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Second hand record turntable - Which one?

 

Hi everyone, I am looking to purchase a new second hand turntable and found some options which I would like to get some advise on.

- Rega Planar 3 with Exact element, 2 years old - €550

- Pro-ject 1 Xpression with Ortofon Blue, 10 years old - €350

- Pro-ject Debut Carbon with Ortofon Red, don’t know how old - €200


Or should I just go ahead and invest in a new turntable? I have been looking to buy a Rega or a Pro-Ject for a while now but I don’t really have any experience and reference to compare, since the only turntable I ever owned was a Pro-Ject Primary E years ago. I am curious if it is okay to purchase a used one if it is in good shape? And how to look for signs that it isn’t. Or isn’t it worth the risk?

n777
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,745 posts
 

There are several early Technics direct drives that are easily restored fairly cheap that would satisfy.

theflattire
198 posts
 

I think Rega has a better arm.

lewm
13,143 posts
 

The way I think of it, there are two reasons to buy a used TT. One is to save money over the cost of a new sample of the TT you seek, and the other is because the TT you most want to own is no longer in production. The TTs you list are inexpensive, but you don't say how much you would be willing to spend on a new TT. If $350 or less does represent your "budget", then I would recommend you purchase something used, because there is not much to be found in the way of new TTs that would exceed or even equal the ones you list in performance. I say this although I am not myself a big fan of either Rega or Pro-ject. If you buy used, best to buy from a dealer or some other seller who is willing to guarantee the working condition of the TT. That warranty should be a major determinant.

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