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Post by Hair Nick on Apr 30, 2015 16:05:01 GMT -5
I'm looking to add another turntable system in my home. I'm already running an Acoustic Research table in my main system but am looking for direct drive tables. My #1 would be getting a Technics 1200 (I had 2 previously and loved them...and boy have they gotten expensive!). Does anyone have any experience with the Audio Technica or Pioneer turntables? I know they are more for DJing but love the ease of use.
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geebo
Emo VIPs 
"Too bad that all the people who know how to run the country are driving taxicabs and cutting hair"
Posts: 24,188
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Post by geebo on Apr 30, 2015 16:15:07 GMT -5
I'm looking to add another turntable system in my home. I'm already running an Acoustic Research table in my main system but am looking for direct drive tables. My #1 would be getting a Technics 1200 (I had 2 previously and loved them...and boy have they gotten expensive!). Does anyone have any experience with the Audio Technica or Pioneer turntables? I know they are more for DJing but love the ease of use. You might want to look for a Kenwood KD500 / KD550 (one comes with tonearm and one without). I've had one for decades and still works like new. It has a very heavy and solid composite stone base. www.thevintageknob.org/kenwood-KD-500.html |
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Post by Gary Cook on Apr 30, 2015 16:52:39 GMT -5
There's a raft of Denon direct drive turntables, extremely accurate for speed and nicely isolated. Worth a look.
Cheers
Gary
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Post by Boomzilla on Apr 30, 2015 16:57:36 GMT -5
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Post by vneal on Apr 30, 2015 18:35:52 GMT -5
Used I would recommend Sony and Denon
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Post by Priapulus on Apr 30, 2015 18:41:55 GMT -5
My AR turntable is perfect; I can't imagine anything bettering it, in a way that I could hear.
Sincerely
/b
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Post by bond007 on Apr 30, 2015 20:03:05 GMT -5
go for the Technics SL-1200MK2, i have that turntble and i love it!!
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Post by Boomzilla on Apr 30, 2015 20:12:43 GMT -5
The problem with used turntables is that they're...used. You don't know how many times it's fallen off the back of the equipment truck, been dropped by stoned roadies, or had beer spilled down it. I've heard some horror stories about used 'tables. Further, if it is in need of repair, there's no such thing as the "used turntable parts store." You can buy on eBay, but bring your r-a-p-e kit. Yeah, the Technics SL-1200a might be a workhorse, but it's also maybe 40 years old! Things DO wear out...
For my money, unless I know the history of the item, I'd buy new. You know what you're getting.
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Post by bond007 on Apr 30, 2015 20:28:49 GMT -5
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Post by Priapulus on Apr 30, 2015 20:35:03 GMT -5
The problem with used turntables is that they're...used. You don't know how many times it's fallen off the back of the equipment truck, been dropped by stoned roadies, or had beer spilled down it. I've heard some horror stories about used 'tables. Further, if it is in need of repair, there's no such thing as the "used turntable parts store." My turntable has three moving parts: a motor armature, a belt and a platter; not much to go wrong there. I bought a new belt (the only part that wears out) for $12. I'd agree though, anything used wants to be test driven, or return guarantee. I'd be more concerned about shipping damage.
/b
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Post by AudioHTIT on May 1, 2015 0:53:44 GMT -5
The problem with used turntables is that they're...used. You don't know how many times it's fallen off the back of the equipment truck, been dropped by stoned roadies, or had beer spilled down it. I've heard some horror stories about used 'tables. Further, if it is in need of repair, there's no such thing as the "used turntable parts store." My turntable has three moving parts: a motor armature, a belt and a platter; not much to go wrong there. I bought a new belt (the only part that wears out) for $12. I'd agree though, anything used wants to be test driven, or return guarantee. I'd be more concerned about shipping damage.
/b
Usually some kind of bearing as well, they can go 'flat' (depending on the design). |
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Post by Boomzilla on May 1, 2015 2:34:55 GMT -5
The lubricant in the arm bearings can dry up causing stickiness.
The arm bearings themselves can wear causing sloppy tracking.
If the anti-skate is handled by spring, the spring tension can change over time.
The platter bearing can deform, have dry lubricant, or wallow-out its cylinder.
The contacts inside the arm (arm to head-shell / arm to output wires) can oxidize or corrode with differing channel levels.
The motor can have worn bearings and run either faster or slower (or, alternately, both) than design.
If there's a belt, it can dry rot & crack and/or attract crud and dust on its surface that interferes with smooth platter rotation.
The motor-drive electronics (on direct-drive tables) can misbehave.
I've seen ALL of these at one time or another over the years.
Don't try to tell me that "not much can go wrong;" it can and it does. OTOH, you might get a used table that will run for years to come without problem. Your money - your choice. Were I in the market for a table, and planned to keep it, I'd buy new. YMMV.
Boomzilla
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Post by qdtjni on May 1, 2015 5:28:41 GMT -5
Nick,
Why does it have to be direct drive?
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Post by Priapulus on May 1, 2015 6:35:45 GMT -5
The lubricant in the arm bearings can dry up causing stickiness. The arm bearings themselves can wear causing sloppy tracking. If the anti-skate is handled by spring, the spring tension can change over time. <snip> Boomzilla The tonearm is where precision really matters. To be honest, I discarded the stock tonearm w/o trying it, and used a vintage SME-3 tonearm (which traditionally was the upgrade choice for my TT). Before installation, the tonearm was returned to the Factory reps, for complete rebuilding, recalibration, lubrication and rewiring, to make it better than new.
New replacement and upgrade sub-frames, platters, belts, spindles, bearings, etc, are all available, But all my 30 year old turntable required was a couple of drops of oil. Even replacing the belt wasn't necessary.
Some people like shiny, new and plastic. I prefer solid woods and elegance. Somehow it feels appropriate; a vintage player for a vintage media.
Sincerely /b
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Post by Hair Nick on May 1, 2015 8:21:52 GMT -5
Priapulus I have that same turntable and love it in my main system. I want to add another table for use downstairs too. qdtjni I want direct drive because I can quickly switch between 33 & 45 with with a touch of a button PLUS the Technics design is built like a tank and that's why I was looking into the Audio Technica and Pioneer...they are basically the same turntable design but new.
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Post by chaosrv on May 1, 2015 8:35:36 GMT -5
The lubricant in the arm bearings can dry up causing stickiness. The arm bearings themselves can wear causing sloppy tracking. If the anti-skate is handled by spring, the spring tension can change over time. <snip> Boomzilla The tonearm is where precision really matters. To be honest, I discarded the stock tonearm w/o trying it, and used a vintage SME-3 tonearm (which traditionally was the upgrade choice for my TT). Before installation, the tonearm was returned to the Factory reps, for complete rebuilding, recalibration, lubrication and rewiring, to make it better than new.
New replacement and upgrade sub-frames, platters, belts, spindles, bearings, etc, are all available, But all my 30 year old turntable required was a couple of drops of oil. Even replacing the belt wasn't necessary.
Some people like shiny, new and plastic. I prefer solid woods and elegance. Somehow it feels appropriate; a vintage player for a vintage media.
Sincerely /b
That is a beautiful table. I will never, ever, understand why most modern "high-end" tables do not come with a dust cover. |
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Post by Boomzilla on May 1, 2015 9:55:18 GMT -5
I saw a lovely Denon at a yard sale this morning - $75. Unfortunately, the guy there just before me had already scooped it up! LOL
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Post by qdtjni on May 1, 2015 10:08:58 GMT -5
As for switching between 33 & 45 with a touch of a button, I can do that with my current Project and the ones I've had before, I could do that with my old Linn LP 12 too and a Clearaudio I had once too The Clearaudio was sturdy at least as sturdy as an SL 1200 and the Project Comes close. All three sounded way better than a SL 1200, albeit he Linn and Clearaudio in complete different price league.  Having said that, I do appreciate the SL 1200 and I have one too.  The Audio Technica and Pioneer should be as good, I think they're not only basically the same design, they are "original copies"!  |
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Post by qdtjni on May 1, 2015 10:10:08 GMT -5
I saw a lovely Denon at a yard sale this morning - $75. Unfortunately, the guy there just before me had already scooped it up! LOL Are you sure you want a used turntable?  |
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Post by rocky500 on May 1, 2015 10:20:40 GMT -5
I'm with boomzilla on this one. Matches well with the Emotiva gear and you can get a brand new one.  |
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