Best vintage DD turntables from the 70's and 80's?

Some people just don't understand that classic high-end only increased its value over the years on the used marked, while the new high-end only decreased in value once it leave the shop. New Technics turntables will be availabe for the next 20 years and the price will be lower on the used market (except for the limited edition model). Some of the best vintage DD turntables getting rare and highly collectible. Some of them are incredibly good compared to the most new turntables. Like a classic cars they have charming design compared to the ugly turntables of today.    

Thank you @rauliruegas  for your suggestions. With all the suggestions I've gotten on this thread and the research I've done, I can't say that I can do any better than the Luxman. 

1. First of all, it's super hard to find some of these suggested vintage tables, IF you can find them. 

2. IF you do find one, it's gonna cost a lot and it might need some work done still. The build quality of the Luxman is top notch. I wouldn't want anything less. 

3. As @chakster states, the "Classics" are in a league of their own. Like a classic car, but you still have to find one and fix it if needed. 

4. I need flexibility to be able to change arms too and I'm seeing most of these vintage tables have fixed arms. That's why the Luxman is so good for this reason. Easy peasy to swap out arms. 

Now, what I'm beginning to think of is entertaining the thought of selling the Technics GR at some time and getting a bad ass NEW table that has the ability for 2 arms. Something really cool. Direct drive the way to go? Not interested in having to fidget with belts etc unless it's not a problem. 

I'm going to research some of the new tables and see what I come up with. 

best-groove154 posts10-06-2018 11:05pm

The SP10 sounds a little "edgy" in comparison....

What plinth do you use?

   Certainly not my words.   

I have a SP10mk3, not mk2.  It is in the factory plinth with Stillpoint V feet, micro seiki CU180 copper mat with Thales Simplicity II tonearm
and JP Jones wonderful MN6042 chip replacement     - a must for all SP10 mk3's 
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/technics-sp-10mk3-turntable-and-jp-jones-replacement-chip-for-mn6042

sound is powerful, concise, energetic and smooth - The P3 has a fraction more top end extension imo.

cheers

A refurbished SP10mk3 could be a fun possibility. Staying with vintage DD, 2 arm capability. I wonder how the SP10mk3 compares to the new G? 

@downunder @lewm  @ch

You’d better ask jpjones about new vs. old Technics.

In my opinion square chassis of SP-10mkIII is not good for two tonearms, the plinth must be huge for two arms and the arms must be "12 inch ideally. Stock Obsidian plinth is not designed for two tonearms, not even for "12 inch tonearm. My teak wood custom plinth was big even for one tonearm, imagine how big it must be for two tonearms. Normally plinth makers asking for a plinth more than we paid for turntable.

Here is a pic of my old Technics with several tonearms:
1) Schick "12 inch + SPU
2) EPA-100 "10.5 + ZYX Airy III EPA-100
3) Reed 3P "12 + Glanz 61
4) Without arms and plinth on Audio-Technica pneumatic footers.

This is a kind of plinth i really like (visually), you can compare two different kinds: https://oswaldsmillaudio.com/technics

BUT here is OMA Technics without square chassis!

Imagine the price for OMA plinth :)
and then the price for each armboard if you want to change the arm.

P.S. Victor TT-101 is more user friendly for many tonearms, here is a nice blog of Tuchan: https://audiocirc.com/2016/04/08/a-good-table-deserves-a-good-plinth/

Anyway each time i think about custom plinth it’s a P.I.T.A., because someone have to make them and it’s too complicated if you don’t have the right person to deal with.

This is the reason i love my pair of Luxman PD-444, i can forget about that plinth problem, i can use any tonearms i want, i can install them quickly and swap them quickly.