Sgt Shultz
Addicted Member
Might want to keep an eye on this auction, many times no-one or just one person will bid and you can snipe it in the last few seconds for a steal.
What is a good entry to mid-end turntables?
- Thread starter Yeeterkeeter
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Re swappable arm:
I'm not sure what Bone Yard meant, as I can certainly think of some models that have swappable arms, or, at least in some configurations, were just sold armless in the first place: Technics SP15 and SP25 for example. Some of the Denons. I'm sure there are numerous others, even with all the fixed-arm DD turntables out there. You could look into what's available in the Japan secondhand market. I would guess that quite a lot of Japanese sellers don't ship internationally, just as a lot of sellers in the United States don't. But HiFiDo definitely does, and I'm sure I've read a few comments from people on AK who've bought from them and were favourable about the process. You needn't consider them your only choice in Japan, by any means, but just to get you started, here's a sampling of what they have cheaply right now:
DP3000 @ ¥21,000 ($140)
DP790 @ ¥14,000 ($92)
You'd have to add the cost of international shipping, and an arm, and a cartridge. But no faffing about with auctions, or dealing people who don't know how to pack for shipping.
Wanting to have a swappable-arm model is certainly worthwhile if you're chasing sound quality (or just want to experiment), and finding an affordable one is perfectly feasible. I'd go that route over a new entry level turntable every time, but you have to be willing to accept some of the risks or potential drawbacks of looking at non-new models in the first place. If you're okay with that, it's a great way to get a good turntable at a good price.
I'm not sure what Bone Yard meant, as I can certainly think of some models that have swappable arms, or, at least in some configurations, were just sold armless in the first place: Technics SP15 and SP25 for example. Some of the Denons. I'm sure there are numerous others, even with all the fixed-arm DD turntables out there. You could look into what's available in the Japan secondhand market. I would guess that quite a lot of Japanese sellers don't ship internationally, just as a lot of sellers in the United States don't. But HiFiDo definitely does, and I'm sure I've read a few comments from people on AK who've bought from them and were favourable about the process. You needn't consider them your only choice in Japan, by any means, but just to get you started, here's a sampling of what they have cheaply right now:
DP-790 DENON - 中古オーディオ 高価買取・販売 ハイファイ堂
www.hifido.co.jp
お探しの商品はありません。中古オーディオ 高価買取・販売 ハイファイ堂
www.hifido.co.jp
DP3000 @ ¥21,000 ($140)
DP790 @ ¥14,000 ($92)
You'd have to add the cost of international shipping, and an arm, and a cartridge. But no faffing about with auctions, or dealing people who don't know how to pack for shipping.
Wanting to have a swappable-arm model is certainly worthwhile if you're chasing sound quality (or just want to experiment), and finding an affordable one is perfectly feasible. I'd go that route over a new entry level turntable every time, but you have to be willing to accept some of the risks or potential drawbacks of looking at non-new models in the first place. If you're okay with that, it's a great way to get a good turntable at a good price.
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Bodhi1
Super Member
Honestly I don't think many, if any tt's would touch the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo at this price. And it comes with a good carbon fibre tonearm and upgraded stylus to get you started. This deck is a bit over your budget, but worth the stretch imho.
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ConradH
Lunatic Member
There are a lot of direct drive Sony tables that perform well, as long as nobody has damaged the magnetic pattern on the inside of the platter. Usually under $200 or so. You won't get anything new and you won't get anything with a removable arm, but that's OK. Most of the Sonys had removable head-shells and you can usually find additional ones. There are also a couple Thorens models on the 'bay that need power cords, cartridges and such, for under $300 that might be worth considering if you're handy. Warning- almost nobody can properly pack a turntable and ship it without damage! Search out the horror stories here on AK.
As a previous poster said, look for a nice, used Rega Planar 3 (or 2). They come with the hard to beat Rega RB 300 or 250 tonearm in the older models. You'll be hard pressed to find a better tonearm for under $1000. Maybe a Systemdek IIX, too, which often come equipped with a Jelco or similar arm and, are removeable.
baeron
Lunatic Member
True
Talk with the seller on how he will pack it.
Before buying
Is he experienced with packing turntables?
And you need to find out yourself proper packing procedures.
Einstein2003
Super Member
Re-branded pro-ject ,brand new free shipping on flea bay,that’s a no brained
bobellis75
Active Member
Second this...I picked one up a couple years ago and love mine...upgraded the stylus (mine came with a sumiko, and they have an "upgrade path" you can follow....jumped it up a couple levels and sounds even better).
There's lot of Japanese turntables that would suit you well; especially quite a few Technics. I keep ugly SL-Q202 quartz locked as a backup, but there are many other turntables one could find in your price range. A Philips GA312/212 would be nice too.
,
,
Need Opinions on Technics SL-Q202, please.
Hey guys, still working on finding my 1st TT. I have a chance at an SL-Q202 with a "no-name generic" cart and stylus (according to the seller). Assuming it works and sounds ok, what do you all think? I'm leery of the stylus, as I don't really know how to tell if it's junk and will damage...
www.audiokarma.org
Yeeterkeeter
Kermit the Frog
Yeah, looking back on it, my requirements were pretty steep
Got it, I will keep my eyes peeled
I was about to give a story contradicting your point, but then I realized I picked up that turntable locally, so I guess that goes to prove your point
Well, I think thats overstaing it quite a bit; a lot of folks don't pack right, but almost nobody is a bit much.
The advice about checking the seller's experience packing turntables is on point though. Look at their closed auctions and see what turntables or other delicate things they have sold, and avoid any seller's using The UPS Store, as there are quite a few tales here of trouble. In fact, I saw one commercial where the model was packing a delicate object in a carton too small and w/o adequate packing, 2-3" on all sides. But thern again, that's the ever present disconnect between Corporate/Marketing and Operations in a lot of places.
Yeeterkeeter
Kermit the Frog
that does look like a damn nice turntable... Adding it to my WTB list now.
The obvious answer is a Technics SL1200. $5-600. Removable tone arm, direct drive. I'm a homer for them, but I have used belts and idlers...not much beats holding speed, fast spin-up and above all...simplicity. My opinion only
Yeeterkeeter
Kermit the Frog
Oh yeah, I've heard about that one. Isn't that one of the most popular/recognizable turntables of all time?
Yes, and for good reason. It's a tank and a stout performer.
Gary Mattis
Active Member
I'd like a better turntable but I'm pretty discouraged with the high prices for what you could pick up very cheap in The late 70s . Today 100 dollars is Cosby or some other junk.
BilboBaggins
Addicted Member
One model that is pretty hard to beat and you can upgrade the tonearm later, if you wish is the Kenwood KD-500 or 550. I bought mine for $250, but that was a while ago, and I got really lucky. That led me to buying my current mainstay the Yamaha GT-2000L.
Edit: It is fully manual, but the tonearm it comes with is very good, with many options available. The cost is you lose the automatics. But I think as long as you have a way of lifting up the cueing lever, should be good. I got my Yamaha with that option, and there are options available for other models of turntable. You will need to research that if it is important to you.
Edit: It is fully manual, but the tonearm it comes with is very good, with many options available. The cost is you lose the automatics. But I think as long as you have a way of lifting up the cueing lever, should be good. I got my Yamaha with that option, and there are options available for other models of turntable. You will need to research that if it is important to you.
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Bodhi1
Super Member
Yeah that is a nice deck and is a legend. Though keep in mind we're comparing a vintage deck to a brand new deck which is upgradeable as Bobellis75 mentioned. The new Anniversary Technics SL1200 models are well over the OP's budget. That said, if the OP could find a good, well serviced/cared for example, I agree that should be on his audition list.
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