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Looking for a good value turntable

E

Empty_Quarter

2[H]4U
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Dec 23, 2007
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Not particularly "computer audio", but it does fall under audio, fits no where else better, so here goes:

I'm looking at getting a turntable, something on the low end side of things, but one that is of good value. Say $150? $200 max. I'm aware something like a technics SL-1200 would be the best option for me, but that's a little out there as far prices go. I'm a complete nub when it comes to this, and I dont even know where to start.

I dont mind going new, used, or vintage, as long as its great bang for the buck, bring on the suggestions!
 
well, the sl-1200 is a dj table, so, its not necessarily the best option for everyone.

and sad to say, $150-200 is really not enough, even when looking used or vintage.

well first question is does your receiver or amplifier have a phono input? if the answer is no, then your likely going to need a phono pre amp. they can be around $100 at minimum for one worth looking at.

youll also want a decent cartridge as most tables under a few hundred wont have good ones on them.
probably another $100 or at minimum $60-70. with used/vintage turntables youll likley need to change the cartridge

so, assuming you dont have a phono input on your current sound system, you can see that your looking at spending around your entire current budget just on a pre amp and cartridge. hey, sometimes you can get really lucky and find vintage turntables for $10. do any relatives have turntables up in attics somewhere?

other than that my best advice to you is something like this, but please change the cartridge asap.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00012EYNG/
this turntable has a pre amp in it which can be bypassed.
 
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I do have a reciever with phono inputs, so I'm okay on that end.

Thanks! both suggestions seem great, and do-able (I can push the budget to $300, i'd rather not go $500+ though). I particularly like the PROJECT one, I'll look more into it for sure!
 
the fact that you have a phono input is very good news!

the project one is good, and its got a decent cartridge, better one than the AT one i listed. its also belt drive which is better for non DJ applications. i wouldnt really use a direct drive for personal listening except the high end technics and some other models.
upgrade the cartridge to something like a ortofon 2m red ($100) or denon dl-110($130) and its really good

http://www.needledoctor.com/Pro-Ject-Essential-Turntable-in-White?sc=2&category=46

order from needledoctor and they will mount a cardridge for you, and give you a few bucks for trading in the factory cartridge.

with a $300 budget you can also find good quality good condition vintage turntables that just need to be retipped, belt changed or at most change the cartridge.
so suppose you buy one for $200 and spend another $100 on a cartridge thats a really nice setup.
 
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pro-ject

or grab a nice old school TT and throw a nice cart on it like Ortofon 2M Red.
 
My head might roll for this, but try consignment shops, thrift stores, or Goodwill and the like. In years past i have seen nice units just sitting on shelves in some of these places. I would find a few on the shelves, then look them up online and see what others have to say about them on more audio-centric message boards. Slap a new cartridge in one of those units and you may be in good shape (since you already have the phono inputs that is one less thing to worry about).
 
Dalfo002 said:
My head might roll for this, but try consignment shops, thrift stores, or Goodwill and the like. In years past i have seen nice units just sitting on shelves in some of these places. I would find a few on the shelves, then look them up online and see what others have to say about them on more audio-centric message boards. Slap a new cartridge in one of those units and you may be in good shape (since you already have the phono inputs that is one less thing to worry about).
Click to expand...

Yeah, if you're not checking out thrift shops you're doing it wrong. :p
 
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