Nice vintage $2k Turntable, cartridge, and phono stage


I currently have a current version Rega P3, I am looking to make a change. I have   been drawn recently to vintage turntables especially with wooden plinths. The looks of the turntable are important (maybe more than they should be).  I would like a good looking TT with a modern phono stage, used is fine, and a good quality cartridge. I’d be happy with a “good” not necessarily great sounding setup to go with my Simaudio integrated and KEF R5 speakers.

Anyone have any experience they can share? 
 

mcstin

The DP-80 is a very trustworthy TT.

From the ones imported by myself I am yet to have one that has any speed issues, or discovered one that has a excess of play in the Platter Spindle Bearing Interface.

The prices can also be found that are quite attractive, and from other contributors, it also looks like there is additional support available if further work is desired to be undertaken.

As a strong suggestion, I would have a Plinth produced using either Panzerholz or Permali, either of these Board Materials can be veneered if the aesthetic is wanted to be quite attractive. 

As an additional strong suggestion, I would look to have the Platter Spindle Bearing Serviced.  

You should take a look at Micro-Seiki tables. I always liked the way they looked. BTW, I have owned a few Denons and on some of the early ones the plinths were made by HW VPI fame!

You don't say if you are MM or MC.

I would go with a nice used Thorens, a Darlington Labs MP-7, and whatever MM cart you can afford with what's left.

Also what yogiboy said and maybe check out Micro-Seiki.

$2K is not going to pay for a PBN refurbished DP80. And most DP 80s are now 40+ years old, so they’ll need at least some TLC unless the previous owner has seen to it. So far as I can determine, DP75 is so close to the DP80 as to be indistinguishable. And yes, these are fantastic TTs for their current market values. You’ll need to spend a bit extra on isolation, as well.

Tomic, Did you really pay only $309 for a DP80 with a Black Widow tonearm? If so, and if the DP80 was in good working condition, that is a real steal, not a deal that one could hope to duplicate in the present market. About 10-15 years ago, I paid $600 for my DP80 in its original plinth and with a Victor 9-inch tonearm, but my DP80 needed a fix, which was easily accomplished but required an additional expense. (I do believe that the previous owner was running it on 120V in the US, despite the fact that it is a 100V machine.) Which is another thing to bring up for a prospective buyer like the OP, he will need a step down transformer (120V to 100V) for most any DP75 or DP80. They’re available cheap on eBay.

Mirco Seiki with Pioneer Arm from Vlad. 1,600 cad is $1,160. usd

(I bought my JVC TT/Plinth from Vlad, I highly recommend him)

https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/650020068-micro-seiki-ddl-120-turntable-with-quality-pioneer-carbon-fiber-tonearm/images/4661003/

10 lb Platter.

Vlad has many many listings, you could write him about a Phono Stage or Cartridge or both.

https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/userads.php?user_id=10089