I'll go along with most of that advice re shopping locally, Craigslist, trying before buying. You already have seen/listened to the unnamed model Technics turntables the record store uses with multiple operators going every day of the week, something like this must be pretty reliable/well built and my guess can be picked up well within your unstated budget. Technics lower tier servo and direct drives were sold by the boatload due to their high build quality and respectable performance, many still run as good as the day they left the shop and can be purchased for less than a new Crosley. I'd bypass the belt drive Technics tables, Technics put all their resources into their servo and direct drive tables.
Went cheap, now I regret
- Thread starter vmartell
- Start date
+1 on the direct drive
Njoy-Music
Old Time Rock & Roll
You mentioned the Sansui and Technics TT's in the beginning you had your eye on. Are these local to you or at an auction site. If at an auction site I'd certainly wait for something better and consider looking around your local CL and see what pops up. If in doubt at that time, post here again and ask for more advice. Both the models you mentioned are fine starter TT's even if belt drive. They've been around a LONG time for a reason. They may not be the best, just well built solid dependable TT's. If one of those is local to you, I'd get the one that you'd feel comfortable with for now while you get back in the groove so to speak.
Then use that experience you've gained to move on up to something more. Like the Thorens since you can save some money, enjoy your records now and educate yourself. Then if you do pop for a Thorens or something different in the future you'll fell more comfortable doing some tweaking if you need to.
Then use that experience you've gained to move on up to something more. Like the Thorens since you can save some money, enjoy your records now and educate yourself. Then if you do pop for a Thorens or something different in the future you'll fell more comfortable doing some tweaking if you need to.
vmartell
Active Member
A ton of replies - thnx for that!
The research was done on the net, but I saw the tables on ebay... I almost just bought them, but having learned my lesson, decided to ask the forum first. ...
A lot of info to digest, lots of recommend... I will be cautious, will keep away from eBay as much as I can...
I am in Los Angeles... there is Rewind Audio, although currently they don't have what I am looking for or any of your kind recommendations...
I guess I will need an evaluation check list... Does such a thing exist?
Although the tables I mentioned are belt drive I will be taking a closer look at the DD recommends
Thnx!
V
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
The research was done on the net, but I saw the tables on ebay... I almost just bought them, but having learned my lesson, decided to ask the forum first. ...
A lot of info to digest, lots of recommend... I will be cautious, will keep away from eBay as much as I can...
I am in Los Angeles... there is Rewind Audio, although currently they don't have what I am looking for or any of your kind recommendations...
I guess I will need an evaluation check list... Does such a thing exist?
Although the tables I mentioned are belt drive I will be taking a closer look at the DD recommends
Thnx!
V
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
classicform
Active Member
I wouldnt be afraid of ebay. Check all turntable listings, sort by distance and see what turns up. If you find one you like contact the seller and see if they will end the auction letting them know you would pick it up. Most are happy to do so to get out of packing and shipping.
You could also put out a wanted on craigslist. You wont get a deal but the flippers will be all over you. See what they have to offer and post here for help deciding.
You could also put out a wanted on craigslist. You wont get a deal but the flippers will be all over you. See what they have to offer and post here for help deciding.
Kingshead
Professor
Why fear eBay? eBay protects the buyer so shop away. I've purchased many things on the bay and every time there was a problem I've ALWAYS been given a full refund, including shipping. If you do purchase one on eBay and it's defective it's a PITA, but usually nothing more. Why limit your search area, hell, I've purchased used electronics from Korea without hesitation. Purchased my National RX7000 boombox from a seller there for a great price, these are rare and I most likely wouldn't have it otherwise. Just my two cents.
Martin
Martin
Shop locally if at all possible. You can search CL and eBay for sales within the distance you are willing to drive to pick audition/pick-up the TT. I'll be driving down to the DC area to pick up my latest find in a couple of weeks. Cost of shipping and gas/tolls are about a wash.
I beg to differ on the quality of the Technics belt-drive turntables. The earlier ones with S-shaped tonearms and standard 1/2" cartridge mounts were very good performers. I own two of them and have tuned up several more for friends. These turntables tend to fly under the radar because people wrongly assume that a direct-drive turntable specialist couldn't build good belt-drive turntables, so they can often be picked up at very reasonable prices. I particularly like the SL-210/220/230/235 series, though the earlier SL-20/23 series is also quite good.
Get yourself a Technics SL-1700 and be happy. Personally I prefer the original version to the MK II version because it is simpler and powers itself off when the arm returns. Direct drive, automatic return / shutoff, floating suspension, low profile, dead silent playback and extremely well built plus the easy headshell swap out capability. Pretty much all I'm looking for to play back my albums.
iLUVanalog
Addicted Member
Sorry to hear about what happened with your AT table. I have this same model (except it's the NON-usb version....the PL 120). I think the problem you had with the cueing is atypical. Fortunately, no regrets here. I currently have my 120 hooked up in a modest living room system, performing very well with a Denon DL-110 HOMC. After approximately five years with it, no problems.
I would also agree with Bigerik's advice re. vintage tables.
I would definitely consider membering-up here and checking out Barter Town.
Keep an eye out for AK'r 62sunbeam, he's a pretty active seller, over in Burbank that I've happily bought gear from. A good guy. Also check with Arcorob about the problems with your AT. If I remember correctly he's done a fair amount of positive posting on that table. The only extra table I have is an entry level Sony PS-X30 that needs silicone oil for arm (drops like a brick too). It's older, but not really any upgrade for you. Depending on the rest of your system chances are the AT might sound better if the onboard phono stage is bypassed and you use the phono input on your receiver or preamp.
Last edited:
Sorry but have to disagree. Turntables are very sensitive items. They require massive packing to remain safe in transit. The further the distance, the more critical the packing is. The average ebay seller doesn't want to spend the time and money on a packing job that is needed. Lot's take them to the nearest shipping store and pay them very little for a box and peanuts. Get your money back? sure, but now a rare table has bit the dust. Have you not seen all the threads on poor packing? Do you think these threads just come up because people are bored? I have had tables shipped. They made it, but some only because of pure luck. So I stay away from ebay and turntables. Not worth the hassle.
markshan
Sir Thrift a Lot
LA? Try to talk this guy down to $250...
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/ele/4413765157.html
These are cool little units if he can demo. Cheap, too...
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/ele/4400961778.html
These have quite a following...
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/ele/4431586829.html
etc., etc..
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/ele/4413765157.html
These are cool little units if he can demo. Cheap, too...
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/ele/4400961778.html
These have quite a following...
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/ele/4431586829.html
etc., etc..
dnpainting
Super Member
PM Sent regarding a Technics SL-Q350 I have.
With the OPs update re location LA CA from what I'v seen on Craigslist out there you will have a substantial choice of very nice vintage turntables in your price range. As you have learned comparing the record store turntable against the AT new is no guarantee of quality. After the AT comes back from service unload it on Craigslist with lesson learned.
Look on it as a learning curve. You bought a turntable, and now you want a better one. I'm sure you'll be able to find a buyer for the Audio Technica, and you can use that towards the new one.
It's just a shame AT cashed in on the "clone 1200" turntable like so many others. If you like the looks, a Technics SL-1300 can be bought wisely for a less than a 1200, and looks almost the same and is automatic to boot. If you want to try British, see what you can get in the lower priced Rega models.
Don't fret it man!
Lee.
It's just a shame AT cashed in on the "clone 1200" turntable like so many others. If you like the looks, a Technics SL-1300 can be bought wisely for a less than a 1200, and looks almost the same and is automatic to boot. If you want to try British, see what you can get in the lower priced Rega models.
Don't fret it man!
Lee.
melofelo
Addicted Member
in no particular order these are all good sounding turntables for not much money
a *mint* pioneer pl12d
the sansui you mentioned was well regarded right up to and including the mk v version..the earlier versions appear well constructed too
rotel rp-830
rotel rp 850
rotel rp-855
ariston q deck
rega planar 2
several of the 70s technics s shaped arm tables look very decent
ditto the akai's from the same era...ap-00x series,and the ap-206/207/306/307 series offering good sound and useful ergonomics
See revolver with linn or jelco arm doesn't get mentioned often..plain looks..needs good isolation..but can sound excellent if you can live with fully manual
and many many more..
take your time and research...there's tons of good tables out there selling for a fraction of the price of a new table that give nothing away in tersm of sound quality..
always check for any clicks or play in the tonearm pivot bearings by holding the tonearm tube above the platter and *gently* try to move it forwards and backwards...there should be ZERO play or movement at the pivot...no clicks etc..then check it moves freely across the record surface without any binding or stickiness in motion...if any of the above seem apparent..best to avoid.:scratch2:
a *mint* pioneer pl12d
the sansui you mentioned was well regarded right up to and including the mk v version..the earlier versions appear well constructed too
rotel rp-830
rotel rp 850
rotel rp-855
ariston q deck
rega planar 2
several of the 70s technics s shaped arm tables look very decent
ditto the akai's from the same era...ap-00x series,and the ap-206/207/306/307 series offering good sound and useful ergonomics
See revolver with linn or jelco arm doesn't get mentioned often..plain looks..needs good isolation..but can sound excellent if you can live with fully manual
and many many more..
take your time and research...there's tons of good tables out there selling for a fraction of the price of a new table that give nothing away in tersm of sound quality..
always check for any clicks or play in the tonearm pivot bearings by holding the tonearm tube above the platter and *gently* try to move it forwards and backwards...there should be ZERO play or movement at the pivot...no clicks etc..then check it moves freely across the record surface without any binding or stickiness in motion...if any of the above seem apparent..best to avoid.:scratch2:
Last edited:
Catcher10
Prog-tastic!
I can be slammed, its ok just another suggestion...but why go vintage or used? You are in LA and there are tons of audio stores, shops in the greater LA area where you can find a new TT by different mfgs. If something goes wrong with it you will have a warranty and a local place to take it versus having to ship it for repairs, or pay to have your vintage table fixed. Bench time anywhere is expensive and hard to find parts are expensive.
Again, buying new will get you a warranty....Just another suggestion for you.
Again, buying new will get you a warranty....Just another suggestion for you.
I agree on the learning curve perspective. On the clone question that's kind of an apples and oranges conclusion and somewhat unfair. Is there a better $230 new turntable with an up-gradable cartridge, on-board phono-pre and USB output? After taking $80 off the top for an ART USB Phono Plus V2 is there really a better new $150 turntable and cartridge for a newbie just getting into vinyl?
