Ed S Posted May 18, 2011 Report Share Posted May 18, 2011 I have about 15 LP Mosaic sets plus a bunch of other LPs that I have not listened to in years. I've decided to look for a turntable and and know basically nothing. I'd like to spend $300 or less and don't care if its used or new. I'm not an audiophile by any means - but I don't want to destroy my Mosaics by using some piece of garbage. My only brand name familiarity is with Technics. I'm not stuck on Technics, but I did check out some on Ebay. There's a vintage SL-3300 on auction that looks decent. Also listed in vintage - an SL-D2 with a buy it now of $175 and an SL-D3 for $50. A local guy on Craigslist is selling a newer Technics SL-1210MK2 for $550 Then, when I was searching the forum I saw that someone recommended and purchased an Audio Technica AT-PL120. I guess this one plays 78s which is a nice bonus. Anyone have any recommendations or opinions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unk Posted May 18, 2011 Report Share Posted May 18, 2011 I have about 15 LP Mosaic sets plus a bunch of other LPs that I have not listened to in years. I've decided to look for a turntable and and know basically nothing. I'd like to spend $300 or less and don't care if its used or new. I'm not an audiophile by any means - but I don't want to destroy my Mosaics by using some piece of garbage. My only brand name familiarity is with Technics. I'm not stuck on Technics, but I did check out some on Ebay. There's a vintage SL-3300 on auction that looks decent. Also listed in vintage - an SL-D2 with a buy it now of $175 and an SL-D3 for $50. A local guy on Craigslist is selling a newer Technics SL-1210MK2 for $550 Then, when I was searching the forum I saw that someone recommended and purchased an Audio Technica AT-PL120. I guess this one plays 78s which is a nice bonus. Anyone have any recommendations or opinions? There are lots of budget players on the market now. I don't have direct experience with any of them except Rega (which may be over your budget), but Music Hall and Project often get good words. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porcy62 Posted May 18, 2011 Report Share Posted May 18, 2011 Vintage, or used, TT's require a serious check up, made by some guys able to do that, otherwise you will not know you're harming your records until they are damaged. Plus you probably will need a new cartridge too. So, unless you know the guys for the check up, (or you are able to do for yourself, not an extreme difficult job, but a accuracy job, nevertheless), my suggestion is to go for a brand new Rega, Music Hall and Project, that often come with the cartridge. I mean that a trashed used amp might sound bad, but doesn't kill you records, a trashed TT does. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Posted May 18, 2011 Report Share Posted May 18, 2011 Thank you for advice. I'm in the exact same position, with the same price point. My old Technics died and the repair shop hasn't been able to locate the replacement part, so it's time to get a new one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmirBagachelles Posted May 18, 2011 Report Share Posted May 18, 2011 Be good to those records (worth $ thousands), don't compromise on the tonearm or cartridge. I won't sleep well now until this is resolved. Keep us in the loop please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.:.impossible Posted May 19, 2011 Report Share Posted May 19, 2011 I have a debut iii paired with a Graham slee communicator. No complaints. Clean vinyl, clean stylus. Affordable setup. Take reviews of all of these models lightly. The folks that are content rarely show up online to let the world know. Lots of hyperbole both positive and negative. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unk Posted May 19, 2011 Report Share Posted May 19, 2011 I had a Rega, many generations ago. I liked mine with the "classic" Rega arm. But I'm afraid that doesn't help you much with the current incarnations. I really haven't heard a "discouraging word" about any of the three brands I originally mentioned. The integrated (arm/cartridge/'table) package does seem the way to go. What do you have for a pre-amp or receiver? Are you going to need a step up device or, perhaps, a phono preamp (if you have only line level inputs)? You may want to take into account the cartridge output and type (moving magnet versus moving coil versus "other") and the output. A high output cartridge may save you a few bucks by eliminating the need to step up the output. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Alfredson Posted May 19, 2011 Report Share Posted May 19, 2011 I have one of these: http://cgi.ebay.com/VPI-HW-19-Junior-Turntable-Wireworld-Cable-/230622110311 There's another on eBay for $525.99 but with no cartridge. http://cgi.ebay.com/VPI-HW-19-Jr-VPI-L-M-A-tonearm-/220768145833 I'm not affiliated with any of these sellers, but I did pay a lot more than either of those for mine, brand new. I have a Rega tonearm and a Grado Red cartridge on mine. It's a great sounding turntable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnS Posted May 20, 2011 Report Share Posted May 20, 2011 My Rega 3 is still going strong after 20 years, though I did have the upgraded motor a few years ago. I'm currently using Rega's Elys cartridge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigshot Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 (edited) In the $300 and under range you'd do best with a used Dual or Technics. Allow a little of your budget to get a pro to install your cartridge and check alignment since you have no experience in that yourself. Modern turntables in this price range are junk. Edited May 23, 2011 by Bigshot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevinc Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 Take a look at Technics SL1200 MK2. They go for about $400 on audiogon but you can probably negotiate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDK Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 Wow. Some of the better, cheaper tables have really gone up in price. I have a Music Hall MMF5 that I really like, bought barely used at around $350, but now looks to be $800+ new. Still, I'd look at the base-level Rega or Music Hall/Project before I'd go with a Technics if I was gonna spend $3-400. You might want to check out a number of thrift store, though, as you might get lucky and find a nice, 1980's-era table for $20 or so. I bought an old H-K table from 1980 or so for that price and other than needing a new cartridge it was as good as anything made now in the price range you're looking for. The problem with the new tables is that the cheap ones are bad and anything decent is expensive. But that wasn't always the case with vintage tables, and you can often find decent ones very cheaply. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unk Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 ...Still, I'd look at the base-level Rega or Music Hall/Project before I'd go with a Technics if I was gonna spend $3-400. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 OK, sounds reasonable. I'm not married to Technics or anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigshot Posted May 27, 2011 Report Share Posted May 27, 2011 (edited) No offense, but an entry level Rega or Music Hall can't hold a candle to a Technics. With newer brands, you need to spend 2 or 3 times your budget to get a decent turntable. Older turntables are built better for less money. Edited May 27, 2011 by Bigshot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unk Posted June 11, 2011 Report Share Posted June 11, 2011 (edited) Just got a new catalog from Music Direct. This is a generally well-regarded mail order and Chicago brick-and-mortar store that generally sells merchandise that aspires toward high-quality sound. I've had a couple of fine transactions with them, in their store. Current "budget" turntable listings: Pro-Ject Debut III $369 with tonearm and cartridge Music Hall USB-1 $249 with arm and cartridge Rega RP1 $445 with arm Pro-Ject RM-1.3 $499 with arm and cartridge Edited June 11, 2011 by Unk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jostber Posted June 12, 2011 Report Share Posted June 12, 2011 Take a look at Technics SL1200 MK2. They go for about $400 on audiogon but you can probably negotiate. I have a MK2, a solid as it gets and a great sounding turntable. These two forums could give you some good advice before making your choice: http://www.vinylengine.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=18&sid=f8ed2787fc59998fc9621d9d5af24faf http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=28 These can also give you some recommendations for a good phono stage. If you buy a used table, you might also need a new cartridge. The Ortofon 2M series goes well with a lot of setups. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mracz Posted June 23, 2011 Report Share Posted June 23, 2011 I bought a Project Debut III a couple of months ago to replace my turntable that was damaged in a house move a couple of years ago. I'm very happy with it, clear sound both for the jazz and classical (particularly chamber music) that I listen to. The dealer set it up for me (his prices were comparable to "high street" internet shops, and I do like talking to the people I'm buying stuff from). Health warning on this recommendation: I'm not an audiophile, but I do like decent quality sound! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjzee Posted October 23, 2012 Report Share Posted October 23, 2012 I bought a Project Debut III a couple of months ago to replace my turntable that was damaged in a house move a couple of years ago. I'm very happy with it, clear sound both for the jazz and classical (particularly chamber music) that I listen to. The dealer set it up for me (his prices were comparable to "high street" internet shops, and I do like talking to the people I'm buying stuff from). Health warning on this recommendation: I'm not an audiophile, but I do like decent quality sound! I'm considering buying one through Amazon. What did the dealer do to set it up for you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeBop Posted October 23, 2012 Report Share Posted October 23, 2012 Set up can be quite an undertaking: overhang, antiskate, perpendicular alignment for optimal crosstalk, tracking force, vertical tracking angle...many of which "play off" one another. I've paid $200. Back when I cared more. You could probably get the essential tools for $100 and do it yourself (living without the ocilloscope). Or you could do what most people caught up in the turntable fad do: set the tracking force...or nothing at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjzee Posted November 7, 2012 Report Share Posted November 7, 2012 So I went for a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon in red; ordered it through Crutchfield. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul secor Posted November 7, 2012 Report Share Posted November 7, 2012 Hope you enjoy it for many years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazzbo Posted November 7, 2012 Report Share Posted November 7, 2012 mjzee, I bet you'll enjoy it! I've been loving the Rega RP3 I bought some months back. Ed, what's the news? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moko Posted November 7, 2012 Report Share Posted November 7, 2012 If you need any advice on setting up your turntable try this site it gives good straight forward advice & has plenty of pictures to explain everything http://www.soundfountain.com/amb/ttadjust.html Then just take it slow & steady and you will have a great sounding deck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjzee Posted November 7, 2012 Report Share Posted November 7, 2012 Thanks. I also found a video on the Pro-Ject website; it looks pretty straightforward: How to Set Up Your Pro-Ject Turntable (see middle of page) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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