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I had a Technics SLD4 back in the day, but that was lifted from my storage at the condo many years ago. I was recently given a bunch of LP's by a friend to sell in an upcoming yard sale. And thats when the bug bit. I would be grateful for any suggestions for an inexpensive turntable with a decent cartridge. I loved the sld4. I listen mostly to jazz, country and blues. My speakers are New Large Advents all around with a Sony DA777es receiver, that has a phono stage input. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Craig
Follow Ups:
Thanks all for the response. I'm really pumped now and can't wait to astound my 12 year old son with something he's never seen before.
Craig
A Technics SL-3300 in lovely shape, complete with a Walco ES-30 Shibata stylus that has all of about 10 hours on it. I was using it to transcribe my LPs to CD, but when I upgraded to an SL-1700, it was relegated to backup status. A year or so later, and now I need the storage space.If you're interested, I'd be willing to send it to a good home for less than $100 + shipping, which is less than i paid for it. E-mail me if you are interested.
Regards,
ChuckPS I will be away for a couple of days, so don't worry if you don't hear back right away.
I bought a Music Hall MMF2.1 a couple of years ago. For the price it's a decent setup and better than many of the plastic tables you may find kicking around. It's Goldring Elan cartridge is pretty decent too. The setup is clean and simple. The tone arm is satisfactory esp. for the price point. I've tweaked my MMF2.1 a bit. I firstly sprayed on a rubberised undrecoating on the inside bottom of the platter. I also changed the felt matt with a slighty thicker and more plyable matt cut from a felt like fabric I got at a fabric store.Today though if I were to buy a new turntable, I'd problay find the money to spend a bit more than what the MMF2.1 gives. You can find models from $300-$1,000 from brands as Music Hall, MMF5 or MMF7, Project (various models) and Rega P-2.
Maybe it is because my tastes and desires have now moved above that of my MMF2.1 that I would if doing it all over today, spend a bit more. But again that being said for under $300 the MMF 2.1 is a decent table that will make you like records more than most CD's you may have.
As mosin said, there are millionaires around here (check some of the systems and prices in recent threads.) The turntable you are replacing, as well as your receiver, would imply you want something in the price range of something good but not extravagant. I have as much pleasure fom my stuff as they have from theirs, I'm sure. The recommendations for Technics are worthwhile, since you replacing one of that brand. I found a SL Q2 on eBay last year with a very good cartridge. I replaced the stylus, set it up properly, and never looked back. Total cost, less than $100 U.S. You may want to spend more, of course, but a good Direct Drive on eBay would probably do well for you. Belt drives are fine too. Just don't get caught up in the debates that might deter you. The Technics SL xx00 ones are good and in the same ball park as the 1200's. And they have a certain nostalgia. Make sure the seller will pack it well and check that it is in excellent condition. Ask questions. Have fun.
it will give you an idea of what belt drive turntables sound like starting with a good basic setup. It's an alternative to buying used and possibly having to do some troubleshooting and tweaking. The mmf-2.1 is, however, considered a stepping stone turntable by many so you should look ahead to see if upgrading is a reasonable possibility.
I'll try not to post the long story again...
I'm a fleamarket/thriftstore vulture, every now and then i buy a vintage TT, fix it up and either add it to the collection or sell it.Personal experience top 3 thriftstore TT, all good:
Luxman PD-284 DD
Dual 704 DD
Thorens Td166 beltdriveOther personal experience (thrift or not):
Thorens Td145mk1,mk2,TD150mk2(sleeper!), TD125mk2/SME3009(not cheap but great TT)
Dual 1228(fun but not audiophool)
Philips 312(same)
Pioneer Pl-12D, get one with a quiet motor, fun, good PRAT
Lenco L7X idler wheel TT, you can make a monster TT out of these
Technics SL-B2 beltdrive, plastic fantastic but listenableOther vintage TT, no personal experience:
Thorens Td160/147/320
Dual 600/700 series, 1249
Sansui 222 mk3/4, 525 maybe
Dual 505 with the wooden plinth
Philips 729
Micro Seiki BL-51 and up(getting expensive though)
Denon DP47 and up (same)Try to see the TT with your own eyes before buying. Check the motor, main bearing, arm bearings, switches, contacts. DD TT should turn steady on the strobe, if it doesn't keep the speed properly don't buy it. Check the availablility and price of parts before you buy.
The better vintage TT are getting up in price but if you look hard you still can find one cheaper and better than a new TT.
Oops i did it again to quote Britney, i posted the long story again...Greetings Freek.
On Audiogon there some very nice Thorens TD160's for sale (395 + cart I saw one in very nice condition for example). Add a Belari tube phono stage and you are done for less than 650. Or look for a used Rega Fono MM or a Creek. Gets you down to less than 500. Cheaper? There is also a Thorens for 300, plus a 100 dollar phono stage = 400.That's what I would do. (I actually did that more or less - I set myself a budget of 1K for table, RCM, cart + acc.).
Have fun
Jw
Definately talk to Kevin at KAB. I recently purchased the Technics SL1200 with the audiophile upgrades and am loving it. I went with the groovemaster II caRTRIDGE. Kevin is a straight shooter who is not pushy.
Technics SL-D4 turntable(You don't happen to speak French do you?)
One way to go would be to check out kabusa.com, and get the best TT you can afford.Been reading lots of great things about their line of Technics 1200 series. With the stock arm, you have a lot of choice with plug-n-play cartridges. And if you splurge and have buyer's remorse in a couple months, resale value should be comparable to purchase price.
Craig,I know what inexpensive is, but there are zillionaires around here. You will need to narrow down what you consider to be inexpensive as close as possible. Also, what about used equipment? Are you a do-it-yourself kind of guy who can modify an antique into a great turntable, or would you rather have one that is set to go?
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