What is the best all around Vintage Turntable?

[slippers-on]

I don't know about the very best, but it works for me - haven't had an urge to upgrade since I got it. JVC QL-A75

Chicks...that is one very nice looking TT you got there. I would love to own one and then put a Ortofon Black on it.

 

[guiller]

Give your opinion of what you think is the best all around vintage TT! This should be interesting!!!

Would you consider finetune your question into three?

1) Best idler drive vintage TT
2) Best belt drive vintage TT
3) Best direct drive vintage TT

I would also consider vintage as TTs made before 1990, for example (that´s arbitrary, but helps keeping the space of possibilities constrained). Then people would be perhaps more focused on their listing. I would suggest not just one but several models in each category, for example

1) Garrard 401 and 301 and Thorens TD-124
2) Thorens TD-125 and TD-126 (and possibly several Linn, Micro Seiki, etc models and a host of high end British TTs)
3) Yamaha GT-2000, Revox B790 and B795 (and a lot more,like Pioneer PL-1000, Yamaha PX3, etc)


PS: Sorry, I´ve just recalled that this question has been asked and answered before:

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=333058

 

[chicks]

Chicks...that is one very nice looking TT you got there. I would love to own one and then put a Ortofon Black on it.

I like it. Currently using an Audio Technica AT440MLA, purchased on Amazon when it was on sale for $99 (hey look, it's on sale again!), twice the price of the TT

 

[bobschneider]

The best I've heard is the Technics SP-15 in the orignial Technics plinth that I'm using now. I'd expect that the SP-10 series is even better (especially the Mark II and Mark III), but I've never heard one of those.

But I suppose that the Linn LP-12 would also have a claim for being the best vintage turntable, since they started making those in the early 1970s, and still are. There have been a lot of changes over the years, but I beleive you can still bring an early one up to more or less current spec (although it will cost you the price of a decent used car to do so!)

 

[Keessie]

For me the Akai AP-002 is the best i've heard.

 

[gmku]

I won't comment on performance, but the best supported (and among the most durable) would be the Technics 1200 series. Performance ain't shabby.

I just plugged in my new "pre-owned" 1200, swapping out a JVC QL-Y5. I thought the QL-Y5 was the cat's pajamas. But I am now in love with the 1200.

I've owned a couple of other vintage tables, a Pioneer circa 1978, a nice wood-base Yamaha circa 1978, and a plastic Yamaha circa 1987--each performed well and were pretty in their own right.

But my top vote so far goes to the Technics table.

Of course, my experience is limited. I've never had the fortune of using really top-end audiophile tables. But for mid-fi, the ones I mentioned are pretty solid.

 

[thedelihaus]

A best all-around vintage TT would be one that I'd consider serviceable, parts available, reliable, and sounds good to boot.

This would be a small list:

AR-XA/XB/Etc.
Linn
Thorens TD-124
Thorens 160 series and close relatives
Thorens 125 series and close relatives
Systemdek (semi-vintage)
Ariston (semi-vintage)
Rega (preferably P2, or better, P3 and up)
Perhaps the VPI scout (semi-vintage)
and of course, the ubiquitous Technics SL1200MK2.

I may have missed a few.

All the above have parts availability via either factory support or aftermarket support, are relatively durable, easy or somewhat easy to repair, perform and sound well, and readily to somewhat readily available.





This doesn't make these the best sounding, or most collectable, and none are perfect, but it's a good, all-around and safe bet.


Now, each model mentioned will have some strengths and weaknesses, so pick accordingly to your needs.

 

[danj]

"Best" has too many meanings but IMHO we can boil it down to the turntables(s) we currently own.

For me that would be:
Dual 1019
Pioneer PL-570 (70s version)
Sansui 3050

If I had to thin the herd down to a single machine I would keep the 1019, even though the 'specs' on the other two are better. Maybe it's because the Dual was a wreck when I bought it and I rebuilt, refurbished, and tweaked until it was just right.

 

[chicks]

If I had to thin the herd down to a single machine I would keep the 1019, even though the 'specs' on the other two are better. Maybe it's because the Dual was a wreck when I bought it and I refurbished and tweaked until it was just right.

You got a thread on doing that? I need to do the same with my 1019. Works pretty well now, but sometimes doesn't shut off. Need to re-do the headshell leads, and the mute switch...

 

[cactuscowboy]

The best I've heard is the Technics SP-15 in the orignial Technics plinth that I'm using now. I'd expect that the SP-10 series is even better (especially the Mark II and Mark III), but I've never heard one of those.

But I suppose that the Linn LP-12 would also have a claim for being the best vintage turntable, since they started making those in the early 1970s, and still are. There have been a lot of changes over the years, but I beleive you can still bring an early one up to more or less current spec (although it will cost you the price of a decent used car to do so!)

I'll put in a vote for the Technics SP-15, based on personal experience.

-33/45/78 RPM capability
-Plus/minus 10% pitch control
-Able to swap out tonearms easily
-Easy to build a custom plinth
-Quartz locked speed accuracy
-No audible wow & flutter or rumble
-Platter brake, fast start/stop

The only records I can't play with my SP-15 are 16 2/3 RPM, but having only seen one 16 2/3 RPM record in the past forty years, I don't consider it an issue.

IMO, any two speed (33/45) turntable can't be seriously considered for "best vintage" due to its inability to play records spanning a 60 year time period.

 

[js1138]

Vintage usually refers to things over 25 years old.

I don't know what antique means.

My state calls cars over 25 years old antique.

In england, seventeenth century things are not old.

 

[JonL]

Best "all around" I'd probably vote for the original AR. It's not my personal favorite, but it seems to be a good all around choice based on simplicity (reliability and durability), sonics, support, and (IMO) an understated and elegant appearance. All good except for the rarity of the headshells.

I haven't owned enough tables to have a worthwhile opinion. I like my B&Os for their sonics, aesthetics, and ease of use. I like my Thorens for its build quality and speed adjustment, but I don't have a cartridge for it that does it justice so I can't really comment on its sonics. I prefer a semi- or fully automatic table for daily use, and the Thorens lacks in that department. Maybe a TD-126 belongs on the list.

 

[marcmorin]

Best "all around" I'd probably vote for the original AR. It's not my personal favorite, but it seems to be a good all around choice based on simplicity (reliability and durability), sonics, support, and (IMO) an understated and elegant appearance. All good except for the rarity of the headshells.

.

Some pretty simple cheap tweaks brings that XA up to pretty high standards.
The arm can be fitted with a universal connect.

 

[kcc123]

All my turntables are old, including a Lenco GL75, Denon DP80, Technics SP15, Linn LP12 and a few more. I love them all but the one I most frequently use is the Technics SP15.

 

[secretguy]

Zero 100

 

[ssmith3046]

Love my Dual-1019, Dual-701, and AR-XB.

 

[rush2112guy]

Wow isnt this fun! Keep 'em coming guys, these are all fantastic TT's and yes this can definitley be very subjective but thats OK. AK is supposed to be very subjective.You guys are all great for participating, Thanks keep it up!!!

Guy

 

[rush2112guy]

All my turntables are old, including a Lenco GL75, Denon DP80, Technics SP15, Linn LP12 and a few more. I love them all but the one I most frequently use is the Technics SP15.

Those are some sweet TT's kcc123. I really like the old stuff.

Guy

 

[rush2112guy]

My TT

I am currently using a Rega P1(entry level I Know) and I really like it. Ive had so many TT's over my 50 years but have'nt found just the right one yet. The one that just knocks you back in your chair and you go WOW! Maybe I will find something after reading all of your great suggestions.

Guy

 

[62sunbeam]

It's not a dual. Of this much I am sure.

Eric