Kofi Annan in: "Givin' a Budget 'Table!"
 

You DIYAudioers may not be aware, but Kofi loves giving. Mostly, receiving is better on account of you get stuff for nothing except some knee-jerk "Thanks!" you say without thinking about it, but the giving... he loves that too.

So, Kofi's currently shopping for a turntable that would probably be in the $200 - $300 range to best fit the wallet (Kofi's not THAT into giving) and here are some considerations:

- Technics SL-1200 MkII (a little outside the range, even for used, but I've heard good things)

- Denon DP-40 / DP-2000 (They look cool, but I don't know how they sound)

- Used entry-level Rega

- Used / New entry-level Pro-ject

The receiver in this case just wants to play basic vinyl, but I thought I could stretch a little and get something that could be upgraded or up-traded later.

Need some advice. Got some? Please give.

Thanks (not the knee-jerk kind of "Thanks", the real kind).

Kofi

this is how it all begins:devilr: Why not buy an old lenco(a l78 or l75) and put a half decent cartridge in it and then you have got endless tweakability and the real ponential for ending up with a true high end deck. Check out lencolovers.com and have a read. Hope your well Kofi and goodluck
cheers fergs

Kofi,

You can easily find the 1200 in the ~$200 - 250 range. I could open craigslist here and take my pick from at least four. It's a decent turntable that makes some people go gaga. I had one for 10+ years and I felt that the Thoren TD160 was far more musical.

Finding a used Rega in that range is gonna be tough, but the Project might be doable. They're decent decks, but I think you can do better in that range.

How do you plan on supporting this turntable? Right now, I have hardwood floors and no plans on putting in a wall shelf. That means I must have a suspended turntable.

You'll want to save at least $50 in your budget for a cartridge. The Grado black and AT 120 are decent in that price range.

Check British magazine Hifi World, they love to rebuid or tweek turntables. The latest trend is to replace the arm of direct driven turntables as Technics SL-1200 mk II . :cool:
But they rebuild Thorens as well. Seems to be a more "down to earth" mag not only for the very rich.

http://www.hi-fiworld.co.uk/

http://www.hi-fiworld.co.uk/hfw/bgturntables.html

hi there
Golden mean is correct but use this link:
http://wduk.worldomain.net/
and join the forum.
Lots of good DIY and source threads, including a look at DD and BT turntables with mods- some come down in favour of DD. OMG the brits are changing.....

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Thorens TD-125 MKI or MKII, with very careful shopping these can sometimes be had within the requested budget with the Thorens (or no) arm. Others to consider would be the TD-150 or 160..

well, (in my best Cheshire cat smirk)...
 

I just bought a Roksan Xerxes (original series, 1985-91) for the wopping sum of $180, including shipping. It needed a little work, but so far have less than $200 into it. The arm that is to be installed onto it is $500, and a reasonable cartridge will cost $80-$100....

but a really "cheap version" might include a DIY tone arm, a decent turntable , and the required cartridge. If at all handy I am sure you can easily end up with something that actually plays music...

Technics SL1200 or similar (the 1100, 1300 series, etc) are bullet proof. Add a good cartridge to one of those , and you may very well be quite satisfied. Or find a used Systemdek, etc.

I know I lucked completely out with the Xerxes, but some deals can be still be had on the Internet. It is just if you are willing to take a chance on them that's all. I was with the Roksan, because the plinth, dust cover and bearing are worth more than the asking price of the turntable. As it turns out with a few hours work the turntable is working perfectly (speed is 33.2 rpm and 45.0 rpm --checked with a laser tachometer). As per usual with Roksan, the plinth has some "sag" but much less than the 2mm "threshold" that indicates a worn out or damaged top plinth.

Kofi, I'll hunt around to see if I can find something for you at a good price (but you may have to be willing to take a little risk to get a great table for the kind of $$ we're talking about here....).


stew

Kofi, have a look here...
 

link to Denon DP1200

stew

Kofi, also....
 

email me if you like. For the cost of shipping I'll give you a turntable. I completely missed the "reciever" end of the post. You're looking to acquire a turntable to give to someone else so that they can enjoy vinyl again....good on you.

I'd gladly send along something to do that ....

Wow, Nanook, that looks like a great table and you've made me a very generous offer. Thanks so much!

Unfortunately, it's now time for me to admit that I have already purchased a turntable. Mrs. Annan got into hurry-up mode and I had to make a quick decision. I opted for the convenient, albeit not so hi-fi Denon DP-300F.

It's not going to light the world on fire, but I got a new one for a song ($230US) and it prevents me from having to build a separate phono preamp for now. There was some question about whether he would appreciate a better used table, so I succumbed to pressure and got a new 'table that was in the price range required.

Thanks for all your assistance in this. I'm still pretty tempted to buy that Denon you referenced, however...

Kofi