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Affordable Turntable Options

Hey all. First, I know the term affordable is relative. I'm considering getting back into vinyl and rather than resurrect my dusty Marantz 6270 I thought about starting anew. I'd like to keep the cost under $500.00 w/cartridge. The U-Turn models interest me and they have added some new models with solid wood plinths that look awesome. Any suggestions based on the above? I see some prices for "vintage" tables are through the roof and always of dubious history...

beernut
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
The biggest problem is getting them shipped safely as many sellers don't have the original packaging nor the knowledge to correctly disassemble the table/arm and pack it properly to avoid damage during shipping.
Worried about shipping?  That would imply buying a vintage TT online from a vendor like Ebay and that poses a whole other problem - trusting that the TT works at factory spec despite what the seller says.  Most selling vintage on line really have no idea.

If your going to go vintage, buy only from Craiglist or a local shop where you actually inspect and hear the TT before you buy it.  Or your going to get burned.

dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
paraneer,

Please state your opinions without inferring things from my posts.

Dave
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
Did I infer wrong Dave? Sorry about that brother but not sure what I did other than quoting you.  Something that happens all the time on forums.  So, please correct the record if you meant something else.

But it seems to me that if one is buying a vintage TT and is worried about packaging and shipping, then that implies one is buying sight unseen from an internet site. So I issued another warning - makes sure it works!
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
It is a risk that can be contained to a large degree by communication with the seller. If the seller balks at providing details or even posting pics showing the operation of the table, then move to the next one. For the most part, avoid estate sale items unless there is ample information regarding the actual seller having tested the function of the TT. I have found that most of these tables operate fine but are just not set up correctly.  

Having a good operational piece is much different than having a seller that understands how to disassemble and package the table for shipment. I always contact the seller prior to payment and give instructions as to how the table should be packaged for shipment. If no reply or anything said that indicates any reluctance, move to the next one.

No arguing that it would be best to find a vintage table locally if that is possible.

Again, the tables that sell new with cartridge for <$500 are not very good and it pays to be patient in order to find the right vintage table and the right circumstances. I have had good luck following this approach. 

Dave
analogluvr
859 posts
 
Buying a vintage table is nothing like pulling Granny's car out of the garage! Paraneer you seem to have glossed over my point that a vintage belt drive turntable is not a very complex device so not much can go wrong with it.  A lot different from an internal combustion engine that has been sitting for 40 years. 
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