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Entry level turntable for my son

Hello all, 
My 16 year old has the same audio sickness as me. He recently approached me about acquiring a turntable for his system. Any recommendations on the entry level stuff from Rega, project, music hall, etc? Should I stick with the newer stuff or look for an older model like a Planar 3 or a MMF-5? I still use my Linn LP 12,  but I hear the newer ones out there have some nice new features the older entry level stuff didn’t. I don’t think he will be looking to do any modifications in the near future, he just wants to spin some vinyl. 
Thanks in advance!
skipper320
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Belt drive turntables must be avoided for sure, this is the worst investment, especially the cheap ones. Comparing cheap belt drive to $300-500 used DD Technics SL1210mkII is very bad idea, Technics always better in everything (and can be upgraded, if needed, by changing the arm, feet, power supply etc). You can’t buy anything better than this for $300-500 for a 16 year old kid.

Also in a youth comminity Technics is a legendary turntable used by their idols (deejays) in music videos and on stage, in the clubs etc, your hi-fi belt drive is nothing for them.

Technics DD previously used by DJ has no problem at all (if the tonearm is not damaged, which everyone can check). It’s impossible to damage Technisc DD motor, no matter who is the user, i have those turntables for 23 years, my neighbour have them for 30 years. Many friend purchased them used and some of them made in the late 80s or early 90s, still no problem to use at all. Every spare part for SL1200mkII or SL1210mkII available on ebay new in the boxes and can be replaced by any technician. This is Made In Japan quality and a cult turntable in the history. They made more than 3 000 000 of them and this is the reson why the price is so low.

A bnad new cost just $1399 (with phono stage and cartridge included)!
https://www.technics.com/us/news/20190107-sl-1500c/


tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
the Technics is nice, no doubt about it.
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
Another vote for U-turn Orbit. Got one for my daughter with the Ortofon Red cartridge. She absolutely loves it! I believe the outboard phono stage and the one mounted in the TT have the same internals.
jayh
63 posts
 
If it were my kids, the idea it came from grandad would mean a lot.
Many other suggestions are for better quality tables.
Why not start w a gift, if it needs cleaning, maintenance, lubrication, do it together, if it needs at minimum stylus replacement or cart replacement, start there & take your time looking.
Agree it’s hard to go wrong w any Technics table ( even the belt drive weren’ terrible)- I guess I’ve just spoken heresy aloud.
The important thing is have fun.
2channel8
760 posts
 
You'll die of old age before the opinions here stop coming in.
Re: the 1019:  http://best-turntables.com/dual-1019-turntable-review/
Since you like your Linn, maybe you could find a nice Basik with a LVX arm or better. I have one and love it with a Shure V15.
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