Oh, and by the way, he is currently using an older, mass market technics turntable and the phono stage in a Haffler preamp. I'm thinking that the Haffler stage should be pretty good, although the preamp itself is having issues. We will likely try another phono preamp and compare, to see if the Haffler holds its own.
Which Mid Level Turntables Ship Well and Are Foolproof?
I'm looking for recommendations for mid-level turntables (e.g. $500-$1000 used) that are solidly built, are unlikely to be damaged from prior misuse, and that can be shipped relatively safely (assuming original packing materials). I am helping my cousin put together a system, and so far it's pretty nice: (Vandersteen 2CEsigs + 2WQ sub, McCormack DNA 0.5 Rev. A amplifier, modded Eastern Electric minimax preamp, Schiit Bifrost DAC). He is wanting to get back into vinyl, and has an analog audio store nearby that can either sell him something new (Rega) or help him set up something used. Given the relative delicacy of turntables and all the mechanical parts, we are debating whether to go used and if so, which models would present the least risk for used condition and shipping. Much appreciation in advance for your thoughts! Peter_S
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Go new ... try this one Project 25th Anniversary Classic. Factory installed and set-up cartridge. Have it 6 months and love it. http://www.needledoctor.com/Pro-Ject-Classic-Turntable-1?sc=2&category=352 https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=45537 Rich |
In addition to the Pro-ject Classic, I have a Stanton ST 150 (mk1). Pretty much everything I say about the Stanton, will apply to the Pioneer as they are very similar. These turntables are a lot of fun, are easy to maintain, and allow swapping out of cartridges. They sound pretty decent and are built like tanks and to take some rough use. Keep in mind that it is a DJ oriented turntable, so there are a number of features you may never use. In addition, since the TT is aimed for DJ use, what might bother an audiophile might not bother a DJ and vice versa. So the tonearm bearings have some play in them and there is some hum from the built in phono pre-amp (whether you use it or not) which is not audible when LPs are playing. Google Super OEM to read more. Rich |
If you are looking for something build like a tank and properly working (Direct Drive) my advice would be used Technics SP-20 (1976), if the budged is under $700, the rest is for tonearm etc. https://scontent-amt2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19149053_1742832902401536_7460015033588105669_n.jpg?oh... This turntable is the same in size and shape to the more expensive SP-10mk2 |
Thanks Rich and chakster. I think that the SP – 20 might be to Tweaky and involve too much technical skill for set up. We definitely need something easy to set up and maintain. It also sounds like the Stanton, and by inference the pioneer, is not at the same level as the other turntables we are discussing? |
@peter_s It's a nonsense to read about new Stanton and new Pioneer turntables on audiophiles forum. I have no idea why Rich posted about them, but i will tell you for sure that plastic Stanton is the worst turntable on the planet with awful tonearm of unknown geometry, i don't like the Pioneer as well, speaking about dj turntables there is ONLY ONE standard for professionals and this stadrard is Technics SL1200mk2 for ages ($300-400 used). Don't know what to say as i prefer much better turntables and all of them sells without tonearms. |
@ chakster - wow, who put the red bull in your Cheerios? The original poster asked a question about the Pioneer PLX-1000 and I gave an answer. Kindly reread what I wrote. It wasn't that outer worldly. @ Peter - for the audiophile experience, the Stanton 150 and the Pioneer 1000 may not satisfy. They are not awful TTs by any stretch. Mapleshade uses the Stanton for its TT mods. http://shop.mapleshadestore.com/Stanton-ST-150/products/201/ Rich |
Buying a new turntable from a reputable dealer is clearly the best way to assure yourself of safe transit and good back-up, in the unlikely event that there is shipping damage. Other than that, it's a crap shoot, but the next best thing is to buy a used turntable from a dealer or someone who is known to sell used turntables and has experience with packing and shipping and, better yet, will stand by you in the event of a disaster. Other than these two very similar options, the internet is replete with horror stories about "shipping" and "turntables". I know that I know how to pack and ship a turntable, because I have done it more than twice with no problems, but I can't know about the "other guy". |
You would do very well going new and I highly recommend that you check out the following: PolyTable http://hifigem.com/polytable.html PolyTable SUPER12 http://hifigem.com/PolyTableSUPER12.html Very reputable would be an insult! |
@rar1 @ chakster - wow, who put the red bull in your Cheerios? This link is a joke, if you believe in this bullshit go ahead, but i know this Stanton turntable and it is a total crap. I know Technics turntables very well, i use some of them for more than 20 years (they are modified). We’re not talking about mods here, but modding Stanton to claim it will outperform $4000 turntables is a nonsense! It’s like buyin’ Ford Focus to compete with Porsche 901. Technics SP-10mk2 will kill everything and in stock condition the price is only $1000-1200. So what is the reason to buy cheap and crappy Stanton (designed for teenagers wanna be djs, who can’t afford even SL1210mk2) to invest more in this shite Stanton, hoping it will outperform $4000 turntables??? If the guy feels ok to sell this crap to his customers and make money on it then do you think i have to believe in this noncense? You wonder why? Crazy world, indeed. |
Why limit yourself by a table that might ship well and be lesser performance as opposed to spending the same amount on a better table? I would just do your due diligence with the seller and make sure it going to be packed correctly etc so on. There are so many to choose from seems to me you would get way more for you money this way. |