Reva planar 3 it’s only 2 yrs old.
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?
- ...
- 14 posts total
Both Rega and Pro-ject make decent starter level turntables, which is what you are looking at. Since they are used the condition of the parts is going to make all the difference in the world. Specifically you need to have someone who is qualified look at the diamond tips of each stylus under a microscope to see how much wear they have undergone. You also need to have the belt of each examined and preferably replaced. The motors should be listened to for noise. The bearings at both the tonearm pivots and the turntable spindle should be first lubed and then carefully listened to for noise. All of this is easily accomplished by someone who knows what they are doing and has the equipment to accomplished the tasks. If these simple tasks can't be performed on the two TTs, my advice is to take a pass. Assuming they both are evaluated as per above and are found to be OK, then you should play a record or two on each one preferably on the same system. Do you like the sound of one better, if so that is the one to buy. If they both sound similar, which is easier for you to handle? Pick on the basis of ergonomics. Finally, if all else fails, which one pleases you more visually? The most important thing to remember is to have fun with this process. Playing records is supposed to be fun. |
get started for under $600. this automatic programmable linear tracking quartz locked direct drive TT put this Microline Cartridge on it. One screw, P Mount auto alignment https://www.amazon.com/LP-Gear-REFERENCE-phono-cartridge/dp/B07V5C3PNG?gQT=1 now listen while you collect LPs, and find out if you will stick with it. listen while you research and trust me when I tell you, it is hard to improve on that combo, I owned it for years before giving it to my son. I compared it to others here and everyone I loaned it to loved it. notice, it has the separate OEM ground wire. I found a pin and make a ground for mine, easy enough, but .... Actually it didn’t have any hum without the ground wire, most are missing, seems others don’t bother using them with this unit. alternate, new belt, 6 mos warranty lower price, |
this seller seems to know what he is doing see seller’s other items, 16 other TTs currently listed My objection to the models you list is that they have tonearms with fixed cartridges, I advocate, once you know you will stick with Vinyl, at least a removable headshell if not potential for 2 arms. So many times, over the years, we move up a bit, then later another step up, which is why that newly listed Programmable Technics seems like a great opportunity to get listening while taking the time to learn, ask, think long ..... If there is no penalty, automatic features are terrific. |
I've now got 3 Pioneer PLX-1000 turntables and I bought each for $350 second-hand. They are great DJ style tables that I use in home audiophile systems. I prefer them over older Technics SL-1200 mk II tables. They sound really good and are more robust build than lower-end Pro-Ject and Rega tables. They also have removeable headshells, so setup is easier and you can swap cartridges around in a matter of seconds. Highly recommended in the budget - mid-price range. |
- 14 posts total