• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Which turntable to my new system

Which turntable would you advise below $500 for current system?

  • Total voters
    22
T

toulcaz

New Member
Hi everyone

I am currently assembling a new system after doing quite some reading on this forum (big thank you). A HH Scott 340-B tube receiver is on its way and I am working on the adoption (or kidnapping) of some Cornwall speakers.

I am really interested in a Thorens TD-124 but it seems it's going to take some time and some homework to find a decent deal. In the meantime, I am considering getting a turntable around $500 budget to go with the above system. That turntable will likely move upstairs later on, once I find the Grail.

Here are the tables I shortlisted. I would be curious to get your opinion. Feel free to mention any I would miss in that list.

Thanks again
 
Register to hide this ad
Don't get a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon. It's a real piece of junk. Someone gave me one. I kept it and used it for a year. I'm still in therapy.

The Pioneer PLX-1000 ($700 new) is just another Hanpin turntable. Construction isn't any better than my Audio Technica AT-LP1240-USB's. I know. I checked. If you're going to get a Hanpin turntable, you might as well save yourself a few hundred dollars in the process. I'm not a Hanpin fanboy. I'm just saying don't spend money if you don't have to.

Other than that, I don't have any suggestions.
 
Last edited:
I second the recommendation to stay away from the Project Debut Carbon , I owned it and it was a big disappointment, could never get the hum to go away and it never sounded right . I bought it brand new and had it setup up properly but I couldn’t put up with how bad it was especially for that much money , just my opinion of course.

If I were you I would get a good and running AR Table and send it to @marcmorin for him to do his magic on it and I bet you’ll have your block checked for your grail table after listening to it , here’s my AR XA .

B44455DB-93DE-4AF9-8F25-1476B0EBDD21.jpeg

Audiofreak71
 
Audiofreak71 said:
I second the recommendation to stay away from the Project Debut Carbon , I owned it and it was a big disappointment, could never get the hum to go away and it never sounded right . I bought it brand new and had it setup up properly but I couldn’t put up with how bad it was especially for that much money , just my opinion of course.

If I were you I would get a good and running AR Table and send it to @marcmorin for him to do his magic on it and I bet you’ll have your block checked for your grail table after listening to it , here’s my AR XA .

View attachment 1252819

Audiofreak71
Click to expand...

That looks awesome but will it fit my $500 target zone?
 
toulcaz said:
That looks awesome but will it fit my $500 target zone?
Click to expand...
Well my table is just to show you where you can go with an AR XA when fully modded , however you can get an AR XA within your budget and send it to Marc to work his magic . Now you may not be able to get his full mods plus the table for $500 however you can get the table and have him do a little at a time (basics first) to get it in top notch condition and it will still be a very good performer .

Audiofreak71
 
Rega deck I've just got rid of. Too many pitch variations, even after upgrading just about everything I could on it, Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, had hum issues so I'd stay clear of that. Technics 1200 is the way to go, if you can get a good one. The good thing with the Technics is there's plenty replacement parts and plenty of help videos for servicing them, etc on yt.
 
I like my Yamaha YPD-71 which is very similar to a D8 so I'd recommend that but really if you're in the mood for a DD table and interested in the 1200 it's probably the best out of the bunch as far as parts, information, length of manufacture, etc.
 
toulcaz said:
Hi everyone

I am currently assembling a new system after doing quite some reading on this forum (big thank you). A HH Scott 340-B tube receiver is on its way and I am working on the adoption (or kidnapping) of some Cornwall speakers.

I am really interested in a Thorens TD-124 but it seems it's going to take some time and some homework to find a decent deal. In the meantime, I am considering getting a turntable around $500 budget to go with the above system. That turntable will likely move upstairs later on, once I find the Grail.

Here are the tables I shortlisted. I would be curious to get your opinion. Feel free to mention any I would miss in that list.

Thanks again
Click to expand...


  1. Yamaha YP D8 or D10 (depending on deals) :thumbsup:
 
Well, being an RP3 owner, bought new after multiple, careful auditions, I naturally think it's quite a good performer. I'm in agreement with Jason Kennedy's description of its sound at HiFi Choice. http://www.hifichoice.co.uk/news/article/rega-rp3-pound;475/8850

However, it's a discontinued model, and its replacement, the Planar 3, costs appreciably more than $500. I never recommend buying a used turntable unless from a dealer you trust who has thoroughly gone through it, tested it, and can demonstrate its sound quality to you prior to purchase. The only 'table on your list that can still be purchased new is the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC. It's a fine player that I've heard at a local audio shop, but I'm not a fan of the 2M Red it comes with. I would want to work with a dealer who could substitute a cartridge more to my liking. A local dealer who sells both Rega and Pro-Ject has told me that due to the new Rega Planar 1 going to a non-adjustable anti-skate, he's moving more Debut Carbon DC units.

Another option I might consider, knowing that this purchase will be going to a secondary system in the home, would be to get a turntable that could play 78's (I still have a few left over from my childhood, plus a smattering of others picked up here and there). The Music Hall MMF 1.5 comes to mind ($399), and it got a favorable review from Steve Guttenberg, a reviewer whose opinions I've come to respect. He wrote, "The mmf-1.5 may not have the gutsy bass brawn of a big direct drive turntable like a Pioneer PLX 1000 ($699), but the mmf-1.5 wins on finesse and regularly occurring musical epiphanies that make it hard to stop playing one LP after another."
https://www.cnet.com/news/music-hall-mmf-1-5-turntable-brings-sound-and-style-together/
 
Last edited:
Agreed, Thorens, Technics or Yamy. I have never heard anything good about the Debut Carbon. The Chinese Pioneer is overpriced and underperforms. You *could* get an Audio Technica AT-LP120 and mod the heck out of it as I have done, and you'll have nearly $500 into it at that point, but if you have better choices -- which you do -- pursue them.
 
Thanks for those initial answers. I have an opportunity to get a Thorens TD160 Super for $750. Would it be worth stretching my budget compared with the ones listed above? Thanks
 
toulcaz said:
Thanks for those initial answers. I have an opportunity to get a Thorens TD160 Super for $750.

Would it be worth stretching my budget compared with the ones listed above? Thanks
Click to expand...

With - (which tone arm and cartridge for $750.00 ?)

or

without

tone arm? :idea:
 
TD160 Super! But.... that seems like a very low price considering the SME 3009 tonearm in good condition is worth a $$near a grand$$!
 
td 165 or higher td160!
don't forget lenco L75/78,built as a tank and easy to upgrade!
the sl 1200 is also a good choice but at less than 500$ (in europe anyway)this turntable is often very tired(DJuse!)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom