New Turn Table in the future

A lot of people will say a used TT from the 1970s/80s is your best bet, but the value proposition can be dicey - the cartridge stylus can be worn, malfunctioning auto features, etc. You'd also need to drop at least $50 on a phono preamp.

If you're looking for a low-stress modern TT, there's really only one choice - the Audio Technica AT-LP120, a direct-drive manual model with built in preamp that goes for ~$190-209 online. I've had one for a few months and love it.

I've recently used a Dual 1229Q with Shure M97XE, a Philips AF-677 with AT-110E, and a Pioneer DD from the mid-1980s with a cheaper AT (at least it had a 1/2" mount, though) and all required repairs and had strange gremlins. The AT LP120 is easy to set up and will grow with you - the stock cartridge tracks at 3.5g, but once you play that for a few hundred hours you can upgrade to any HiFi cart and track lighter. You can plug in a different phono preamp when you're ready... it's just a blessing to have a legit TT in this price range.

There's also a fully automatic Denon belt drive for around $350, but I think the AT is a better bet.

Check out the Technics models but get Joes opinion if you find a perticular model for a good price. They made some great ones and also very cheap ones to avoid also.

I now have two Technics and love them both.One heavy one and one med. weight one with auto return that I love.

If you guys care anything about HiFi TT action, skip the USB garbage. I would think entry level is the SL1200's. So many TT's will destroy your vinyl, most notably the cheap stuff. A decent preamp can be had for around $200 but I haven't seen anything worth using for less (except maybe used).

Joe will most certainly be able to point you in the right direction.

Joe = Hearingimpared. You might want to shoot him a PM. I haven't seen him on the board in the past couple of days.

You're welcome, I really don't think you can go wrong for the price. It will only improve with cartridge/tonearm/preamp upgrades, but it's great enough in stock form to get out of the way and let you enjoy the music.

Speaking of cartridge upgrades, I mounted my M97xe in a spare headshell and it's a very good match to the table/preamp. Sounds a little richer in the midrange than the stock cart and tracks like a champ at as low as .75g.

Everyone discussing $200 preamps to mate with a $200 receiver is insane. You will get wonderful SQ with the AT table and your receiver.

I see you have some Technics tables - I'd say the AT-LP120 approaches Technics quality but falls short in a few areas (from the Sl-1200). The platter is lighter, the cue is a little flimsy, and the tonearm is a little cheesy. That said, it's guaranteed to work out of the box and none of those drawbacks is significant enough to shell out $700 for a new Technics table or $300+ for a used one that's been destroyed in nightclubs by an amateur turntablist.

I also have experience with the cheaper AT belt drive model with fixed cartridge, and I can't recommend it. They have no anti-skate controls and can't track for crap. It performs as you'd expect a $60 TT to perform, while the 120 definitely punches above its weight class.

Good luck whatever you do!

vc69 wrote: »

Joe = Hearingimpared. You might want to shoot him a PM. I haven't seen him on the board in the past couple of days.

vc69,
Thanks for the info.