What turntable?

[Pablo]

I have tons of vinyl, boxed and moved. Not for nothing!

I have a 100W tube amp, decent speakers. Need a turntable! (wired, not BT if that helps.

$300-$400 rangish.

 

[Dr_Dr3i]

I'm very happy with the Fluance I've been using for a couple of years. It has a built-in pre-amp you can bypass if using external, and is not Bluetooth.

I've tried a couple pre-amps and for the added cost I couldn't tell enough of a difference in sound quality to justify them, so I use the built-in one. Sound is amazing for the price ($250) and can easily be upgraded with a better stylus.

 

[Pablo]

I'm very happy with the Fluance I've been using for a couple of years. It has a built-in pre-amp you can bypass if using external, and is not Bluetooth.

I've tried a couple pre-amps and for the added cost I couldn't tell enough of a difference in sound quality to justify them, so I use the built-in one. Sound is amazing for the price ($250) and can easily be upgraded with a better stylus.

Mind me asking what model? They look good. Thanks!

 

[dubber09]

You may be able to get a used Technics SL-D2 in good shape with a good cartridge for that money or less. New good ones will be out of that price range.
This Technics is a direct drive table so you never need to worry about belts etc. Also has auto stop with tonearm lift and return to its rest.
If replacing cartridge, then get one with Elliptical Stylus, better sound.

 

[dippschtick]

https://www.fluance.com/rt82w-reference-high-fidelity-vinyl-turntable-natural-walnut

 

[jayjr1105]

 

[OVERKILL]

Shop around for a nice vintage direct drive turntable by Technics, Aurex, Brahn...etc.

 

[JohnnyG]

Too bad you didn't post this about a month ago! I gave away a 1972 Dual 1219. The best part about this turntable wasn't the fact that it was also a changer, but it had a Shure Magnetic V15 cartridge with two new needles. That alone goes for about $500.00 on Ebay.

 

[Quattro Pete]

I don't personally own one, but in that price range, I'm seeing quite a few recommendations for AT-LP120:

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at-lp120-usb

Direct Drive as well.

 

[OVERKILL]

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650148463-jvc-ql-y55f-quartz-locked-fully-automatic-turntable/
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details...l-ql1-linear-tracking-direct-drive-turntable/
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details...f-restored-with-org-box-and-empire-cartridge/
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details...-dd-turntable-rare-made-in-uk-w-at-cartridge/
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details...dition-and-adc-qlm-36-mk-iii-phono-cartridge/

Lots of options on Audio Mart, FWIW.

 

[dubber09]

I don't personally own one, but in that price range, I'm seeing quite a few recommendations for AT-LP120:

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at-lp120-usb

Direct Drive as well.

They are ok, not great, it was an attempt to make a Technics look-alike deck. I have one that I bought 10 years ago, may replace it with real Technics this year but it'll be about C$3k.

 

[Lubener]

The cartridge probably has the bigger impact on sound quality than the actual turntable has.

https://www.audioadvice.com/blogs/expert-advice/turntable-buyers-guide?gad_source=5

 

[Dr_Dr3i]

Mind me asking what model? They look good. Thanks!

Mine is the RT-81 and it's equipped with the AT95E cartridge, was thinking about upgrading the cartridge at some point but not sure it's worth the bang/buck.

Unless you're a serious audiophile, a $250 player will sound 99% as good as a $2k setup, so it really really needs to be important to you if you're going to spend that much. Good speakers will make a difference, as the built-in preamp (at least on my RT-81) is more than sufficient power.

For reference, I'm using these powered speakers (I know you said you have some already, just providing for comparison): Edifier 1280

As I said, for me, and for being under $350 this setup is excellent. It floods the room with life-like sound and richness.

YMMV

 

[Urshurak776]

https://www.musicdirect.com/equipme...eftuyvV7X4fX8TYr10N39gRV00btdKeQaAgzQEALw_wcB

Budget be ****ed! Go for this one: ($275,000) Piano Black is $300K.....

https://www.paragonsns.com/products/clearaudio-statement-v2-turntable

They also listed some used interconnect XLR cables. Around $9K:

https://www.paragonsns.com/products/transparent-gen5-xl-balanced-interconnects-35ft-pre-owned


Use the Amsoil money!


In all seriousness, the RT-81 someone mentioned above is awesome. I know 2 people that have them. You can pick them up used for $150, new around $250:

https://www.fluance.com/rt81-high-f...-player-with-premium-cartridge-diamond-needle

 

[doitmyself]

Beware the side effects

 

[Pablo]

This whole system so far under $1000 or so yes Amsoil money!

 

[Vil_Riker]

I have been happy with my Technics SL-Q202 direct drive. They seem to be 200-300 on eBay.

 

[dubber09]

Yeap, cartridge and preamp make the biggest difference in sound quality, but the table needs to keep speed well too, and you need to adjust tracking force and antiskating one as well. Cart needs proper alignment too.

 

[V70tdi]

I don't personally own one, but in that price range, I'm seeing quite a few recommendations for AT-LP120:

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at-lp120-usb

Direct Drive as well.

I have a AT-LP120XUSB and was not happy at all how it sounds until i got me a Ortofon OM 5e pickup and now it sound totally ok.

 

[jayjr1105]

https://www.musicdirect.com/equipme...eftuyvV7X4fX8TYr10N39gRV00btdKeQaAgzQEALw_wcB

Budget be ****ed! Go for this one: ($275,000) Piano Black is $300K.....

https://www.paragonsns.com/products/clearaudio-statement-v2-turntable

They also listed some used interconnect XLR cables. Around $9K:

https://www.paragonsns.com/products/transparent-gen5-xl-balanced-interconnects-35ft-pre-owned


Use the Amsoil money!


In all seriousness, the RT-81 someone mentioned above is awesome. I know 2 people that have them. You can pick them up used for $150, new around $250:

https://www.fluance.com/rt81-high-f...-player-with-premium-cartridge-diamond-needle

Don't forget the $7K gold Audiophile grade receptacle.