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Vintage semi/full auto table under $500 Recommendations

CHATRITOR

CHATRITOR

cattoo
I live in hong kong where japan turntables are a lot more common than the european ones, which means that prices for TTs like technics, Pioneer, JVC/victor, Diatone/mitsubishi, Yamaha, Denon etc will be somewhat cheaper for me and slightly more accessible. I currently own a SL-1600 and love it, but I do wish to upgrade into something better while still keeping the automatic functionality (semi automatic is fine, tonearm lift is bare minimum). After browsing the marketplace for a while, my current selections are:

Mitsubishi DP-Ec20 (Diatone DP-Ec1Mkii here) serviced and in near mint condition for $425

Mitsubishi DP-Ec5Mkii serviced and in near mint condition for $400

Mitsubishi LT-20 (Diatone LT-5), looks decent and costs $465

Denon DP51F serviced and somewhat okay for $125

Technics SL-MA1 serviced and in very good condition for $500

Pioneer PL-505 at $325, the 707 counterpart priced at $385

Pioneer PL-3F for $375

Victor QL-Y5F for $250

Any consideration for these? are any of them able the technics turntable in terms of durability? Which one would be the best choice out of them? Any other recommendations or possible options I can check out? Thx! (I really wanted a PL-630 for the futuristic looks but the 530, 570, 610, 630 is extinct here, with the 550 costing $550..)
 
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Most of these tables are ok, and with the Technics, you will need a p-mount to standard adaptor to use better cartridges with it.

But if you are looking for true high end reproduction, you are better off with a good Micro Seiki table and tonearm (copper wire).
 
Most of your list are full auto. I'd recommend getting a turntable with automatic shut off and arm list. They're much less complicated but give you the most important convenience feature. The Kenwood KP-990, Denon DP-62L or Pioneer PL-30L would all be good choices.
 
CHATRITOR said:
I live in hong kong where japan turntables are a lot more common than the european ones, which means that prices for TTs like technics, Pioneer, JVC/victor, Diatone/mitsubishi, Yamaha, Denon etc will be somewhat cheaper for me and slightly more accessible. I currently own a SL-1600 and love it, but I do wish to upgrade into something better while still keeping the automatic functionality (semi automatic is fine, tonearm lift is bare minimum). After browsing the marketplace for a while, my current selections are:

Mitsubishi DP-Ec20 (Diatone DP-Ec1Mkii here) serviced and in near mint condition for $425

Mitsubishi DP-Ec5Mkii serviced and in near mint condition for $400

Mitsubishi LT-20 (Diatone LT-5), looks decent and costs $465

Denon DP51F serviced and somewhat okay for $125

Technics SL-MA1 serviced and in very good condition for $500

Pioneer PL-505 at $325, the 707 counterpart priced at $385

Pioneer PL-3F for $375

Victor QL-Y5F for $250

Any consideration for these? are any of them able the technics turntable in terms of durability? Which one would be the best choice out of them? Any other recommendations or possible options I can check out? Thx! (I really wanted a PL-630 for the futuristic looks but the 530, 570, 610, 630 is extinct here, with the 550 costing $550..)
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That PL-707 is rated really well by owners. I have no experience personally however.
 
PabloX said:
Most of your list are full auto. I'd recommend getting a turntable with automatic shut off and arm list. They're much less complicated but give you the most important convenience feature. The Kenwood KP-990, Denon DP-62L or Pioneer PL-30L would all be good choices.
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I have a 30Lii offered for $260 so I’ll probably keep it in consideration, the kp990 is quite expensive but I do see every nice reviews about it. Will keep it in mind but maybe I can see. How does the QL-Y5/Y7 hold up?
 
SoundMann said:
Most of these tables are ok, and with the Technics, you will need a p-mount to standard adaptor to use better cartridges with it.

But if you are looking for true high end reproduction, you are better off with a good Micro Seiki table and tonearm (copper wire).
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My budget has a gonna be ~$500-600 since I am leaving for boarding and I only occasionally come back, which means I won’t be using it that often and probably won’t upgrade until I come back in a few years
 
Any decent recommendations in terms of MS tables around that range?
SoundMann said:
Most of these tables are ok, and with the Technics, you will need a p-mount to standard adaptor to use better cartridges with it.

But if you are looking for true high end reproduction, you are better off with a good Micro Seiki table and tonearm (copper wire).
Click to expand...
 
SoundMann said:
There are some of the better ones. But automated tables will always present a sonic compromise.
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You think the KP-7010/990 will hold up well? Looks nice, apparently very well built, specs look absolutely amazing for it’s price

How will the repairs be? Possible or not?
 
PabloX said:
Most of your list are full auto. I'd recommend getting a turntable with automatic shut off and arm list. They're much less complicated but give you the most important convenience feature. The Kenwood KP-990, Denon DP-62L or Pioneer PL-30L would all be good choices.
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I have actually found a KP for a rather cheap $400, however the entire tonearm section is black for some reason. Can this be cleaned or is something wrong here?
 

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CHATRITOR said:
I have actually found a KP for a rather cheap $400, however the entire tonearm section is black for some reason. Can this be cleaned or is something wrong here?
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I think the KP-990 is a better option then the newer KP-7010. The 990 is much more reliable and in my opinion you don't need to upgrade unless you want to spend a multiple of that.
 
Rob-ber said:
I think the KP-990 is a better option then the newer KP-7010. The 990 is much more reliable and in my opinion you don't need to upgrade unless you want to spend a multiple of that.
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I don't know why, might be because of regional models
All the KP 990/7010s here are the 990variant, 7010 is much rarer actually
The one im getting is the 990 with the badass X chassis, decided to just pay $475 for a fully working one in great cosmetic condition. Don't think i'll regret this
 
CHATRITOR said:
What do you mean by reliably verify?
Every thing works right now, do you mean I tell them to open up the machine and check the circuit boards for any cap leaks / needed replacements?
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No. You just need to either see it for yourself, or buy it from a trusted seller who guarantee's its condition.
 
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