginner. Just comparing specs, the Sanyo table is a 1980 belt drive, signal-noise 60db, wow&flutter 0.05% (I know gotta listen to it to compare!)

I've been keeping an eye out for 2nd hand tables, got my eye on a few at the moment. Thoughts on these?
  • Technics SL-23: $100. I like the look of this table, lots of positive reviews as well. Specs are pretty similar to the Sanyo but its 2kg heavier, made 1978, construction looks much better
  • Sansui FR 1080: $120. Again like the look of it, specs actually not as good as the Sanyo. Wow & flutter 0.08%, signal-noise 50dB. But it looks cool!
  • Dual CS 503-2: $150. Specs are better than the Sanyo and Technics
Should I upgrade my TT or hold out for a bigger step up?
Click to expand...

Hold out. In the meanwhile, you can probably get a significant performance improvement with a better cartridge/stylus...and spend quite a bit less than the $$ necessary to move up to a definitively better table.

None of the ones you are considering will provide much in the way of improved performance. vs your Sanyo, assuming it is mechanically sound and operating properly.
 
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From the three, my vote would be the Dual, with maybe Technics as a runner up. All three crafts are high quality, however. Make sure thatyou get an A+ example in quality.
 
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