Anyone looking for "inexpensive" turntables?
pblanc
Posts: 261
There seems to have been some interest expressed by folks who want to investigate vinyl for the fist time, or play those vintage LPs they inherited from their parents, or have sitting in a box, left over from college. Most don't seem ready to invest big bucks right off the bat.
I have had fair luck buying used turntables from ebay or audiogon. In general these older tables need a little tinkering (sometimes just cleaning and lubrication, sometimes more extensive repairs), cartridge or stylus replacement, and setup. Obviously, there is the risk of buying a lemon.
I have owned a number of vintage (1970s) Dual turntables over the years, and am rather fond of them, maybe because of their West German lineage or maybe I just like their looks and the convenience of an automatic table. Or maybe they just make me nostalgic for the days when I was young and had a future. It is a testament to their build quality that so many have survived 30+ years in working or semiworking order, usually with no maintenance whatsoever.
I am toying with the idea of buying used Duals (maybe other brands as well) off the web, and repairing, cleaning and relubing them and offering them for sale here, if I think there is any general interest. I could also install cartridges of the buyer's choice. I know how to pack and ship them. I would not be doing this to make money, but as a hobby because I like to tinker with old things of quality (rather than see them go to a landfill) and because I think vinyl is a great medium that a lot of folks would enjoy if they had a reasonably risk-free and inexpensive introduction to it.
Although I am not looking to make money, I am also not looking to do this at my expense (except for my investment of time) so I would be selling these at my actual purchase price + actual shipping cost + a small additional charge to cover the cost of lubricants and parts. Parts would come from non-functional "parts tables" or tables that unexpectedly turn out to be DOA that I would have to purchase at my own expense, but not be able to sell.
Judging from the current price of tables selling on ebay, my guess is that your cost (not including shipping) would be in the $150-225 range, including a new entry-level cartridge, or a working used cartridge. This is based on the fact that I just won bids on three Dual tables at an average price of $115delivered (I have not yet received any of them so I don't know if they will be in working order). If you bought a table from me and it didn't work, I would buy it back for your purchase price, less return shipping, and I would tell you how to pack it. I could also help answer set up questions when you get the table (tables are shipped with spindles and platters removed, counterweight for the tonearm removed, sometimes the headshell removed, and the suspension "locked down". To set up the table, you have to unpack it, unlock the suspension, put the cartridge carrier in the headshell, put the counterweight on the tonearm, put on the platter and spindle, balance the tonearm, set the tracking weight and antiskate. These things are not difficult, but if you have never done it, you might need some guidance.
If you are looking for that great, ready-to-roll, $50 turntable go to yard sales and church rummage sales. If you are looking for a decent, entry level, quality vintage table, and are willing to make an investment of around $200 (estimate) I could take the guesswork and risk out of the process for you. If you have any interest, please leave a post so I can judge whether this enterprise would be worth my while, or not.
I have had fair luck buying used turntables from ebay or audiogon. In general these older tables need a little tinkering (sometimes just cleaning and lubrication, sometimes more extensive repairs), cartridge or stylus replacement, and setup. Obviously, there is the risk of buying a lemon.
I have owned a number of vintage (1970s) Dual turntables over the years, and am rather fond of them, maybe because of their West German lineage or maybe I just like their looks and the convenience of an automatic table. Or maybe they just make me nostalgic for the days when I was young and had a future. It is a testament to their build quality that so many have survived 30+ years in working or semiworking order, usually with no maintenance whatsoever.
I am toying with the idea of buying used Duals (maybe other brands as well) off the web, and repairing, cleaning and relubing them and offering them for sale here, if I think there is any general interest. I could also install cartridges of the buyer's choice. I know how to pack and ship them. I would not be doing this to make money, but as a hobby because I like to tinker with old things of quality (rather than see them go to a landfill) and because I think vinyl is a great medium that a lot of folks would enjoy if they had a reasonably risk-free and inexpensive introduction to it.
Although I am not looking to make money, I am also not looking to do this at my expense (except for my investment of time) so I would be selling these at my actual purchase price + actual shipping cost + a small additional charge to cover the cost of lubricants and parts. Parts would come from non-functional "parts tables" or tables that unexpectedly turn out to be DOA that I would have to purchase at my own expense, but not be able to sell.
Judging from the current price of tables selling on ebay, my guess is that your cost (not including shipping) would be in the $150-225 range, including a new entry-level cartridge, or a working used cartridge. This is based on the fact that I just won bids on three Dual tables at an average price of $115delivered (I have not yet received any of them so I don't know if they will be in working order). If you bought a table from me and it didn't work, I would buy it back for your purchase price, less return shipping, and I would tell you how to pack it. I could also help answer set up questions when you get the table (tables are shipped with spindles and platters removed, counterweight for the tonearm removed, sometimes the headshell removed, and the suspension "locked down". To set up the table, you have to unpack it, unlock the suspension, put the cartridge carrier in the headshell, put the counterweight on the tonearm, put on the platter and spindle, balance the tonearm, set the tracking weight and antiskate. These things are not difficult, but if you have never done it, you might need some guidance.
If you are looking for that great, ready-to-roll, $50 turntable go to yard sales and church rummage sales. If you are looking for a decent, entry level, quality vintage table, and are willing to make an investment of around $200 (estimate) I could take the guesswork and risk out of the process for you. If you have any interest, please leave a post so I can judge whether this enterprise would be worth my while, or not.
Post edited by pblanc on
Comments
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Well, I have to say the response is underwhelming thus far. Wait a minute: why am I talking to myself? Is this "cyberinsanity"?
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This is the first time I'm seeing this thread, I don't know how I missed it. I think this is a great idea and will gain in interest. You got the bug brother, I was in the same boat as you are 20+ years ago with the clamp idea. . . just from time to time do a bump post to keep the thread on the first page of the "New Posts" category and I think you will get some nibbles to start out with then some real bites, give it time. Where are you hailing from?pblanc wrote:Well, I have to say the response is underwhelming thus far. Wait a minute: why am I talking to myself? Is this "cyberinsanity"? -
Pblanc if I may make a suggestion to increase your "response" potential......break up your post into "bite-size" paragraphs, it will be much easier to read.
A constant barrage of words with no "breathing space" is a chore to read even if it is interesting. (no offense, just a friendly suggestion)....hmmm, now that I think of it, I posted some "bite-size" stuff that got NO responses...it must not have been interesting.:p
JoeAmplifiers: 1-SAE Mark IV, 4-SAE 2400, 1-SAE 2500, 2-SAE 2600, 1-Buttkicker BKA 1000N w/2-tactile transducers. Sources: Sony BDP CX7000es, Sony CX300/CX400/CX450/CX455, SAE 8000 tuner, Akai 4000D R2R, Technics 1100A TT, Epson 8500UB with Carada 100". Speakers:Polk SDA SRS, 3.1TL, FXi5, FXi3, 2-SVS 20-29, Yamaha, SVS center sub. Power:2-Monster HTS3500, Furman M-8D & RR16 Plus. 2-SAE 4000 X-overs, SAE 5000a noise reduction, MSB Link DAC III, MSB Powerbase, Behringer 2496, Monarchy DIP 24/96. -
He's right pblanc, make it easier to read then he will be able to read this all the way in the Great White North. LOL I still haven't forgotten about my email to you Joe.joeparaski wrote:Pblanc if I may make a suggestion to increase your "response" potential......break up your post into "bite-size" paragraphs, it will be much easier to read.
A constant barrage of words with no "breathing space" is a chore to read even if it is interesting. (no offense, just a friendly suggestion)....hmmm, now that I think of it, I posted some "bite-size" stuff that got NO responses...it must not have been interesting.:p
Joe -
:eek: They scared me away from TT's .Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
Thanks
Ben -
pblanc wrote:I would tell you how to pack it. QUOTE]
I tell people how to do that all the time !!:D
First time I have seen this thread....I almost passed it up because of the looong one word page (it semed) !
Glad I didn`t
I think it`s a great idea, as I am thinking of getting into the LP game.
I used to have a dual back in the 80`s and really liked it
I didn`t know much about TT`s or audio back then (still don`t), but I digress...:rolleyes:
good idea
:cool:Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
Parasound HCA-3500
Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
Jolida JD-100 CDP
Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
SVS PC-Ultra Sub
AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
PS Audio Plus Power Cords
Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)
:cool: -
Joe, You are right, of course. We live in a "sound byte" world. I myself, can't remember or understand anything that can't be printed in large letters on a 3"x5" index card (but then i understand Ronald Reagan had the same problem).
Joe, I just won a bid on eBay for another V15 TypeVxMR cart. It is supposed to have low hours on the stylus. Will see what kind of shape it is in when it arrives. The big problem with that cartridge, of course, is the unavailability of styli. Original Shure VN5MRs were selling for about $190 a couple of months ago, and now seem to have shot up to nearly $300. I just sent an email to Dual suggesting that at those prices they should start remanufacturing them. There are some aftermarket Swiss made styli but I haven't tried them.
My original stylus still sounds good but must be getting worn. I may spring for one of the Swiss jobs. If it sounds good, I will let you know. I bought the "new" V15 TypeVxMR mainly for the low-hour stylus and I really don't need two cartridges. Meanwhile, I'll have to have a look at my old stylus with my 3.5X loupes (the old stylus on my Shure cart I mean, although the loupes do sort of give you an ego boost if you wear them to go to the john).
I currently live in Evansville in SW Indiana. Pete -
Sounds like a good idea. You never know where these ventures or hobbies will lead. You could put a post on craigslist every week asking for donated tt's. I found a Pioneer PL-560 at the thrift store on saturday in what appears to be perfect working order for $5 and it has a book value of $95. Gary at http://home.houston.rr.com/soundsgoodtome/ runs a vintage stereo business part-time and is a super nice guy who would probably answer some of your questions also. I plan on giving the 560 to Gary in exchange for a lubrication on my reel to reel. Good luck.
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Thanks for the great advice!
