I lost most of my LP’s during a move in the late 90’s, I still mourn for the loss. I have built my LP collection back up and still find joy in the vinyl all these years later. LP will never go away.
I spent $400 on a turntable and that felt like a lot at the time. I don't regret it; it's served me very well. It's one of the more expensive single components of my stereo. For some reason, I can't imagine spending $20,000 on a new turntable being more beneficial than spending a few hundred on a great cartage and stylus. Sometimes I just don't get all the excess in this hobby.
Chris Domnik I understand where you're coming from but some people have very expensive systems. For them a $400.00 turntable makes absolutely no sense. The law of diminishing returns applies here. Simillar to cars, You'll have to pay 3,4 or even 10x the amount if you want a 20% or 10% in performance.
yet the vinyl they play is the same. I have yet to see objective reviews in which someone uses electronic measuring instruments (oscilloscope, frequency analyzer, ...) to show how the signals generated differ from one deck to another, and whether there really is any difference between a high-end turntable costing tens of thousands compared to one costing hundreds or a thousand; in many cases the cartridge will make the biggest difference. There's so much subjectivity in this space which is fine, but cost doesn't automatically imply good (beyond a certain level; at some point it's merely bragging and showing that you have more money than auditory sense)
@@treyquattro , I think, one important and expensive feature of this turntables is the vibration dampening. I remember our lab desk in our laporatory costs 100.000€ only because of the dampers. A good servo motor with controler can easyly go in the thousands, if you buy it from the shelve.
@@treyquattro I see these comments about how the only objective way to compare sound sources is to compare data measured with instruments. It surprises me how much faith people place in measuring equipment and the assumptions they make about what is actually being measured, while having so little regard for the instruments stuck to each side of theirs heads. If you have not bothered to train and tune the perfectly adapted instruments you were born with, no amount of machine-gathered data will help you. People who do not understand what listening is, always dismiss conclusions as subjective, So wedded to the need for quantification they are unable to comprehend how the experience of those who possess what they do not, can possibly be valid.
Hi Chris. You are right up to a point but imagine you have an expensive cartridge that is constantly mistracking due to being supported in a poor quality arm on a poorly designed plinth, instead of retrieving information from the groove it will be removing information from the same. Basically there comes a point where a cheaper cartridge in a better deck/arm combo would sound superior to the other option and allow for cartridge upgrades in the future. But as others have commented it is all in the ears of the beholder :).
Who dislikes videos like this? Are you disliking the list he compiled or the person doing the video? I don't get it. I just picture some miserable s.o.b. that goes around the internet just disliking everything. I , for one, am super grateful for the plethora of content on youtube and to the people who make it. Thank you, Steve!
My Dad had a Thorens TD160B in the '70s, SME arm and Shure cartridge - beautiful. I now have a 1985 Linn Sondek LP12 (one previous owner) and I love it.
I have a lovely vintage Pioneer PL-250 that works flawlessly and brings out the most beautiful sound of so many great records. Unlike these in the thousands of dollars, it even came with a clear dust cover for protection. Direct drive, so no noise, no slippage. Creamy analogue tone all day. Especially with the new Shure cartridge. Dunno which model, it's white...
I purchased an AR EB 101 some 30 years ago and other than a cartridge update it has been rock solid , my taste in amps have changed over the years but my turntable is here to stay 😎
Once you heard the all new Mcintosh MCD-12000 Tube CD Player your never want to go back to Vinyl again at any price ! 😇Audio Heaven...as close to Analog as it gets 😉
Vinyl does sound good, but I hate the ticks and pops that eventually creep into the sound. And how about those off center pressings and warps? Digital music for me. You can play the same song 5000 times and it will be just a good as the first time.
I bought a teac tn300 for $300 last year and I'm really happy. Not a lot of torque and the body could be better damped but overall I'm not complaining. It's kinda interesting that no one is talking about it though, I think it's worth the price
Some of those designs (I won't say which) look absolutely hilarious. The SME 15A at $12,790 must be a bargain. I have two turntables sitting side by side: A Thorens TD-124 four-speed (52 years old) and a Technics SL-110 two-speed direct drive (about 40 years old) -- both running perfectly. They both have SME 3009 Series II tonearms. I kept the Thorens to be able to play 78 records once in a while. They both have Shure V15 type V cartridges. Having an extra headshell, I can change to a 78 cartridge in a few seconds. At the time, the Thorens, complete with tonearm, was around $300 and the Technics around $500. I read somewhere that when Shure terminated production on the Type V cartridge, the Library of Congress bought up the remaining inventory of that model. Sad to see that Shure is ceasing production of phono-cartridges. The two Technics CD players I have each cost significantly less than half the price of my turntables. They are about 25 years old.
Hey Bruce, where do you get replacement styli for the Shure ??? I have a V15 type IV. I got burned by Jicco, uneven brush and soft suspension that allows cartridge to contact record surface. Plus the damn thing can even wiggle in the cart!!! Original Shure stylus still makes awesome music though it is worn. Newer M97xE is not even close to the these older beauties.
Agree on your Turntables. I was looking for a Thorens TD160 for a while, but have now given up on vinyl, having purchased too many new albums that were full of very annoying clicks and pops. I also consider the 'warmth' sound of vinyl was often down to turntable rumble😁. Guessing your also v happy with your CD players having held them for so long. What model CD players and why two (D.J.'ing)?
I use a restored TD-124 with a beautiful custom walnut plinth and an SME M2-9 arm. Best table I've ever had. These things go for >$3000 in the markets today. That's cool to know about the LOC. Cheers
Funny, the first two tables you presented have significance in my radio DJing.I've been a DJ at WRIU, a college radio station since 1998. We have relied on the Technics SL1200. Once our student "engineer" replaced them with the Audio Technica LP60! It's a nice budget table but a horror show as a broadcast table. I still can recall trying to get it to cue up successfully. Cool video!
Steve making me feel better about my purchase of an LP60X base model! I opted for my first pair of nice speakers (Edifier 1280T) instead of BT or USB, and it was a great choice. I see other people ridicule others that bought an LP60/X but it was the only one that was in my price range, I didn't wanna spend $500 then have it turn out I didn't like records at all! My first experience was with an Ion turntable that uses that awful $5 mechanism (the one with the red bit of plastic on the "cartridge") so I was nervous that records might just sound bad to me or be lacking in detail. Nope! My records, even when played out of that LP60X, sound incredible... I prefer it to just playing the music out of my computer by a lot.
Most people wouldn't be able to appreciate a turntable of that caliber. Few believe it is justified to pay that much for just the turntable, nor would they believe their ears when they heard one.
You made a great choice. I also own the PLX-1000. I’ve owned many low end and high end audiophile tables, and the PLX is one of my favorites. It is an extremely underrated table for less than $700. Highly recommended for anyone on a modest budget, but wants a taste of high end audiophile sound. I do recommend PLX owners take advantage of a few upgrades that are available for this table. Swap out the stock footers for the Isonoe footers. Swap out the rubber mat for a better one, such as the Funkfirm platter mat made for SL1200 style tables, and the best upgrade for this table that I recommend, is the KAD fluid dampening system. I’ve done all 3 of these to my PLX, but if you only want to do one upgrade, the fluid dampening system is the best bang for your buck.
The beautiful turntable from A Clockwork Orange deserved a mention. They’re actually still making it - for somewhere north of $4,000 U.S. … no idea how it sounds, but it’s a looker.
I had a Garrard 401 with SME 3009 and Shure cartridge. Then upgrade d to a Guy Adams Voyd and SME V with a cartridge which cost more than most audio systems!
Great Steve, but you have forgotten about the Rega Planar 2. It's also more affordable. Also, there is the Pro-Ject Essential 3, or Debut III S Audiophile Turntable, that besides the S shaped tonearm, has a high performance Pick It 25 A cartridge.
To any turntable manufacturers who have tuned in: add auto-shut-off!! In case you don’t remember, when the tone arm reaches the end of the record, it should lift up and return itself to where it lives, then the platter should stop spinning. What a concept, a super idea. I give it to you.
@Plato's Metaphysician Just look at my Thorens TD160 with the Q-lift which raises the arm or my Thorens TD154 mk2 with autolift and shut off. Not budget turntables and these features are a nice addition to have for convenience instead of hearing the stylus hammering itself to death in the runout groove.
When my son discovered my vinyl collection I had to get him a suitable turntable so he can enjoy the records which I fully encouraged since I hadn't listened to them in years. I bought him the Audio Technica PL120 and the closest discwasher substitute I can find from B&H for about $250. I taught him the care and feeding of vinyl records and the rest is history. He has since added to the collection with both new and used as vinyl has become his music media of choice.
Even though I said "goodbye" to vinyl long, long ago, I still find some pleasure looking at these new (well, my prior beloved LP 12 isn't exactly "new") dinosaurs. They are gorgeous to see and a wave of nostalgia.
Dinosaurs that support a format that’s complete with correct album cover art and proper liner notes giving album credits, lyrics, etc. But guess those things don’t matter to people anymore...or maybe they do and that’s why dinosaur sales and Lp’s made the CD extinct while vinyl sales have increased every year for the past several years. You may not have use for vinyl anymore but there’s no reason to call the format a dinosaur. Especially while engineers are continuing in attempts to advance the technology
@@cirenosnor5768 You're right. I don't give a dime for those things. Real good music really well reproduced is what I really care for. I don't give a dime for sales' figures. Flyes are hundreds of billions and they eat crap. I don't give a dime for engineers running hard night and day after ghostly shining machimes.
That’s fine, meanwhile some of us do care about the artwork and those of us in the music industry damn well care about being credited for our work. As done with this dinosaur format. You no doubt like to be credited for your work as well and stay well
@@cirenosnor5768 To know the work, the performer (s), and the recording date is more than enough for me. If I want the lyrics (just in case there are lyrics), life and portraits of the artists, anecdothics of the sessions and so forth, I just go to Google and find all I can want.
Have been researching Rega for about year....got lucky last month and ran into a Hitachi PS-48 from 1976 in perfect condition! Ended up purchasing and can say the best purchase I ever made. Could be wrong....but I would put this against any of these turntables. Added a new Nagaoka PP-110 and hooked up to my Yamaha receiver and my Vincent Phono Preamp and this thing absolutely smokes....for me vintage is the way to go!
Hey, Steve. Just checking out some old Audiophiliac vids, and heard you talk about your SME and how it’ll be your last turntable. Then….you heard the Technics SL1200G. Iol. I’m just kiddin’ around. I’m a Technics guy, myself. I’ve done a lot of upgrades and mods from KAB to my M3D over the years. I compared my older deck (the M3D) from 2000 to a GR. The difference was so extremely subtle. I think the M3D actually came out on top due to all the upgrades. Just an interesting story about gear from one audiophile to another. See ya, Steve. Thanks for the great vids. 👍🔊🎶🙂 P.S. I’ve got Isone footers on my 1200, and it an extremely similar design philosophy as your SME.
Will be interesting to see a review of the Schitt Sol when it is released. Another turntable about to be released in the Wand Turntable by Design Build Listen in New Zealand. Their Wand unipivot tonearm gets rave reviews, so it will be interesting to see what their first complete turntable is like.
Just 2 comments...that clearaudio looked like it had a cutting lathe head almost, and the other thing i've learned about Turntables over 35+ yrs is that ones that have controls just outside of a dustcover are mass market consumer turntables, and rarely if ever, approach any semblence of Audiophile quality. Cue the examples i am missing... :D
My #1 will always be Technics SL-7. The design is just so advance. If only I can fix the tone arm drive motor... my working turntable is Kenwood KD41R that I made some modification, reliable but not much thrill...and my play turntable is Fluance 80, it may not be as upscale as the 81 but so far it have perform as good as it should and I got it at very good discount. Can’t wait to put a great cartilage on it and try it out. The tone arm of the 80 looks the same as the 81, so they should perform on par with each other. Note... I didn’t pick the SL-10 because the MC cartilage is a whole lot more expensive than the P-mount MM cartridge
I just went through this decision last month for a bedroom system I was putting together... First, I thought I'd go with the Uturn Orbit custom... but with the add-ons, it was well over $300. Then I considered Music Hall... also tempting... along with Audio Technica. I looked at Fluance as well, in addition to others. In most cases, the cart was an AT95... meh. I ended up getting a Pro-Ject Essential III for $300. Decent tone arm... Ortofon OM-10e cart. Picked up a used acrylic platter for $69 & a leather record mat... I'm a happy camper.
It was a Hydraulic Reference turntable by Transcriptor, most of them were built by Michell who was contracted by Transcriptor to build their designs until they got their own factory in Ireland
For me the tt3 signature turntable and Kronos are the very best, way more exciting and real. I personally think that too many turntables in the business sound like VPI; being to overly polite and nice, lacking smash factor and grunt and ultra resolution. Many turntables are just very safe and dialed back in sound. If you want the best value turntable in the world I think that audio note tt2 signature with iq3 pickup can't be beat, it will basically beat anything in the world, even costing 5-10 times more. Nice with a different type of video Steve!
I had Nottingham Analog Spacedeck and Specearm. One day I compared it with my friend Lenco L75 With Rega RB250. The biggest difference was PRaT accuracy. When we listened classical piano. When Lenco played, a message of musician was so clear! In opposite to it, Nottingham played a set of not connected sounds. I bought Lenco L78 with SME 3009 tonartm and heavy plinth. I liked it a lot. It was much more musical it has better tone naturalnes compared to Nottingham (espessilay on piano and organ). The base was more detaled and sound separation was better too. I wanted to try something better. I bought DD - EMT948. Is was as musical as Lenco but even more accurate and detailed. The love of audiophile to belt drive turntable is on of the biggest delusions. Most of belt-drive turntables ruin PRaT the entity of music. Producers started to built belt-drive (like Linn LP12 and Thorens 125), because they where cheap! But it is sad that now people buy turntables with toy car engine and price tag of luxury car
IIRC, AR released their TT about five years before the Thorens of similar design was released. Both are good turntables, and I have yet to find a reason to replace my AR XB since anything new that offers a significant improvement is too expensive.
Thank you Steve for all the videos and knowledge sharing. I am in the market for my first turntable. Trying to decide between Rega P3, P6, or MoFi ultra, I have an Arcam FMJ a28 amp and set of Totem Mite bookshelves and sub. My kids have been buying me records for years for fathers day and thought it would be time to get a turntable. Any advice would be much appreciated.
I still have a Thorens 203, and it the greatest POS I've ever seen, the worst purchase, complete waste of money and then some; recommended by a local high-end shop (!!!). Motor is so weak, you can stop It by gently applying a record cleaning brush. Once VTA is properly set, then the arm rest cannot be adjusted sufficiently, so that with every detente placement of the arm, the entire arm suspension rattles and shakes. No leveling feet. Regret giving up on my old Project 6.1. Will upgrade to a VPI Super Prime Scout in not too long.
Daniel Geiger it’s that bad? That’s a bummer, get a vintage Thorens, a nice and simple TD-160 can be had for $200 if you look around. I got a free one about a month ago off FB
@@dronepunkfpv1424 Very happy with my new VPI Super Prime Scout with a Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC* cartridge and a Vincent PHO 701. VPI has VTA on the fly, which I don't think any of the Thorens can offer. My new set-up with 20 lb platter, VPI ADS etc. set me back by about US$6K, but well worth the investment. The sound difference is astounding. More detail, better high end, MUCH better channel separation. I unloaded the TD203 (with upgraded Ortofon 2M blue) at a local record shop and got some store credit for buying vinyl. Good riddance of the Thorens. Will never buy anything by them ever again. Will not even take one free. The TD 203 completely ruined that brand.
Daniel Geiger I’m glad you are happy with the VPI. My latest TD-160 has a Jelco 750 with VTA on the fly but can’t really do on the fly with a sprung table. More vinyl is always good, I was a record store owner in the mid 90’s Missoula Montana called EarCandy , it’s still going
Great video Steve. Just seeing what your current thoughts are on the Pro-ject Classic SB - I just ordered one. You gave it a very positive review at the CNET site but I am seeing that it didn't make your best-of list here. Should I be worried or happy with my purchase (it hasn't shipped yet!). My version comes with the Ortofon Red Quintet MC cart. Cheers -Frank
I heard clearaudio statement with gold finger cartridge 80k about 5 years ago. Exceeded DCS Vivaldi 115k in joy and ease of presentation What is possible is wonderful but not attainable for most people.
Some of them really look cool. I think that your assessment of the Audio Technica LP60 was awesome. I don't own one of these, but I recommend these to a lot of people and have heard them, and they sound great. I own a vintage Pioneer PL-L800 linear tracking turntable with an Ortofon 2M black cartridge. I haven't heard anything better in person. I'm playing it through a Nakamichi TA-4A receiver and using Urei 809A time aligned monitors. They sound fantastic. I also have other things going through the receiver as well. Definitely the best setup I ever had. I found most of this stuff broken and repaired it myself. Thanks for sharing.
With all due respect, and correct me if I am wrong here, but the ARXA is the one that started it all. Not the Linn. The Linn as well as certain Thorens models, took many of thedesign elements from the ARXA model: 3 point suspended sub-chasis with tonearm attached. Linn may have improved upon the design (I've never owned one so I can't say). But it was based off the original ARXA design which is perhaps the first audiophile grade turntable on the market, and still is a fantastic turntable even today beating out many tables that cost a hell of alot more. Check this out: ua-cam.com/video/1rgK0YMsJXM/v-deo.html Just for reference.
Some really sexy kit there Steve, wow. But you know what, even if I had some cash, i’d still stick with my old Linn. There is just something about them....you cant pin point it or quantify it, but they have that ‘something’ that puts a smile on my face every time i play a record. Even for its age (#27207)..shes still a beauty. 😎
I have a question. I have two very old 1200MK2s. One was my Dad's and is very precious to me. But it needs repairs. Am I better off saving for a better newer table or fixing and upgrading my 1200? I do scratch records.
Crazy uber-tech on some of those. They're works of art. It's like the choice between my 13 year old luxury sedan of modest means and a Ferrari. I enjoy mine, and my heart skips up close to a Ferrari or Lambo... Alas, I still get around in comfort, but still appreciate those with more "discriminating tastes". I recently repaired a Thorens. A fine piece of journeyman equipment. His cartridge is worth more than the turntable. I settle for less because I absolutely want the tonearm to be lifted automatically at the end of the record. I don't need it to start, but I can't guarantee I will be on top of it immediately to lift the arm.
I am in the market for a turntable. I have a VPI and had a shinola for a bit. Really like the Dr Feickert turntables and the Zavfino. Anyone have any comments on either?
I own a beautiful Beogram 9000 from Bang & Olufsen with MMC4 cartridge - unlike many turntables, this one has a linear tracking tonearm as opposed to a gimbal based one. Is it a decent turntable or would upgrading to a Rega Planar 3 be a noticeable difference? What do you reckon, Steve? Thanks.
This is such a joke to anyone who was alive in the 80s when CDs first arrived. In the late 90s when I eventually replaced all my LPs with CDs, I gladly threw my turntable and all my albums in the trash. It's just so stupid to call any turntable "high end audio". If you think so, you are a sucker and a fool.
Steve, Shalom from Israel. Back in the 1990s, I owned a Linn Sondek LP12 with Ittok LVII tonearm, Naim Pre/Power amps and Monitor Audio 1200 Gold speakers. I was always proud to own a "Jewish" turntable, created by the famous member of the Glasgow Jewish community, Ivor Tiefenbrun. He named all his kids with great Hebrew names, Natan, Gilad and Sara. Despite making almost zero business sense, Linn had a sales and support branch in Haifa, Israel way back in the 1980s. I always loved the Hebrew language connections with the Linn/Naim products. The Sondek is used as a basis and support for your precious records. The tonearm wraps around like a loving arm. Sondek uses the exact same letters as the word סנדק Sandak, the honoured person who sits in the chair and acts as a basis and support for the 8 day old baby about to have a Bris Mila. A tonearm is placed down on the record. The word איתוק Ittok means to close down or put down. The word Naim נאים in Hebrew neans beautiful! Their monster speakers Isobarik is similar to Barak ברק meaning lightning! And of course the LInn Akiva cartridge after Rabbi Akiva in the Mishna.
Funk Firm are THE table under 1500$. They have the best arm/sound the best and are just really cool , nicely constructed decks. Please on a rega or whatever-britain makes better Tables and speakers than Japan or China
jeremy whittler yeah I think Russell k are good not heard any what do they sound like what's the best model any idea. do you know who makes the drivers? for bang for buck I would say seas kits best for the money.
John sweda Those are the Most Widely sold speakers in Europe under 5k-$. They sound better than Kef Reference or Ls50- For similar $ in the red 100. The 120/150 are really awesome.
Hi dear So beautiful turntables. I m intrested to buy used turntable if you have . Please confirm about the same. I m from India S.N.Malik. Best regards.
Hey Steve Guttenberg, man I really respect your experience, but I have to wonder why would you recommend a turntable that you haven't listen to? (in the case of the Mofi) The list would already be great without it, I guess.
I bought a MoFi Ultradeck six months ago and haven't touched my Technics SL-1210MK5 since. The MoFi is hands down the best turntable I've ever owned... and I've owned a lot.
Because the designer, Alan Perkins, redid the SOTA turntables right (I actually gave him some stuff he should do and he did), then he did his own designs in a separate company I think was called Lyra. They were very good, Steve probably sold some at Sound by Singer. I am the guy that designed and owned the Simplyphysics stuff back then. Just google image that with dark star phono system, you'll get some wierd old pics, but the floor standing, multi layer acrylic chassis with a linear tracking air bearing tonearm will be the right versions.
I bought the audio technica 120 at first it sounded great. But after a while the rumble and side noise disturbed me a lot. And i had my old Teac P-9 fully automatic turntable from 1981 repaired and bought a Nagaoka 110 and it sounds great! Hardly any disturbing side noise or rumble...I wonder were turntables from the 80's build much better than nowadays?
Most likely it's the AT table you had more than anything. I've heard issues with them, even the LP120 and I was surprised he listed the LP60. You can't ugprade that at all and I bet it'll never sound decent and will likely not last. The Crosley is really a rebadged Pro-Ject if I'm not mistaken. I'm more of a REGA guy myself.
Yes- because the cash outlay vs what the old table cost originally. In other words say 1200$ for a great new table like basically a Funk Firm Get!! With a Dynavector x MC cartridge-That is the best table/cartridge new under maybe 4k$. Used-big model Denon/Yamaha/Luxman- British decks are the best now and we're in the past like Linn or Funk Firm.
I lost most of my LP’s during a move in the late 90’s, I still mourn for the loss. I have built my LP collection back up and still find joy in the vinyl all these years later. LP will never go away.
Me too. Left in attic of house I moved from
I spent $400 on a turntable and that felt like a lot at the time. I don't regret it; it's served me very well. It's one of the more expensive single components of my stereo. For some reason, I can't imagine spending $20,000 on a new turntable being more beneficial than spending a few hundred on a great cartage and stylus. Sometimes I just don't get all the excess in this hobby.
Chris Domnik I understand where you're coming from but some people have very expensive systems. For them a $400.00 turntable makes absolutely no sense. The law of diminishing returns applies here. Simillar to cars, You'll have to pay 3,4 or even 10x the amount if you want a 20% or 10% in performance.
yet the vinyl they play is the same. I have yet to see objective reviews in which someone uses electronic measuring instruments (oscilloscope, frequency analyzer, ...) to show how the signals generated differ from one deck to another, and whether there really is any difference between a high-end turntable costing tens of thousands compared to one costing hundreds or a thousand; in many cases the cartridge will make the biggest difference. There's so much subjectivity in this space which is fine, but cost doesn't automatically imply good (beyond a certain level; at some point it's merely bragging and showing that you have more money than auditory sense)
@@treyquattro , I think, one important and expensive feature of this turntables is the vibration dampening. I remember our lab desk in our laporatory costs 100.000€ only because of the dampers. A good servo motor with controler can easyly go in the thousands, if you buy it from the shelve.
@@treyquattro I see these comments about how the only objective way to compare sound sources is to compare data measured with instruments. It surprises me how much faith people place in measuring equipment and the assumptions they make about what is actually being measured, while having so little regard for the instruments stuck to each side of theirs heads. If you have not bothered to train and tune the perfectly adapted instruments you were born with, no amount of machine-gathered data will help you. People who do not understand what listening is, always dismiss conclusions as subjective, So wedded to the need for quantification they are unable to comprehend how the experience of those who possess what they do not, can possibly be valid.
Hi Chris. You are right up to a point but imagine you have an expensive cartridge that is constantly mistracking due to being supported in a poor quality arm on a poorly designed plinth, instead of retrieving information from the groove it will be removing information from the same. Basically there comes a point where a cheaper cartridge in a better deck/arm combo would sound superior to the other option and allow for cartridge upgrades in the future.
But as others have commented it is all in the ears of the beholder :).
The oracle is my 'dream' turntable. Just stunning. My local hifi store had an original one many years ago, and I fell in love with it.
I just got my new Technics SL-1210GR with a Nagaoka MP-200 cartridge and it's sounds absolutely phenomenal. Love it so much!
Who dislikes videos like this? Are you disliking the list he compiled or the person doing the video? I don't get it. I just picture some miserable s.o.b. that goes around the internet just disliking everything. I , for one, am super grateful for the plethora of content on youtube and to the people who make it. Thank you, Steve!
You nailed it. Some people are just bitter.
Recently bought a Rega P3, fitted with a Rega Exact cartridge. Been playing LPs every night for the last 3 weeks. Absolutely LOVE it!
My Dad had a Thorens TD160B in the '70s, SME arm and Shure cartridge - beautiful. I now have a 1985 Linn Sondek LP12 (one previous owner) and I love it.
I have a CJ Walker CJ-65 which is a Linn clone (made in Scotland, too.
Thank you Steve, for your presentation and Honesty
I bought the original Oracle in 1980. It was $1K then. It still performs wonderfully.
I have a lovely vintage Pioneer PL-250 that works flawlessly and brings out the most beautiful sound of so many great records. Unlike these in the thousands of dollars, it even came with a clear dust cover for protection. Direct drive, so no noise, no slippage. Creamy analogue tone all day. Especially with the new Shure cartridge. Dunno which model, it's white...
I thought Shure was definetely out of the carts market and focused only in mikes and headphones... 🤔
I purchased an AR EB 101 some 30 years ago and other than a cartridge update it has been rock solid , my taste in amps have changed over the years but my turntable is here to stay 😎
Last turntable I owned was a Michel syncro gyro-deck,mostly glass,a linn arm,wish I still had it,but alas Ive been digital for a long time now.
Once you heard the all new Mcintosh MCD-12000 Tube CD Player your never want to go back to Vinyl again at any price ! 😇Audio Heaven...as close to Analog as it gets 😉
Vinyl does sound good, but I hate the ticks and pops that eventually creep into the sound. And how about those off center pressings and warps? Digital music for me. You can play the same song 5000 times and it will be just a good as the first time.
A great collection, surprised a Sota didn't get on your list.
From sound to overall build quality, It walks all over the Linn.
Word
Thank you Steve .... we appreciate you ! 😎👍
I have anSME3009 series 3 arm that is 42 years old and still producing awesome sound.
I bought a teac tn300 for $300 last year and I'm really happy. Not a lot of torque and the body could be better damped but overall I'm not complaining. It's kinda interesting that no one is talking about it though, I think it's worth the price
Some of those designs (I won't say which) look absolutely hilarious. The SME 15A at $12,790 must be a bargain. I have two turntables sitting side by side: A Thorens TD-124 four-speed (52 years old) and a Technics SL-110 two-speed direct drive (about 40 years old) -- both running perfectly. They both have SME 3009 Series II tonearms. I kept the Thorens to be able to play 78 records once in a while. They both have Shure V15 type V cartridges. Having an extra headshell, I can change to a 78 cartridge in a few seconds. At the time, the Thorens, complete with tonearm, was around $300 and the Technics around $500. I read somewhere that when Shure terminated production on the Type V cartridge, the Library of Congress bought up the remaining inventory of that model. Sad to see that Shure is ceasing production of phono-cartridges.
The two Technics CD players I have each cost significantly less than half the price of my turntables. They are about 25 years old.
Hey Bruce, where do you get replacement styli for the Shure ??? I have a V15 type IV. I got burned by Jicco, uneven brush and soft suspension that allows cartridge to contact record surface. Plus the damn thing can even wiggle in the cart!!! Original Shure stylus still makes awesome music though it is worn. Newer M97xE is not even close to the these older beauties.
Agree on your Turntables. I was looking for a Thorens TD160 for a while, but have now given up on vinyl, having purchased too many new albums that were full of very annoying clicks and pops. I also consider the 'warmth' sound of vinyl was often down to turntable rumble😁.
Guessing your also v happy with your CD players having held them for so long. What model CD players and why two (D.J.'ing)?
I use a restored TD-124 with a beautiful custom walnut plinth and an SME M2-9 arm. Best table I've ever had. These things go for >$3000 in the markets today. That's cool to know about the LOC. Cheers
Funny, the first two tables you presented have significance in my radio DJing.I've been a DJ at WRIU, a college radio station since 1998. We have relied on the Technics SL1200. Once our student "engineer" replaced them with the Audio Technica LP60! It's a nice budget table but a horror show as a broadcast table. I still can recall trying to get it to cue up successfully.
Cool video!
Steve making me feel better about my purchase of an LP60X base model! I opted for my first pair of nice speakers (Edifier 1280T) instead of BT or USB, and it was a great choice.
I see other people ridicule others that bought an LP60/X but it was the only one that was in my price range, I didn't wanna spend $500 then have it turn out I didn't like records at all! My first experience was with an Ion turntable that uses that awful $5 mechanism (the one with the red bit of plastic on the "cartridge") so I was nervous that records might just sound bad to me or be lacking in detail. Nope! My records, even when played out of that LP60X, sound incredible... I prefer it to just playing the music out of my computer by a lot.
Big Fan of the Linn LP12. Just does everything right and upradale enough to keep it intersting.
Most people wouldn't be able to appreciate a turntable of that caliber. Few believe it is justified to pay that much for just the turntable, nor would they believe their ears when they heard one.
I appreciate it. Great when set up well.
The Oracle is the most beautiful peace of audio technique in my eyes. And so I bought... the Pioneer PLX 1000. That's what I can afford.
You made a great choice. I also own the PLX-1000. I’ve owned many low end and high end audiophile tables, and the PLX is one of my favorites. It is an extremely underrated table for less than $700. Highly recommended for anyone on a modest budget, but wants a taste of high end audiophile sound. I do recommend PLX owners take advantage of a few upgrades that are available for this table. Swap out the stock footers for the Isonoe footers. Swap out the rubber mat for a better one, such as the Funkfirm platter mat made for SL1200 style tables, and the best upgrade for this table that I recommend, is the KAD fluid dampening system. I’ve done all 3 of these to my PLX, but if you only want to do one upgrade, the fluid dampening system is the best bang for your buck.
The Pioneer PLX-1000 is an underrated table. Plays like a $1000 table for under $700.
It amazes me how much money people are spending on an old media like LP records. To each its own, enjoy.
The beautiful turntable from A Clockwork Orange deserved a mention. They’re actually still making it - for somewhere north of $4,000 U.S. … no idea how it sounds, but it’s a looker.
I had a Garrard 401 with SME 3009 and Shure cartridge. Then upgrade d to a Guy Adams Voyd and SME V with a cartridge which cost more than most audio systems!
Great Steve, but you have forgotten about the Rega Planar 2. It's also more affordable. Also, there is the Pro-Ject Essential 3, or Debut III S Audiophile Turntable, that besides the S shaped tonearm, has a high performance Pick It 25 A cartridge.
To any turntable manufacturers who have tuned in: add auto-shut-off!! In case you don’t remember, when the tone arm reaches the end of the record, it should lift up and return itself to where it lives, then the platter should stop spinning. What a concept, a super idea. I give it to you.
@Plato's Metaphysician Just look at my Thorens TD160 with the Q-lift which raises the arm or my Thorens TD154 mk2 with autolift and shut off. Not budget turntables and these features are a nice addition to have for convenience instead of hearing the stylus hammering itself to death in the runout groove.
And to think that about 20 years ago I was worried that turntables might go extinct...
No.
As in Spielberg's "Jurassic Park", dinosaurs never die. 😎
When my son discovered my vinyl collection I had to get him a suitable turntable so he can enjoy the records which I fully encouraged since I hadn't listened to them in years. I bought him the Audio Technica PL120 and the closest discwasher substitute I can find from B&H for about $250. I taught him the care and feeding of vinyl records and the rest is history. He has since added to the collection with both new and used as vinyl has become his music media of choice.
audio technica 120 j adore
Even though I said "goodbye" to vinyl long, long ago, I still find some pleasure looking at these new (well, my prior beloved LP 12 isn't exactly "new") dinosaurs.
They are gorgeous to see and a wave of nostalgia.
Dinosaurs that support a format that’s complete with correct album cover art and proper liner notes giving album credits, lyrics, etc. But guess those things don’t matter to people anymore...or maybe they do and that’s why dinosaur sales and Lp’s made the CD extinct while vinyl sales have increased every year for the past several years. You may not have use for vinyl anymore but there’s no reason to call the format a dinosaur. Especially while engineers are continuing in attempts to advance the technology
@@cirenosnor5768 You're right. I don't give a dime for those things. Real good music really well reproduced is what I really care for.
I don't give a dime for sales' figures. Flyes are hundreds of billions and they eat crap.
I don't give a dime for engineers running hard night and day after ghostly shining machimes.
That’s fine, meanwhile some of us do care about the artwork and those of us in the music industry damn well care about being credited for our work. As done with this dinosaur format. You no doubt like to be credited for your work as well and stay well
@@cirenosnor5768 To know the work, the performer (s), and the recording date is more than enough for me.
If I want the lyrics (just in case there are lyrics), life and portraits of the artists, anecdothics of the sessions and so forth, I just go to Google and find all I can want.
Want over-the-top? Air Force. Japanese made, with vacuum record clamping, air bearing supporting a massive platter, and it can have 3 arms!
Have been researching Rega for about year....got lucky last month and ran into a Hitachi PS-48 from 1976 in perfect condition! Ended up purchasing and can say the best purchase I ever made. Could be wrong....but I would put this against any of these turntables. Added a new Nagaoka PP-110 and hooked up to my Yamaha receiver and my Vincent Phono Preamp and this thing absolutely smokes....for me vintage is the way to go!
Wow, those prices really shoot up towards the end of the list. But some very impressive stuff there.
That's how it works in audiophile-land unfortunately... diminishing returns and all that.
Hey, Steve. Just checking out some old Audiophiliac vids, and heard you talk about your SME and how it’ll be your last turntable. Then….you heard the Technics SL1200G. Iol. I’m just kiddin’ around. I’m a Technics guy, myself. I’ve done a lot of upgrades and mods from KAB to my M3D over the years. I compared my older deck (the M3D) from 2000 to a GR. The difference was so extremely subtle. I think the M3D actually came out on top due to all the upgrades.
Just an interesting story about gear from one audiophile to another. See ya, Steve. Thanks for the great vids. 👍🔊🎶🙂
P.S. I’ve got Isone footers on my 1200, and it an extremely similar design philosophy as your SME.
Will be interesting to see a review of the Schitt Sol when it is released. Another turntable about to be released in the Wand Turntable by Design Build Listen in New Zealand. Their Wand unipivot tonearm gets rave reviews, so it will be interesting to see what their first complete turntable is like.
Excellent description of each Turntable Steve it’s made me decide what I
want for my birthday. Dave in the U.K.
Most people don't know
how to tell the difference.
Just 2 comments...that clearaudio looked like it had a cutting lathe head almost, and the other thing i've learned about Turntables over 35+ yrs is that ones that have controls just outside of a dustcover are mass market consumer turntables, and rarely if ever, approach any semblence of Audiophile quality. Cue the examples i am missing... :D
At least the ELP Laser Turntables are under $20,000US now. Has anyone ever done a review on those?
The Onkk looks like my dad’s old BBQ.
My #1 will always be Technics SL-7. The design is just so advance. If only I can fix the tone arm drive motor... my working turntable is Kenwood KD41R that I made some modification, reliable but not much thrill...and my play turntable is Fluance 80, it may not be as upscale as the 81 but so far it have perform as good as it should and I got it at very good discount. Can’t wait to put a great cartilage on it and try it out. The tone arm of the 80 looks the same as the 81, so they should perform on par with each other.
Note... I didn’t pick the SL-10 because the MC cartilage is a whole lot more expensive than the P-mount MM cartridge
I just ordered the Clearaudio Concept w/satisfy arm and Concept MC.
I just went through this decision last month for a bedroom system I was putting together... First, I thought I'd go with the Uturn Orbit custom... but with the add-ons, it was well over $300. Then I considered Music Hall... also tempting... along with Audio Technica. I looked at Fluance as well, in addition to others. In most cases, the cart was an AT95... meh. I ended up getting a Pro-Ject Essential III for $300. Decent tone arm... Ortofon OM-10e cart. Picked up a used acrylic platter for $69 & a leather record mat... I'm a happy camper.
A nice and reasonable cart, if still made, is an Audio Technica MLA 440
Hi Steve, just in case you haven't heard of this manufacturer but Nottingham Analogue are worth checking out. Regards, Matt.
thanks
some very creative stuff there.
never saw "clockwork orange"?
my all time favorite:
transcriptor / transrotor.
Was it the Oracle the model Alex had in his room? Never was sure about this.
(BTW; What a masterpiece of a movie from Kubrick!).
I think it was a Mitchell transcription turntable, later on called the gyrodec.
It was a Hydraulic Reference turntable by Transcriptor, most of them were built by Michell who was contracted by Transcriptor to build their designs until they got their own factory in Ireland
Music Hall MMF 5.1 great bang for the buck
hey what about the Simon Yorke turntables and what about Touraj Moghaddam's Xerxes?
oh and Verdier's La Platine
Roksan Xerxes is an absolute classic design in my book
@@Grrrr3FKAGrrrrGrrrrGrrrr absolutely
I remember it being called "Linn-Sondek LP12".
As soon I hear "Linn" I immediately think "Sondek" right after it.
For me the tt3 signature turntable and Kronos are the very best, way
more exciting and real. I personally think that too many turntables in
the business sound like VPI; being to overly polite and nice, lacking
smash factor and grunt and ultra resolution. Many turntables are just
very safe and dialed back in sound.
If you want the best value turntable in the world I think that audio note tt2 signature with iq3 pickup can't be beat, it will basically beat anything in the world, even costing 5-10 times more.
Nice with a different type of video Steve!
Platine Verdier missing
Oracle "Delpi" - ?
I had Nottingham Analog Spacedeck and Specearm. One day I compared it with my friend Lenco L75 With Rega RB250. The biggest difference was PRaT accuracy. When we listened classical piano. When Lenco played, a message of musician was so clear! In opposite to it, Nottingham played a set of not connected sounds.
I bought Lenco L78 with SME 3009 tonartm and heavy plinth.
I liked it a lot. It was much more musical it has better tone naturalnes compared to Nottingham (espessilay on piano and organ). The base was more detaled and sound separation was better too.
I wanted to try something better. I bought DD - EMT948. Is was as musical as Lenco but even more accurate and detailed.
The love of audiophile to belt drive turntable is on of the biggest delusions.
Most of belt-drive turntables ruin PRaT the entity of music.
Producers started to built belt-drive (like Linn LP12 and Thorens 125), because they where cheap! But it is sad that now people buy turntables with toy car engine and price tag of luxury car
Actually, Steve, the LP 12 is a copy of the classic Thorens design. So you should say that Thorens started the whole thing. :-)
IIRC, AR released their TT about five years before the Thorens of similar design was released. Both are good turntables, and I have yet to find a reason to replace my AR XB since anything new that offers a significant improvement is too expensive.
Thank you Steve for all the videos and knowledge sharing. I am in the market for my first turntable. Trying to decide between Rega P3, P6, or MoFi ultra, I have an Arcam FMJ a28 amp and set of Totem Mite bookshelves and sub. My kids have been buying me records for years for fathers day and thought it would be time to get a turntable. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Notice he HAD a VPI. But he like all others trash them after a while for a quality turntable like SME.
What do you think about a older Rotel with a wood base ?
I still have a Thorens 203, and it the greatest POS I've ever seen, the worst purchase, complete waste of money and then some; recommended by a local high-end shop (!!!). Motor is so weak, you can stop It by gently applying a record cleaning brush. Once VTA is properly set, then the arm rest cannot be adjusted sufficiently, so that with every detente placement of the arm, the entire arm suspension rattles and shakes. No leveling feet. Regret giving up on my old Project 6.1. Will upgrade to a VPI Super Prime Scout in not too long.
Daniel Geiger it’s that bad?
That’s a bummer, get a vintage Thorens, a nice and simple TD-160 can be had for $200 if you look around. I got a free one about a month ago off FB
@@dronepunkfpv1424 Very happy with my new VPI Super Prime Scout with a Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC* cartridge and a Vincent PHO 701. VPI has VTA on the fly, which I don't think any of the Thorens can offer. My new set-up with 20 lb platter, VPI ADS etc. set me back by about US$6K, but well worth the investment. The sound difference is astounding. More detail, better high end, MUCH better channel separation. I unloaded the TD203 (with upgraded Ortofon 2M blue) at a local record shop and got some store credit for buying vinyl.
Good riddance of the Thorens. Will never buy anything by them ever again. Will not even take one free. The TD 203 completely ruined that brand.
Daniel Geiger I’m glad you are happy with the VPI.
My latest TD-160 has a Jelco 750 with VTA on the fly but can’t really do on the fly with a sprung table. More vinyl is always good, I was a record store owner in the mid 90’s Missoula Montana called EarCandy , it’s still going
Great video Steve. Just seeing what your current thoughts are on the Pro-ject Classic SB - I just ordered one. You gave it a very positive review at the CNET site but I am seeing that it didn't make your best-of list here. Should I be worried or happy with my purchase (it hasn't shipped yet!). My version comes with the Ortofon Red Quintet MC cart. Cheers -Frank
I heard clearaudio statement with gold finger cartridge 80k about 5 years ago. Exceeded DCS Vivaldi 115k in joy and ease of presentation What is possible is wonderful but not attainable for most people.
'joy"... Well if I spent a house downpayment on a record player I would hope it brings me joy
Correction. I think I heard the master innovation with gold finger cartridge. Not the reference. Sound was best I’ve heard.
That Crosley is a Pro-ject OEM.
Some of them really look cool. I think that your assessment of the Audio Technica LP60 was awesome. I don't own one of these, but I recommend these to a lot of people and have heard them, and they sound great. I own a vintage Pioneer PL-L800 linear tracking turntable with an Ortofon 2M black cartridge. I haven't heard anything better in person. I'm playing it through a Nakamichi TA-4A receiver and using Urei 809A time aligned monitors. They sound fantastic. I also have other things going through the receiver as well. Definitely the best setup I ever had. I found most of this stuff broken and repaired it myself. Thanks for sharing.
Some of these turntables look like small engines or some kind of factory machinery
Jeffery Jones The more expensive models look like attack robots, something out of Robocop.
that Onkk needs a hello kitty sticker on it.
We need the pricing for all units mentioned for better understanding.
With all due respect, and correct me if I am wrong here, but the ARXA is the one that started it all. Not the Linn. The Linn as well as certain Thorens models, took many of thedesign elements from the ARXA model: 3 point suspended sub-chasis with tonearm attached. Linn may have improved upon the design (I've never owned one so I can't say). But it was based off the original ARXA design which is perhaps the first audiophile grade turntable on the market, and still is a fantastic turntable even today beating out many tables that cost a hell of alot more. Check this out:
ua-cam.com/video/1rgK0YMsJXM/v-deo.html
Just for reference.
Some really sexy kit there Steve, wow. But you know what, even if I had some cash, i’d still stick with my old Linn. There is just something about them....you cant pin point it or quantify it, but they have that ‘something’ that puts a smile on my face every time i play a record. Even for its age (#27207)..shes still a beauty. 😎
Absolutely!
The best turntable is the one you are in the moment listening and digging the music. The rest of this stuff is blingity blangity blong.
I love my fluance rt82.
I have a question. I have two very old 1200MK2s. One was my Dad's and is very precious to me. But it needs repairs. Am I better off saving for a better newer table or fixing and upgrading my 1200? I do scratch records.
I have the Pro Ject vertical shown at 1:53. I like it.
Great video Steve. Sorry to see so many rude posts
Wanted Automatic so got restored Technics 1600mk2.
Ariston RD 11 was the original , Linn was only a copy from the beginning.
does the Almedio Optora play in stereo. that's always been one of the major detractors of laser turntables.
Onkk Cue miss the chance of calling it the Onkk Cue BBQ,
Crazy uber-tech on some of those. They're works of art. It's like the choice between my 13 year old luxury sedan of modest means and a Ferrari. I enjoy mine, and my heart skips up close to a Ferrari or Lambo... Alas, I still get around in comfort, but still appreciate those with more "discriminating tastes".
I recently repaired a Thorens. A fine piece of journeyman equipment. His cartridge is worth more than the turntable.
I settle for less because I absolutely want the tonearm to be lifted automatically at the end of the record. I don't need it to start, but I can't guarantee I will be on top of it immediately to lift the arm.
I am in the market for a turntable. I have a VPI and had a shinola for a bit. Really like the Dr Feickert turntables and the Zavfino. Anyone have any comments on either?
I own a beautiful Beogram 9000 from Bang & Olufsen with MMC4 cartridge - unlike many turntables, this one has a linear tracking tonearm as opposed to a gimbal based one. Is it a decent turntable or would upgrading to a Rega Planar 3 be a noticeable difference? What do you reckon, Steve? Thanks.
This is such a joke to anyone who was alive in the 80s when CDs first arrived. In the late 90s when I eventually replaced all my LPs with CDs, I gladly threw my turntable and all my albums in the trash. It's just so stupid to call any turntable "high end audio". If you think so, you are a sucker and a fool.
Digital Taliban 😆
Hi there I’m just about to buy a Palmer 2.5 with a Rega RB1000 arm and a MC cartridge. Do you have a view. It’s replacing a Trio KD500 with SME3009.
what is the main argument for belt drive turntables?
VTE R is perfect for cat owners ;)
Cool so now I know 'cheap is cheap' Hey Steve! How about a video on what drive you prefer and why.
If you mean in general, sure I'll do one on that, thanks.
Steve, Shalom from Israel.
Back in the 1990s, I owned a Linn Sondek LP12 with Ittok LVII tonearm, Naim Pre/Power amps and Monitor Audio 1200 Gold speakers. I was always proud to own a "Jewish" turntable, created by the famous member of the Glasgow Jewish community, Ivor Tiefenbrun. He named all his kids with great Hebrew names, Natan, Gilad and Sara. Despite making almost zero business sense, Linn had a sales and support branch in Haifa, Israel way back in the 1980s.
I always loved the Hebrew language connections with the Linn/Naim products.
The Sondek is used as a basis and support for your precious records. The tonearm wraps around like a loving arm.
Sondek uses the exact same letters as the word סנדק Sandak, the honoured person who sits in the chair and acts as a basis and support for the 8 day old baby about to have a Bris Mila.
A tonearm is placed down on the record. The word איתוק Ittok means to close down or put down.
The word Naim נאים in Hebrew neans beautiful!
Their monster speakers Isobarik is similar to Barak ברק meaning lightning!
And of course the LInn Akiva cartridge after Rabbi Akiva in the Mishna.
I like that they don’t call it a turntable, they call it an optical turntable... Uhh, OK
So what’s the best and how much do they cost? What do they sound like? Waste of time presentation.
No crazy Basis Audio Inc "Work of Art turntable"?
Fun review!
No Schiit SOL or Project Debut Carbon?
Hi Steve, Awesome video!!! What phono preamp would you recommend for the “FLUANCE RT82.”
What about the funk firm? A good low price high end turntable
Could you do a review on cube audio speakers!!
Funk Firm are THE table under 1500$. They have the best arm/sound the best and are just really cool , nicely constructed decks. Please on a rega or whatever-britain makes better Tables and speakers than Japan or China
Just like Russel K are Better speakers than KEF LS-50(or reference) at around the same money-why nobody is talking about them is beyond me.
jeremy whittler and I should have said avid they're British make they make good quality turntable
jeremy whittler yeah I think Russell k are good not heard any what do they sound like what's the best model any idea. do you know who makes the drivers? for bang for buck I would say seas kits best for the money.
John sweda Those are the Most Widely sold speakers in Europe under 5k-$. They sound better than Kef Reference or Ls50- For similar $ in the red 100. The 120/150 are really awesome.
$20,000 for the Technics 1000? omg
Hi dear
So beautiful turntables.
I m intrested to buy used turntable if you have .
Please confirm about the same.
I m from India S.N.Malik.
Best regards.
Hey Steve Guttenberg, man I really respect your experience, but I have to wonder why would you recommend a turntable that you haven't listen to? (in the case of the Mofi) The list would already be great without it, I guess.
He had to provide a complete list and used some of his professional friend's reviews for recommendations at some insane prices... seems fair to me.
I bought a MoFi Ultradeck six months ago and haven't touched my Technics SL-1210MK5 since. The MoFi is hands down the best turntable I've ever owned... and I've owned a lot.
Cuz its crazy in design
Because the designer, Alan Perkins, redid the SOTA turntables right (I actually gave him some stuff he should do and he did), then he did his own designs in a separate company I think was called Lyra. They were very good, Steve probably sold some at Sound by Singer. I am the guy that designed and owned the Simplyphysics stuff back then. Just google image that with dark star phono system, you'll get some wierd old pics, but the floor standing, multi layer acrylic chassis with a linear tracking air bearing tonearm will be the right versions.
I bought the audio technica 120 at first it sounded great. But after a while the rumble and side noise disturbed me a lot. And i had my old Teac P-9 fully automatic turntable from 1981 repaired and bought a Nagaoka 110 and it sounds great! Hardly any disturbing side noise or rumble...I wonder were turntables from the 80's build much better than nowadays?
Most likely it's the AT table you had more than anything. I've heard issues with them, even the LP120 and I was surprised he listed the LP60. You can't ugprade that at all and I bet it'll never sound decent and will likely not last.
The Crosley is really a rebadged Pro-Ject if I'm not mistaken.
I'm more of a REGA guy myself.
I concur. I have a Pioneer PL 518 with the Nagaoka MP 110. The sound is excellent. The build quality of the turn table is rock solid.
Yes- because the cash outlay vs what the old table cost originally. In other words say 1200$ for a great new table like basically a Funk Firm Get!! With a Dynavector x MC cartridge-That is the best table/cartridge new under maybe 4k$. Used-big model Denon/Yamaha/Luxman- British decks are the best now and we're in the past like Linn or Funk Firm.
(without going to a custom house table-like SPI) Micro-Seiki are really good in certain models used.
Correct on the "Crosley." It's a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, a decent $400 turntable.
What do you think about a Beogram 3000.How would you rate it
For 1k and under what would you suggest?
Looking at these turntables, the one I like is $20,000.00USD. Damn! so depressing. Got to go buy a lottery ticket.