Just great Harley and thank you. I look forward to the rest of this series. After owning several decks from the 1970's (yes we are probably the same age), and then a long absence from LP's and perhaps music in general, I recently put together a system thinking I would go all digital. It started just fine and enjoyable. When I was then presented with the opportunity to purchase a turntable, a Nottingham Analogue 294 Space. I find it remarkable for it's philosophy of design and execution. Both aspects being focused on simplicity. Of course the game of getting the digital side up to level with the analogue side begin immediately after, A new streamer directly hard wired to a modem, a new (and expensive) DAC from Bulgaria, of course new interconnects, and I have to say it has not yet been able to catch up. Although I have a theory about why, I'm simply not knowledgeable enough to explain to present it here. But i do know what I hear and I'm astonished by the sound of analogue. As if I never heard music before.
If you have the opportunity to listen to the Nottingham, I highly recommend it. Weighing 65 lbs, it relies on mass, and is completely black (noise wise). The motor is a small asynchronous AC motor with just enough power to maintain speed. The deck has to be started by hand, and then relies on inertia mostly, a sort of flywheel.
@@jamesportrais3946 you're certainly entitled to your opinion - what you are not entitled to is a statement of absolute fact without ever hearing it. If you are in NYC you are welcome to hear my deck and system. From there you can draw your conclusion. Dribble or otherwise....We'll see.
@@smaarch1 Thanks for the scold smaarch, I'm a frightful nut at best. Your comment alerted me to a sour pile of crap that frankly, I have no memory of writing - must be this keto thing...
I would like to add a few more turntables! Pink Triangle, Ariston and Miracord! I was a distributor for Pink Triangle in the US in the 1980’s. The Miracord was an incredible changer! Ariston was beautifully made, great sounding turntable with the SME tonearm with a Denon 103C cartridge.
Since my born language is Spanish, my pleasure is to understand every word you say. Clear pronunciation and right speaking speed! I have a Technics SL 2000.
I am missing a Denon turntable. They had fantastic direct drive turntables with the Denon DL103 MC cartridge. This cartridge from 1964 is still in production! But thanks, it’s a great 😊 list!
Thanks for an interesting video! I don't have a Thorens TD160 but I have a TD150 that I bought new in 1972 and has given me 50 years of continuous service. I recently refurbished it with a good polish and clean, new belt, acrylic arm board, new acrylic cover, new modified Rega arm and a re-veneer of the plinth. I have never considered replacing it with anything else and it will now outlive me. I'd say it was iconic 😀😍
@@liboy9844Ironically I read that the business case to justify the Linn/Ariston was to bring a TD-150 clone to market that was clear of the UK import tax, allowing it to be sold for £149. Undercutting the Thorens by £30 and the rest is history. Or in Linn's case, the rest is marketing and upgrades. ;)
I love the range of turntables you introduced here from the simple AR-XA and P3, the entry level PL-12D and Garrard 301, the slightly higher end LP-12 and Brinkman to finally some very beautiful and more complicated turntables. Excellent list and great description of the history of turntables.
I sold Regas from 83 to 2015 and was always impressed. I'm a member of an Australian Forum now and there is a creeping mendacity towards the cancelling of the brand on this Forum. Technics is the be all and end all. Glad to see someone in the business that appreciates Rega for what it is.
"Technics is the be all and end all." - likely due to today's DJ culture. They're regarded as artists and have as much notoriety as musicians and producers. So their equipment choices gain cult status.
Thanks for another great video. I have at home the Linn LP12 and the Michell Orbe and enjoy them both. I was born in 1972 so your observation of it being a significant year wasn’t lost on me!
@@boydsargeant7496 I had the LP12 originally as a 40th Birthday present to myself. It was secondhand and apart from an amazing Birdseye Maple plinth, it is in terms of space close to a fairly standard Malik level equivalent. It has made its way into my second system now where I have an Auralic Altair G2.1. I chose the G2.1 as I wanted to steam wirelessly due to cabling constraints as well as play back vinyl (the G2.1 has a phono stage) and use it primarily with headphones. The G2.1 has an excellent headphone amp. That left a gap in my main system (Devialet Expert 400, Sonus Faber Olympicia 3 speaker) and I always just loved the look of the Orbe so auditioned. The Orbe has a better arm and cartridge so it’s probably not a like for like comparison but the Orbe just sound more open and produces a bigger sound. Both great though and can’t imagine getting rid of either!
Very nice, the Lenco L75 gave me a big smile, as a student I had one and I was very proud of it 😊 it was sparkling beautiful an looked like it was double the price it costs. This was followed by a technics SL 150, which was a version with tone arm mounting plate of a SL 1500 direct drive. I had an SME 3009/ II Improved with fluid damper mounted on it. Then came a Transrotor AC which I bought with an SME 3009/ III arm but I changed this to my old version II for the better looks. I still use ist today and had to replace the belt last year, a real scandal…. It was running only 45 years ! 😎
An excellent video Harley. I grew up a few years after you and was lucky enough to have an LP12 for some years. I sold it to fund university! I never sold my LP's and stored them carefully until Covid led me to a new turntable. I chose a Michell Gyro, but the Rega P8 was also on my list. I was a hifi snob as well and Rega was sneered at, until you heard one objectively. There are a number of fine machines available now, but the huge oil rig dimension machines don't excite me at all.
Fantastic show.Thanks all. So interesting and I was surprised rgat I'd heard of four of them! Your'e a great host Harley .Captivated me from start to finish.X
My first turntable when I was a teenager was a Garrard - the SP25 Mk IV. Then as a student I also upgraded to the Pioneer PL12D/Shure M75EJ. After my student years, when I had more money, this was replaced with a Rega Planar 3/AR cartridge, followed by a Linn LP12/Linn Ittok/K9 setup. I now stream music from Qobuz via an Apple Mac mini and dream about going back to vinyl! C'est la vie : )
I have a Garrard SP25 MK IV now, and I enjoy it planning my vinyl record collection, but I still prefer the sound of my CD, SCAD and digital files. In my case, the good from using my vinyl, cassette tapes, Minidisc an any other physical media is the experience to do it, not the sound.
@@Unicorn-ST if you were to upgrade the SP25 MK IV to something like an entry level Rega or Pro-Ject turntable you might find out why vinyl is considered to be more musical and engaging by a lot of folks who are into music rather than 'hi-fi' though... : )
Lovely video, my father would have loved watching this. My parents had the Garrard 301 and we found it recently after moving from our family home. It was and still is in dire condition and not in working order. We kept it in case anyone would want it for parts as we couldn’t bear to throw it in the skip. They also had Quad speakers the size of my flat! I’m posting here in case the wonderful world of the internet would be interested. Spread the word if anyone would like more information it’s in storage in London gathering more dust, as are the speakers!. Thanks again for the video, very informative and delivered with such passion.
Hi, that’s wonderful to hear. Please be aware, even in dire condition, it is probably worth more than you might think! If you reach out to me (Harley Lovegrove) via our website, I can Almost certainty help you, in one way or another, to get it to a good home!
@@marcallain Definitely will post here as a reply. Be warned though, it'll be a major restoration project, if not parts only, but like I said in the original comment, better than ending up rotting further or in a skip. Thank you very much for replying.
A wonderful video which took me back to my childhood and my father. He was a musical purist (although just a civil servant) who worshipped Bach, Beethoven and Schubert. Despite not having much money in the 1950s, and with four kids in tow, he managed (much to my mother's despair) to buy a Garrard 301 complete with its iconic SME arm - I became familiar with so much of his music through this set up (along with a Leak valve amp and home-built Tannoy speakers). In the 1970s he was obviously a bit more affluent and bought the Linn Sondek (my mother probably tore her hair out at this point) which he used until around 1985 when he gave up (old age) and bought, for ease of use, a NAD CD player. He made a gift to me of the old Garrard/SME set up which I used for many years before selling it to a company which renovated high-quality equipment like that. I am now totally digital with a marvellous all-in-one Cyrus job (along with Tannoy XT8Fs) but I still hanker after those wonderful old machines.
Glad to see the PL-12 make the list. About ten years ago I was looking for a good turntable and one day I found a PL-12 in the garbage near my home. All it needed was some TLC and now it's paired with a Pioneer SX-424 I bought for ten bucks in a thrift store, and both play absolutely great!
@@PearlAcoustics it´s true some say that i have an expensive system in my garage i ofered to buy to them(friends of mine) a 500€ system that they would spend more in a compact system and already bought three , the first was a turntable from technics fully automatic from 79 to 80 ,in grey with a good sounding but not powerfull amplifier also in grey and a tuner from the system in grey and with power meters on the slim integrated amplifier all 150€ , plus 120€ in a pair of sb-f3 also from technics and 150€ in a direct drive technics cassette deck restored (79 model)plus 90€ on a 91 restored high-end cd player from technics, 510€ ,it was a technics fan ,the first 3 components seemed to never been used ,those guys who only touch the stereo with gloves, other was a sansui from early 80´s 95€ ,a pair of mission speakers 761 at 4 ohms cost 70€ which sound fantastic and i have a pair ,only recentelly discovered they were built by Philips in Belgium ,i used to say to my friends that philips was one of the best sounding brands in the 70´s, a pioneer cd player 150€ and a minidisc deck denon for 100€, a PL-430 pioneer turntable for 70€ (83) 485€ .This are fully working systems bought in 2nd hand ,much better than a compact system from sony, we don´t have thrift stores in Portugal, we have some 2nd hand stores but normally it´s more expensive than buying new
Fascinating! Thanks. I have a Dual 1009, from 1964. The first version, without a cueing lever. It sounds amazing, I find it is superior to many modern decks. The platter is very heavy indeed, and the arm is very light. And it is fully automatic of course. I rather think it will last forever!
This is a very comprehensive list, I still enjoy immensely my indestructible Thorens TD160 after 50 years - a family heirloom from my childhood days - it serves as my "slippers" turntable, for critical listening I turn to my Roksan Xerxes, a revolutionary design that has stood the test of time with flying colours that imho should have made it on this list.
Takes me back. I had a Goldring-Lenco in the '70s, followed by a Rega Planar 3 which is still in use today with a similar SME arm to the one you showed, complete with silicone trough, and a Denon DL103.
A very enjoyable trip through turntable designs. I bought the AR XA turntable while stationed in Korea during my army service in 1969. I used it up until the late 70's when i replaced it with a Connoisseur BD2 and gave the AR to a friend. Peter Mitchell of the Boston Audio Society published and article on improving the XA and I may still have a copy of that somewhere. As I recall the arm on the later turntable was better but the suspension on the AR just worked better. i remember having a Thorens 316 that had a problem with a bouncy floor, I solved that by "floating" the Thorens on an 8" inner tube that was inflated with just a few PSI of air - i remember it taking some trial and error to find the center of mass so it was all level but it solved that floor bounce once and for all.
Wonderful talk. I purchased a Dual 1216 fitted with an Empire 1000 cartridge new in ‘76. Years later it fell into disrepair due to several moves. I had it restored recently and presented it to my daughter. It’s been in daily use ever since. Thank you.
That was really fun! Back in the 80's when I was setting up my system, I wanted a SOTA, but ended up with a P3 (with the straight one-piece tonearm, like in the second photo). Using a sorbothane mat for a little better isolation, clamp, a mid-range cartridge (dynavector) and rewiring the back end (because of cable corrosion), I have really been quite happy for a very long time now. A while back I switched to a McIntosh pre-amp, and I think I get all the reveal I need with my older ears! From the looks of it, the P-10 has improvements on all the best parts of the P3 formula.
I have a Technics SL-1100A which I bought in early 1974 which predates the SL-1200. The SL1100A was claimed to be the first “integrated” (with tonearm) direct drive turntable in the world. I still use it.
I have the AR XA turntable. It is an amazing record player, so simple and well executed. MOMA has one in their permanent collection. Compared to my Oracle/Alphason it is close in performance. Remarkably easy to use, dead accurate, silent wow & flutter and very dynamic- you must hear one! Remarkable…
I always wondered about those. I worried about how the arm didn't seem too steady at its pivot. Never got to demo one. If I had I probably would have searched for a good used one. Unsteady I had the AR The Turntable with a Linn arm on it. Before that a Braun PS 500 and before that, my first decent turntable, a Philips GA 212. Nowadays, because I wanted a table I could vary speed on so I could play along on my guitar easier, the AT 120 USB.aka the poor man's Technics 1200.
I have an Oracle..love it..heard a lot of tabled. Brother in law had quad esl 63's with Naim and quad electronics tied to an Alphason Sonata table..koetsu black cartridge. Phenomenal.
I've had the AR-XA since about 1969. Still works fine and is incredibly quiet and simple to use. Sorry, I'm on the West Coast of the USA, so I don't think it would be possible to loan it.
The 5th, the pionner was my father turntable, he has given it to me, it works perfectly, I've just upgraded the cartridge with a red ortophon. I am very happy it is on your list.
I'm very happy you included the Garrard. We have had Garrard for many years. From a cheap basic in a Dansette player to my current player a Zero 100 which I bought new in 1973. I know the Zero has known issues. A true classic in terms of being unique but not the best of kind. I would love to hear you talk about cables a very touchy subject.
I bought a (new) Thorens 160 back in the 1970s and loved it . When I got back into vinyl a few years ago I was lucky enough to get a pristine Thorens 165 for a great price. I like this 165 better as it uses just gravity for stylus presure instead of a spring like in the 160.
I have a Thorens TD126 MKII and I find the spring downforce interesting. You could use the turntable on the moon or upside down (if you could keep the table itself in place) without adjustment.
Thanks for a great video once again, Harley! Always enjoyable and informative! I agree that each turntable merits their place on the list, but I'm missing 2: - the Ariston RD11, on wich the Linn Sondek LP12 was based (well...) - not a commercial success, but a great story.... - the Dual CS-505. Back in the 80s, they were hugely succesful, and, to me at least, they are a trough mark of the era...
I've got the Rega rp8, fantastic turntable! In skeleton mode, obviously. I particularly appreciate the setup simplicity, as well as the stellar performance
Loved the sneaky fake-out with the bulked-up cover hiding a very minimalist deck. Well played, sir. When I got back into records I craved the iconic SL-1200, but they were going for silly money (this is the gap between the discontinuing and re-launching). I eventually found one being sold within walking distance of my home by a DJ. It was battered on the exterior and missing the head-shell, but still solid as tank. I opened it up as I wanted to restore the separate ground lead (most DJs had the modified to earth through phono leads for ease of set-up) and was amazed by the build and materials in this thing - cast alloy chassis, dampened with bulk-molding compound, and further dampened with a rubber compound base. The platter (with its integrated rotor for the direct drive) is likewise damped with rubber internally. I know the tone-arm is considered their weak point, but I just love that gimbal design and this one's bearings were still in perfect condition. Is it the best sounding deck ever? I have nothing to compare it to so can't say, but when it comes to the measurables like wow and flutter and rumble/noise it's still in front of decks costing 6 figures and more, and it's still a joy to use :)
Excellent video. I am glad to see a couple of turntables I have owned. One of my biggest regret is selling my LP-12. However, I am back to vinyl with a VPI Scout. Looking forward to parts and 3. Well done!
In my return to vinyl 14 years ago, I purchased an entry level Rega RP1 to see if the vinyl experience was worth it. Since them, I have modified this table with an aluminum sub-plater, acrylic platter and an RB330 arm. This simple setup will be a part of my system for many years to come.
Nice video. I like the very calm and relaxed mood. And a great walk down memory lane.. having owned Lenco L75, Pioneer pl12d, Thorens td160, and Technics sl 1300 - the automatic 1200. Thanks a lot 🙂
Thanks for a very clear and informative talk, excellent. I have a Lenco L75 which I bought on eBay about 10 years ago for £40, cleaned all the nicotine residue from it, changed the bearings and did the dental floss tone arm repair from LencoHeaven and have been very pleased with it. It's built like a tank, looks very retro in the grey finish, an absolute bargain.
My parents owned a Lenco l75. Was my first experience with a turntable. Later on bought 2 Technics SL 1200 mk2's. Because DJ. Now I own 4. 3 for the dj booth and one slightly modified for my hifi setup. In my hifi setup I only had and I only want Technics.
Stumbled on by accident, and….. what a nostalgia trip. From my late teens the first “hi fi” I heard was my girlfriend uncle’s (301) which got me started. My very own starter was a TD-150, and then on. The LP12 (original) on the sideboard now in pristine condition but now ornamental (see below). Somewere along the way the LP12 was “borrowed” by my son, then Rega 3, Technics SL? (Parallel tracking) which I had till around 2009, when the LP12 was returned to me. Must be close on 1000 lps in our store room languishing, all classical save a few including Dark Side of the Moon. And then there was the rest of the varied other components from Quad 303, Stax headphones, Naim, ESL57, KEF “Daleks”(can’t remember the number), and even a pair of Leak mono valve amps refurbished by Leak themselves outside Leeds where we lived. Now……. A pair of Apple HomePods but all my listening is through Phonak P90 hearing aids 😥. The best? Naim, LP12 SME Ortofon MC, and magnificent stacked Quad ESL 57s 1975-1979. Look forward to your next instalment.
Great guide to many of the iconic turntables of the last 60 years, Harley. My journey went from SP25 IV through Thorens TD160 / Hadcock Arm to Systemdek /SME III (the original Transcription model). The Thorens was great insofar as it was well engineered and with the Hadcock arm was consistently musical. The Systemdek was chosen for its quality engineering, suspension and SQ - it was never iconic (despite of or perhaps because of the love-it-or-loath-it Nextel finish), but I never felt tempted to change it in favour of the more hyped Linn LP12 - as much as I respect the latter. Happy days, when putting on a 12" slice of vinyl felt like an event! Looking forward to hearing more about the Rega in your listening room :)
Thank you, very kind. I love your term putting on an LP as an 'event'! That's so true. for me it still is, even though I use streaming and CD's too. Records are always special.
I was watching this video on TV and then a few minutes later my wife joined me. While she understands what good and bad sound is, she never watches any video related to hi-Fi gear.. and not interested in all the gear associated with this hobby. But she watched the whole video and then at the end of the video she told me "it is so relaxing to listen to this gentleman.." .. She was absolutely correct. And the best of all was that she approved my next speaker upgrade to a pair of Sibelius right there!! Talking about WAF !! Harley, Thank you again for all the knowledge you share generously ❤.. Love your videos..
Had my Rega P3 (with the straight RB300 tonearm) since 1986 and apart from replacing the band it's been brilliant. It's probably the one component that hasn't been upgraded or will be over time. Nice round up!
What a perceptive and thorough list! Through the decades, I've owned a Garrard, a Thorens, a direct drive Technics, an LP12 and a Gyrodec. My Gyrodec sounds wonderful. My friend had a Rega P3, it was a super record player, I'll be fascinated to learn about your P10 in. Part 2!
I also had a Revolver Super, which was brilliant. I lost it in a burglary, otherwise I'd have kept it for ever. And a Pro-ject 6 mark 1, excellent value as a 'poor man's Gyrodec' until I could afford the Michell.
I also own a gyrodec and it was a great improvement over a very nice sounding later model AR turntable , the eb101. I wanted something which would get me into the ballpark of high end table sound without tremendous money and have been very pleased. I became aware of the product when viewing a bunch of pictures of owners' high end expensive turntables posted from a very high end Italian Hi Fi club. There, among all these pictures of tables that cost like a small car was submitted a single picture of a gyro table. I figured if it could hold it's own among that company , it was worth investigating, since home theatre had made a turntable listening demo impossible at the time, and I needed a very solid, buy one time and keep it, choice. When I discovered that old man Michell , as his last undertaking before his death , had voiced a hot rodded Rega arm to the table, the techno arm, that allowed for VTA adjustment on the fly, I correctly figured that the established symbiotic match would serve my limited budget well. The isolating, from external acoustics, suspension design works very well in my small living room listening space. the soundstage is incredible.
@@richardelliott8352 I find that the Gyrodec, with my Alphason Xenon arm and Goldring Excel cartridge makes every record sound like a live performance. The sense of space and life it brings from a record is fabulous. I'm glad you love yours too.
Thank you for a very sober and honest video - I am looking forward to part 2 and 3. I were there when Rega Planet and Rega Planar was fist introduced in Denmark. Also I can confirm that Technics SL-1200 is back in production and as far as I know there is even a SL-1400 now. One of my dear old friends had both the SL-1200 and a Planar and just a few month before his pass away :-/ he asked me to find time to pick them up, together with his 400 LP's - undfortunately he was an alcoholic and just about everything of value disapeared from his home in the last two month of his life. So - when a dear friend ask you to help take care of some of his most loved possessions - don't try find the time - take the time no matter what
The loudspeakers and the vinyl pickup are the most important pieces. Because changing sound from movement to electrics and back are the hard bits. The rest is from simple to trivial in comparison.
@@RegebroRepairs old thread but right on & unavoidable for music at home, tho the original 78' players with their huge horn outputs from the 78's groove-vibrating needle / stylus in the horn's throat, is then theoretically the best, but it's not when compared to playing same 78 Shellac record on a modern day system with suitable 78 stylus. Good comment, it boggled my mind again as I've long thought that analogue has more "vibrational transfering" than digi, like the 'mike's vibrating diaphragm (digi also needs) to cutting lathe (via tape recorder, maybe slightly analogue only in nature of the scattering of the tape's (input-signal' modulated..) magnetised particles??) ..tho not present in direct to disc recordings) & our record nodules causing our stylus's vibration on the cantilever's opposite end's movement turned into millivolts in it's coil to magnet related vibrational movement, thinking about it now, I'm amazed it works at all, let alone how good it can sound. If I had a hi-fi that felt as "alive" as once standing in front of a N'Orleans style Jelly-Roll Jazz band, where I felt the palpable energy from the honk of a sudden loud baritone sax hit me gently in the chest ..& similar energy from cornets, clarinets et al ...then I'd be very happy. Is it even achievable? I often wondered after hearing a small number of unamplified similar jazz bands playing small venues after the first one 'blew me away' & thinking why hasnt the best hi-fi I've heard got close to that uplifting live feeling.
@@The-Spotlight-Kid Right, it's the changing of one medium to another that is the hard bit, and you are right, an acoustic gramophone only has one such phase change, and it should in theory be possible to make something sounding really great like that. I think the reason vinyl can never sound as good as live is that you have to shrink down a sound that comes from all directions into just two dimensions. But that's just my guess.
Thank you for this stroll down memory lane and your effort putting this video together. My list would be similar to yours although I might have added the Pink Triangle as it also caused a lot of fuss as the first possible competitor to the Linn Sondek. I spent hours and hours in the 70s auditioning equipment at Graham's HiFi in London. This was an important sales technique that they had at the time: give a potential customer lots of listening time with no pressure to buy and they will come back to you. I always wanted an LP12 but couldn't afford one. (I ended up with a Rega Planar 2 as that was as much as I could spend at the time.) However, the demos of the LP12 were not lost on me. Even when switching to cheaper amps and speakers, the Linn system often sounded better.
I did the same at Subjective Audio comparing the Pink Triangle and Linn Sondek. I think I spent from 10am to 4pm listening. In the end I felt they sounded as good as each other, just different. The sales guy said well if it helps, farting near a Linn can put it out of adjustment and if you play singles you just switch between them but a total faff on the Linn. I bought the PT and had it until two years ago due to a change of circumstance - I loved it, paired with QUAD amplification, ESL63s and an Alphason arm and an Audi Technical moving coil. Beautiful music for years.
Around 8 years ago I’ve had the incredible luck of finding a used Mark 3 Oracle Delphi with an Alphason arm, for what it turned up to be a little over 1200 Canadian Dollar. With the upgraded power supply as well! This is essentially as close to perfection one can get under 10 grand, and pretty close to perfection regardless of price. Phenomenal sound and phenomenal looks. Perhaps your video should have a few honourable mention entries? The Oracle Delphi would definitely be worth mentioning. And others, like VPI or Kuzma or Sota, if I think about it.
I had an Oracle Delphi III, Well-tempered arm, Audioquest MC cartridge. I heavily modified the table to upgrade the PS, the bearing, the suspension towers, clamp. Strengths - accuracy, neutrality, openness unmatched by any other turntable I've ever heard. Weaknesses - PITA to get correctly set up, and maintain a proper setup; sound lacked a bit of punch, like that a Linn or Rega has. But I've never heard a Linn or Rega with the openness or neutrality of the Oracle.
@@countdebleauchamp I wonder if the slight lack of bite had something to do with a slight compliance mismatch between the arm and cartridge. Sometimes that’s the case but I’m not familiar with your combo.
Absolutely, and not even a cursory mention of the Townshend Rocks (in many guises), The Voyd, Pink Triangles, Roksans and Kuzma's plus Oracle, Basis, etc that were all very much born of the LP12's so-called 'supremacy' and all had virtues that at the very least, equalled, but very often bettered the LP12. I'm not denying that it's iconic, and worthy of its position, but if you were into music and audio from the 80's then you'll have at least given a cursory glance to the competition.
I was very happy with the Dual 2901 that I bought in 1975. I kept and used it until the mid to late 1980s. I bought the Dual 2901, a Crown DC300a, and a Crown IC150 at the same time. The store threw in a pair of bookshelf speakers for free (I don't remember the brand). In 1983, I upgraded to a pair of Magnapan MG1-bs and added a powered subwoofer. That system was VERY revealing, and the Dual 2901 never let me down.
I came across this video yesterday, and I love your presentation I have since watched quite a few, you have a great way of explaining things, also I have a Rega RP6, so I was surprised when it was a Rega that came out on top. Looking forward to seeing parts 2 & 3
Very informative and well laid out! This is going to be one of those videos I'd forward to buddies looking to get deeper into learning about the turntable histories!
Wondeful video! I'm really fond of the TD-160, I had a beautifully modded one, but let it go in a regretful period of decluttering. I now listen on a fairly modest but nicely upgraded wee setup ... My turntable is the recent 24v motor Rega RP3 with upgraded TangoSpinner Mederos subplatter, Herbie's Way Excellent II Turntable Mat and the Rega Neo PSU mkII. Even with the Elys2 cart, it's a wonderfully fun listen. I use an old Pro-Ject Phono Box mm/mc pre going into a Cambridge A1 Mk3 "special" driving a pair of Dali Oberon 5s. I've heard way costlier systems sound way less impressive. I think the magic is often in the match of gear, its positioning and with the room itself. Looking forward to Part 2/3!
I'm glad that my turntable is also on the list...rega p3. I got it as a gift from my wife, amazing storie, because my wife is an anti-tech person and has no idea about hi-fi equipment. In short, this turntable is really great, simple and good sounding. Kudos to you for the excellent video content, true gentleman among all UA-camrs.
Nice presentation, always enjoy hearing about decks. I have a fairly high-end Linn Sondek that's evolved since I bought it back in '94, I love how it sounds. That said if I could have any deck it would be an SME model 60, that thing is a pure event in every aspect.
I bought an AR XB1 in 1977. Used it for about 15 yrs then stored it under the sideboard until we decorated the lounge. We got a new amp, speakers and subs so I ended up refurbishing the AR, total clean up of bearings, new belt, levelling, new AT540ML, tracking at its max 2g. It’s now perfectly set up and its brilliant. It’s based on XA but has a damped arm raising system. If you read the spec for this it’s astonishing. From the tight spindle to practically no rumble or wow and flutter, plus the clever arm design, this can track anything I put on there. It also has a small footprint and can sit close to my speakers. Get one! At the time the Linn was £160 without an arm which was a lot for an 18 yr old. Three times the AR cost. Shame but still happy with my lovely AR. I got it to go to Uni and now I’m close to retirement, teach engineering at a Uni. I cite the AR design as a superb example of innovation to my students. What goes around…..
I picked up a Technics sl1700 mk2 semi automatic and ive paired it with an AT 150 SA cartridge and Vista phono stage and the marriage is simply awesome. This setup rivals my digital chain which costs 10x the price.
I've gone through many turntables over the past 50+ years. The only one that is still operational is my AR-XB. It is identical to the XA with an added cue lever. I've had to replace the head shell and of course the belt. It came with a plastic fulcrum and weights to adjust the tone arm tracking pressure. It's quiet and has stood the test of time.
Great video as always. Thank you. The Technics 1200 is in fact still being produced. The 1200G is very high on MY list of potential turntables and may very well be “the one”. Time will tell though. Thanks again. Looking forward to parts two and three !!
Very, very interesting. So pleased, you chose to include the PL-12D.Over the years I have restored a number of PL-12D's and sold them on to young people just discovering the pleasure of listening to vinyl. These people call them 'retro' though - not vintage... Personally I play on a PL-71 and a PL-31D - both with Pioneer MC pickups.
Being in the US Air Force while in Germany from 1969-1974, I had the opportunity to encounter every piece of high-end audio equipment you can imagine. This was possible due the Audio clubs on various military installations across Europe. The American G.I. had money and idle time to afford the best. All the manufacturers were represented at these clubs. I finally found the "Best Set-Up" at that time.....and this has evolved over the years...... 1. Turntable: AR XA (Perfection.....I had too many issues with all other turntables to date). 2. Cartridge: Shure V-15 Type 2 (Ranked #1 at the time....a flawless sound). 3. Amplifier: McIntosh (tube version). I currently settled with a DUAL "mech-less" 4-40w channel automotive radio that runs on pure flat/clean 12vdc. 4. Speakers: AR3a (I later designed, built, tested and used my own huge enclosure (3-way) with 15-in speakers which I found far superior). I still use this in my garage where it moves a lot of air. In the late 1990's, I designed/built my current use of four (4) satellite (2-way) surround speaker set-up with a separate dual voice coil 12-in woofer in a tuned-ported enclosure under the office desk. Sweet! 5. Headsets: Koss Pro 4A 6. Storage media: I've since transitioned from reel-to-reel to digital with no issues. 7. Musical collection: From Wagner to The Rippingtons, but no Country/Blue Grass. Have fun! Regards, "E.V." Norat II, USGovt DOT/FAA(Ret.)
And I worked for some of those manufactures and visited many of the PXs and Audio Clubs! Pioneer Electronics the latest one -- for about 10 years . All of that, of course, is long gone! 😪 I actually started out working at the Heidelberg Audio Club in Patton Brks which has been mostly demolished. As I recall the Wiesbaden AC and the Darmstadt AC may have been the earliest big Audio Clubs. I had to visit most of them from Bitburg to Munich to Berlin, even London and the Canadian PXs in Lahr and Baden-Baden! Pioneer's HQ was in Antwerp, Belgium which I also visited a few times. Ah, the good old days and the "Golden Years of HiFi!
Well done, thank you. I am not an outsider looking in. I drank the Kool-Aid a long time ago. I own some very expensive equipment (Wilson and McIntosh). Having said that, I really have a problem with the pricing of the Rega P10. The Rega P10 is listed at between 7 and 11 thousand dollars. With extras, you can go even higher. Sorry, but I don't see it.
Thanks. much appreciated. I am not sure of the pricing in the US, but in EUR its 6800 including cartridge. The P8 is very similar and significantly cheaper.
Feeling rather puffed up! I bought my Rega Planar 3 in 1982 from Doug Brady Hi Fi in Newton le Willows. It has been ourstanding. Various fashion cartridges in various headshells over the years but in present form it has an Ortofon VMS30E Mk2 with a Shibata hyperelliptical stylus and it's perfect to my ears. Great stuff Harley.
Thank you for this presentation I just arrived here because I found a vintage turntable for sale today, that I didn't buy, but wanted to find out more about. I used to own a Thorens TD124 MkII with SME arm which I sold, along with my record collection, in 2010. One day I'd like to replace it with a quality turntable of one sort or another. Your review follows the evolution of turntables I've known during my lifetime, growing up in the UK, reading Ken Kessler in HiFi News and Record Review. I also owned an Ariston RD80 for a short time, before I bought the Thorens. These days I live in the USA. This brings me to the turntable I found today, which seems to be an even older deck, a Rek-O-Kut LP-743. It was mounted on a wooden plinth and complete with a rudimentary looking, square section Pickering tonearm that seemed to be wired for a stereo pickup cartridge. So I'm guessing it's from the very late 1950s or very early 1960s Can you tell me much about this turntable? Is it something capable of audiophile reproduction? I realize it's an idler wheel driven, transcription device and most likely was from a broadcasting background. Rek-O-Kut used to manufacture cutting equipment for the recording industry, so they ought to know a thing or two. Would be grateful for any information you may have. Thank you in advance. Ian.
Hi, thanks for you interesting comment. I don’t know much about your particular turntable but hopefully someone else will? However I can suggest you watch Pt. 2 (coming out on December 12) before buying something vintage… ;-)
Disappointed you didn’t mention the Oracle Delphi, I own the little brother the Alexandria, very similar to the Linn, mine was built in the 80’s and still sings nightly. Sure glad I hung onto my gear and vinyl all these years. Thanks for the video. 😎
I knew that AR looked familiar. I had one in the mid to late 70s. I was living off campus with roommates. Someone they brought in liked it along with all my other gear. Never saw it again. I eventually replaced it with a B&O a few years later. It still works. Luckily, they left all my records. Some of those are irreplaceable.
I began my turntable history with an AR XA with a Shure M91ED. Loved it. Later a Thorens TD 160 with a Shure V15 3,. Awesome turntable. Then a Technics 1400 with Shure V15 5 (semi automatic direct drive) and it was a great table too. Then, recently I got back into vinyl with a Rega RP8 and an Apheta 2. I loved all of the tables I owned for different reasons. This combination is sonically superior and aesthetically unique when used in skeletal mode. I considered getting something vintage, but opted out after hearing story after story about turntables that arrived damaged in shipping. My own tech talked me out of it. Great video, thank you so much for the thoughtful research.
This is a refreshing, well-spoken presentation and I enjoyed it. I bought a new turntable in 2020, in part because of concerns my current one at the time (a VPI) was old and I wouldn’t be able to afford a comparable replacement if it quit on me after I retired in a couple of years; I wasn’t playing records much and thought I needed a jolt. The VPI’s replacement is a Sota Sapphire VI but I still haven’t gotten back to playing vinyl. Videos like this one, however, will pique my interest. Maybe enough to re-engage my vinyl collection and get some use out of the Sota. Thank you.
I sometimes dream of owning a P10 so I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts about it. My wonderful P25 is really a dressed up P3 and I love it. And I always appreciated how you could play a Rega out of the box - no tinkering required!
I had an P3 for many years (got it in 88/89), then I got an TD160 which was not really that much better. Then I finally got an TD320mkII, which blew the P3 away, I still think that the TD320 is one of the best record players for the price (in good condition). Between all 3 players I used the same components; MC30ii, MCA10 and an GramAmp 1 ... it just worked. I then sold everything which had to do with vinyl.
Saved my money in the 80's. Bought at TD160 from a dealer in Wimbledon (intimidating!) had my SME 3009 bolted on using various cartridges from shure. Ortofon. Happy times, but my grail turntable........ One day at a bus stop in Clapham Junction and was curious looking at some fantastic looking equipment in a hifi shop. I entered, and spoke to a fantastic guy called Alan. I then listened to a Townshend Rock turntable (I can't remember the arm) with a Decca London cartridge. Incatech class A amp (50 - 60 watts approximately) via Sir Galahad speakers....... Never heard anything like this before. The following day the Incatech, and Rock turntable had pride of place in my front room later adding a Hadcock SS 220 and a Music maker 2 cartridge. Nothing looked or sounded like it. I think it deserves an honorable mention!
What an excellent review of the important milestones of modern turntables. I was in Hi Fi retail in the late 60’s and early 70’s and it was the Garrard 301 and 401 and the space age Transcriptors that made a great impression on me, though I could never afford to own any of them. A superb presentation, thank you .
I had a 401 partnered with the Transcriptors Fluid Arm with the Shure v15mk4 cartridge. The arm whilst innovative was in my opinion a bit of a disaster. The pivot which was or seemed to be a piece of mild steel fashioned to a point one end after a period of time the point wore down. The silicon fluid used to migrate and thus everything it touched was sticky. The sound was brilliant however, but that was in the main I believe,down to the KEF transmission line speakers I built from an old Wireless World article design utilising Dr. Bailey's longhaired wool.
When I was in high school, a friend's dad had an Acoustic Research XA. I remember thinking it looked so old and simple that it must be garbage. Silly kid, I was.
Very interesting, but I'm surprised you didn't have a Dual in there somewhere... perhaps honorable mention? My old CS5000 is still going strong. I also have the SL-1200's little brother, a SL-D202 that is an absolute workhorse. Except for possibly the Thorens, I think everything else you reviewed is on my "if I hit the lottery" list.
That is a very proper list . An odd one that is never mentioned now is Empire Turntables made in the US with a German made drive motor ,awesome looks as well ...They could not compete with the huge sales of Japanese turntables by the late 70s and they decided to quit .
@@PearlAcoustics Wow thanks,,, I never had one but I read on some blog a longtime ago that the weird looking Empire tone arm has a super tracking ability with the minimal force on the stylus that other makers had a hard time with trying to achieve that goal back in the late 60s early 70s or maybe . Get an Empire Table if you can and let us know your thoughts. .It will be much appreciated /*****
OMG! One of my buddies has an Empire TT built the same year we were born: 1959. It sounds _wonderful_ . What a piece of engineering! If I had a dependable source [that I know of] for a good or refurbished Empire TT, I'd love to have one. I suspect that the sound compares very well with modern audiophile designs. The aesthetic of the design is remarkable, too. Gorgeous! A box that is not boxy.
@@VIDSTORAGE Old technology looks clunky, but that tonearm works very well indeed; my friend's Empire turntable, all original, with a NOS Shure cartridge from the early 1960s, sounds excellent even by modern standards. That tonearm tracks well and...well, the proof is in the pudding. LPs on my friend's system are vibrant and detailed and the background is quiet.
I had a vintage faux-gold-finish Empire turntable, probably early 1960s that I picked up at auction with a bunch of other equipment, primarily with an eye to reselling. It was so pretty that my wife wanted me to keep it, which was a first for her, but it didn't have anti skate on the arm, and somebody offered me "stupid money" for it to the point where I couldn't really justify keeping it. If it had had anti skate I probably would have hung on to it.
Excellent talk, thank you, had a fold down Garrard turntable with attached speakers back in the 60's wore many records out on that player. My best buy was a 1976 Marantz series 6100, wish I hadn't sold it. Today I turn vinyl on a Fluance which sits on a wooden plinth.
Just great Harley and thank you. I look forward to the rest of this series. After owning several decks from the 1970's (yes we are probably the same age), and then a long absence from LP's and perhaps music in general, I recently put together a system thinking I would go all digital. It started just fine and enjoyable. When I was then presented with the opportunity to purchase a turntable, a Nottingham Analogue 294 Space. I find it remarkable for it's philosophy of design and execution. Both aspects being focused on simplicity. Of course the game of getting the digital side up to level with the analogue side begin immediately after, A new streamer directly hard wired to a modem, a new (and expensive) DAC from Bulgaria, of course new interconnects, and I have to say it has not yet been able to catch up. Although I have a theory about why, I'm simply not knowledgeable enough to explain to present it here. But i do know what I hear and I'm astonished by the sound of analogue. As if I never heard music before.
Thanks for your comment and the mention of the Nottingham Analogue 294 Space, which I honestly didn't know! Enjoy the music.
If you have the opportunity to listen to the Nottingham, I highly recommend it. Weighing 65 lbs, it relies on mass, and is completely black (noise wise). The motor is a small asynchronous AC motor with just enough power to maintain speed. The deck has to be started by hand, and then relies on inertia mostly, a sort of flywheel.
@@jamesportrais3946 you're certainly entitled to your opinion - what you are not entitled to is a statement of absolute fact without ever hearing it. If you are in NYC you are welcome to hear my deck and system. From there you can draw your conclusion. Dribble or otherwise....We'll see.
@@smaarch1 Thanks for the scold smaarch, I'm a frightful nut at best. Your comment alerted me to a sour pile of crap that frankly, I have no memory of writing - must be this keto thing...
I would like to add a few more turntables! Pink Triangle, Ariston and Miracord! I was a distributor for Pink Triangle in the US in the 1980’s. The Miracord was an incredible changer! Ariston was beautifully made, great sounding turntable with the SME tonearm with a Denon 103C cartridge.
Since my born language is Spanish, my pleasure is to understand every word you say. Clear pronunciation and right speaking speed! I have a Technics SL 2000.
Thanks. Very kind. Enjoy your Technics
Exactly the same with me, only my mother's tongue is Serbian. Also have a Technics, SL1210MK2, and do enjoy it.
Nice! SL2000 was my first turntable back in the 70’s! Still have it!
100% correct. Many people from England speak with a dialect no one - without them selfs - understand at a speed that could win a Formula 1 race.
I am missing a Denon turntable. They had fantastic direct drive turntables with the Denon DL103 MC cartridge. This cartridge from 1964 is still in production! But thanks, it’s a great 😊 list!
Thank you! And thanks for the tip on Denon
It's a pleasure to visit your civilized corner of the Internet.
Thanks! It's a pleasure to have you here.
I completely agree!
Amen to that Dan 🥂👍🏻
Thanks for an interesting video! I don't have a Thorens TD160 but I have a TD150 that I bought new in 1972 and has given me 50 years of continuous service. I recently refurbished it with a good polish and clean, new belt, acrylic arm board, new acrylic cover, new modified Rega arm and a re-veneer of the plinth. I have never considered replacing it with anything else and it will now outlive me. I'd say it was iconic 😀😍
Thank you for your appreciation. Indeed, you have a fine turntable that will last generations. definitely Iconic and ecological too.
@@PearlAcoustics
Is the Sondek LP12 just an ‘expensive copy’ of the Thorens TD150?
@@liboy9844 no it’s not a copy of the Thorens but of the Ariston
@@liboy9844Ironically I read that the business case to justify the Linn/Ariston was to bring a TD-150 clone to market that was clear of the UK import tax, allowing it to be sold for £149. Undercutting the Thorens by £30 and the rest is history. Or in Linn's case, the rest is marketing and upgrades. ;)
I love the range of turntables you introduced here from the simple AR-XA and P3, the entry level PL-12D and Garrard 301, the slightly higher end LP-12 and Brinkman to finally some very beautiful and more complicated turntables. Excellent list and great description of the history of turntables.
Thank you Mike. You're very kind
As always, I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and knowledge.
Thank you 🙏
Looking forward to this series of presentations
I sold Regas from 83 to 2015 and was always impressed. I'm a member of an Australian Forum now and there is a creeping mendacity towards the cancelling of the brand on this Forum. Technics is the be all and end all. Glad to see someone in the business that appreciates Rega for what it is.
I used to retail rega. Funk firm and well tempered destroy them!!
Thank you
@@scottchegg1209 yeah, how? We sold the Continuum as well but I didnt need to mention that. Sounds like you have an Agenda, boring.
"Technics is the be all and end all." - likely due to today's DJ culture. They're regarded as artists and have as much notoriety as musicians and producers. So their equipment choices gain cult status.
Technics is for people who know nothing about turntables. Safe bet but overrated and too expensive for what they offer.
Well done. We all expected to see a massive turntable weighing more and costing more than our daily driver. I am hooked. Looking forward to part 2.
Thanks!
Thank you very much for this. I’m now going to my music room to listen to my Thorens TD 160 while I look forward to Part 2 of your three part series.
You’re welcome! (I am going to my listening to record Pt. 2! 😉
Thanks for another great video. I have at home the Linn LP12 and the Michell Orbe and enjoy them both. I was born in 1972 so your observation of it being a significant year wasn’t lost on me!
:-) Glad you enjoyed it.
You have both! Which do you prefer and why?
@@boydsargeant7496 I had the LP12 originally as a 40th Birthday present to myself. It was secondhand and apart from an amazing Birdseye Maple plinth, it is in terms of space close to a fairly standard Malik level equivalent. It has made its way into my second system now where I have an Auralic Altair G2.1. I chose the G2.1 as I wanted to steam wirelessly due to cabling constraints as well as play back vinyl (the G2.1 has a phono stage) and use it primarily with headphones. The G2.1 has an excellent headphone amp. That left a gap in my main system (Devialet Expert 400, Sonus Faber Olympicia 3 speaker) and I always just loved the look of the Orbe so auditioned. The Orbe has a better arm and cartridge so it’s probably not a like for like comparison but the Orbe just sound more open and produces a bigger sound. Both great though and can’t imagine getting rid of either!
Very nice, the Lenco L75 gave me a big smile, as a student I had one and I was very proud of it 😊 it was sparkling beautiful an looked like it was double the price it costs. This was followed by a technics SL 150, which was a version with tone arm mounting plate of a SL 1500 direct drive.
I had an SME 3009/ II Improved with fluid damper mounted on it. Then came a Transrotor AC which I bought with an SME 3009/ III arm but I changed this to my old version II for the better looks. I still use ist today and had to replace the belt last year, a real scandal…. It was running only 45 years ! 😎
I bought a second hand P3 about 4 years ago. Absolutely no regrets, and I don't see much need to upgrade it any time soon.
P6 is fantastic, don’t listen. 😂
Harley, thank you for sharing your passion for music, music reproduction and your love for audio gear.
Enjoyable video as always.
Regards,
Brian
Thanks Brian! Much appreciated.
Nice job. My LP12 dates to 1984 but I've only owned it for 15 years. Looking forward to episodes 2 & 3.
Ditch the lp12 get a well tempered or funk firm!! Lp12 very over rated.
I have owned 9 over the years
Hi Joe, thanks for your kind words. Pt. 2 coming soon. Pt3 is in the planning for the New Year ... more videos to come for sure.
@@scottchegg1209 Why did it take 9 LP12s for you to realize how overrated they are?
An excellent video Harley. I grew up a few years after you and was lucky enough to have an LP12 for some years. I sold it to fund university! I never sold my LP's and stored them carefully until Covid led me to a new turntable. I chose a Michell Gyro, but the Rega P8 was also on my list. I was a hifi snob as well and Rega was sneered at, until you heard one objectively. There are a number of fine machines available now, but the huge oil rig dimension machines don't excite me at all.
Thank you. Very kind. Lovely comment. I am with you all the way.
until you heard one objectively??
Fantastic show.Thanks all. So interesting and I was surprised rgat I'd heard of four of them! Your'e a great host Harley .Captivated me from start to finish.X
Thanks!
My first turntable when I was a teenager was a Garrard - the SP25 Mk IV. Then as a student I also upgraded to the Pioneer PL12D/Shure M75EJ. After my student years, when I had more money, this was replaced with a Rega Planar 3/AR cartridge, followed by a Linn LP12/Linn Ittok/K9 setup. I now stream music from Qobuz via an Apple Mac mini and dream about going back to vinyl! C'est la vie : )
I have a Garrard SP25 MK IV now, and I enjoy it planning my vinyl record collection, but I still prefer the sound of my CD, SCAD and digital files.
In my case, the good from using my vinyl, cassette tapes, Minidisc an any other physical media is the experience to do it, not the sound.
@@Unicorn-ST if you were to upgrade the SP25 MK IV to something like an entry level Rega or Pro-Ject turntable you might find out why vinyl is considered to be more musical and engaging by a lot of folks who are into music rather than 'hi-fi' though... : )
Lovely video, my father would have loved watching this. My parents had the Garrard 301 and we found it recently after moving from our family home. It was and still is in dire condition and not in working order. We kept it in case anyone would want it for parts as we couldn’t bear to throw it in the skip. They also had Quad speakers the size of my flat! I’m posting here in case the wonderful world of the internet would be interested. Spread the word if anyone would like more information it’s in storage in London gathering more dust, as are the speakers!.
Thanks again for the video, very informative and delivered with such passion.
Hi, that’s wonderful to hear. Please be aware, even in dire condition, it is probably worth more than you might think! If you reach out to me (Harley Lovegrove) via our website, I can Almost certainty help you, in one way or another, to get it to a good home!
@@PearlAcoustics Thank you for the comment and I will most certainly contact you via your website. Thank you, again.
@@loushared6602 you’re very welcome.
Please let me know if you’d like to sell. A Garrard has been a dream turntable for me.
@@marcallain Definitely will post here as a reply. Be warned though, it'll be a major restoration project, if not parts only, but like I said in the original comment, better than ending up rotting further or in a skip. Thank you very much for replying.
A wonderful video which took me back to my childhood and my father. He was a musical purist (although just a civil servant) who worshipped Bach, Beethoven and Schubert. Despite not having much money in the 1950s, and with four kids in tow, he managed (much to my mother's despair) to buy a Garrard 301 complete with its iconic SME arm - I became familiar with so much of his music through this set up (along with a Leak valve amp and home-built Tannoy speakers). In the 1970s he was obviously a bit more affluent and bought the Linn Sondek (my mother probably tore her hair out at this point) which he used until around 1985 when he gave up (old age) and bought, for ease of use, a NAD CD player. He made a gift to me of the old Garrard/SME set up which I used for many years before selling it to a company which renovated high-quality equipment like that. I am now totally digital with a marvellous all-in-one Cyrus job (along with Tannoy XT8Fs) but I still hanker after those wonderful old machines.
Thank you so much for your kind words and for your marvellous back story! What wonderful memories
I own a Technics 1200g and its smallest brother 1500c. Glad to see 1200 in your list, Harley. Nice and well documented video! 👌
Thank you. 🙏
@@PearlAcoustics But what happened to the sl-1100 if sl-1200 was the first? Excellent video by the way :).
@@espenblom-stenersen6098 actually, the first was the SP-10. No idea about a SP1100 😉
@@PearlAcoustics True. The SP-10 was released in 1970. SL-1100 was later, from 1975, with a brushless motor. I have one of those :)
Glad to see the PL-12 make the list. About ten years ago I was looking for a good turntable and one day I found a PL-12 in the garbage near my home. All it needed was some TLC and now it's paired with a Pioneer SX-424 I bought for ten bucks in a thrift store, and both play absolutely great!
This is exactly what I love about our hobby. One doesn’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy music!
@@PearlAcoustics it´s true some say that i have an expensive system in my garage i ofered to buy to them(friends of mine) a 500€ system that they would spend more in a compact system and already bought three , the first was a turntable from technics fully automatic from 79 to 80 ,in grey with a good sounding but not powerfull amplifier also in grey and a tuner from the system in grey and with power meters on the slim integrated amplifier all 150€ , plus 120€ in a pair of sb-f3 also from technics and 150€ in a direct drive technics cassette deck restored (79 model)plus 90€ on a 91 restored high-end cd player from technics, 510€ ,it was a technics fan ,the first 3 components seemed to never been used ,those guys who only touch the stereo with gloves, other was a sansui from early 80´s 95€ ,a pair of mission speakers 761 at 4 ohms cost 70€ which sound fantastic and i have a pair ,only recentelly discovered they were built by Philips in Belgium ,i used to say to my friends that philips was one of the best sounding brands in the 70´s, a pioneer cd player 150€ and a minidisc deck denon for 100€, a PL-430 pioneer turntable for 70€ (83) 485€ .This are fully working systems bought in 2nd hand ,much better than a compact system from sony, we don´t have thrift stores in Portugal, we have some 2nd hand stores but normally it´s more expensive than buying new
Fascinating! Thanks. I have a Dual 1009, from 1964. The first version, without a cueing lever. It sounds amazing, I find it is superior to many modern decks. The platter is very heavy indeed, and the arm is very light. And it is fully automatic of course. I rather think it will last forever!
That’s interesting. I will look it up! Sadly I overlooked Dual in my talk. Enjoy your wonderful turntable
This is a very comprehensive list, I still enjoy immensely my indestructible Thorens TD160 after 50 years - a family heirloom from my childhood days - it serves as my "slippers" turntable, for critical listening I turn to my Roksan Xerxes, a revolutionary design that has stood the test of time with flying colours that imho should have made it on this list.
Whoops! Sorry about that! Thanks for the Roksan mention. Indeed, very innovative…
Takes me back. I had a Goldring-Lenco in the '70s, followed by a Rega Planar 3 which is still in use today with a similar SME arm to the one you showed, complete with silicone trough, and a Denon DL103.
Wow, good to hear the 3 is still doing its job today.
I am really glad you included the PL 12D .I have had one for years and I love it .
@flixtonman Still got mine! I don't use it any more but I wouldn't get rid of it, too many memories associated with it.
A used Planar 3 (1998) was/is my first turntable. I have a RB300 tonearm and an AT150Sa cartridge - It's amazing :)
A very enjoyable trip through turntable designs.
I bought the AR XA turntable while stationed in Korea during my army service in 1969. I used it up until the late 70's when i replaced it with a Connoisseur BD2 and gave the AR to a friend. Peter Mitchell of the Boston Audio Society published and article on improving the XA and I may still have a copy of that somewhere. As I recall the arm on the later turntable was better but the suspension on the AR just worked better. i remember having a Thorens 316 that had a problem with a bouncy floor, I solved that by "floating" the Thorens on an 8" inner tube that was inflated with just a few PSI of air - i remember it taking some trial and error to find the center of mass so it was all level but it solved that floor bounce once and for all.
:-) ingenious!
Wonderful talk. I purchased a Dual 1216 fitted with an Empire 1000 cartridge new in ‘76. Years later it fell into disrepair due to several moves. I had it restored recently and presented it to my daughter. It’s been in daily use ever since. Thank you.
Nice! I love this continuity aspects to our hobby.
I enjoyed this video so much! We are of an age. I think, and your recollections and reflections on early hi-fi were great - thank you!
Thanks - very kind
That was really fun! Back in the 80's when I was setting up my system, I wanted a SOTA, but ended up with a P3 (with the straight one-piece tonearm, like in the second photo). Using a sorbothane mat for a little better isolation, clamp, a mid-range cartridge (dynavector) and rewiring the back end (because of cable corrosion), I have really been quite happy for a very long time now. A while back I switched to a McIntosh pre-amp, and I think I get all the reveal I need with my older ears! From the looks of it, the P-10 has improvements on all the best parts of the P3 formula.
Thanks m! Enjoy your turntable, enjoy the music!
I have a Technics SL-1100A which I bought in early 1974 which predates the SL-1200. The SL1100A was claimed to be the first “integrated” (with tonearm) direct drive turntable in the world. I still use it.
Agreed, I also have the SL110 version of it with an SME3009/2 on it. They came out in 1971 and are a far superior deck to the SL1200
@@ThatMicro43Guy SL-1100 is slightly better but also much bigger. Sl-1200 is better for those with limited space.
I have a vintage Linn Lp-12 and sounds wonderful, love it.
Myself as well. ditto!!
The LP-12 was my standard for many years. You'll have to spend some real cash to better it!
My wife gifted me a Linn LP 12 for my 60th birthday. Tone arm is a Linn basic IV, with a 2M Blue. Vintage made.
Hi Hartley.
This is a very nice video.
Wonderfull to hear the history of turntables.
Gr André de vries.
Thank you. Very kind.
Wonderful list of turntables, happy owner of a Rega P3, so glad you chose the P10, just a wonderful machine!
Thanks!
I'm glad you mentioned LENCO! I have 3. Great refurbished.
😀👍
I currently own three of them: Linn, Technics, and Rega. Thanks Harley.
Wow, what a collection… thanks for your kind words
I have the AR XA turntable. It is an amazing record player, so simple and well executed. MOMA has one in their permanent collection. Compared to my Oracle/Alphason it is close in performance. Remarkably easy to use, dead accurate, silent wow & flutter and very dynamic- you must hear one! Remarkable…
I always wondered about those. I worried about how the arm didn't seem too steady at its pivot. Never got to demo one. If I had I probably would have searched for a good used one. Unsteady I had the AR The Turntable with a Linn arm on it. Before that a Braun PS 500 and before that, my first decent turntable, a Philips GA 212. Nowadays, because I wanted a table I could vary speed on so I could play along on my guitar easier, the AT 120 USB.aka the poor man's Technics 1200.
Thanks! very interesting
I have an Oracle..love it..heard a lot of tabled. Brother in law had quad esl 63's with Naim and quad electronics tied to an Alphason Sonata table..koetsu black cartridge. Phenomenal.
I've had the AR-XA since about 1969. Still works fine and is incredibly quiet and simple to use. Sorry, I'm on the West Coast of the USA, so I don't think it would be possible to loan it.
@@michaelarighi5268 hi. Indeed I wouldn’t dare borrow it from you 😉 but that’s a very nice thought!
The 5th, the pionner was my father turntable, he has given it to me, it works perfectly, I've just upgraded the cartridge with a red ortophon. I am very happy it is on your list.
That’s wonderful to hear. May you enjoy it for years to come!
I'm very happy you included the Garrard.
We have had Garrard for many years.
From a cheap basic in a Dansette player to my current player a Zero 100 which I bought new in 1973. I know the Zero has known issues. A true classic in terms of being unique but not the best of kind.
I would love to hear you talk about cables a very touchy subject.
I bought a (new) Thorens 160 back in the 1970s and loved it . When I got back into vinyl a few years ago I was lucky enough to get a pristine Thorens 165 for a great price. I like this 165 better as it uses just gravity for stylus presure instead of a spring like in the 160.
I have a Thorens TD126 MKII and I find the spring downforce interesting. You could use the turntable on the moon or upside down (if you could keep the table itself in place) without adjustment.
Thanks for a great video once again, Harley! Always enjoyable and informative! I agree that each turntable merits their place on the list, but I'm missing 2:
- the Ariston RD11, on wich the Linn Sondek LP12 was based (well...) - not a commercial success, but a great story....
- the Dual CS-505. Back in the 80s, they were hugely succesful, and, to me at least, they are a trough mark of the era...
Hi Kris. absolutely! On reflection, I should have mentioned both Ariston and Dual...
Good Day Kris, as a Linn owner, I would say: "on which the Linn Sondek LP12 "perfected"" 😇
I've got the Rega rp8, fantastic turntable! In skeleton mode, obviously. I particularly appreciate the setup simplicity, as well as the stellar performance
I’ve got a P8 and it’s fantastic
@@mpmcruz certainly!
Loved the sneaky fake-out with the bulked-up cover hiding a very minimalist deck. Well played, sir.
When I got back into records I craved the iconic SL-1200, but they were going for silly money (this is the gap between the discontinuing and re-launching). I eventually found one being sold within walking distance of my home by a DJ. It was battered on the exterior and missing the head-shell, but still solid as tank. I opened it up as I wanted to restore the separate ground lead (most DJs had the modified to earth through phono leads for ease of set-up) and was amazed by the build and materials in this thing - cast alloy chassis, dampened with bulk-molding compound, and further dampened with a rubber compound base. The platter (with its integrated rotor for the direct drive) is likewise damped with rubber internally. I know the tone-arm is considered their weak point, but I just love that gimbal design and this one's bearings were still in perfect condition.
Is it the best sounding deck ever? I have nothing to compare it to so can't say, but when it comes to the measurables like wow and flutter and rumble/noise it's still in front of decks costing 6 figures and more, and it's still a joy to use :)
:-) Thanks for your comment.
I just love these talks, it brings sanity to my life.
That’s very nice to hear, thanks
Yes I was a student in the seventies and I bought a Pioneer PL12 D which I still use today. Great turntable and arm.
Now that was a good investment!
Same except I sold it :(
Excellent video. I am glad to see a couple of turntables I have owned. One of my biggest regret is selling my LP-12. However, I am back to vinyl with a VPI Scout. Looking forward to parts and 3. Well done!
I would keep my VPI over almost everything on this list.
Thanks! Pt2. is recorded and in editing. Pt3. is under construction and programmed for the New Year.
In my return to vinyl 14 years ago, I purchased an entry level Rega RP1 to see if the vinyl experience was worth it. Since them, I have modified this table with an aluminum sub-plater, acrylic platter and an RB330 arm. This simple setup will be a part of my system for many years to come.
Upgrading is always amazing!
Nice video. I like the very calm and relaxed mood. And a great walk down memory lane.. having owned Lenco L75, Pioneer pl12d, Thorens td160, and Technics sl 1300 - the automatic 1200. Thanks a lot 🙂
Thanks for a very clear and informative talk, excellent. I have a Lenco L75 which I bought on eBay about 10 years ago for £40, cleaned all the nicotine residue from it, changed the bearings and did the dental floss tone arm repair from LencoHeaven and have been very pleased with it. It's built like a tank, looks very retro in the grey finish, an absolute bargain.
You’re very welcome Kevin. Thanks for sharing your story
My parents owned a Lenco l75. Was my first experience with a turntable. Later on bought 2 Technics SL 1200 mk2's. Because DJ. Now I own 4. 3 for the dj booth and one slightly modified for my hifi setup. In my hifi setup I only had and I only want Technics.
Stumbled on by accident, and….. what a nostalgia trip. From my late teens the first “hi fi” I heard was my girlfriend uncle’s (301) which got me started. My very own starter was a TD-150, and then on. The LP12 (original) on the sideboard now in pristine condition but now ornamental (see below). Somewere along the way the LP12 was “borrowed” by my son, then Rega 3, Technics SL? (Parallel tracking) which I had till around 2009, when the LP12 was returned to me. Must be close on 1000 lps in our store room languishing, all classical save a few including Dark Side of the Moon. And then there was the rest of the varied other components from Quad 303, Stax headphones, Naim, ESL57, KEF “Daleks”(can’t remember the number), and even a pair of Leak mono valve amps refurbished by Leak themselves outside Leeds where we lived. Now……. A pair of Apple HomePods but all my listening is through Phonak P90 hearing aids 😥. The best? Naim, LP12 SME Ortofon MC, and magnificent stacked Quad ESL 57s 1975-1979. Look forward to your next instalment.
Thank you very much for your wonderful contribution to this story. Funny how this passion of ours starts. Pt. Comes out tomorrow (12 December).
Great guide to many of the iconic turntables of the last 60 years, Harley. My journey went from SP25 IV through Thorens TD160 / Hadcock Arm to Systemdek /SME III (the original Transcription model). The Thorens was great insofar as it was well engineered and with the Hadcock arm was consistently musical. The Systemdek was chosen for its quality engineering, suspension and SQ - it was never iconic (despite of or perhaps because of the love-it-or-loath-it Nextel finish), but I never felt tempted to change it in favour of the more hyped Linn LP12 - as much as I respect the latter. Happy days, when putting on a 12" slice of vinyl felt like an event! Looking forward to hearing more about the Rega in your listening room :)
Thank you, very kind. I love your term putting on an LP as an 'event'! That's so true. for me it still is, even though I use streaming and CD's too. Records are always special.
Wow your story telling really took me into the scene , Thank you for taking the time and sharing part of your Audio Journey
Hi. You’re very welcome
I was watching this video on TV and then a few minutes later my wife joined me. While she understands what good and bad sound is, she never watches any video related to hi-Fi gear.. and not interested in all the gear associated with this hobby. But she watched the whole video and then at the end of the video she told me "it is so relaxing to listen to this gentleman.." .. She was absolutely correct. And the best of all was that she approved my next speaker upgrade to a pair of Sibelius right there!! Talking about WAF !! Harley, Thank you again for all the knowledge you share generously ❤.. Love your videos..
:-) What an effect! I am so glad both you and your wife enjoy my videos.
Had my Rega P3 (with the straight RB300 tonearm) since 1986 and apart from replacing the band it's been brilliant. It's probably the one component that hasn't been upgraded or will be over time. Nice round up!
Thank you.
What a perceptive and thorough list!
Through the decades, I've owned a Garrard, a Thorens, a direct drive Technics, an LP12 and a Gyrodec. My Gyrodec sounds wonderful. My friend had a Rega P3, it was a super record player, I'll be fascinated to learn about your P10 in. Part 2!
Thank you. Very kind. It took some work 😉
I also had a Revolver Super, which was brilliant. I lost it in a burglary, otherwise I'd have kept it for ever. And a Pro-ject 6 mark 1, excellent value as a 'poor man's Gyrodec' until I could afford the Michell.
I also own a gyrodec and it was a great improvement over a very nice sounding later model AR turntable , the eb101. I wanted something which would get me into the ballpark of high end table sound without tremendous money and have been very pleased.
I became aware of the product when viewing a bunch of pictures of owners' high end expensive turntables posted from a very high end Italian Hi Fi club. There, among all these pictures of tables that cost like a small car was submitted a single picture of a gyro table.
I figured if it could hold it's own among that company , it was worth investigating, since home theatre had made a turntable listening demo impossible at the time, and I needed a very solid, buy one time and keep it, choice. When I discovered that old man Michell , as his last undertaking before his death , had voiced a hot rodded Rega arm to the table, the techno arm, that allowed for VTA adjustment on the fly, I correctly figured that the established symbiotic match would serve my limited budget well. The isolating, from external acoustics, suspension design works very well in my small living room listening space. the soundstage is incredible.
@@richardelliott8352 I find that the Gyrodec, with my Alphason Xenon arm and Goldring Excel cartridge makes every record sound like a live performance. The sense of space and life it brings from a record is fabulous. I'm glad you love yours too.
Fantastic video and always very educational. Looking forward to parts 2 and 3!
Thank you. 🙏
Great upload.
Many thanks for tracing back my memory lane.
Thanks!
Thank you for a very sober and honest video - I am looking forward to part 2 and 3.
I were there when Rega Planet and Rega Planar was fist introduced in Denmark. Also I can confirm that Technics SL-1200 is back in production and as far as I know there is even a SL-1400 now.
One of my dear old friends had both the SL-1200 and a Planar and just a few month before his pass away :-/ he asked me to find time to pick them up, together with his 400 LP's - undfortunately he was an alcoholic and just about everything of value disapeared from his home in the last two month of his life.
So - when a dear friend ask you to help take care of some of his most loved possessions - don't try find the time - take the time no matter what
Thanks for your kind words. So sorry to hear about the loss of your friend.
The loudspeakers and the vinyl pickup are the most important pieces. Because changing sound from movement to electrics and back are the hard bits. The rest is from simple to trivial in comparison.
@@RegebroRepairs old thread but right on & unavoidable for music at home, tho the original 78' players with their huge horn outputs from the 78's groove-vibrating needle / stylus in the horn's throat, is then theoretically the best, but it's not when compared to playing same 78 Shellac record on a modern day system with suitable 78 stylus. Good comment, it boggled my mind again as I've long thought that analogue has more "vibrational transfering" than digi, like the 'mike's vibrating diaphragm (digi also needs) to cutting lathe (via tape recorder, maybe slightly analogue only in nature of the scattering of the tape's (input-signal' modulated..) magnetised particles??) ..tho not present in direct to disc recordings) & our record nodules causing our stylus's vibration on the cantilever's opposite end's movement turned into millivolts in it's coil to magnet related vibrational movement, thinking about it now, I'm amazed it works at all, let alone how good it can sound. If I had a hi-fi that felt as "alive" as once standing in front of a N'Orleans style Jelly-Roll Jazz band, where I felt the palpable energy from the honk of a sudden loud baritone sax hit me gently in the chest ..& similar energy from cornets, clarinets et al ...then I'd be very happy. Is it even achievable? I often wondered after hearing a small number of unamplified similar jazz bands playing small venues after the first one 'blew me away' & thinking why hasnt the best hi-fi I've heard got close to that uplifting live feeling.
@@The-Spotlight-Kid Right, it's the changing of one medium to another that is the hard bit, and you are right, an acoustic gramophone only has one such phase change, and it should in theory be possible to make something sounding really great like that.
I think the reason vinyl can never sound as good as live is that you have to shrink down a sound that comes from all directions into just two dimensions. But that's just my guess.
Thank you for this stroll down memory lane and your effort putting this video together. My list would be similar to yours although I might have added the Pink Triangle as it also caused a lot of fuss as the first possible competitor to the Linn Sondek. I spent hours and hours in the 70s auditioning equipment at Graham's HiFi in London. This was an important sales technique that they had at the time: give a potential customer lots of listening time with no pressure to buy and they will come back to you. I always wanted an LP12 but couldn't afford one. (I ended up with a Rega Planar 2 as that was as much as I could spend at the time.) However, the demos of the LP12 were not lost on me. Even when switching to cheaper amps and speakers, the Linn system often sounded better.
You’re very welcome. Glad you enjoyed it. Lovely story thanks
I did the same at Subjective Audio comparing the Pink Triangle and Linn Sondek. I think I spent from 10am to 4pm listening. In the end I felt they sounded as good as each other, just different. The sales guy said well if it helps, farting near a Linn can put it out of adjustment and if you play singles you just switch between them but a total faff on the Linn. I bought the PT and had it until two years ago due to a change of circumstance - I loved it, paired with QUAD amplification, ESL63s and an Alphason arm and an Audi Technical moving coil. Beautiful music for years.
Around 8 years ago I’ve had the incredible luck of finding a used Mark 3 Oracle Delphi with an Alphason arm, for what it turned up to be a little over 1200 Canadian Dollar. With the upgraded power supply as well! This is essentially as close to perfection one can get under 10 grand, and pretty close to perfection regardless of price. Phenomenal sound and phenomenal looks. Perhaps your video should have a few honourable mention entries? The Oracle Delphi would definitely be worth mentioning. And others, like VPI or Kuzma or Sota, if I think about it.
Absolutely, so many terrible omissions!
I had an Oracle Delphi III, Well-tempered arm, Audioquest MC cartridge. I heavily modified the table to upgrade the PS, the bearing, the suspension towers, clamp.
Strengths - accuracy, neutrality, openness unmatched by any other turntable I've ever heard.
Weaknesses - PITA to get correctly set up, and maintain a proper setup; sound lacked a bit of punch, like that a Linn or Rega has. But I've never heard a Linn or Rega with the openness or neutrality of the Oracle.
@@countdebleauchamp I wonder if the slight lack of bite had something to do with a slight compliance mismatch between the arm and cartridge. Sometimes that’s the case but I’m not familiar with your combo.
Absolutely, and not even a cursory mention of the Townshend Rocks (in many guises), The Voyd, Pink Triangles, Roksans and Kuzma's plus Oracle, Basis, etc that were all very much born of the LP12's so-called 'supremacy' and all had virtues that at the very least, equalled, but very often bettered the LP12. I'm not denying that it's iconic, and worthy of its position, but if you were into music and audio from the 80's then you'll have at least given a cursory glance to the competition.
I have a Thorens TD 166 MK 2 I bought new back in the early 80's. Love it!
I was very happy with the Dual 2901 that I bought in 1975. I kept and used it until the mid to late 1980s. I bought the Dual 2901, a Crown DC300a, and a Crown IC150 at the same time. The store threw in a pair of bookshelf speakers for free (I don't remember the brand). In 1983, I upgraded to a pair of Magnapan MG1-bs and added a powered subwoofer. That system was VERY revealing, and the Dual 2901 never let me down.
Indeed, as I mention in Pt.3 the Dual was an oversight in my talk
I came across this video yesterday, and I love your presentation I have since watched quite a few, you have a great way of explaining things, also I have a Rega RP6, so I was surprised when it was a Rega that came out on top. Looking forward to seeing parts 2 & 3
Thanks Adrian. Glad you are enjoying them. Pt.2 will come out in December 12
Another great episode. Thanks for taking the time to put these together.
You're very welcome John. Thanks!
Very informative and well laid out! This is going to be one of those videos I'd forward to buddies looking to get deeper into learning about the turntable histories!
Thank you. Very kind!
Wondeful video! I'm really fond of the TD-160, I had a beautifully modded one, but let it go in a regretful period of decluttering. I now listen on a fairly modest but nicely upgraded wee setup ...
My turntable is the recent 24v motor Rega RP3 with upgraded TangoSpinner Mederos subplatter, Herbie's Way Excellent II Turntable Mat and the Rega Neo PSU mkII. Even with the Elys2 cart, it's a wonderfully fun listen. I use an old Pro-Ject Phono Box mm/mc pre going into a Cambridge A1 Mk3 "special" driving a pair of Dali Oberon 5s.
I've heard way costlier systems sound way less impressive. I think the magic is often in the match of gear, its positioning and with the room itself.
Looking forward to Part 2/3!
Thank you for your kind comment. Very true, matching is so important
I'm glad that my turntable is also on the list...rega p3. I got it as a gift from my wife, amazing storie, because my wife is an anti-tech person and has no idea about hi-fi equipment. In short, this turntable is really great, simple and good sounding. Kudos to you for the excellent video content, true gentleman among all UA-camrs.
Thank you, that’s very nice to hear! And congratulations to your wife for making such a wise choice! Enjoy the music. Harley
Look forward to next part. I'm curious to hear thoughts on P8 vs P10.
It's coming soon ;-)
Nice presentation, always enjoy hearing about decks. I have a fairly high-end Linn Sondek that's evolved since I bought it back in '94, I love how it sounds. That said if I could have any deck it would be an SME model 60, that thing is a pure event in every aspect.
Thank you. I considered the SME 60 but could not fit it in and decided for Brinkmann instead. It was a close call
I bought an AR XB1 in 1977. Used it for about 15 yrs then stored it under the sideboard until we decorated the lounge.
We got a new amp, speakers and subs so I ended up refurbishing the AR, total clean up of bearings, new belt, levelling, new AT540ML, tracking at its max 2g. It’s now perfectly set up and its brilliant.
It’s based on XA but has a damped arm raising system. If you read the spec for this it’s astonishing. From the tight spindle to practically no rumble or wow and flutter, plus the clever arm design, this can track anything I put on there. It also has a small footprint and can sit close to my speakers. Get one!
At the time the Linn was £160 without an arm which was a lot for an 18 yr old. Three times the AR cost. Shame but still happy with my lovely AR. I got it to go to Uni and now I’m close to retirement, teach engineering at a Uni.
I cite the AR design as a superb example of innovation to my students. What goes around…..
Thanks for sharing your story.
I have an Technics SL-15 since 1984 and an SL-1210GR since this year. Wonderful
I picked up a Technics sl1700 mk2 semi automatic and ive paired it with an AT 150 SA cartridge and Vista phono stage and the marriage is simply awesome. This setup rivals my digital chain which costs 10x the price.
I've gone through many turntables over the past 50+ years. The only one that is still operational is my AR-XB. It is identical to the XA with an added cue lever. I've had to replace the head shell and of course the belt. It came with a plastic fulcrum and weights to adjust the tone arm tracking pressure. It's quiet and has stood the test of time.
Yep, I got one in 1968 when there was a lot of compititon from Garrad,thorens, etc. At the same time it got the Ar4 speakers too!
Don't have my XA anymore, but I've kept the fulcrum and weights all these years.
Great video as always. Thank you.
The Technics 1200 is in fact still being produced.
The 1200G is very high on MY list of potential turntables and may very well be “the one”. Time will tell though.
Thanks again. Looking forward to parts two and three !!
Thank you. You’re very kind. I hope you get the turntable you want.
It is "the one"
Brings back memories!! My pride and joy,lenco gl 75, with a shure cartridge!! Thanks
Very, very interesting. So pleased, you chose to include the PL-12D.Over the years I have restored a number of PL-12D's and sold them on to young people just discovering the pleasure of listening to vinyl. These people call them 'retro' though - not vintage... Personally I play on a PL-71 and a PL-31D - both with Pioneer MC pickups.
Thanks
Being in the US Air Force while in Germany from 1969-1974, I had the opportunity to encounter every piece of high-end audio equipment you can imagine. This was possible due the Audio clubs on various military installations across Europe. The American G.I. had money and idle time to afford the best. All the manufacturers were represented at these clubs.
I finally found the "Best Set-Up" at that time.....and this has evolved over the years......
1. Turntable: AR XA (Perfection.....I had too many issues with all other turntables to date).
2. Cartridge: Shure V-15 Type 2 (Ranked #1 at the time....a flawless sound).
3. Amplifier: McIntosh (tube version). I currently settled with a DUAL "mech-less" 4-40w channel automotive radio that runs on pure flat/clean 12vdc.
4. Speakers: AR3a (I later designed, built, tested and used my own huge enclosure (3-way) with 15-in speakers which I found far superior). I still use this in my garage where it moves a lot of air.
In the late 1990's, I designed/built my current use of four (4) satellite (2-way) surround speaker set-up with a separate dual voice coil 12-in woofer in a tuned-ported enclosure under the office desk. Sweet!
5. Headsets: Koss Pro 4A
6. Storage media: I've since transitioned from reel-to-reel to digital with no issues.
7. Musical collection: From Wagner to The Rippingtons, but no Country/Blue Grass.
Have fun!
Regards, "E.V." Norat II, USGovt DOT/FAA(Ret.)
I Miss the Audio Clubs!!!
And I worked for some of those manufactures and visited many of the PXs and Audio Clubs! Pioneer Electronics the latest one -- for about 10 years . All of that, of course, is long gone! 😪 I actually started out working at the Heidelberg Audio Club in Patton Brks which has been mostly demolished. As I recall the Wiesbaden AC and the Darmstadt AC may have been the earliest big Audio Clubs. I had to visit most of them from Bitburg to Munich to Berlin, even London and the Canadian PXs in Lahr and Baden-Baden! Pioneer's HQ was in Antwerp, Belgium which I also visited a few times. Ah, the good old days and the "Golden Years of HiFi!
What?, no jazz!???!!?
@@tesmith47 Primarily .... The Rippingtons (BC: They had melodies in the their music)
I could listen to you for hours. Congratulations, Harley. I'm impressed by your contribution - interesting and entertaining.🙃
Thank you. Very humbled
Well done, thank you.
I am not an outsider looking in. I drank the Kool-Aid a long time ago. I own some very expensive equipment (Wilson and McIntosh). Having said that, I really have a problem with the pricing of the Rega P10. The Rega P10 is listed at between 7 and 11 thousand dollars. With extras, you can go even higher. Sorry, but I don't see it.
Thanks. much appreciated. I am not sure of the pricing in the US, but in EUR its 6800 including cartridge. The P8 is very similar and significantly cheaper.
Feeling rather puffed up! I bought my Rega Planar 3 in 1982 from Doug Brady Hi Fi in Newton le Willows. It has been ourstanding. Various fashion cartridges in various headshells over the years but in present form it has an Ortofon VMS30E Mk2 with a Shibata hyperelliptical stylus and it's perfect to my ears. Great stuff Harley.
Thank you!
Thank you for this presentation
I just arrived here because I found a vintage turntable for sale today, that I didn't buy, but wanted to find out more about.
I used to own a Thorens TD124 MkII with SME arm which I sold, along with my record collection, in 2010. One day I'd like to replace it with a quality turntable of one sort or another.
Your review follows the evolution of turntables I've known during my lifetime, growing up in the UK, reading Ken Kessler in HiFi News and Record Review. I also owned an Ariston RD80 for a short time, before I bought the Thorens.
These days I live in the USA.
This brings me to the turntable I found today, which seems to be an even older deck, a Rek-O-Kut LP-743. It was mounted on a wooden plinth and complete with a rudimentary looking, square section Pickering tonearm that seemed to be wired for a stereo pickup cartridge. So I'm guessing it's from the very late 1950s or very early 1960s
Can you tell me much about this turntable? Is it something capable of audiophile reproduction?
I realize it's an idler wheel driven, transcription device and most likely was from a broadcasting background. Rek-O-Kut used to manufacture cutting equipment for the recording industry, so they ought to know a thing or two.
Would be grateful for any information you may have. Thank you in advance.
Ian.
Hi, thanks for you interesting comment. I don’t know much about your particular turntable but hopefully someone else will? However I can suggest you watch Pt. 2 (coming out on December 12) before buying something vintage… ;-)
@@PearlAcoustics Thank you for taking the time to reply and yes, I'll look forward to catching your next installment.
Disappointed you didn’t mention the Oracle Delphi, I own the little brother the Alexandria, very similar to the Linn, mine was built in the 80’s and still sings nightly.
Sure glad I hung onto my gear and vinyl all these years. Thanks for the video. 😎
whoops, you're absolutely right the Oracle Delphi deserved a mention!
@@PearlAcoustics
Made in my part of the world as well.
Quebec, Canada 🇨🇦
Excellent, as usual. I spent significant time with the AR XA in college. It is extraordinary. Thank you again!
I had a PL12D in my college days
@@PearlAcoustics Fond memories, I'm sure!
@Nicholas that’s really interesting. I didn’t know that. It’s really logical, if you think about it. Thanks!
I knew that AR looked familiar. I had one in the mid to late 70s. I was living off campus with roommates. Someone they brought in liked it along with all my other gear. Never saw it again. I eventually replaced it with a B&O a few years later. It still works. Luckily, they left all my records. Some of those are irreplaceable.
I began my turntable history with an AR XA with a Shure M91ED. Loved it. Later a Thorens TD 160 with a Shure V15 3,. Awesome turntable. Then a Technics 1400 with Shure V15 5 (semi automatic direct drive) and it was a great table too. Then, recently I got back into vinyl with a Rega RP8 and an Apheta 2. I loved all of the tables I owned for different reasons. This combination is sonically superior and aesthetically unique when used in skeletal mode. I considered getting something vintage, but opted out after hearing story after story about turntables that arrived damaged in shipping. My own tech talked me out of it. Great video, thank you so much for the thoughtful research.
Thank you for your kind words. What an interesting journey you have had!
This is a refreshing, well-spoken presentation and I enjoyed it. I bought a new turntable in 2020, in part because of concerns my current one at the time (a VPI) was old and I wouldn’t be able to afford a comparable replacement if it quit on me after I retired in a couple of years; I wasn’t playing records much and thought I needed a jolt. The VPI’s replacement is a Sota Sapphire VI but I still haven’t gotten back to playing vinyl. Videos like this one, however, will pique my interest. Maybe enough to re-engage my vinyl collection and get some use out of the Sota. Thank you.
Thanks Charles. Now you’ve got your new turntable, indeed it’s time to dig out the vinyl. You won’t regret it! 😉
rock and metal with garrard is heaven
Super bass capability
I sometimes dream of owning a P10 so I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts about it. My wonderful P25 is really a dressed up P3 and I love it. And I always appreciated how you could play a Rega out of the box - no tinkering required!
Pt. 2 on P10 coming soon...
I've bought two P25s over the years. I'm convinced it's that RB600 tonearm that's the real winner over the P3, etc. A great value for a great 'table.
I had an P3 for many years (got it in 88/89), then I got an TD160 which was not really that much better. Then I finally got an TD320mkII, which blew the P3 away, I still think that the TD320 is one of the best record players for the price (in good condition). Between all 3 players I used the same components; MC30ii, MCA10 and an GramAmp 1 ... it just worked. I then sold everything which had to do with vinyl.
Thanks for your comment and contribution to the conversation
Saved my money in the 80's. Bought at TD160 from a dealer in Wimbledon (intimidating!) had my SME 3009 bolted on using various cartridges from shure. Ortofon. Happy times, but my grail turntable........ One day at a bus stop in Clapham Junction and was curious looking at some fantastic looking equipment in a hifi shop. I entered, and spoke to a fantastic guy called Alan. I then listened to a Townshend Rock turntable (I can't remember the arm) with a Decca London cartridge. Incatech class A amp (50 - 60 watts approximately) via Sir Galahad speakers....... Never heard anything like this before. The following day the Incatech, and Rock turntable had pride of place in my front room later adding a Hadcock SS 220 and a Music maker 2 cartridge. Nothing looked or sounded like it. I think it deserves an honorable mention!
Absolutely! Your story painted a wonderfully deserving picture. Thanks for sharing. Max Townsend was a very special guy.
What an excellent review of the important milestones of modern turntables. I was in Hi Fi retail in the late 60’s and early 70’s and it was the Garrard 301 and 401 and the space age Transcriptors that made a great impression on me, though I could never afford to own any of them. A superb presentation, thank you .
Had a 401. Got a transcriptors. To replace it love it
I had a 401 partnered with the Transcriptors Fluid Arm with the Shure v15mk4 cartridge. The arm whilst innovative was in my opinion a bit of a disaster. The pivot which was or seemed to be a piece of mild steel fashioned to a point one end after a period of time the point wore down. The silicon fluid used to migrate and thus everything it touched was sticky. The sound was brilliant however, but that was in the main I believe,down to the KEF transmission line speakers I built from an old Wireless World article design utilising Dr. Bailey's longhaired wool.
When I was in high school, a friend's dad had an Acoustic Research XA. I remember thinking it looked so old and simple that it must be garbage. Silly kid, I was.
but that was my reaction too, when I saw photos of it.
Very interesting, but I'm surprised you didn't have a Dual in there somewhere... perhaps honorable mention? My old CS5000 is still going strong. I also have the SL-1200's little brother, a SL-D202 that is an absolute workhorse. Except for possibly the Thorens, I think everything else you reviewed is on my "if I hit the lottery" list.
Indeed, Dual was an oversight!
I agree. I have owned Dual most of my adult life (since the early seventies) and find them to be fabulous to look at and to listen to.
That is a very proper list . An odd one that is never mentioned now is Empire Turntables made in the US with a German made drive motor ,awesome looks as well ...They could not compete with the huge sales of Japanese turntables by the late 70s and they decided to quit .
Thank you. I didn’t know Empire until I read the comments. I must admit, it looked good.
@@PearlAcoustics Wow thanks,,, I never had one but I read on some blog a longtime ago that the weird looking Empire tone arm has a super tracking ability with the minimal force on the stylus that other makers had a hard time with trying to achieve that goal back in the late 60s early 70s or maybe . Get an Empire Table if you can and let us know your thoughts. .It will be much appreciated /*****
OMG! One of my buddies has an Empire TT built the same year we were born: 1959. It sounds _wonderful_ . What a piece of engineering! If I had a dependable source [that I know of] for a good or refurbished Empire TT, I'd love to have one. I suspect that the sound compares very well with modern audiophile designs. The aesthetic of the design is remarkable, too. Gorgeous! A box that is not boxy.
@@VIDSTORAGE Old technology looks clunky, but that tonearm works very well indeed; my friend's Empire turntable, all original, with a NOS Shure cartridge from the early 1960s, sounds excellent even by modern standards. That tonearm tracks well and...well, the proof is in the pudding. LPs on my friend's system are vibrant and detailed and the background is quiet.
I had a vintage faux-gold-finish Empire turntable, probably early 1960s that I picked up at auction with a bunch of other equipment, primarily with an eye to reselling. It was so pretty that my wife wanted me to keep it, which was a first for her, but it didn't have anti skate on the arm, and somebody offered me "stupid money" for it to the point where I couldn't really justify keeping it. If it had had anti skate I probably would have hung on to it.
Excellent talk, thank you, had a fold down Garrard turntable with attached speakers back in the 60's wore many records out on that player. My best buy was a 1976 Marantz series 6100, wish I hadn't sold it. Today I turn vinyl on a Fluance which sits on a wooden plinth.
thanks for your comment and kind remarks. Glad you enjoyed it
Nice list. I'd want to add the Dual 12xx series. Be that 1219 or the evolution of that, the 1228 and 1229.
Very worthy additions!
I also missed Dual. I still have my CS704 with a Shure V15III, bought in the early 80's.