Tables

tonyb

Been thinking about some old albums I found in a box in the closet. Haven't spun a record in 30 years. I know you guys like Joe sink some good coin into it but thats not my bag, yet anyway. Just looking for something that may sound good enough to wet my appetite and possibly show the woman why we old farts look apon records with such affection. Saw this on craigslist, any of you guys know if it's decent enough for a starter table?

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/ele/1918959272.html

I also saw a Sota for a buck and a half, those any good??

I know,I know....do it right or don't do it....yeah yeah....I know it's all about the arm,the headshell/needle....platter...and all that,but I'm just looking for something thats a once in a blue moon spin job that will somewhat show what vinyl is all about. My thoughts run along the lines of the tech sl series,older pioneer pl series, the good gerards or thorens are going for too much coin these days. The Technics seem to have better build quality to hold up over time. Is this just wishfull thinking or could one find a table under a buck and a half for a few moments of bliss?

HB27

Don't overlook the Thorens. A 165 or similar in very nice condition can be picked up for $100 and up sometimes. I run a lot of vinyl and the Thorens from the 70s and early 80s are the bargain in the vinyl world.
You'll be at the mercy of the arm/cartridge/stylus in regards to cost but you'll not find better sounding tables for anywhere near the money. They put new meaning into "quiet".

tonyb

Yeah,thats the Sota. If it's that delicate then I'll stay away. Thorens don't come up much and when they do it's usually 200 bucks and needing some work. So look for a belt drive ? I've never had anything other in the past, always thought the DD tables offered more stability with the speed. Trying to find a halfway decent table with a halfway decent needle is proving to be more challenging than I thought. Lots of garbage out there too.

hearingimpared

Tony, you will not enjoy not one note of music coming off a crappy table/tonearm/cartridge especially if using old uncleaned records. I would go with a newer used table with names like Music Hall, Pro-ject, Clearaudio, Rega, Sota, and of course VPI. The problem is even great table sound like crap if not set up properly.

Don't jump the gun, be patient, and don't get hung up on $150 as your absolute. You may come across a great mid-level used (MSRP new of $500 to $800) table for $ 200 to $300 that you will enjoy and not have to worry too much about tweaking once setup is done properly.

I would stay away from both the tables you noted in your OP for reasons already stated.

cstmar01

hearingimpared wrote: »

Tony, you will not enjoy not one note of music coming off a crappy table/tonearm/cartridge especially if using old uncleaned records. I would go with a newer used table with names like Music Hall, Pro-ject, Clearaudio, Rega, Sota, and of course VPI. The problem is even great table sound like crap if not set up properly.

Don't jump the gun, be patient, and don't get hung up on $150 as your absolute. You may come across a great mid-level used (MSRP new of $500 to $800) table for $ 200 to $300 that you will enjoy and not have to worry too much about tweaking once setup is done properly.

I would stay away from both the tables you noted in your OP for reasons already stated.

agreed.

You can find some great deals on used music halls 2.2LE's and the Rega's which are also very nice units. Look around for them. Also don't forget about a phono pre!

nooshinjohn

Be on the lookout for Denon rosewood tables(DP-52/62) and the Yamaha PX-2/3 and PF 800/1000 as well. I love my PX-3 and would not dream of parting with it.

tonyb

C'mon guys, not all tables could have been crap back then. When I look at starter tables from pro-ject or music hall, they look so flimsy. Some of the older tables look like they had some weight to them at least. Guess I'll just keep a lookin' and wait for something better to pop.

hearingimpared

Tony, my table is over 20 years old! No-one said anything about "starter" tables just for the reason you stated at least from those two manufacturers. I specifically stated used mid-level tables because they are so much better than the starter tables.

I have nothing against old or vintage turntables. I just think with what you want to do, you want as little to do and more time listening.

tonyb

hearingimpared wrote: »

Tony, my table is over 20 years old! No-one said anything about "starter" tables just for the reason you stated at least from those two manufacturers. I specifically stated used mid-level tables because they are so much better than the starter tables.

I have nothing against old or vintage turntables. I just think with what you want to do, you want as little to do and more time listening.

True Joe, but for the most part,old or new, Tables work the same,motors,belts,arms,needles,platters. Not much to change on tables except belts and carts...meaning if your not going to go threw the whole upgrade thing with arms platters,headshells,and so on. My thought was if I bought a decent vintage,well built table, the expense would be a belt and maybe a needle. If the motor crapped out you could always save the cart and scrap the table without too much coin lost. If I was going to spin like a crazy guy like you....:D, Maybe a different story all together then. I'll keep a look on the 'gon for a mid level table as you suggest. Thanks for the input pal.

TroyD

I see what you are saying but my thing is this....a DECENT vintage table is going to run you within spitting distance of what an entry level Rega, ProJect or Musical Hall is. Sure, you can bag a cheap-o direct drive table for less than fifty bucks, however, unless you are savvy with tables....ie you know how to set them up, inspect and align the cartridge etc etc...at the minimum, you are going to get **** sound and very likely going to permanently damage your LP's.....

If it's just for the nostalgia factor, well, bang on....but if you are asking for advice, you've been given some very sage advice.

BDT

shack

TroyD wrote:

I see what you are saying but my thing is this....a DECENT vintage table is going to run you within spitting distance of what an entry level Rega, ProJect or Musical Hall is. Sure, you can bag a cheap-o direct drive table for less than fifty bucks, however, unless you are savvy with tables....ie you know how to set them up, inspect and align the cartridge etc etc...at the minimum, you are going to get **** sound and very likely going to permanently damage your LP's.....

If it's just for the nostalgia factor, well, bang on....but if you are asking for advice, you've been given some very sage advice.

BDT

Troy hit the nail on the head. The starter tables you can buy today will give you pretty good sound right out of the box. A used table will be hit or miss. You could pick up what appears to be a decent used table, but age, wear, etc could create issues you may not even be aware of. By the time you find/fix them you may have just as much $ in the table and way more time invested than a new Music Hall or ProJect. Buying a used table is a venture that needs to be done by someone who either knows what they are doing or is willing to spend considerable time and effort to find out the nuances of TTs. Take it from someone who currently has a 40 year old TT (high end at the time) and a relatively new entry level table and some in between...Me in your shoes....I would buy a new entry level. If you decide you don't like the "vinyl experience" sell it and you get 70-90% of your investment back. Like it...do the same and jump in with both feet and get out the checkbook (or CC as the case may be).