Recommend a Turntable

[Serendipity]

Well...

A nice, sweet, young female friend of mine is really into vinyl and I think I've got the "upgrade bug" to get a turntable. ;)

Anyways, I've been looking at the Music Hall 9.1, Technics 1200 (many variants), and some of the Rega units.

What is a great "bang for the buck" turntable while providing great sound? Keep in mind I mostly listen to classical music, and I prefer a warmer sound...

[mhardy6647]

Bang for the buck? SL-1200 family, no doubt (and I am not a big fan of DD nor heavy, S-shaped arms).
Next step up (IMNSHO) worth considering if you (umm, she) is serious: VPI Scout or Clearaudio Emotion/Marantz TT-15S.

[Serendipity]

Bang for the buck? SL-1200 family, no doubt (and I am not a big fan of DD nor heavy, S-shaped arms).
Next step up (IMNSHO) worth considering if you (umm, she) is serious: VPI Scout or Clearaudio Emotion/Marantz TT-15S.

Which of the SL-1200 family is the best "audiophile" table? There's the MKII and the MK5, and then a few others...

[Keiko]

Bang for the buck? SL-1200 family, no doubt
+1...And there are some really good deals on some Technics tt's if you shop around. I upgraded from my AT-PL120 to a SL-1210M5G and haven't looked back.

[Serendipity]

Thanks, the SL-1210M5G looks like the best of the bunch!!

[Keiko]

Which of the SL-1200 family is the best "audiophile" table? There's the MKII and the MK5, and then a few others...
This one's the best in the Technics family Alex. This is the best price I've seen on it also. I put a Denon DL-160 MC cartridge on mine and it's pure magic.

http://www.compuplus.com/i-Technics-SL-1210M5G-Direct-Drive-Turntable-1020611~.html?sid=6c3054oo7luel10

[Serendipity]

I don't think that's an authorized dealer?

[Keiko]

I don't think that's an authorized dealer?
Page down:

Comp-U-Plus Return Policy: 30 days exchange or money back
Product includes the full US manufacturer's warranty


I bought my PL120 from them and got good service. You can contact them directly if you have a question on manufacturer warranties. Keep in mind Alex. These tables are hand assembled in Japan and built to last. Extended warranty is also available through this dealer. FWIW

[ben62670]

If I were to do it again I would have gone the 1200 route. My project is audiophile looking, but needs way to many upgrades to make it what the 1200 is out the box with a Denon 160 cartridge.

[mhardy6647]

The tried and true SL-1200 is the best price/performance value under a kilobuck out there in terms of new production (and used is dicey at best and downright inadvisable if packing/shipping is involved).

Just my hardly humble opinions, needless to say.

[Toolfan66]

This one's the best in the Technics family Alex. This is the best price I've seen on it also. I put a Denon DL-160 MC cartridge on mine and it's pure magic.

http://www.compuplus.com/i-Technics-SL-1210M5G-Direct-Drive-Turntable-1020611~.html?sid=6c3054oo7luel10

I printed that page took it to Guitar Center and they price matched it.:cool:

Thanks to Mike i am running the same TT setup as him and loving it.

[thsmith]

Back in February I picked up a Technics SL-1300 one owner just serviced for $120 locally. Sounded great, added a Denon 160, sounded even better than added a Cambridge Audio 640P Phono stage and it has been heaven ever since.

A good cart and phone stage will make all the difference.

[hearingimpared]

You can't go wrong with a VPI. Here is a dealer of many manufacturers of turntables that I believe is not too far from where you live. Quest for Sound (http://www.questforsound.com/analog.htm), the owner's name is Stephen Monte, mention my name or Phil's plus the fact that you a Club Polk member and he will give you a great deal. He really took care of Troy and a few others.

Good Luck!
Joe

[Face]

If you want to buy locally, there's a Rega dealer in Wantagh.

Shoot him a email: http://dougstubes.com/

[Serendipity]

If you want to buy locally, there's a Rega dealer in Wantagh.

Shoot him a email: http://dougstubes.com/

Does he sell any other brands? I usually go to Audio Breakthroughs (www.audiobreakthroughs.com)

[Face]

TT's, no. But I believe he's a dealer for Manley also.

[Serendipity]

Thanks. Manley stuff is over my budget, though I'd like to hear how tubes sound like in my rig.

Will check out the P1 though...

[doctor r]

I will add a vote for the Denon DL-160. The TT is an important purchase, but having a cartridge that performs well on the tonearm/table combination makes the experience worthwhile. I started with the Denon and have since upgraded but I have occasions where I remount my DL-160 on the table. I am always surprised and pleased with the clarity and soundstage the DL-160 presents for its price.

[Dawgfish]

I'll put in another vote for the Technics SL1200 with the Denon DL-160 cartridge. I am running this setup and couldn't be happier

[haimoc]

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1246212343

Great deal on Technics SL1200.

[Serendipity]

Looks like I'm most interested in the Technics.

[TroyD]

You can't go wrong with a VPI. Here is a dealer of many manufacturers of turntables that I believe is not too far from where you live. Quest for Sound (http://www.questforsound.com/analog.htm), the owner's name is Stephen Monte, mention my name or Phil's plus the fact that you a Club Polk member and he will give you a great deal. He really took care of Troy and a few others.

Good Luck!
Joe


Yup, don't dick around. If you are looking at a Music Hall 9.1....don't eff around and get the Scout (Scoutmaster even better). It's a much better choice.

BDT

[Serendipity]

You can't go wrong with a VPI. Here is a dealer of many manufacturers of turntables that I believe is not too far from where you live.

I'm not exactly near PA; that would be a few hours away at the least...

[TroyD]

He ships....I bought my Scoutmaster from Quest for Sound. GREAT guy......he mounted and aligned the cart so it was plug and play. Easy peasy.

BDT

[Stevenmbell]

I have a 1200 for sale $250.00 or trade for a cd player.

[Serendipity]

He ships....I bought my Scoutmaster from Quest for Sound. GREAT guy......he mounted and aligned the cart so it was plug and play. Easy peasy.

BDT

Sorry, but I can't do that. After I got scammed out of more than $1k on used gear, I only buy NEW from local hi-fi stores.

[Ricardo]

Good luck then.