Recommend a Turntable

Serendipity
Serendipity Posts: 6,975
edited May 2009 in 2 Channel Audio
Well...

A nice, sweet, young female friend of mine is really into vinyl and I think I've got the "upgrade bug" to get a turntable. ;)

Anyways, I've been looking at the Music Hall 9.1, Technics 1200 (many variants), and some of the Rega units.

What is a great "bang for the buck" turntable while providing great sound? Keep in mind I mostly listen to classical music, and I prefer a warmer sound...
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,804
    edited April 2009
    Bang for the buck? SL-1200 family, no doubt (and I am not a big fan of DD nor heavy, S-shaped arms).
    Next step up (IMNSHO) worth considering if you (umm, she) is serious: VPI Scout or Clearaudio Emotion/Marantz TT-15S.
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited April 2009
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    Bang for the buck? SL-1200 family, no doubt (and I am not a big fan of DD nor heavy, S-shaped arms).
    Next step up (IMNSHO) worth considering if you (umm, she) is serious: VPI Scout or Clearaudio Emotion/Marantz TT-15S.

    Which of the SL-1200 family is the best "audiophile" table? There's the MKII and the MK5, and then a few others...
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited April 2009
    Thanks, the SL-1210M5G looks like the best of the bunch!!
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited April 2009
    I don't think that's an authorized dealer?
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    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited April 2009
    If I were to do it again I would have gone the 1200 route. My project is audiophile looking, but needs way to many upgrades to make it what the 1200 is out the box with a Denon 160 cartridge.
    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
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,804
    edited April 2009
    The tried and true SL-1200 is the best price/performance value under a kilobuck out there in terms of new production (and used is dicey at best and downright inadvisable if packing/shipping is involved).

    Just my hardly humble opinions, needless to say.
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,244
    edited April 2009
    Keiko wrote: »
    This one's the best in the Technics family Alex. This is the best price I've seen on it also. I put a Denon DL-160 MC cartridge on mine and it's pure magic.

    http://www.compuplus.com/i-Technics-SL-1210M5G-Direct-Drive-Turntable-1020611~.html?sid=6c3054oo7luel10

    I printed that page took it to Guitar Center and they price matched it.:cool:

    Thanks to Mike i am running the same TT setup as him and loving it.
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited April 2009
    Back in February I picked up a Technics SL-1300 one owner just serviced for $120 locally. Sounded great, added a Denon 160, sounded even better than added a Cambridge Audio 640P Phono stage and it has been heaven ever since.

    A good cart and phone stage will make all the difference.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited April 2009
    You can't go wrong with a VPI. Here is a dealer of many manufacturers of turntables that I believe is not too far from where you live. Quest for Sound, the owner's name is Stephen Monte, mention my name or Phil's plus the fact that you a Club Polk member and he will give you a great deal. He really took care of Troy and a few others.

    Good Luck!
    Joe
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited April 2009
    If you want to buy locally, there's a Rega dealer in Wantagh.

    Shoot him a email: http://dougstubes.com/
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited April 2009
    Face wrote: »
    If you want to buy locally, there's a Rega dealer in Wantagh.

    Shoot him a email: http://dougstubes.com/

    Does he sell any other brands? I usually go to Audio Breakthroughs (www.audiobreakthroughs.com)
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
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    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited April 2009
    TT's, no. But I believe he's a dealer for Manley also.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited April 2009
    Thanks. Manley stuff is over my budget, though I'd like to hear how tubes sound like in my rig.

    Will check out the P1 though...
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
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  • doctor r
    doctor r Posts: 837
    edited April 2009
    I will add a vote for the Denon DL-160. The TT is an important purchase, but having a cartridge that performs well on the tonearm/table combination makes the experience worthwhile. I started with the Denon and have since upgraded but I have occasions where I remount my DL-160 on the table. I am always surprised and pleased with the clarity and soundstage the DL-160 presents for its price.
    integrated w/DAC module Gryphon Diablo 300
    server Wolf Alpha 3SX
    phono pre Dynamic Sounds Associates Phono II
    turntable/tonearms Origin Live Sovereign Mk3 dual arm, Origin Live Enterprise Mk4, Origin Live Illustrious Mk3c
    cartridges Miyajima Madake, Ortofon Windfeld Ti, Ortofon
    speakers Rockport Mira II
    cables Synergistic Research Cables, Gryphon VPI XLR, Sablon 2020 USB
    rack Adona Eris 6dw
    ultrasonic cleaner Degritter
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited April 2009
    I'll put in another vote for the Technics SL1200 with the Denon DL-160 cartridge. I am running this setup and couldn't be happier
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  • haimoc
    haimoc Posts: 1,031
    edited April 2009
    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1246212343

    Great deal on Technics SL1200.
    -?¿-
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited May 2009
    Looks like I'm most interested in the Technics.
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited May 2009
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    You can't go wrong with a VPI. Here is a dealer of many manufacturers of turntables that I believe is not too far from where you live. Quest for Sound, the owner's name is Stephen Monte, mention my name or Phil's plus the fact that you a Club Polk member and he will give you a great deal. He really took care of Troy and a few others.

    Good Luck!
    Joe


    Yup, don't dick around. If you are looking at a Music Hall 9.1....don't eff around and get the Scout (Scoutmaster even better). It's a much better choice.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited May 2009
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    You can't go wrong with a VPI. Here is a dealer of many manufacturers of turntables that I believe is not too far from where you live.

    I'm not exactly near PA; that would be a few hours away at the least...
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited May 2009
    He ships....I bought my Scoutmaster from Quest for Sound. GREAT guy......he mounted and aligned the cart so it was plug and play. Easy peasy.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • Stevenmbell
    Stevenmbell Posts: 60
    edited May 2009
    I have a 1200 for sale $250.00 or trade for a cd player.
    2 CHANNEL:cool:
    Belkin PF31Pure power/AV Conditioner
    NAD C165BEE PreAmp Great Phono Section
    B&K ST1400 S2 Power Amp
    Audio Quest 4 Speaker Cables
    ProJect RPM 1 Carbon
    Ortofon Blue Cartridge
    Quadio Interconnects
    Denon 2910 DVD-A/SACD Player
    Pangea SE 14 & AC9 Power Cords
    Vifa DIY 3 ways Sound is incredible. :biggrin:
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited May 2009
    TroyD wrote: »
    He ships....I bought my Scoutmaster from Quest for Sound. GREAT guy......he mounted and aligned the cart so it was plug and play. Easy peasy.

    BDT

    Sorry, but I can't do that. After I got scammed out of more than $1k on used gear, I only buy NEW from local hi-fi stores.
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited May 2009
    Good luck then.
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