I'm buying my first turntable just for listening to records, no DJing, and was wondering what you all think of the Gemini XL-500? Someone is selling it used in good condition for 80 bucks. Good deal? Bad deal? I've heard good things about the Technics sl-1200 mk2, which I found in a consignment store for 350 dollars. How big of a difference in sound quality is there between these two turntables? Is that difference reflected in the price difference too?

Thanks!

I'm buying my first turntable just for listening to records, no DJing, and was wondering what you all think of the Gemini XL-500? Someone is selling it used in good condition for 80 bucks. Good deal? Bad deal? I've heard good things about the Technics sl-1200 mk2, which I found in a consignment store for 350 dollars. How big of a difference in sound quality is there between these two turntables? Is that difference reflected in the price difference too?

Thanks!

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think those Gemini turntables are very reputable. The Technics, on the other hand, is very highly-regarded, and would certainly be a good option.

Where are you located?

Having listed where you are lets others help you find local sources for audio gear...

In other words, finding stuff in the States isn't the same as in Canada or the UK...Texas is different than Wyoming...etc...

But I'd look for something a bit better than the Gemini...it's pretty much a disposable piece of gear...especially if some wannabe zipperhead "turntablist" has f-ed with the machine....

It may look like a Technics, but it sure isn't one in build quality....

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From my experience both the Stanton and Gemini TT's are a budget type TT that can be had pretty cheap from pawnshops or CL. My advice would be to look for an SL1200 or SL1700 or even a garden variety (non DJ) Technics. Hell you can find some decent TT's at garage sales pretty easy for almost nothing. I pasted on two mid fi type JVC's this past weekend just because I'm running out of room. Remember that as long as the TT is in decent shape (speed is good) and you buy a decent cart you can always upgrade later and switch the cart to your upgraded TT.

heres the thing about Gemini/numark/ audio technica atp 120/ they all LOOK like the technics 1200 but they arent anywhere close. those turntables were mainly marketed because the 1200mk2 used to be $600 bucks. there is a website I think its called DJ deals, that has a 1200M3D for just $379 brand new. dont buy any of the 1200 knockoffs, they aint worth it!

I worked in a music store for about 6 years (guitars , drums etc.) & we also sold a lot of DJ gear , i can say we had a ton of problems with most of the Gemini Tables & the stantons were not far behind , I would not buy a gemini if i were you , if it was $20 & was running fine , it might be fun to get you going but for $80 i'd search elsewhere , in that price range there is a lot of used stuff out there you may want to try Craigslist or Ebay , your local salvation army , pawn shops , yard sales .

I worked in a music store for about 6 years (guitars , drums etc.) & we also sold a lot of DJ gear , i can say we had a ton of problems with most of the Gemini Tables & the stantons were not far behind , I would not buy a gemini if i were you , if it was $20 & was running fine , it might be fun to get you going but for $80 i'd search elsewhere , in that price range there is a lot of used stuff out there you may want to try Craigslist or Ebay , your local salvation army , pawn shops , yard sales .

Yikes! I had no idea the Gemini and Stanton had so many problems. :no:

I can say the Technics SL-1210mkII I have is built like a tank. Cost under $400 with free shipping from the MusiciansFriend site.

I recently bought an SL 1200 Mk2 and just love it, built like a tank, easy to setup, speed is ultra steady and sounds good to boot.

You can't go wrong with a Technics for around $400.00.

Gemini's are every where here in Houston, nearly every porn shop and resale shop has them, that should tell you something.

Yikes! I had no idea the Gemini and Stanton had so many problems. :no:

I can say the Technics SL-1210mkII I have is built like a tank. Cost under $400 with free shipping from the MusiciansFriend site.

Yeh this was in the 90's we had very good luck with the Technics tables , but they were always on Backorder , there was always a Waiting list for them , we'd get in a used Techincs table & be able to sell them for new prices & more the Demand was so much for them at the time , No problems or complaints with them at all .

I have the lowest model Gemini turntable (an xl-120) and have been using it for 3 years now with out any problems. I was able to replace the cartridge with something a little better than what came on it. I bought mine new for $60. I don't think I would buy a used DJ turntable period. Most of them are used pretty hard. You'd be better off saving your money and picking up something new.

Here is a review I found on the XL-500


Review 1 of 12

Price Paid: $129.00 from Ubid

Summary:
It seems that everyone wants to be scratch DJ these days, which requires a certain type and grade of equipment (not to mentions lots of skill). But not every DJ needs to scratch, and not everyone buying a DJ turntable needs to scratch, either. I've used this turntable in a home stereo and it has performed admirably and flawlessly in that capacity. For its price it far outperforms similar so-called hi-fi turntables made by Sony, Pioneer, Aiwa, etc. While nobody will mistake it for a higher-end Rega or Linn, it beats the pants off of most piles of plastic that you can get for less than $200. It's a remarkably quiet turntable, especially for a direct drive. And it tracks like a champ on all but the most warped LPs. Soundwise, it's pretty neutral, with decent, but not spectacular dynamics. The turntable itself is pretty heavy duty, with enough plastic to remind you it's no $400 'table. The motor is powerful and the stop brake is pretty damn fast. However, one should note that the motor will cause a slight hum in more sensitive, less shielded cartridges. I mounted a Grado Green, and it would hum a bit especially on the inner grooves. It wasn't particularly noticeable, but I still replaced it with a more shielded Stanton DJ cart. I've also used this 'table for light-duty DJ work. It's a fine performer for doing straight-up part or dance DJ work, where all you need to do is segue songs and do a little beat matching. Back-queing is easy and the needle stays planted in the groove. The brake makes it simple to find the start of the song (or the beat) and get the record cued up quickly. The biggest defecit for me is the lack of quartz-lock. In general the XL500 holds its speed really well, but I typically have to adjust it a little right when I power it up for the first time. Then I usually don't have to touch the speed for hours of play. The strobe comes in hand for this, making proper speed setting a snap -- just try that on your plastic belt-drive Sony. Overall, this is a great turntable for someone looking to get back into vinyl with their home stereo, or DJs doing basic mixing duties with little scratching or turntablism. It beats just about every 'table in its price class, whether they're home or DJ 'tables.

Strengths:
A fine basic home turntable or DJ turntable for basic mixing (not heavy scratching). Has a heavy duty, strong motor, good brake. Tracks well, needle stays planted.

Weaknesses:
Lack of quartz-lock, some plasticky parts. Not the best choice for heavy scratching and turntablism -- but very few turntables are really good for that.

I recently bought an SL 1200 Mk2 and just love it, built like a tank, easy to setup, speed is ultra steady and sounds good to boot.

You can't go wrong with a Technics for around $400.00.

Gemini's are every where here in Houston, nearly every porn shop and resale shop has them, that should tell you something.

Wow....never tought to look for a TT in a porn shop!

Gimini = Ion = Trash...

Wow....never tought to look for a TT in a porn shop!

Hahahaha:D

I guess you call that a Freudian slip.

I'd move on. For $80 you ought to be able to find a much better used turntable. Avoid the DJ tables other than the Technics.

Hahahaha:D

I guess you call that a Freudian slip.

Or was it?:banana:

Thanks for all the input! I've passed on the Gemini and went to a hifi consignment store here in Vancouver to sort out a package. I probably won't go for the Technics 1200- it's a little pricey for just home listening, so I'm getting a non-dj table for about 175 dollars.

OK Cottonwolf, have fun picking one out!

Hahahaha:D

I guess you call that a Freudian slip.

Porn shop, pawn shop...around here they're often the same place.

Or was it?:banana:

Okay you got me but I have never seen a turntable in a porn shop only pawn shops. And the vinyl in porn shops has no sound and is not nearly as much fun as the music kind.:D

Seriously though if you set up a SL1200 properly it sounds as good or better than any other turntable in it's price range and has super reliability to boot.

ps I ended up with a Sansui SR-525 turntable!

ps I ended up with a Sansui SR-525 turntable!

Cool:thmbsp: Of course we will need a picture:D

A clean 1200 for $350 is ok. You could wait around to find one cheaper, or needing work. You can always make your money back on the 1200.

My local thrift had two Gemini turntables come in and they were selling them for $25 each. That would be a great deal for someone who was short on cash and wanted one. So I left them.

Good luck.

Congrats Cottonwolf, you did much better than the Gemini you were considering. That SR-525 is a real beauty too. If you're interested, they have brochure for it on Vinylengine but no manual.