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Hated my Pro-Ject Debut III looking for another budget option. Kind of thinking Thorens

Hi,
I finally got rid of my Pro-ject debut III and I am looking for another budget.   The ultimate deal breaker for me was that it was crazy noisy, loud hum,  also would generate a ton of static a couple of minutes into playing a record.  I always use an anti static brush,  and I started using an antistatic gun from work but the problem always continued. 

Lifting the plate up to change speeds was also way more annoying than I expected, and I listened to less of my 7" records because of this.   that fishing line counter weight was so corny,  for something that cost almost 500.00 USD I think Pro-ject could try a little harder (also has anyone ever had the knot come undone, took me over an hour to rethread the weight)  its like they finished designing this thing on a friday before a 3 day weekend. 

I am looking to get another turntable in that price range.  I can get a Thorens TD-170 next time I am visiting my in-laws in Germany for 380.00 USD and swap out the power supply for the US.   I like the idea of a built in phono stage so I can run line level straight into my passive volume control in then into my amp for even lower noise. 

Any suggestions?   people seem to say great things about the decked out U-turn but other than being less expensive at its core looks like the same thing as the debut III/carbon,  Music Hall,  entry level rega,  etc  

Also to note a lot of my records are relatively rare and have never been re-issued or released so I am not always listening to perfect 180 gram virgin vinyl. 

Any suggestions would be welcome.  Thank you, 
128x128mwrenne
reubent
7,005 posts
 
And for $599, the Pro-ject Carbon DC Esprit SB gets you the carbon tonearm, Ortofon 2m Red, DC power supply, acrylic platter and electronic speed control.

I'm currently using the Esprit SB and really enjoy it. I may upgrade the cartridge, but other than that, I'm happy with it for the price.
lewm
13,113 posts
 
IMO, Cheap cartridge on a good turntable/tonearm will beat an expensive cartridge on a cheap or poorly designed turntable/tonearm, every time.  So, stretch out to get a good turntable first of all, is my advice.  Surprised no one mentioned "vintage" in this connection.  In addition to the SL1200, I think you can still find a Lenco idler that fits within your budget (under $500) and can play with some of the big boys.  Then too, you can find vintage Denon DD turntables up to the level of the DP62 at or near to your upper limit of cost.
sunnyjim
927 posts
 

Had the same table and also hated it. I bought it from Audio Advisor and the salesman told me it was their best selling TT. Then, he informed  I could not return it or trade it. However, it was 3 months old. So much for AA's alleged advisers.  The table is a piece of junk. 

However, avoid  Thorens's new line of  tables.  And double avoid,  the so called Thorens "vintage" models on ebay that may be upgraded or refurbished. They are a nightmare of problems and don't offer the vintage sound they claim.

Check out either the Pioneer PS-1000( approx. $600, (and reviewed in Stereophile about 2 years ago by Herb Reichert) or the new Rega Planar  1 table which is approx. $450  and includes a cartridge. I would contact Music Direct, or check their website for new or clearance analog items.  Good Luck

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,308 posts
 
I will never buy any table with a hanging counterweight. 
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
Sunnyjim, the Pioneer turntable you mean is the PLX-1000. It's been reviewed in Stereophile by Herb Reichert and C-Net by Steve Guttenberg. Street price is consistently $697.
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