Hmm. Thanks for all of the enlightening information everyone. I personally am not a fan of those Audio Technics tables. I don't really want a direct drive DJ table, I prefer best sound possible, preferably a belt drive, something under $2k. These are all good points to think about.
Seller sent me another message this morning saying that he spoke to the owner, they assure me it sounds fantastic and they aren't trying to cheat anyone, he bought a better table so he wants to sell this one, hardly any use. Also dropped the price to $650 from $750. I might go check it out at the very least.
As for my buddy, he offered to come. He said the table probably works, it's not ideal not being able to hear it but he figures it's fine. He also said these Rega tables hold their resale value really well. The one thing he doesn't like is that it's the RP3, the P3 has a whole bunch of little upgrades that make it much better than this version.
As for the budget, that's what I hear. Of course you don't want a Bestbuy or Walmart special for $69 bucks, but where is the $ speetspot for a table where it sounds really nice, but going past that point is a plateau with mild inclines? Are we talking $2k? $5k? $10k?
You raise a good point slip, I own zero vinyl. I have just listened to my buddy's high end VPI table and it sounds wonderful. Granted it's only as good as the recording, and it's hit or miss. Sometimes you hear little pops and crackles, or the album is overproduced etc, but it is kind of fun dropping a record in and seeing it spin, and the warm, dynamic range it has.
I've thought about skipping past vinyl, I have a rather extensive CD collection, from Pink Floyd to Smashing Pumpkins to Fleetwood Mac to Katy Perry, if you want to hear it, I may just have it. I just feel like having an alternative media to what I have now would keep things interesting. I have a lonely top shelf on my new glass audio rack that's begging to show off a turntable. But I've also been debating putting my laptop up there and using it for DSD and FLAC if I choose to pursue the non-physical media route, which, there's something I don't like about not feeling like you own the media. Especially streaming services, you're merely renting music. But even DSD and FLAC files, they can sound great, but why wouldn't I just buy the album on CD? My setup sucks every bit of detail out of the lossless compact disc format, there's really not much difference listening to non-physical. Where the turntable comes in is it does sound different than CD, and it's physical which I like (artwork on the sleeve, actually owning it and holding it, and the different sound it has that I might enjoy if I am wanting to change it up.
Upon inspection though, vinyl, even used vinyl on Amazon etc is really expensive.. I've been ramping up my CD collection, sometimes finding little underpriced treasures on there for $3-$6 a pop, sometimes more. Used vinyl I am looking at $20-$30 a pop. I also love scouting thrift stores etc, where I can usually find some CDs, the other day I found a mint copy of Dark Side of the Moon, 1991 release so it isn't overproduced, sounds wonderful; to boot Discogs shows the cheapest that version runs for is $12 running all the way up to $90. I got it for $2.99. VINYL however, I've checked a few thrift shops. There hadn't been ONE single vinyl album I would have liked to buy, even at the $3.99. It's all rubbish that nobody would ever listen to. All the good stuff is long gone. Then there's the condition.. A CD can have scuffs and scratches on it and play perfectly fine, granted I am very picky so I usually buy Very Good condition or better. Whereas a record, there's warping, dirt and grime, groove wear, etc that could make it sound atrocious. So between shelling out for the TT, I need to shell out for some good records. So much to think about!
