2. analog
  3. 192524-185712

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
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,715 posts
 

Go for that Technics!

https://us.technics.com/products/direct-drive-turntable-system-sl-1500c-k

oberoniaomnia
63 posts
 

What features do you want? Things to look are include:

- How is 33/45 speed change implemented: button, move belt on external pulley, remove platter. Do you frequently listen to 33/45 or >98% 33 only?

- Is antiskate adjustable? Important if you want to use different cartridges.

- Can you adjust arm height/VTA? Also important if you want to explore different cartridges.

- Do the tables have height adjustable feet? Rega infamously does not, but there are aftermarket ones from TNG spinner. Not sure about the project. 

- Any design preferences? say color? If the TT does not spark joy, you won't use it. Been there, done that.

Re second hand risk, the fewer parts a TT has, the lower the risk. Simple designs tend to be sturdier. Re price, I would suggest to factor in a new stylus (or new cartridge) right away. Old stylus with new alignment (shipping, new set-up) is a bad recipe. With Ortofon red, you can upgrade with stylus only to Ortofon blue. As the red has a conical stylus, while blue has elliptical, that is a no-brainer upgrade, IMHO.

grislybutter
3,160 posts
 

Any design preferences? say color? If the TT does not spark joy, you won't use it.

I can't stand the doctor's-office-white of the my Rega P3, it's a pain to look at. It never once stopped me from using it 

More to discover