Which Turntable to Choose - Please Help!

[jbone215]

I am looking to get a newer or vintage entry level turntable. I am looking at following turntables for sale locally in PA. I do not know too much about the quality of each but researched each a little and they respectable. Please give me your input on which one to choose. Each looks to be in good condition with stylus and needle and tested well:

Realistic Lab 290 - $60
Audio Technica AT-LP60 - $50
Sony PS-LX300USB Turntable WITH DJ Pre II Phono Amp - $65
PIONEER PL 740 Quartz Direct Drive w/Audio Techica 2002 Cartridge - $116
Sony linear tracking turntable PS-LX500 - $90

Please let me know which you would go with a why. Thanks.

 

[tubewade]

My opinion is that the Realistic is the best of those you have listed.

The Sony LX500 might be pretty good but also complex. I would have concerns about keeping it in order in the future.

I have a Pioneer of that series and it is OK but not great and the price is too high.

I think for the price the Realistic is the best value, would be pretty easy to maintain and also sound very nice.

Wade

 

[Andyman]

What cartridges are involved. FWIW, I'd avoid the USB tables due to questionable build quality. I'd probably go with the Realistic Lab 290 if it has a decent cart in it simply because it probably is the sturdiest (non plastic), low cost and will be easy to resell once you want to get something better eventually...

But, honestly, if those weren't my only choices, I'd continue looking, unless you want something today to get going.

 

[jbone215]

Also found a vintage:

Technics SL-20 - $75
Technics SL-235 Servo Drive Automatic Turntable - $80
Technics Quartz Turntable Model: SLQ200 - $80

 

[jbone215]

Is that your Realistic 290 pictured there? IT's a nice looking table? Would that table need a pre amp and receiver or just a receiver with phono inputs?

What cartridges are involved. FWIW, I'd avoid the USB tables due to questionable build quality. I'd probably go with the Realistic Lab 290 if it has a decent cart in it simply because it probably is the sturdiest (non plastic), low cost and will be easy to resell once you want to get something better eventually...

But, honestly, if those weren't my only choices, I'd continue looking, unless you want something today to get going.

 

[Andyman]

Is that your Realistic 290 pictured there? IT's a nice looking table? Would that table need a pre amp and receiver or just a receiver with phono inputs?

Nah, it's just a pic I snagged online so folks could see what it looks like.

If you have a receiver, most vintage ones have a built in phono stage. however many newer HT style ones lack that circuit and would need an outboard phono stage to feed into a line level input.

 

[highwaychild]

Well, I'm not very fond of the USB-TTs. There is always a weak point...

The models you have listed are quite different. The newer once are imho not worth the money, and with used TTs it's like used cars: if they are kept well and serviced - lots of fun for the money. If they where beaten around and had never seen a drop of oil - great problem.

With linear-tracking TTs I have no experience, they can sound good, but can also make much pain.

Therefore I would go either for the Realistic or the Pioneer...

 

[jbone215]

So, from the first few responses it sounds a bit unanimous to go with the Realistic Lab 290 if it has a decent stylus and cartridge and is in great working condition?

Well, I'm not very fond of the USB-TTs. There is always a weak point...

The models you have listed are quite different. The newer once are imho not worth the money, and with used TTs it's like used cars: if they are kept well and serviced - lots of fun for the money. If they where beaten around and had never seen a drop of oil - great problem.

With linear-tracking TTs I have no experience, they can sound good, but can also make much pain.

Therefore I would go either for the Realistic or the Pioneer...

 

[tubewade]

Yes. That is what I would do.

 

[jbone215]

Okay, I did think Technics turntables were all very highly rated? I know the SL1200 is the king and highly sought after, but I didn't know the Realistic model would outclass the Technics listed. Even the extra ones I listed.

Yes. That is what I would do.

 

[68custom]

Technics made some real good tables but those you listed are OK tables not real good tables two of them are belt drive lower end models and the direct drive Slq-200 is a Pmount table. none of these are bad things just not in the SL-1xxx range find one of those if you want a good Technics table. the LAB 290 is a good table and simple.

 

[tubewade]

Technics made some real good tables but those you listed are OK tables not real good tables two of them are belt drive lower end models and the direct drive Slq-200 is a Pmount table. none of these are bad things just not in the SL-1xxx range find one of those if you want a good Technics table. the LAB 290 is a good table and simple.

Agree completely.

 

[wondergrape]

These aren't great choices, to be honest with you. Have you checked craigslist?

 

[jbone215]

I am trying to spend less than $100. I am not an audiophile and do not need to spend tons of cash on a superior table and set-up at this point. Need something that will give me some decent pure vinyl sound better than the newer USB tables.

If you want to search Craigslist Lancaster, PA and Philadelphia, PA and let me know what you think would be a better choice, that would be awesome.

These aren't great choices, to be honest with you. Have you checked craigslist?

 

[jbone215]

How about a Technics SL-BD22 with audio technica cartridge for $50?

 

[jbone215]

So the Realistic Lab 290 for $60 or a newly found Technics SL-BD22 with AT cartridge for $55?

Also what are the thoughts on this audio set-up if I replace the turntable?

http://reading.craigslist.org/ele/4808720535.html

My opinion is that the Realistic is the best of those you have listed.

The Sony LX500 might be pretty good but also complex. I would have concerns about keeping it in order in the future.

I have a Pioneer of that series and it is OK but not great and the price is too high.

I think for the price the Realistic is the best value, would be pretty easy to maintain and also sound very nice.

Wade

 

[wondergrape]

I just wouldn't pull the trigger on either. You'll be selling it in three months. To be perfectly honest, I would spend the $25 on a bartertown membership (on this site) and ask anyone if they have a $75 turntable. You will almost certainly be able to find a better option than the ones presented here.

 

[petes'picks]

How fast do you need it. A little patience and you can get a nicer table for that amount. It would be wise to figure in the cost of a replacement stylus for any table your going to pickup. I would hit some used record stores in your area, some stores have a few used tables for sale, or some Stereo stores take trades and have small used sections. For even better deals hit thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales. Search the completed e bay auctions for values on tables. The cartridge and stylus maybe more important then the table itself so be sure to pay attention to that, some stylus are no longer made and it will cost as much for a decent stylus as it would be just buying a new cartridge. From your list I would go with the RS only if it had a decent cartridge and stylus. What kind of receiver or you attaching it to?

 

[wondergrape]

I just wouldn't pull the trigger on either. You'll be selling it in three months. To be perfectly honest, I would spend the $25 on a bartertown membership (on this site) and ask anyone if they have a $75 turntable. You will almost certainly be able to find a better option than the ones presented here.

For example, I was looking for a turntable for a local business earlier this year. I found Sony PS-LX2 on bartertown for $50 shipped to my front door. Unreal. A great table, and I didn't even have to leave the house.

 

[jbone215]

I don't know. I have not gotten any of the other equipment yet. Can you recommend a decent cheap receiver and a pre amp if I need one of those also with the Realistic Lab 290.

How fast do you need it. A little patience and you can get a nicer table for that amount. It would be wise to figure in the cost of a replacement stylus for any table your going to pickup. I would hit some used record stores in your area, some stores have a few used tables for sale, or some Stereo stores take trades and have small used sections. For even better deals hit thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales. Search the completed e bay auctions for values on tables. The cartridge and stylus maybe more important then the table itself so be sure to pay attention to that, some stylus are no longer made and it will cost as much for a decent stylus as it would be just buying a new cartridge. From your list I would go with the RS only if it had a decent cartridge and stylus. What kind of receiver or you attaching it to?