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.
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?
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That’s some great advice, thank you all for taking the time to help me out! I live in Europe, so unfortunately those eBay listings aren’t really an option for me. I understand picking out ‘the right turntable’ is a very personal thing. To each their own preference of sound, looks, options and brand. I do enjoy the clean no fuss looks of the Rega and Pro-Ject as opposed to the more DJ oriented look of the silver Technics. But the black SL-1200mkII en 1500c are okay and I love that they are quality build tables. For now, it is obvious that purchasing the 10 year old Xpression and Debut Carbon is a no go, simply because I can’t test the components that Bill mentions and the seller isn’t a commercial seller that offers warranty. The P3 or the 1500C are the contenders, because they both are newer and better options in terms of quality and sound. Perhaps the best option will be to test the different turntables on the same setup and see which one I prefer. And then go from there and start my journey. |
You’d be fortunate to find someone competent and honest enough to do all the testing that Bill recommends, and if this rare individual is in the audio business, the cost of those services is likely to double or more than double the base cost of the units you listed. So it’s good that the Rega is not a very old unit, and I say again, buy from a seller who will guarantee the condition. If there are gross problems, you’ll soon know. |
Go for that Technics! https://us.technics.com/products/direct-drive-turntable-system-sl-1500c-k |
- 14 posts total