I need to look for a vintage or a new turntables...

[jasonthegreat]

hi, I'm sort of short on cash, so normally if I want something decent, I go for vintage.

However, after I read a lot on the subject, new tables seems to be better since their technology have simply advanced. Is that even true?

So, first of all, what should I look for: vintage or new, and what are your recommendation for a 500$ TT, cartridge EXCLUDE.

thanks

[Richard Ellis]

I'm of the opinion the TT from the mid-seventies was the pinnacle of TTs'. You can still get decent ones for a song, perhaps one could get two or three exact same models so you assured of parts. Stay with known brands, Marantz, Pioneer, Dual, Thorens, et. al. Pay attention to the Dust-covers/Lids, they often got cracked/broken or scratched severely.
Direct drive vs. Belt-drive is a whole nother' topic.
The current crop of TTs' with the fifty pound platters doesn't peak my interest, nor does the hyper prices or Art-Deco "artsy" looks.

__________________________________________________ ________Rick.....

[Helmuth]

Very good TT used are technics sl1500 sl1700,sl1200.

Denon DP...

thorens TD160,TD125,TD124.

Dual cs5000, vintage cs701

And there are also great new ones Project, Clearaudio, and many exotic ones I do not know.

When you look at lowprice and best technical spec go for a Technics sl1500. And good technical spec and vintage look TD160.

There where lately great Garrad 401 TT advertisements. So what is your taste?

[mikemac]

Technics 1200 are pretty incredible value. i would be wary of something that had been DJ'd. Like if the person is selling a pair i would have a good look at the arm etc. Its a very good design and sounds pretty "HI-FI" at my house, what ever you might read on the internet

[h_a]

new tables seems to be better since their technology have simply advanced. Is that even true?

What technology advance?

Development essentially stopped with the introduction of the CD.

In the 70ies and 80ies one got a top notch direct drive table with ever improving s/n ratios and speed accuracy; today everything (except the good old 1200 and a Denon) is build around heavy mass and/or belt drive as the technology is very simple and cheap.

A lot of people are aware of this for a long time, so a good vintage table is not cheap, however, your budget should be sufficient.

Hannes

[mikemac]

Unless you are going to spend a LOT of coin then my belief is vintage is better. I really can't see the value in the cheaper rega/ project etc. This my opinion. My 1200 has a massive three part plinth, major engineering.

[Charles Darwin]

Can't beat a Technics SL1200 new or used.

There is nothing out there that gets even close to it for the money.

[Helmuth]

The sl1500,1600, 1700,1200 are technical in basic the same level the same direct drive motor.

So probably the sl1500 will be the lowest price on the second hand market.

I own self a SL1700 (and a thorens td124) real nice hifi table, the arm has very light moving bearings automatic turn off quick start perfect quartz controlled speed are a top piece of engineering for price performance and rumble figures.
The arm is perfect adjustable for every cartridge also the VTA most complete hifi TT and arm. The grey chassis is aluminium.
Description

The SL-1700 offers the famous Technics direct drive system with the added convenience of semi-automatic operation.

Once the tonearm is manually positioned over the lead in grooves, the automatic mechanism will lower the tonearm onto the record when the lever is flicked, and automatically return it to the arm rest at the completion of play. The unit is then automatically shut off.

This handy feature frees the user from rushing to the turntable at the end of record play and also saves wear on your stylus.

At any time during play, flicking the stop lever will cause the tonearm to automatically lift up and return to the arm rest.

Specifications

Type: semi-automatic turntable

Drive method: direct drive

Motor: servo DC motor (mk1), brushless DC motor (mk2)

Platter: 330mm (mk1), 332mm 1kg (mk2)

Speeds: 33 and 45rpm

Wow and flutter: 0.025% WRMS

Rumble: -73dB (mk1), -78dB (mk2)

Tonearm: universal s-shaped tubular arm

Effective length: 230mm

Overhang: 15mm

Offset angle: 21.5 degrees (mk1), 22 degrees (mk2)

Weight: 8.8kg (mk1), 10kg (mk2)




The sl1200 is popular in the DJ scene and therefore very common only expensive.

[Helmuth]

you shout try a technics and a TD160

[SY]

AR, then re-arm.