Extra-frugal turntable - suggestions?

[TheSeekerr]

Hi,
I'm currently in the process of putting together a small high-ish-fi bedroom system, with a little 2 x 10 watt tripath based amp, ESP's DoZ Preamp, a cheap DVD player with an optical out and a cheap chinese DAC (the Pro707). As you can see, there's a few compromises to keep the cost down, but I've tried to create a component system so I can swap in better gear should I ever be able to afford it.

However, I'm also interested in analogue sources (it should be noted that I'm 17, so vinyl was unpopular by the time I was born), and as such, I've built a VSPS, and tested it with my parents rather ordinary Sony PS-LX43P turntable.

Obviously, though, I can't keep using that, so I was wondering if anyone could suggest a turntable (second hand is fine) available for ~$150 (in Australia, or including shipping here) that would provide sound at least as good as the long-in-the-tooth Sony. Budget is pretty inflexible, as a school student my income is limited.

DIY isn't really an option, I don't have the tools, skills, or time, and I doubt I could do it that cheap anyway.

So, to sum up - I'm after a turntable of merely acceptable quality that is available cheaply!

[Dryseals]

Take a look around here . They are just across the way, shipping may not be so bad.

[SY]

Find an old AR-XA, fit a cheap Grado cartridge to it, and you'll be quite happy.

[TheSeekerr]

Hi,
I should note that that particular Sony is a pain to use, thanks to an odd power cable, it was designed to take 12.3V from the original receiver.

Any hints on where I could find the AR?

[EC8010]

I made a pick-up arm in a double period using the metal workshop when I was at school. I wired it in the evening and was listening later. You can do anything if you set your mind to it.

[enzedone]

You could keep an eye on this one and see what it goes up too.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics...-141544889.htm

Ask if they'll send to Aus.
I was going to buy one from Perth, and it wasn't going to set me too much to send to Auckland.

[TheSeekerr]

Hi all,

@EC8010: My school doesn't HAVE a metals workshop, and I'm not a good person around tools. I'm the type that can get into trouble with a drill press.

@enzedone: I'd prefer not to deal with trademe, they have a stupid requirement of paying them money before you're allowed to ask sellers questions (or bid, for that matter).

Calling SY - I really do like the look of the AR-XA, but on ebay they mostly seem to be a) in the US (not insurmountable) b) frequently damaged or nonfunctional (not exactly good) and c) going for upwards of $150, and that's before I've looked at a decent cartridge. Is there anywhere I should try looking for that sort of thing?

and to anyone else: I really do prefer the look of vintage turntables, so much more attractive.....if anyone can suggest others that are often going cheap and are still commonly reliable (oh, and sound "OK" - that is, the sort of turntable a vinyl diehard would have sitting around incase the good one died, perhaps, or just the sort of turntable somebody who isn't really into analogue sources would like for those times when he'd like to pull out the old Floyd records)

[Werner]

An old Technics direct drive, like an SL-D2, with a new Shure M97xe
cartridge or an Audio Technica AT-95E.

[simeon_noir]

Consider some of the Japanese brands. One to look out for is Sansui. I have the SR222 MkV, which is ok. The best was the MkIV. They are very pretty belt drives with a piano black finish. Mine came in at £54 sterling off e-bay.

[dnsey]

How about a Pioneer PL12 D?
Popular enough in their day to have resulted in plenty still available cheaply.
Straightforward belt drive TT, with plenty of potential for easy modding (start by damping the platter), and a usable arm, which could be replaced later if you wished.
Retro looks too, I suppose ;-)