Yes, THAT thread again. What turntable to buy?
- Thread starter KevinClaus
- Start date
KevinClaus
New Member
I don't have either, but I plan on getting them myself. Around what price should I be looking for reasonably?
KevinClaus
New Member
Hey Straker,
For $200 do you think the best bet is the QL-A51?
I am considering just getting that if it's really that insane of a deal and just secretly cover the extra myself.
For $200 do you think the best bet is the QL-A51?
I am considering just getting that if it's really that insane of a deal and just secretly cover the extra myself.
Straker62
Active Member
Hello Kevinclaus.
I think ythat for 200 $ a JVC QL-A51 new is a good deal, surely better than a new U-Turn Orbit or something like that. In fact I hate new basic turntables simply because changing the speed is really difficult and none of them has the auto-return at the end of the record. Moreover the vendor says that will give you a free JVC cartridge with the QL-A51, it's a good start: in the future you can upgrade the cartridge with a better one...The turntable has a low mass arm, so you can use all the vintage Shures upgrading them with a Jico stylus, you will have a lot of option at a reasonable cost, IMHO.
I think ythat for 200 $ a JVC QL-A51 new is a good deal, surely better than a new U-Turn Orbit or something like that. In fact I hate new basic turntables simply because changing the speed is really difficult and none of them has the auto-return at the end of the record. Moreover the vendor says that will give you a free JVC cartridge with the QL-A51, it's a good start: in the future you can upgrade the cartridge with a better one...The turntable has a low mass arm, so you can use all the vintage Shures upgrading them with a Jico stylus, you will have a lot of option at a reasonable cost, IMHO.
jkilla
Out of Touch
When you are looking for your amplifier/receiver, just be sure that there is a phono input on it. A lot of classic receivers have it built in and those are often a plenty. If you are looking at buying just a phono preamp to plug into a receiver that doesn't, this is a very good bargain. https://www.long-mcquade.com/839/Pro_Audio_Recording/DJ/ART_Pro_Audio/DJPre-2_Interface.htm
That JVC is a great machine, possibly better (at least specs wise) than some of the $1000 tables of today. The 200 dollar price is american though, so it is a bit more.
nealeb52
New Member
Just curious.. How did it go?
Just keep in mind that a 'BNIB' 30+ year old turntable is potentially going to have many of the same issues as any other un-serviced used turntable is going to have. For example: dried, solidified lube on auto-return mechanism. I've purchased something similar in the past for a friend to gift to someone and had to go through it cleaning it up and servicing it just like a thrift-store or garage-sale find (minus the caked-on crud of course!).
So that concerns me a bit with the JVC at Vintage Home Audio. Nowhere in the ad does it state that it has been serviced or even confirmed to work. Their policy is exchange only for defects which is fair enough. Otherwise, no warranty though.
And keep in mind that the both the L-A100 and QL-A51 are mid-80's ... mostly plastic ... turntables. Just doing a quick google will tell you they aren't well regarded. IMHO, something a bit older but serviced would get you a better table that you would be happier with for a longer time.
Your local kijiji is chock-a-block full of turntables .... I spy a nice Pioneer PL-514 with new Ortofon OM-10 cartridge for $175 and a Technics SL-D2 with a Stanton 680EL cartridge for $150 .... Sony PS-LX22, Pioneer PL-10, PL-200, PL-300, PL-4, Technics SL-3200, SL-20, SL-Q3, JVC QL-A2, JL-A20, etc. etc.
So that concerns me a bit with the JVC at Vintage Home Audio. Nowhere in the ad does it state that it has been serviced or even confirmed to work. Their policy is exchange only for defects which is fair enough. Otherwise, no warranty though.
And keep in mind that the both the L-A100 and QL-A51 are mid-80's ... mostly plastic ... turntables. Just doing a quick google will tell you they aren't well regarded. IMHO, something a bit older but serviced would get you a better table that you would be happier with for a longer time.
Your local kijiji is chock-a-block full of turntables .... I spy a nice Pioneer PL-514 with new Ortofon OM-10 cartridge for $175 and a Technics SL-D2 with a Stanton 680EL cartridge for $150 .... Sony PS-LX22, Pioneer PL-10, PL-200, PL-300, PL-4, Technics SL-3200, SL-20, SL-Q3, JVC QL-A2, JL-A20, etc. etc.
You check kijij in the Toronto area?
Sansui SR-1050C for $125 with 2 Shure cartridges / headshells ..... missed that one!
Nice tonearm ... very much like the TA-2050 which Sansui sold as a separate tonearm. Contrary to what vinylengine.com says in their library write-up, the 1050c is a manual turntable - not auto-return.
Nice tonearm ... very much like the TA-2050 which Sansui sold as a separate tonearm. Contrary to what vinylengine.com says in their library write-up, the 1050c is a manual turntable - not auto-return.
KevinClaus
New Member
Woooof!
So much replies, you guys are such an awesome involved community.
I am going now, I will let you know!
I actually messaged them today: their prices are in USD. For no reason, and even with that considered, he wants $300 CANADIAN for it, which is insane and even more than what the exchange rate from USD is. So I am going to go see the used ones that I know have been looked at and worked on. You make a good point.
I'm gonna go to the store now and take a look and let you guys know what the models were for what prices, then hopefully maybe pick one up tomorrow.
The only reason I am going to shy towards store-bought instead of Kijiji is that I know if I buy it from a store, they've looked at it and done some bare-minimum work. The lady I spoke to also said they take very good care of them and seemed genuinely interested in making sure I walk out with something awesome, functional, and that I won't have to be back in a month complaining it doesn't work.
I'll keep you guys posted thanks so much for the help!!!!
So much replies, you guys are such an awesome involved community.
I am going now, I will let you know!
I actually messaged them today: their prices are in USD. For no reason, and even with that considered, he wants $300 CANADIAN for it, which is insane and even more than what the exchange rate from USD is. So I am going to go see the used ones that I know have been looked at and worked on. You make a good point.
I'm gonna go to the store now and take a look and let you guys know what the models were for what prices, then hopefully maybe pick one up tomorrow.
The only reason I am going to shy towards store-bought instead of Kijiji is that I know if I buy it from a store, they've looked at it and done some bare-minimum work. The lady I spoke to also said they take very good care of them and seemed genuinely interested in making sure I walk out with something awesome, functional, and that I won't have to be back in a month complaining it doesn't work.
I'll keep you guys posted thanks so much for the help!!!!
iLUVanalog
Addicted Member
The red portion of the above comment should be taken with a grain of salt. I am assuming that Van Isle has neither dealt with or purchased anything from Vintage Home Audio.
I have.
Two items, in fact --- one of which was a turntable --- and the turntable works perfectly. No gummed up works anywhere, and the auto-return is completely problem-free. It works as well as it would had it just come off the assembly line yesterday. I'm actually currently using this turntable in a bedroom setup. The purchases I made from VHA were based on a very positive experience and review with a turntable purchased by another AKer. My first purchase from VHA was the turntable. I later purchased an integrated amplifier (which also works perfectly, by the way). I have nothing but positive feedback for VHA, and I would buy from them again.
MacNoob
dazed and confused
So if you decide to buy that one, take US cash.... or have them bill your credit card in US $
KevinClaus
New Member
I appreciate the input, and I do understand that they are trustworthy; the problem is more the price point now. At $200 CAD, I was okay with it. $300.. not so much. Not that it isn't a fair price, I just can't make that leap.
I won't be taking it but thanks...
BUT.
I do have new info! I went to the store today and checked out their machines.
The two I am interested in - and probably going to go and buy one tomorrow based on the feedback tonight - are as follows:
(Both are $169.99 CAD + tax)
1) Pioneer PL-112D
Cartridge: Ortofon FF15XEMKII w new ellyptical stylus
2) CEC 8001A
Cartridge: Shure m70B
The main different that I understood what that the Pioneer was not semi automatic, in that I have to take needle off the record once it's done. That being said, I was leaning towards the Pioneer for the style.
What're everyone's thought?
Now here is some extra stuff, because they also had receivers and speakers and I was curious what I could get. I can't afford it all at once, lets assume I can get the actual turntable + 1 other item, since both the receivers and speakers were priced at 89.99 or 99.99. So I guess what I am more curious about is: what would be easier of the two to procure really cheap through kijiji without worrying about quality?
The receiver I was looking at for 89.99 was a Harmon Kardon Hk7400, which has the phono input that you guys mentioned.
The speakers I was lokoing at were either Infinity SM82s or Optimus. That is sadly all I knew about the speakers, that they were called optimus.. I couldn't get any more info. That being said both were $99.99.
So yeah, that's a mouthful. Hopefully someone can shed a bit more light and maybe the choices are more obvious than I thought. There were two other machines at $149.99 instead, and I considered maybe getting one of those so that I could afford a TT + Rec + Speakers all right away, but I think I'd prefer to pay the extra $20 on a better TT, and just wait on one of the items I am missing. I think I'll appreciate it more in the long run.
Thanks a bunch again guys, you've been so friendly and helpful. I am definitely feeling a lot more confident now!
Some fun stuff 
. The tables, The Pioneer is a nice vintage model with the look that many find very cool. CEC made tables for many major manufacturers so it should be good too. Pick the one that calls out to you to come spin a record.
Speakers: Radio Shack sold a lot of speakers back in the day, and many sounded very good. There were many that were labeled Optimus so we could really use a model number to have a better idea of what your looking at. The Infinity SM were not very high end for them, but should sound good. Audition before buying.
receivers: I cannot find that HK model anywhere, but when trying something out, try to check all functions. See if they will let you hook up a turntable and play a song to check out the phono section. Check out the radio. Listen to the volume changes and listen for any crackling or anything that sounds amiss. Most of all, have fun in the search and take your time.
. The tables, The Pioneer is a nice vintage model with the look that many find very cool. CEC made tables for many major manufacturers so it should be good too. Pick the one that calls out to you to come spin a record.Speakers: Radio Shack sold a lot of speakers back in the day, and many sounded very good. There were many that were labeled Optimus so we could really use a model number to have a better idea of what your looking at. The Infinity SM were not very high end for them, but should sound good. Audition before buying.
receivers: I cannot find that HK model anywhere, but when trying something out, try to check all functions. See if they will let you hook up a turntable and play a song to check out the phono section. Check out the radio. Listen to the volume changes and listen for any crackling or anything that sounds amiss. Most of all, have fun in the search and take your time.
I think those Infinities were concieved and designed to compete with Cerwin-Vegas 'Rock' speakers ( how well they competed I don't know). Some terms often used to describe them are 'BOOMY' and 'SHRILL' I don't know anything about the H-K, but my recommendation would be to hold off on the speakers as there are many good deals out there.
I'd consider these if you can make it up Hwy 48 (Markham rd. in Scarborough) to Markham.
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-electronics/...ch/1081685775?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
some reviews. of the Athenas:
http://www.goodsound.com/equipment/athena_asb2_2.htm
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/spea...logies/audition-as-b2/prd_130218_1594crx.aspx
No affiliation with the Kijiji seller, or Athena manufacturer API
I'd consider these if you can make it up Hwy 48 (Markham rd. in Scarborough) to Markham.
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-electronics/...ch/1081685775?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
some reviews. of the Athenas:
http://www.goodsound.com/equipment/athena_asb2_2.htm
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/spea...logies/audition-as-b2/prd_130218_1594crx.aspx
No affiliation with the Kijiji seller, or Athena manufacturer API
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Fine and dandy .... in my books you were lucky.
Fact remains that I have purchased BNIB ... and it actually happened to be a JVC not unlike those and it did need work. I didn't mind though because it was only $50 and it turned out well in the end and the gift was appreciated. And I also got from the same source 3 early CD players BNIB and a Mitsubishi mini-system ... so I figure I won in the end.
Fact remains you have no idea what conditions those turntables were stored under for the 30-odd years.
Fact remains that this vendor doesn't indicate that the products have been tested.
Fact remains that their published policy states:
"Exchange and Refund
The cost of any item(s) you receive that are not exactly as illustrated will be refunded or exchanged, including the cost of return shipping. This offer applies only to items that are marked as "guaranteed".
Notice of Defects
If the item(s) you receive is found to be defective, you must notify us within 7 days. The item(s) must be returned in the same condition as it was received to obtain a replacement of the same or similar product. Buyer pays return shipping cost. Exchange only. No cash refunds."
and those turntables are not identified as "guaranteed" ... which means there is no claim possible there if they don't work. And if you apply the defective clause, then the only avenue is exchange .... and of course they only have one available of each ... so that's most likely not going to result in a positive resolution.
Fact remains that beyond the 7 days there is no warranty.
Fact remains that this company isn't honoring the pricing on their website. The issue here should be obvious to anyone and the reason behind it is also pretty obvious .... they currently have the QL-A51 up on eBay for ... $510 CAN! ... and he's actually sold them and other turntables and gear at that and higher bloated prices (e.g. last QL-A51 sold at $679 CAN!) ... how about $815 CAN for a Pioneer PL-200? ... or $475 CAN for an Akai AP-B20C??? Really??? My apologies to anyone that owns one but that is a package-system Akai at the very bottom of their quality ladder.
I guess it shows you people will buy anything .... a fool and his money ... etc. I suppose this vendor can do as he wishes with his customers, I'm just glad is isn't doing it to the OP ... I'd hate to see him not be able to walk properly for a week or more!
As far as receivers / amplifiers vs. speakers I'd say the speakers are something you can buy off of kijiji or similar with more confidence .. being armed of course with some basic pre-knowledge (like what the original drivers look like ... aware that foam surrounds may be rotten or how to check if they were improperly replaced) ... and of course ability to demo them. And as far as the Pioneer vs CEC ... I'd go with the Pioneer. I would however, ask about Around Again's return and warranty policy 1st. I also imagine the Harman Kardon is a HK740. IF you get the Pioneer I'd suggest you take a look around for a Pioneer receiver or integrated amplifier that more matches the time period of the turntable.
Bartertown is an excellent idea. Also take a look at what might be on canuckaudiomart.com.
And you have the right attitude ... don't rush into anything. Do some research. Ask as many questions here that you desire. They aren't the only two turntables in Toronto!
And if you see any gear on kijiji or elsewhere that really catches your eye, hopefully some AKer in your area will pipe up and be willing to go with you to check something out.