Entry Level Turntables: Any Suggestions?

[CognitiveDiscord]

Hey guys, I'm looking to purchase a turntable and I was wondering if you had any opinions or suggestions for me.

I'm looking to spend between $100-$200 (I wasn't kidding about entry level... sorry!), and I know my choices are both limited and probably hated around these parts. That being said, anything you can offer to give me the most bang for the buck would be greatly appreciated.

So, the bottom line: If you can suggest a specific brand/model, or simply let me know what to look out for in the wide field of candidates I'll be sifting through, I'll love you for slightly less than forever.

Thanks again!

[planet10]

You are going to need to find a good used one. Rega, Pro-ject.

dave

[vinylkid58]

Shouldn't be too hard to find an early Rega Planar 2/R200 combo for $200. Personally, I wouldn't recommend a Pro-ject Debut III, unless you can get it for $100 or less.

jeff

[a.wayne]

AR .....

[dangus]

A manual belt drive turntable is usually a safe bet. Like the AR, although the arm may not be suited to high-compliance cartridges. It's not that difficult to DIY a low-mass, low-friction pickup arm using hand tools, but it might be saner to buy an aftermarket arm and adapt it.

The Connoisseur belt-drive table had a reputation for good value; never owned one, but did spot one at Value Village. Don't pass up a reasonable direct drive turntable for a good price; if you don't like it, you can probably sell it on to a wannabe DJ since they usually have pitch control. And if you regularly listen to 45 rpm discs, the ease of changing speed is seductive. Some can be readily modified to run at 78 rpm; Popular Electronics did an article, and it's discussed at Audiokarma.

Try local stores that sell used records; they often carry refurbished turntables. Be incredibly wary of buying a turntable off eBay unless you can pick it up in person: Unless it's a professional dealer, or in the factory packaging, there's a big risk you'll receive a box of junk.

[ColinA]

Look up " Goldring Lenco GL75
You can probably still get one of these at a good price.
Bombproof design as long as the motor is running.
Main bearing is very simple & usually only needs cleaning.
Idler drive wheel can go hard or distort but replacements avaliable.
Arm best replaced with a DIY unipivot or whatever budget will allow.
Best feature If you want to LISTEN to music it will sound great.
BUT
If all you want to do is measure & test with scopes & Strobes Etc then best left alone

Judge quality with your ears not instruments or simulators.

[CognitiveDiscord]

Quality stuff, guys!

Well, I found an AR online for ~$110 or so. I'm not familiar with their turntables, but EVERYONE knows Acoustic Research.

I also found a Technics SL 1200 MK2 locally that I might be able to swing for ~$200.

Given the choice between the two, which would you go for, and why?

The ultimate goal is audio quality, but I'm not afraid to DIY a thing or two.

[planet10]

I'd pick the AR and put a new arm on it.

dave

[tinitus]

Originally Posted by planet10

I'd pick the AR and put a new arm on it.

dave

+1

I don't know if putting a new arm on is a beginners thing
but could be done later on, with more experience
original arm works too

there was a very nice bigger AR for sale here a few days ago
but cost a bit more
and without arm

but be aware that some can be in poor condition, worn out, or ruined by abuse
and others may be like new

[CognitiveDiscord]

Very cool. Any idea of what an AR should go for? I have no idea what it's worth, and I don't want to be taken for a ride. The sale ad says there is a cartridge in it but is missing the needle, and the belt may need to be replaced.

Normally, I would have no problem researching this all on my own (which is half the fun!), but the sale ends tonight.