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For good reason as I have learned, there is a huge following on here for vintage turntables such as the Technics SP10 MK II (or rarer MKIII), the Garrard's, and even highly modified AR's (after all the mods, it's really just the original plinth), so I was wondering what other turntables people still love from the 60's through 80's era?

I always loved the complicated end-of-the-vinyl-era automatic decks. I had a love affair with the B & O 8002, which was the coolest looking music player I had ever seen. As it turned out it had one of the best cartridge designs of all time (see current Soundsmith Designs based on this), but was fairly noisey. I always lusted after the Yamaha PX-2 after seeing one at a buddies house in the early 80's. I've always been on the lookout for one in great condition, and I finally found one, and guess what, it's much better than expected.

It looks almost new, especially since it's 30 yrs old, and functions absolutely flawlessly. The sound: great. I have added a MerrillScallia lead mat, and a center weight, as well as using some Dynamat on the underside of the platter (taking care to keep the balance). I am currently using my VPI Zephyr cartridge from my VPI Classic until I can get my hands on a Shure V15vXMR with and a JICO replacement needle.

So, anyone else out there Jones-ing on old decks that they find are surprisingly good?

I currently planning on keeping my VPI Classic, and the Yamaha as a secondary deck, while upgrading it's power situation, interconnects, and putting it on a Gingko Platform. If after all of that it's close to the VPI, I may sell the VPI and keep the Yamaha as the primary. It's just fun really.

So, what other old turntable we got rockin' the house out there?