Recommend inexpensive turntable? Technics DD?

[morkys]

Ok. I am going to rip some of my parents albums to CD and perhaps dabble in records myself. I asked about the Sony in another thread, but should have asked this broader question, so I posted this question here.

I would like to find a later model used Technics DD turntable for less than $200.00 if possible. If I find a neat Technics linear tracking turntable in good shape, I will try one of those. Do you have any suggestions?

I used to have a Technics SL-BD 22K and it was an ok turntable I suppose.

People are saying stay away from P-mount carts. Good idea? Is the V15 VMR a non-P mount needle/cart?

thanx,

 

[AudioArcher]

Pro-ject

I would recommend spending an extra $100, and for about $300 you can get a Pro-Ject Debut III Turntable. It is the best beginner vinylphile turntable out there IMO. You won't regret it.

 

[morkys]

Ok, where can I find one of those?

 

[JVC]

Don't know about Technics stuff. I know they are owned by Panasonic, or used to be. I think they were their higher end stuff, back in the 70's. Haven't seen any in years though.

Check pawn shops for possible good deals on turntables. I also remember seeing a Denon turntable in Crutchfield's catalog.
Good luck!

 

[AudioArcher]

Pro-Ject

Here's one place: http://www.amusicdirect.com/products/detail.asp?sku=ASUMDEBUTII

or here: http://www.sumikoaudio.net/project/products/debut.htm
or here:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/DJ/Gear/Lighting/Turntables/Cartridges?sku=807600

or here: http://www.needledoctor.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.45/it.A/id.2493/.f

Here is their home page: http://project-audio.com/

It is amazing what you can do with GOOGLE. (hint)

 

[morkys]

Thanx. Lots of advice for where to get a turntable. Yeah, I understand the Google thing. But usually, when somebody asked where to get one, its not because they don't know how to search with google, its because they are looking for a recommendation.

 

[tbewick]

I have got two of those Technics Direct Drive turntables. They are fine but they're in a cupboard at the moment. One irritating problem with the more expensive unit is that you can't run the record without closing the lid. This stops you from cleaning the record with one of those dusting devices.

If you don't mind second-hand gear, why don't you try picking up one of those classic Linn Sondek LP12 turntables? Or maybe a Thorens deck?

 

[morkys]

I have got two of those Technics Direct Drive turntables. They are fine but they're in a cupboard at the moment. One irritating problem with the more expensive unit is that you can't run the record without closing the lid. This stops you from cleaning the record with one of those dusting devices.

If you don't mind second-hand gear, why don't you try picking up one of those classic Linn Sondek LP12 turntables? Or maybe a Thorens deck?

What specific models would I look for? Remember I am trying to stay in the <$200.00 price range. Cheap I know, but I just want to test the water first...

 

[tbewick]

Well, the Linn Sondek LP12 might come with the original Linn arm and cartridge. My dad uses a Thorens deck which is a TD-126 Mark III fitted with an SME arm. If you see one of these cheap, I'd go for it. Perhaps the easiest thing to do would be to buy one of the Pro-Ject turntables that AudioArcher recommended. I did see a Pro-Ject turntable reviewed in What Hi-Fi? and it was meant to be very good. I certainly am no expert on turntables and if you were to buy one second hand, it would probably be better if you had experience with turntables. You could buy a second hand one with a bad stylus or have the wrong combination of arm/turntable/stylus etc.

I don't think you loose that much buying a cheaper turntable. Even though it's a transducer, I'd probably be hard-pressed to tell the difference between my dad's Thorens and one of my cheaper Technics turntables. If you do go for one of the Technics DD turntables, check to see that you can activate the motor with the lid up, otherwise you'll have to wipe the disc with a suitable cloth.