Affordable Turntable Options

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

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. 

It is exactly like pulling Granny's car out of the garage.  The car will need work before it can be driven off.  So will the vintage TT before it can played - at least properly.  I have yet to buy one from CL that did not require it to be opened and repaired.  And I bought quite a few. And it doesn't matter if its a simple belt driven, manual Pioneer PL-12D or a more complex fully automatic Technics SL-1300 or SL-1600 MKI or II.  At the very least with a manual, speed will need to checked, cueing often redamped and outputs checked for continuity.  You and I are up to it.  I just think its fair to let a newbie know what they may be in for.

Finally, for the record, I do not wish to offend any vintage TT fans.  I have one myself.  Its in my virtual system and it is stunning in both looks and performance.  But my investment in this 40 year old machine is a whopping 50 bucks being fortunate enough to know how to restore it myself. 

The U-Turn tables, made in MA by the way, work beautifully. I know a few people who bought them and think they sound great, and the fixed bias actually works fine. They're simply too inexpensive to be taken seriously by some, but that's a typical attitude among so called audiophiles…if it ain't expensive it can't be good.

I bought a old Linn Basik/Akito a few years ago and had to change the tone arm cable (actual rat bites I hadn't noticed when I picked it up from the seller…oh well), but beyond that and choosing a cartridge that meets my needs it's an great sounding table. 

Thanks, I ordered up a new U-Turn with the nice solid wood base they now offer. I didn't select the cartridge as neither the Grado Black nor Ortofon Red really excite me. I'll take it with the default budget AT cartridge and replace it myself. So any suggestions on a good budget cartridge?