Best turntable under $1,000

[jjkessler]

I wanted to ask for opinions on what the best turntable would be for under $1,000?

[Priapulus]

I bought a vintage (1985) AR (Acoustics Research) turntable that I am very happy with. A vintage turntable for a vintage medium. eBay, $400. Elegant, fine furniture quality walnut base. Belts and other parts still available.

 

Sincerely

/b

[jjkessler]

I was also looking at a Music Hall MMF-5.1

[Loop 7]

I'm not a vinyl person but three friends are purists and rave about the Rega RP 3. They've had Pro-Ject and VPI but prefer the Rega.

www.rega.co.uk/rp3.html

[Hair Nick]

Nov 26, 2014 9:26:00 GMT -5 Priapulus said:

I bought a vintage (1985) AR (Acoustics Research) turntable that I am very happy with. A vintage turntable for a vintage medium. eBay, $400. Elegant, fine furniture quality walnut base. Belts and other parts still available.

 

Sincerely

/b

View Attachment

I have one of these too and love it. Another table I really really love is the Technics SL-1200 MK2.

[novisnick]

Nov 26, 2014 9:43:09 GMT -5 Loop 7 said:

I'm not a vinyl person but three friends are purists and rave about the Rega RP 3. They've had Pro-Ject and VPI but prefer the Rega.

www.rega.co.uk/rp3.html

I do concur, Rega makes a fine product! 8)

[chaosrv]

I second the idea of looking for a good used table.
People tend to take VERY good care of their turntables, especially higher-end models. You can probably find some stellar deals on a great used turntable that would normally cost (much) more than $1,000.

My statement is in no way stating there are not good tables under $1,000. I don't mean that at all. There are some great decks to be had new for under $1,000. I am merely suggesting buying a nicer well cared for used deck will (hopefully) keep that upgrade bug at bay for a long while to come.

I absolutely love my VPI Scoutmaster but there was no way I could have afforded it new. It may be blasphemous to say but I don't think I will ever get rid of it for something newer or better.
Of course, there are plenty of upgrades that can be (and have been) done to the deck but that's a conversation for another day & another thread.

[jjkessler]

Maybe a Rega RP6 used?

[brubacca]

Every time I have asked about the rp3 I have been told to save up for the rp6. Also people seem to really dislike the rega cartridges, although the exact seems to be almost liked.

From my research I would say if you can get a rp6 go for it. I still own a pro-Ject debut carbon, but am wanting the rp6 someday,

[chaosrv]

There is an auction on audigon right now for a RP6. No bids yet.

[jjkessler]

Going to take a look

[lionear]

Some people rave about the Technics SL-1200 and other similar models. One guy had a SL-1200 and the very expensive SME-20 turntable. He felt that the Technics was right up there with the SME.

You can get an SL-1200 for about $500 and there are people who will service it.

[audiobill]

I had the SL1200, and although it was built like a tank (dj's use them), it suffers from a dc stepped motor.

Belt drive is smoother, IMO.

[bond007]

Nov 26, 2014 7:59:07 GMT -5 jjkessler said:

I wanted to ask for opinions on what the best turntable would be for under $1,000?

i have a Technics SL-1200 mk2, and its one of the best for under $1.000 good luck on that.

[bub]

I have an AR etl-1 in redwood up for sale .. . Bought new. .. ... Boxed for a while.

[bond007]

Nov 26, 2014 13:23:49 GMT -5 bond007 said:

Nov 26, 2014 7:59:07 GMT -5 jjkessler said:

I wanted to ask for opinions on what the best turntable would be for under $1,000?

i have a Technics SL-1200 mk2, and its one of the best for under $1.000 good luck on that.

look at all the mods you can do with the Technics SL-1200 mk2 modifications can do to it.

www.soundhifi.com/sl1200/

[weigle2]

I still use on a regular basis, my 1973 SL-1200 purchased via the Navy Exchange for $140.00. At that time, I never could have imagined using it for that many years.