Hi,
Im new and im looking for a turntable.
Could i please get some recommendations on what to buy.
Would prefer something wood based and under $100.
I really miss the sound of my old vinyls.
thanks
shawn

Shawn,

At "under $100," your choices are extremely limited -- for a completely working wood-based turntable, that is -- unless you score on one at a thrift store or garage sale, or occasionally on Craig's List.

The reason I say this is that most wood-base turntables are from the seventies, and by now they require extensive service to get working properly. So, if you buy a refurbished one from a dealer, expect to pay $150 or so.

On the other hand, turntables of the "mostly plastic" type are much more common, and many are somewhat newer (eighties or nineties.). You can often score on a properly operating Technics SL-B.. model for under $100.

That said, here are some recommendations:

WOOD-BASED TURNTABLES

1. Dual 1019
2. Dual 1215
3. Dual 1218
4. Garrard SL-72B
5. Garrard Zero-100
6. Miracord 10H

If you buy one with a few mechanical problems, this can be your introduction to routine turntable maintenance.

Best,

Fred Longworth

Wood based, under $100- buy a used Marantz 6xxx series. OR, you could save some money and get about the same performance with a Technics SL-Bx series (not wooden, though). Pioneers are nice, too, but again- mostly not wooden. Dual's have nice wood bases (2000 and 1000 series), but can be expensive. I'm sure others will weigh in on them.

Its not really wood, but more of an 'MDF covered with woodgrain vinyl' turntable, but you might try to pick up a Pioneer PL-112D. (or its older sibling the PL-12D.

I had one as my 'first' turntable as I was getting back into vinyl, and I was quite pleased with the performance. Its not 'high end' but I found it to be very serviceable and, mated with a M97xE, it made some pretty sweet sounds.

Good table for the $25 I spent on it.

Many Pioneers from the 70s were wooden, provide very nice sound, and can be had for less than $100. Just coming to mind, PL-12D, PL-15D, PL-112D, PL-115D, PL-117D. At most, minor servicing--new belt, lubricate platter bearing/motor, spray deoxit on switches. Less prone to more involved mechanical problems as often occur with the Dual and Garrard changers.

Don't forget the rotel rp-2500 or the like as i just got mine from jbrocious and it is a wooden base with that wood contact papaer on it...it seems like an ok table that go's for under $100 on the bay.

People just throw them out because they look like a garage sale item even when they were new. In the hands of a competent tech with a fresh cartridge, these units can be astoundingly good, approaching very very goodness and giving you a glimpse of greatness with the right recording.

The long-range benefit of the AR is that they can be modified to almost any level. I didn't tell you this, but there is actually a shadowy AR turntable hacker cult that >L:SL:ka <mmmrrfrfff>

Ah yes, how could I forget my first two tables- the AR turntable and a Rotel RP-2400. Two totally different 'tables, but well worth $100 for the sound quality. The Rotel might be somewhat rare, but the AR should be easy to find. I got one at a garage sale for $20 w/manual, etc., so check CL.

Also, even though I love Garrards, someone mentioned mechanical problems since it's a changer. Agreed- I would stay away unless you KNOW it's in working order.

Are you looking for a wood based turntable mainly for aesthetic reasons? In fact a lot of the plastic based ones by technics and others perform quite nicely given their well under $100 range. I would think that generally you would be looking above $100 if you want something that is solid wood and a quality player. Pioneers are probably going to be the most common ones you'll find close to home, probably in the "MDF covered by woodgrain finish", as someone already mentioned.

They 'look' like wood, but are considerably better - Sony PS-X50 through PS-X75 (they go up by five: 50, 55, etc.). I just bought a PS-X75 for $72 and a PS-X65 for $53. These are exceptional TTs, especially for the price. Same with the Yamaha YP-D6 & D8 and D71 (which do have wood base). Both the Sony and Yamaha TTs are very well made. Good luck and welcome back to vinyl.

Here are a few of the Sony TTs. http://www.thevintageknob.org/SONY/sonyvault/sonyVault1-main.html and the Yamaha YP-D8 http://www.thevintageknob.org/YAMAHA/YAMAHA-main.html

Recently saw an AR XA TT on Denver Craigslist for $100. Keep an eye out it may show up near you.

Pioneer PL-12D is a good, cheap, dependable, simple tt. Found mine at the town dump. Put a Shure M97xe in it and sent it off to college with our daughter. It has served her well.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/mhardy6647/P1000412.jpg

Some of us go scavenging for years to find one reasonable GoodWill deal and you seemingly open the kitchen window to receive bounty from the heavens falling into your outstretched arms.

Pioneer PL-12D is a good, cheap, dependable, simple tt. Found mine at the town dump. Put a Shure M97xe in it and sent it off to college with our daughter. It has served her well.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/mhardy6647/P1000412.jpg

chance favors the prepared mind...

Jeez, I gotta hit the electronics recycling pile at my city transfer station one o' these days just to see what the rich folks are tossing. Nice going, Mark.
Tom

Watch for a Walker, either a CJ 55 or a CJ 58. I have owned a CJ 55 with a Linn Basik arm and found it to be a nice TT, they generally have a very good arm attached.


Jim

NWA? You lost me there...

Watch for a Walker, either a CJ 55 or a CJ 58. I have owned a CJ 55 with a Linn Basik arm and found it to be a nice TT, they generally have a very good arm attached.


Jim

Yeah you can find used Walker tables with Linn tonearms for $100 all the time. :scratch2:

Mike

Yeah you can find used Walker tables with Linn tonearms for $100 all the time. :scratch2:

Mike

You are correct, not all the time, but enough times to be worth watching for, a lot of people have not heard of Walkers in the US.

Not saying it will end there but they have, and no not all the time, last week a Walker went for $372, with a much nicer arm. They are worth watching for, bargains can be had. A lot of people watch for them.

Jim
http://cgi.ebay.com/TURNTABLE-WALKER-CJ58-with-ORIGINAL-BOX_W0QQitemZ220073742099QQihZ012QQcategoryZ3283QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem



Jim