Did Philips ever make a good turntable?
- Thread starter kdryan
- Start date
Bob_in_OKC
Addicted Member
ManFromPorlock
Super Member
Philips 212 and 312 are very well respected.
voltcontrol
Fizheuer Zieheuer
Depends which one it is.
If I find a cheap GA202/212/312 I'll take it because of looks. It performs decently too.
And then there are those models that show current 'stylus force' on a digital read out, pretty nifty feature. A lot of models seem to have those like F7215 777 887 867. But beside that feature.. Not that interesting imho.
And something "historical" like a Philips Mignon is interesting as collectible.
But, they never made a great tt in terms of performance that I know of..
If I find a cheap GA202/212/312 I'll take it because of looks. It performs decently too.
And then there are those models that show current 'stylus force' on a digital read out, pretty nifty feature. A lot of models seem to have those like F7215 777 887 867. But beside that feature.. Not that interesting imho.
And something "historical" like a Philips Mignon is interesting as collectible.
But, they never made a great tt in terms of performance that I know of..
Last edited:
They made some nice tables, but sometimes I think some of their tonearms (GA-212 for example) looks cheap. I am sure they're nice performers, too bad I could never hear mine. However, the tonearm was almost an exact design to some of the 80s BIC turntables I've seen and those were cheaply made.
Overall, sprung platter, good motor, decent arm = decent performers.
Overall, sprung platter, good motor, decent arm = decent performers.
kdryan
Pioneer Addict
Actually, yes. It had a wooden base, though...
Bob_in_OKC
Addicted Member
Then it might be worth a trip back to the store.:yes:
voltcontrol
Fizheuer Zieheuer
For 20 bucks, I'd take a GAxx2. 
If it's a 212 or 312 it's worth picking up for sure. They have a very nice suspension and an automatic shutoff at the end (arm pops up and the unit shuts off, no arm return). Some of them have issues with the capacitance touch controls, but still worth looking into.
davidro
Lunatic Member
I have a 202 that needs a belt (awaiting shipment) and it looks lovely which is why I pulled the trigger:
As others have said above I expect it to sound decent having nice suspension and all. The bugger bit is the proprietary headshell which can cause you good grief. I'm about to sort that out too with the aid of one generous kickass AKer. Will let you know whether I actually like the sound when I get everything in place.
As others have said above I expect it to sound decent having nice suspension and all. The bugger bit is the proprietary headshell which can cause you good grief. I'm about to sort that out too with the aid of one generous kickass AKer. Will let you know whether I actually like the sound when I get everything in place.
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
202, 212, and 312 all very nice performers. No Thorens but more than good. Poor man's Thorens was a common nickname. Even I owned and loved a 212 and was happy with mine.
kdryan
Pioneer Addict
Ok, so I went back and got it. It's a 212 and I actually kind of like it. It sounds nice and the little touch sensitive buttons are neat. On ly one of them lights up. Does anyone know if it's supposed to be that way or should all three light up when activated? I like the wood base a lot. The platter and tone arm seem to bounce around in the base a lot, but it doesn't affect playing the thing. I think (Yes, I am a noob) it's to absorb the shock. All in all a good little turntable, IMHO. I may set it aside for my first restoration project, if I get that adventurous. That's a reflection on he cover in the second shot, not scratches or anything.
BTW, the album is 'Picture This' by Huey Lewis and the News...
BTW, the album is 'Picture This' by Huey Lewis and the News...
