Every day I see another turntable recommendation...

Having owned turntables since the 1960’s and decent turntables since the ‘70’s and audiophile turntables since the 80’s as well as constantly evaluating and listening to them since the 70’s I can assure you the sound quality has improved dramatically over the period particularly in the 90’s - 10’. A 1980’s turntable purchased for $1,000 would be a cost today of ~$4,000. Sound quality… of a good TT in this price range today is much higher quality.

@ghdprentice

I agree with what you're saying generally across the board.

I have little doubt that a Planar 3 is considerably superior to my Rega 3 from the mid 80s. Nor that there are some fabulous designs around the $1k mark these days.

I guess it's hardly surprising when you consider the amount of competition that is out there today plus the fact that sound quality seems to be far more of a priority these days as compared to convenience. The advances in design technology and engineering, of course, aren't going to hurt either, are they?

However, what happens if we were to compare a Technics SP10 from 1971 with its modern day equivalent?

Or, going back even further, a carefully restored AR turntable with a similar design from today?

I can't help but wish, for the sake of perspective if nothing else, that there were far more 'real world' comparisons such as this.

So happens I had an AR turntable from the late 70’s. I treated it with great care. Had it maintained a couple years ago. It was not remotely competitive with the VPI I bought in 1995 and certainly not in the same league as my current Linn LP12.

Go listen and enjoy. There are several good decks listed. I would consider second hand - high end decks tend to be well cared for.

View audio like you would clothes or watches - get what suits u.

I will warn you that buying TT’s is addictive.

I would approach this as a TT with arm and cartridge.

J-wall

Im interested in your upgrade path on turntable and cartridge 

an upgraded cartridge and a little better TT goes a long way 

but, I’m most interested in your sq difference between the solid state musical surroundings phono and Allnic phono. One of my audio buddies has converted to mostly Allnic .   Just wondering what the true differences were ?

Saulh 

j-wall said a mouthful In a few sentences . In my opinion he’s very right , but I’m limited in TT experience. Audio buddies have high end stuff to compare my stuff too

acoustic solid with triplaner and Purple Heart & esoteric phone and avid & lyra & ref 6 phono

I’m interested in your current thoughts as to your direction 

Jeff