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Would anyone like to help me pick out a new turntable?

nickrobotron

nickrobotron

una bella tazza di caffe
Three years ago, when I was completely addicted to AK and poured over the forums for hours every night, AK helped me narrow down and pick out my dream stereo system.

I bought my SX-850 from ToastedAlmond. Sent it to EchoWars so he could work his magic. Bought my JBL L86's from OrionKC (and more recently my DCM CX-17's). MikeGibson GAVE me his Akai tape deck for the price of shipping. And with the help of the collective knowledge of the AK community I found my SL-1700 and put a Grado Red on it.

When I moved I had to sell my SL-1700. I've made due without a turntable for nine months now with my record collection slowly growing larger. I need a damn turntable.

Any recommendations for something of equal or better quality to the SL-1700? I've considered buying another, which might still happen, but I want something that has some wood or a just different appearance. No more gray. I'm mostly concerned with sound quality though. A step above would be really great.

Thanks!
 
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If your budget allows, the major step up in the Technics line that also gets you a wood plinth is the SPs: SP-10, SP-15, SP-25. You'll need a pretty big budget unless you get lucky and can buy them off of a radio station, though.
 
Budget is an important issue. Thanks for reminding me. I don't really want to spend more than 300. Which seems impossible these days since there's some kind of vinyl boom. I haven't shopped for a turntable since I bought the 1700. I feel like I bought and sold turntables for way less when I was learning what I liked. Or maybe I was more patient in front of Craigslist...
 
I would love a vintage 1200, but I always thought that it would be a hard table to score on since it appeals to two different markets, as opposed to just music listeners.
 
Technics SL-1600 MK2 or the SL-1700 MK2.

Pioneer PL-570 ( very woody looking).:scratch2:

They are all very competent turntables.:music:
 
I'm wondering what the difference between an SL-1400 and an SL-1700 is... Seems like the 1400 has the exact same features and goes for a little less. Also, the 1500, not being a semi-auto, might be another good bargain table. I'm assuming the 1400 and the 1700 are different generations, right? 1500's go for cheap on eBay though. If it's the same generation as the 1700, just without the semi-auto feature, it could be a good deal at $100.
 
The 1400 is almost the same performance wise (according to specs) as the 1700, little difference on the wow and flutter, but it's neglible:

http://www.vintagetechnics.stereomanuals.com/turntables/turntables2.htm

Plus there are a lot of other tables by technics that have similar performance and sell for far cheaper. As far as I'm concerned, technics was to turntables, what nakamichi was to tape decks....even their "bad" tables were decent performers.
 
The SL-1400 and 1500 mkII's have an infamous cueing problem that is pretty much unrepairable. They still work you just have to cue them up by hand.
 
Thanks guys. That link was really helpful. I found an old thread where Delihaus broke it down pretty well for the Technics turntable shoppers.

I'm pretty into the idea of buying a Pioneer to match my receiver (which is here to stay). I'm just not interested in fully automatic tables. I want a sweet semi-auto or manual with some wood on it. I have the opportunity to pick up a 518, but the feet are rotted and I know that's not an easy fix. Plus, no wood. The guy put a fishing line on the return switch with a tiny lead weight, so he could return the arm by gently tugging the line without opening the lid. Haha. I thought that was sweet.
 
Give us a short list of what's available to you mate. We'll try to help you narrow it down from that :thmbsp:
 
If you shop around on the internet, I'm pretty sure you can find a Technics SL-1200 within your budget.

If you like "wood", you can take a look at the following site: http://www.vinylnirvana.com/vintage-turntables-for-sale/

The site is run by a guy named David Archambault who specializes in restoring, refurbishing and customizing AR and Thorens tables. The prices vary depending on his "creations" which can be stock tables that have been restored/refurbished or ones that are heavily modified. If you have any interest in used AR or Thorens tables, he's the guy.

Sound Of The Wood is also great if you're interested in modified AR tables but are far out of your budget range usually costing $1000-4000. If you're interested in looking, it's here: http://www.soundofthewood.com/analogforsale.html
 
Well, it's slim pickins around KC. There's a Thorens TD-180, a Dual 1228, and the PL-518.

I've only read bad reviews on the TD-180. I'm scared of buying Duals. From my experience there's ALWAYS something mechanically wrong with them that I cannot fix. And the PL-518 has bad feet. I'm prepared to just go to eBay for this one.

I guess this thread is just pointless. Haha. I was just hoping for some model numbers to search for on eBay or look out for when I'm hunting. I'm that annoying, lazy AKer this time.
 
nickrobotron said:
Well, it's slim pickins around KC. There's a Thorens TD-180, a Dual 1228, and the PL-518.

I've only read bad reviews on the TD-180. I'm scared of buying Duals. From my experience there's ALWAYS something mechanically wrong with them that I cannot fix. And the PL-518 has bad feet. I'm prepared to just go to eBay for this one.

I guess this thread is just pointless. Haha. I was just hoping for some model numbers to search for on eBay or look out for when I'm hunting. I'm that annoying, lazy AKer this time.
Click to expand...

You're all good! I agree that the lesser Thorens are crap and as a whole Duels can be a PITA. I didn't know about the Pioneer so I did a search. Found this thread if you haven't already.

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=150938

I wouldn't worry about the feet issue. Give yourself a budget of $50 and you could have better feet than the original (or just fashion feet for free like I often do)

Still with a $300 budget I'd say to hang on. Be patient. Post another 3 once you've found them and we'll all have a cup of tea and chat about them.
 
And yep, the lazy TT search doesn't help anyone. The suggested model numbers to look for are too wide and extensive.

Look for 70's Japanese TTs. They are not silver. A nice simple belt drive should see you well after you get it back to spec. Here to help.
 
Thanks Lee! Will do. Man, that 518 looks amazing. The guy that said he bought the feet was banned. So I can't ask where he got them or how they worked out! Bummer. I will hold out though. The 518 has a cracked dust cover too. Might be a money pit.
 
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