Turntable recommendations

[OVerLoRDI]

We moved my Grandparents last month and after cleaning out their house (they lived there since 1950) we found loads of Vinyl. Sadly all the turntables we have in the family are busted.

I'm looking to purchase a new turntable. My budget isn't massive ($200), but being a bit of an audiophile I'd like something that has an upgradeable cartridge and no preamp. I have some new vinyl that I'd love to enjoy as well.

Any advice on good new turntables or excellent used ones I should look for?

Thanks

 

[sdifox]

try for Technics SL2000 on ebay.

 

[EvilYoda]

You have a lot of vintage options but I'd also say to look for a cheap Technics.

 

[Gintaras]

Needle Doctor

 

[NutBucket]

I have trouble recommending anything new in that price range. I think you need to be in the $300 and $400 price ranges before the new market really offers anything worthwhile.

 

[OVerLoRDI]

I have trouble recommending anything new in that price range. I think you need to be in the $300 and $400 price ranges before the new market really offers anything worthwhile.

What would you recommend in that price range? $200 is what I feel comfortable spending now, a month or 2 from now I could spring for something in that price range.

 

[gevorg]

Its unlikely to find anything "audiophile"-level for $200, unless you get a lucky used deal or something. Be careful with TT previously used by a DJ, those can have hidden issues. See if you can find one of these in used but good shape:

Pro-Ject Essential
Denon DP-300F
vintage tables (if you're willing to do the research and learn how to examine them)

 

[NutBucket]

I was going to suggest Pro-Ject or Rega. Not sure I would go for "mainstream" like Denon or Marantz for a new table in that price range.

Vintage is an awesome avenue but you have to know what you're looking for.

Funny enough, my turntable is an 80's Onkyo that I picked up at a swapmeet for $25. Far from ideal or audiophile quality but perfectly adequate given the cost. I doubt a new table under $200 would be noticeably superior.

 

[skriefal]

Audio Technica's AT-LP120-USB is pretty much the only decent new option in your $200 price range. No, it isn't an SL-1200MK2 despite looking like one, and the SL-1200MK2 will be better... but will also cost $1200 for a new one. So if you don't want an AT-LP120-USB then look for used turntables available locally.

Personally audition any used turntable (with a sacrificial LP) before you purchase it to verify that the motor is good, tonearm bearings are good, etc. And expect to replace the cartridge with a new one, or at least replace the current cartridge's stylus/needle.

 

[Oyeve]

Needle Doctor

Man, I love that site.

 

[iRONic]

We moved my Grandparents last month and after cleaning out their house (they lived there since 1950) we found loads of Vinyl. Sadly all the turntables we have in the family are busted.

I'm looking to purchase a new turntable. My budget isn't massive ($200), but being a bit of an audiophile I'd like something that has an upgradeable cartridge and no preamp. I have some new vinyl that I'd love to enjoy as well.

Any advice on good new turntables or excellent used ones I should look for?

Thanks

Those two statements don't jive.

Some more info in this thread.

 

[iRONic]

Audio Technica's AT-LP120-USB is pretty much the only decent new option in your $200 price range. No, it isn't an SL-1200MK2 despite looking like one, and the SL-1200MK2 will be better... but will also cost $1200 for a new one. So if you don't want an AT-LP120-USB then look for used turntables available locally.

Personally audition any used turntable (with a sacrificial LP) before you purchase it to verify that the motor is good, tonearm bearings are good, etc. And expect to replace the cartridge with a new one, or at least replace the current cartridge's stylus/needle.

Solid advice.

 

[Oyeve]

You know, the most critical component of any turntable, cheap or not, it the cartridge and stylus. Don't skimp there.

 

[iRONic]

You know, the most critical component of any turntable, cheap or not, it the cartridge and stylus. Don't skimp there.

I upgraded this ortofon;

To this Grado;

a few weeks ago. Mmmmmmmmm, so good!

 

[Billb2]

If you're in or near a big city, most high end audio dealers have used equipment for sale.
Like this http://www.audioconsultants.com/public/UsedEquipment.aspx

 

[Dude111]

try for Technics SL2000 on ebay.

Ya all Technics are supposed to be very good..... I have a player from 1968 i found online and its quite a nice player!

I have all speeds on it (16 and 78 included) -- I have quite a nice collection of 78s but no 16s..... I want to hear what one sounds like,has anyone ever heard music on a 16?? (They say they were mostly for talking but i cant believe there was not ever any music 16's released)


Its good seeing this thread..... Anyone who likes Turntables should check out this site,i think you will love it!

The Turntable message base

www.tapeheads.net/forumdisplay.php?f=20


Nothing like good/warm analogue!!

 

[richardycc]

get this "demo" for $350ish. http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=1PRDECA

you are not gonna find a better one in this price range. I got a demo Thorens TD240-2 from them last month for $300, looking to upgrade the cartridge already.

 

[iRONic]

get this "demo" for $350ish. http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=1PRDECA

you are not gonna find a better one in this price range. I got a demo Thorens TD240-2 from them last month for $300, looking to upgrade the cartridge already.

That's a nice starter deck, kind of light but that entry-level price won't break the bank.