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Turntable selection advise

I have to admit that I am no audiophile nor do I have the funds to purchase some of the extravagant systems out there, I'm just a simple guy looking for simple advise. So far, I have looked into 3 turntables and I am wondering if some of you could assist me with my selection process. I just want to play vinyl that's all, hmmm audio nirvana ~!

So far I have looked into various TT and my selection is as follows.

1) Technics SL1200MK2
2) Technics 1210M5
3) Audio Technica AT-PL120

I like the fact that the Audio Technica has a built in phono pre amp and it plays at 3 different LP's speed rates (33, 45 and 78)

Could someone please advise the pro's and con's of my above selection?
chgolatin2
tigerwoodkhorns
130 posts
 
I just read your response about funds. A good friend just bought a Technics SL 1300 in mint condition for $150 on ebay and he is very happy. He added a Denon Dl160 cart and Sumiko headshell (same as what I am using).

FWIW, we both have systems in the $30,000 to $40,000 range are are very happy with the Technics tables.

One huge reason that tables are belt drive (besides the stigma DD tables) is that the cost to gear up to build a quality DD table is very high. Technics spent the money in the 1960's and sells the table for the same price that it has sold for a long time.
johnss
585 posts
 
Robert,
be sure you check out KABUSA dot com. they offer all kind of real technics TT upgrades. The two I would pop for are the cardas arm re-wire and the dampening trough.

All the best;

John (up in Lake County)
mingles
799 posts
 
I agree with others that recommend the Technics SL1200MK2. I also suggest an Audio Technica AT150MX cartridge and Bottlehead Seduction phono stage. This should give you plenty of listening enjoyment. I don't think you'll be able to do better for the price. Some forums to check out:

I just went up two notches in resolution
Bottlehead Seduction Phono Stage question
chgolatin2 OP
53 posts
 
Thanks to all for all the help, my budget currently is not the best so I will keep my options open until I can hit the road running again.
learsfool
1,215 posts
 
I would second the Rega recommendation. I believe you can get the P1 for under $400. This would be a much better option than any of the cheap motor-driven Technics, etc. Belt-drive is the way to go.
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