Which Turntable to Choose - Please Help!

[boatdrinks77]

I would take the Realistic table hands down over the others mentioned..... I have had one or two Realistic tables -- they are very decent - underrated in my opinion - Just as I think the Technics are the most overrated table in existence. Not that Technics are bad tables, but they are not the end-all be-all of tables IMHO. Dan

 

[Dr Tinear]

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.

Have you actually heard any of the belt-drive Technics turntables? The ones I've heard and the ones that I own play well above their price points. The models that the OP found are much better than OK, IMO, and would be worth considering as alternatives to the Realistic.

 

[petes'picks]

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.

You should become a subscriber and post a WTB add on bartertown and you will probably get so many options it will make your head spin. I just donated a couple of tables that are in the same league some of the ones you posted. There are guys here that just run out of room for their collections and will hook you up with something, besides most subscribers here care about their reputations and will not sell you total crap just to make a quick buck. If your looking for bang for the buck on a reciever/integrated, usually you can get some mid to late 80s gear (onkyo, denon, yamaha) that have phono sections and go for pretty cheap. I would also say the phono sections in most of these are better then them entry level phono sections they sell for $50 by themselves so keep that in mind.

 

[BrocLuno]

Have you actually heard any of the belt-drive Technics turntables? The ones I've heard and the ones that I own play well above their price points. The models that the OP found are much better than OK, IMO, and would be worth considering as alternatives to the Realistic.

That's where I'd go ...

 

[boatdrinks77]

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.

sheesh, buy the Realistic for $60 --- It isn't a major purchase for crying out loud... it's $60. Use it till you find a better table and I'm sure you will be able to get most of your money back if you sell it down the road..

 

[jbone215]

Which of my Technics options would you take over the Realistic? I also saw a Technics SL-BD22 with AT new stylus for $70.

Have you actually heard any of the belt-drive Technics turntables? The ones I've heard and the ones that I own play well above their price points. The models that the OP found are much better than OK, IMO, and would be worth considering as alternatives to the Realistic.

 

[Andyman]

I'd take either the SL-20 or SL-235 over the Realistic. See which one has the better cart and newer belt.
Technics has well earned street cred as solid tables and one would probably serve well you quite a while.

 

[jbone215]

Taking those over the SL-BD22 because they are belt drives as compared to the direct drive of BD22? Thats a preference?

I'd take either the SL-20 or SL-235 over the Realistic. See which one has the better cart and newer belt.
Technics has well earned street cred as solid tables and one would probably serve well you quite a while.

 

[petes'picks]

Which of my Technics options would you take over the Realistic? I also saw a Technics SL-BD22 with AT new stylus for $70.

Which AT stylus/cartridge. You can buy aftermarket stylus for $10 and some sound like they are only worth $1. There is new in box SL-BD22 on e bay right now for about that price. Most craigslist sellers do negotiate if your reasonable with your offer, Try offering $50 if he doest budge then offer the guy with the lab $50.

 

[jbone215]

The Realistic Lab 290 has a Shure 75 C Stylus and a R47 EDT cartridge.

The Technics SL-BD22 has an Audio Technica 2002 on it.

Which AT stylus/cartridge. You can buy aftermarket stylus for $10 and some sound like they are only worth $1. There is new in box SL-BD22 on e bay right now for about that price. Most craigslist sellers do negotiate if your reasonable with your offer, Try offering $50 if he doest budge then offer the guy with the lab $50.

 

[petes'picks]

If it were me I would wait for something else, you can buy them types of tables with entry level cartridges for that kind of the money any day of week. It should take no more than a month to find a better deal if your willing to do some searches and hit the pavement.

 

[68custom]

Have you actually heard any of the belt-drive Technics turntables? The ones I've heard and the ones that I own play well above their price points. The models that the OP found are much better than OK, IMO, and would be worth considering as alternatives to the Realistic.

I had an SL-BD 20 and it was an OK table just like I said of the ones mentioned . I just figured any table that old would need a belt and the auto return could be problematic? not a rag on Technics tables...

 

[jbone215]

Any other places I should look besides Craigalist? I went to local record store and all they had was new and overpriced USB tables. My local Goodwill had nothing.

 

[petes'picks]

You went to a Goodwill at the worst time possible, they are usually picked over from weekend crowd that crowd these places every weekend. Stop by on weekdays after work. Google thrift stores then a name of a major town by you "thrift stores philadelphia". Some of the lesser known thrifts have better prices and some gems. Dont give up, I can go a months without finding something. But depending on how much you enjoy the hunt and free time you have you may just want to work a little OT and pay someone.

 

[Andyman]

Taking those over the SL-BD22 because they are belt drives as compared to the direct drive of BD22? Thats a preference?

The SL-BD22 IS a belt drive too; BD=Belt Drive.

I don't like the P-mount tonearm.

 

[jbone215]

So I don't mind dropping a little cash to get started with a turntable and then wait and replace it with patience when I find a better unit. So it comes down to these. Can you help me select the best one for quality, sound and options:

1. Realistic Lab 290 with Shure 75 C Stylus - $60
2. Technics AT-LP60 - Stock newer model turntable - $50
3. Technics SL-235 with unknown AT stylus - $80
4. Technics SL-23 - $100
5. Kenwood KD-3100 with Pickering P/AT-1 - $65

My other choice would be to get this Fisher Stereo rack below with turnable, speakers, etc. I could always replace the table down the line if the rest of the components are good: - $50

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/ele/4832034454.html

Or get these JBL 2800 speakers and a separate receiver with one of the above turntables for $40:

http://lancaster.craigslist.org/ele/4803500858.html

You went to a Goodwill at the worst time possible, they are usually picked over from weekend crowd that crowd these places every weekend. Stop by on weekdays after work. Google thrift stores then a name of a major town by you "thrift stores philadelphia". Some of the lesser known thrifts have better prices and some gems. Dont give up, I can go a months without finding something. But depending on how much you enjoy the hunt and free time you have you may just want to work a little OT and pay someone.

 

[petes'picks]

I had a set of them JBL 2800s, I prefered the smaller 2600 but they were pretty simular, I think mine sold for $30 at my garage sale pretty fast. That fisher set is not recommeneded and considered BPC (black plastic crap) on this site. You sound eager to get started but I would urge you to take a couple of deep breaths, take some time researching. There are not too many undiscovered gems out there that have not been discussed on this site already. From your current list of tables I would now pick the Kenwood, offer them $40. If you started making lower offers someone will take your offer.

 

[petes'picks]

Also consider you cant listen to the table without a receiver and speakers, so if you were to get a table first you will be tempted to pick up the first crappy receiver you run across. If you join and become a subscriber I have a feeling someone will offer you better choices at better prices. For example, I for one would sell you a technics SL-D30 with AT LT101 cartidge for $10 even with shipping it would be half the price of your current choices. More than likely someone in PA would have something for you and within a short drive have yourself a nice system. Just something to consider.

 

[jbone215]

How do I join? And would you sell me the SL-D30 with cartridge and shipping to PA anyway? I have Paypal.

Also consider you cant listen to the table without a receiver and speakers, so if you were to get a table first you will be tempted to pick up the first crappy receiver you run across. If you join and become a subscriber I have a feeling someone will offer you better choices at better prices. For example, I for one would sell you a technics SL-D30 with AT LT101 cartidge for $10 even with shipping it would be half the price of your current choices. More than likely someone in PA would have something for you and within a short drive have yourself a nice system. Just something to consider.

 

[petes'picks]

On front page of AK there is link to join, I also have a SA-410 technics recievver I would sell for $10. I would even test them again for you before sending. The thing is I think you may get some local members that offer you something that may end up being a better deal because you will not have to pay shipping. I think most buyers just send a paypal as a gift to the seller. I have never done completed a transaction on bartertown myself. But the thing is to join, then post a WTB add on bartertown, Just say something like I would like to purchase a beginners system with Turntable, receiver/int amp, and speakers. Then wait a couple of days to see what you think is the best deal and then send them a PM (private message). I will post mine with pics once I see your add, feel free to send me a PM once your add is posted. Be sure to post what you are willing to pay for the complete system.