Years ago, I was looking for information about which of the various turntables I accumulated would be the best one to keep, and one of the hits brought me here to AK. Ironically, I find myself re-asking the same question over 5 years later today.

I've been using a Denon DP-57L table for the past 2-3 years and am fine with it. It performs as well as I require and looks marvelous with it's massive red exotic hardwood base. It replaced a very nice Thorens TD-160 which I put on the shelf as a backup.

Well, summer scrounging has been good and I have recently acquired a Thorens TD-135, little brother to the legendary TD-124 and a Rega Planar 2 with RB-250 arm. So now I'm wondering which one should be the keeper? I know all would probably serve me as well as I require, but is there one standout in the pack that I should consider? I just read a page where someone mounted the RB250 on a TD-160 and acquired their own particular audio Nirvana...

So here's a brief rundown on them all.

Denon DP-57L (current table): Awesome plinth, works fine, most complex of the bunch, but the arm does pickup after play. Yeah, I'm lazy/forgetful :D

Thorens TD-135: Baby TD-124 BTS-12 arm looks ancient, boring plinth, but that can be replaced.

Rega Planar 2 w/ RB250: Sleek looks, glass platter, well respected tonearm which could be mounted on either Thorens (well, I think so)

Thorens TD-160: Was my heavy hitter and "more than I needed" 5 years ago, but has been on the bench for the last 2-3 years.

So, whaddya think? Which ones get your juices flowing. I really don't need to keep them all and they all are really too good to keep one out in the garage for the test table for my garage sale LPs; the $5 Dual 1258 is fine for that.

Let me know what you think and like. FWIW, I'm pretty lucky to have these choices to make! :yes:

If it was me I'd keep the Denon. I don't think you'll get appreciably better performance or sound out of the others that you listed and none are as incredibly sexy as that 57L.

The Denon certainly has it's merits...

http://audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=101506&stc=1&d=1217361630

http://audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=101507&stc=1&d=1217361632

The TD135 would be interesting to work with/restore but you are talking about clean, lube and new plinth at a minimum. I would consider using the RB250 arm with it. That arm is very upgradeable and as time/money permitted, you could take it pretty far.

Other than being willing to do all the work on the TD135 without being sure of the outcome, I'd keep the Denon and be happy. It is a beautiful, nice, reliable performing TT.

I've always thought that Denon was a looker. Very nice table.

Does the Denon do 78, and do you have a 78 RPM requirement?

I'd dedicate the Denon to 33, and build one of the others into a 78 player. (I have a Dual 1019 for this very purpose, as my Marantz 6100 does not do 78...)

I haven't played a 78 in years, ort a 45 for that matter, so that's pretty much a moot point.
Well, not really as there's a Dual 1229 here too that can always fill that need. ( I think??)

I haven't played a 78 in years, ort a 45 for that matter, so that's pretty much a moot point.
Well, not really as there's a Dual 1229 here too that can always fill that need. ( I think??)

Yep, the 1229 has 78 :thmbsp:

Denon!

Ya know what I'd do I'd keep em all. Kind of nice to have a variety from different manufactures. I know that's not what ya wanted to hear but I thought I'd throw that out there. Plus the 135 would be a great late fall winter project.

I've got a long-standing prejudice in favor of Denon turntables- if it was my decision, it wouldn't be a tough one.

Denon, Rega, & Dual for 78s. Sell the others. But that's just MHO :)

Denon, Rega, & Dual for 78s. Sell the others. But that's just MHO :)

Well, that may just be where I'm heading. The Denon really does a fine job, I was just wondering if I was missing the boat on the others.

I just wish it didn't remind me of he Jupiter II from "Lost in Space" every time I look at the platter :D

http://audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=101529&stc=1&d=1217373892

That Denon trips me out everytime I see one! Nice base though.

The Denon is really a nice looking TT. Wish I was in your situation.