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First post on the forum, have been reading through posts quite a bit, hope yall can help me out.
For years now I've been listening to my records on my pop's old MCS 6502 through a cheapo preamp I bought on eBay. It didn't sound great, but it did the job. I recently tried to take off the stylus/cartridge and one of the tonearm wires broke. I'm not that great with a soldering iron, so I decided it was time to step up my rig.
From what I've read, the 6502 is not as good as other MCS TTs such as the 6600 series. I was thinking about buying the Technics AT-LP120 new, but I'm an old school kind of guy and I think I'd prefer a used/vintage TT. I've found a few and would like some opinions. My budget is around $250, but considering the setup I came from I definitely don't need audiophile quality stuff.
Some of my options, from Craigslist and Ebay. All are in working order, cartridge listed if known:
Kenwood KP-3021 - ~$70 (CL) - I can't find much about this, except that the model no. is strange (most apparently start w/ KD). Can anyone tell me a similar model Kenwood to read up on, or offer opinions about this? Cartridge is unknown, is labeled 'N34' on the front.
Dual CS 505-1 - ~$100-175 (EBay) - Two available, neither tells cartridge type, looks like it could be original (has no brand or numbers indicated).
Technics SL-1500 - ~$225 (EBay) - Sonus 5 cartridge
Technics SL-D3 - ~$160-250 (EBay) - Two available, one has AT cartridge ($160), one has Shure SC35C cartridge ($250)
Pioneer - PL-560 - ~$250 (EBay) - Stanton Cartridge
Thanks for any help opinions you can provide!
Jason
Follow Ups:
Michael Fremer, whom many consider the world's foremost authority on all things analog, gave the Orbit a glowing review.I have attached a link.
Good Luck.
Meat; It's the right thing to do. Romans 14:2
Edits: 01/26/15
Being pretty new to the hobby, I think I've decided to buy new first instead of jumping into the deep end straight away, I don't have tons of experience with repairing electrical equipment.
Now, to decide between the Audio Technica ATLP120 or the U-Turn. I've read a ton about both of them and am having trouble deciding. The six week wait for the U-Turn is definitely pushing me slightly towards the AT. But being able to buy the U-Turn with a Grado that will be out of the box ready instead of having to upgrade the AT cartridge sounds pretty sweet.
Having never changed a cartridge, how difficult is that to do? My budget would be around $75, something like the Shure M97xE
Thanks to all for your help!
Jason
Changing a cartridge can be a little tricky, especially your first go.
I think your on the right track by going with a new table.
1) It's going to work.
2) Will not need any TLC.
3) It will have a warranty.
4) You won't have to set it up.
Be sure to look at the entry level tables from Project, Rega, Music Hall, as well as the orbit.
The Shure 97 is a good cartridge and will track everything you throw at it.
It also has a high enough output that you can use it with any phono section/pre you pair it with.
Good luck.
Meat; It's the right thing to do. Romans 14:2
geezerrocket has a lot of good points.
I have several TTs but when I restored an older Thorens, I took it into the Needle Doctor for a cart and setup.
See if you have a local turntable store that can help with setup if you decide to buy used.
looking for some jazz and a little libations - joe strummer
Good suggestions so far. If you go vintage, don't spend your whole budget at first. Almost all vintage tables will need something. The simplest may just need a drop of oil on the main bearing or cleaning of a speed pot. The more complicated and mechanical the table is (like vintage Duals) the more likely to need a costly refurb. A Dual 1229 in "as found" condition will likely not work correctly and needs $150 minimum to put in first class order. So protect yourself on price.
On the vinyl forum here and over at Audiokarma turntable forum you can find enthusiasts with a wealth of knowledge on specific turntable models.
One final note. If your MCS 6502 has a removable head shell, you can replace that (or learn to solder!). It is likely a lower end Technics product, which is not a bad thing. Technics made some decent low-end tables.
Good luck!
John
The headshell wires probably are pins and clips. He can buy a new set of wires and put them on with needle-nosed pliers.
Dave
...or maintenance required before you spin records other than initial setup (and you would have to do that with whatever you buy anyway). $292.06 direct from Amazon; plus it spins almost any record that you have or will get: 33, 45, & 78. Not to mention Amazon's great return policy. I even gave it some thought myself for my 78s but I have a better table for them; just need to get it back together.
Later Gator,
Dave
A Technics SL-1200 is hard to beat for the money. CL is only way to get in for $200 though.
my theory and experience is Craigslist is the way to go for a few reasons. One the prices are mostly much better, eBay is generally higher. Craigslist will be a local pickup which is better in two ways; one no shipping charge to pay and two you can look and test the table first before you plunk down your money. Finally my advice is wait for a good deal. I got a nice Yamaha direct drive for $10 last month. Just wait you'll get a deal. Just check craigslist every day a few times a day and your extra time spent will pay a good dividend. Nothing excited me on your list and I did find info on the Kenwood, see link below. N34 is a Kenwood stylus and pretty easily available. In THIS case eBay would be best as there were various types of replacements for this needle for $15 or so w/free shipping. Various being some original, some aftermarket. But honestly if you did get this plan on buying a belt and replace the cart, the original is nothing much. I'd offer $50 tops too by the way.
E
T
Edits: 01/25/15 01/25/15
Really helpful info, thanks!
A Dual 1229 just popped up for $250 or best offer. Value wise, how is that price? And if it needed a full servicing, can you give any idea of a ballpark price to do that? He's saying it's all original, including the dustcover.
Jason
A Dual 1229 just popped up for $250
TOO MUCH!
E
T
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