Turntable advice

[zepaholic]

About a year ago I pulled out my old Technics turntable and got out some old albums to listen to. I was really enjoying it when it suddenly stoped working. Now I'm looking for a new one. Looking for advice on a new one let say from $150 - $300 price range.

 

[Mort Corey]

I think Denon might still make one (least wise I've got one) that isn't particulary elegant but it is serviceable and it's within your price range.

Mort

 

[mr-ben]

It's at the top of your price range, but I enjoy my ProJect Debut III turntable. Lots of interesting colors if you're into that.

 

[mtrycrafts]

About a year ago I pulled out my old Technics turntable and got out some old albums to listen to. I was really enjoying it when it suddenly stoped working. Now I'm looking for a new one. Looking for advice on a new one let say from $150 - $300 price range.

Since it is not operating, are you able to try and troubleshoot the cause?
Is the motor not running? Platter not turning? Belt broke? Worth a try since you are looking for a new one.

 

[yettitheman]

mmmm... I'm getting interested in vinyl again... Although I may look at the Xpression II... just because it seems to be made of better parts
(however my budget may not allow $500 of one component... :/ )

 

[skizzerflake]

Check out Ebay. I have gotten two very good turntables (old German Duals) from e bay. Both continue to spin and hold a fine Empire cartridge and neither cost me more than $150. The cheap current models that you can buy don't compare and I didn't want to spend a huge amount of money so these were real deals. I have reclaimed vinyl in my life with those two tables without going broke.

 

[emorphien]

I started looking in your price range and wound up picking up one of the last new Rega P2s I could find about a year ago.

The Pro-Jects are nice, also you might want to check out the Rega P1, I know nothing about it but it should be pretty good.

Older used Duals, Regas, Linns etc are also good choices. Linn might be way above budget, I honestly don't recall, but Duals can be found pretty easily for great prices.

 

[Geno]

You might want to check out needledoctor.com. They have turntables ranging from $89 to $15,000 and everywhere in between. Vinyl has its own world quite separate from the digital realm.

 

[emorphien]

I just realized I forgot another one worth checking out. Look in to Music Halls, the MMF 2.1 is around $300 new.

 

[audiofox]

You can pick up a used Thorens TD125 Mark II in your price range, which is a very reliable belt drive turntable even though it was last made in the 70s. They appear fairly regularly on eBay and Audiogon. Many also come with the SME 3009 tonearm, which is a great match for this TT.

 

[flippo]

?

I have a Thorens TD320 Turntable and would like to get a new cartridge for it
Not a real high price (rest of my system is not worth it), any suggestions? I haven't kept up on phono cartridges (MM only).

 

[zepaholic]

I would like to thank everyone for their input. Not sure what I'm going to do yet but I will look at all your suggestions.

 

[The Dukester]

I have a Thorens TD320 Turntable and would like to get a new cartridge for it
Not a real high price (rest of my system is not worth it), any suggestions? I haven't kept up on phono cartridges (MM only).

"Real high price" is subjective. You can get a Shure for under $30. An AudioTechnica will run you around $100. You can obviously go well over that, but those are a couple of inexpensive ones to look at. They are readily available on the web.
Enjoy your vinyl!

 

[emorphien]

I have a Thorens TD320 Turntable and would like to get a new cartridge for it
Not a real high price (rest of my system is not worth it), any suggestions? I haven't kept up on phono cartridges (MM only).

Agreed with the above. What do you consider "not a real high price?"

 

[Jason Coleman]

In the $250-350 price range, if you're looking to replace your table, you'll find the Pro-Ject Debut III for about $299-329 (depending on finish), the Music Hall MMF-2 for about $349, and the Rega P1 for about $350. General consensus seems to be that there's not a whole lot of difference between these fine entry-level tables (especially since the Pro-Ject and the Music Hall are made in the same factory). If you're willing to spend a bit more, I'd suggest the Music Hall MMF-5, whose specs are found here and which can be found for a nice price here. The MMF-5 is chock-full-o-components and features that is a bargain in the $600 range.

J.

BTW, Mort Corey is an old barnacle! I miss you, Mortimer!