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Thread: Best vintage TT purchase option
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October 21, 2020, 11:13 AM #1
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Best vintage TT purchase option
Hello,
This is my first post on the forum.
Lets say I'm new to the vinyl world, as I used to listen to vinyl records at my parents place during my childhood but new nothing about the technical part of it, and only about an year ago my wife (my girlfriend back then) offered me a Vinyl Styl record player on Christmas, so I came back to the pleasure of listening to vinyl records, but I wanted to do an upgrade in terms of improving my listening pleasure and do a trip down memory lane, and purchase an old vintage turntable.
From what I searched, I found some nice TT and the following ones captured my attention, although I know they all use different "technologies" (direct drive, idler, belt drive), but my main concern and what I give most importance to will be to have a cool looking, well built "machine", that performs well and has a very good sound quality (although I know the cartridges and stylus also make a difference).
So, my candidates would be:
- Dual 1228
- Dual 601
- Dual 1218
(all with a Shure M91 MG...sorry about my first 3 options being Dual TT but I love the look of them with the wooden plynth)
- Elac Miracord 630 (with a new Audio-Technica cartridge and stylus)
- Garrard SP25 Mk IV (with a Ortofon FF10XE cartridge)
...and finally, just because I found it funny the pilling mechanism of the discs and useful to use with 7" records, the Garrard Synchro Lab 65B with a Shure M75
Let me know your thoughts.
Thanks
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October 21, 2020, 11:29 AM #2
Re: Best vintage TT purchase option
Welcome! Check out VPI too for tables. REGA also makes some nice ones too.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
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October 21, 2020, 11:37 AM #3
Re: Best vintage TT purchase option
I am unsure how many Vintage Enthusiasts are here, but AudioKarma would be a suggested resource for Vintage anything.
Welcome aboard and have fun.-----------------
Brian
Main System - Rotel RCD-1572 / Rega P3 > Luxman 505UX Mark II > Fyne Audio F502SPs > Synergistic Cables
Secondary - OPPO 93 > VAC CLA 1 MKII Pre > Odyssey Stratos > Dynaudio Audience 82s > Tara Labs Cables
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October 21, 2020, 12:06 PM #4
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Re: Best vintage TT purchase option
Welcome to AS.
For performance I do think some of the current Rega and such would be the way to go.
For vintage I'd choose a direct drive, there is a big following for vintage Japanese DD turntables. Like you, I like the vintage Dual, I don't know enough to recommend one model over another. I got to use a friend's Dual for a while while in high school, I really wanted to keep it but he wouldn't part. It had the strobe on it. The sound also killed the table I had.
Last I heard Girard was long out of business. I'm not sure if there is a company keeping the tables alive or not. About a year ago a friend bought one of their 301's, the one with the large granite base.
A couple years back Technics brought out a revamped 1200 you might be interested in. Personally, I'm not on that bandwagon. I think the hype is mostly reputation and nostalgia. Although some of their new tables have gotten good reviews.Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables
HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
SVS PC13 Ultra
Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer
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October 21, 2020, 12:11 PM #5
Re: Best vintage TT purchase option
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October 21, 2020, 01:22 PM #6
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Re: Best vintage TT purchase option
The Garrard Engineering and Manufacturing Company of Swindon, Wiltshire, was a British company that was famous for producing high-quality gramophone turntables. It was formed by the jewellers Garrard & Co in 1915. The company was sold to Plessey, an electronics conglomerate, in 1960. During the period 1976-1978, Garrard developed demonstrators of the novel video disc technology. Although the team recognised the future potential of this data storage technology, Plessey chose not to invest. After several years in decline, Garrard was sold by Plessey to Gradiente Electronics of Brazil in 1979 and series production was moved to Brazil (Manaus). The remaining Garrard research and development operation in Swindon was reduced to a skeleton operation until completely shut down in 1992. Then, Gradiente licensed the Garrard name to Terence O'Sullivan, who operated as Loricraft Audio, in 1997.
A Garrard turntable, Model 1212
Between 1992 and 1997, the Garrard brand name was licensed to other companies in the US, which imported many electronic items built by many different and unrelated Far Eastern manufacturers. These included "Garrard"-branded cassette decks, CD players, stereo receivers, boom-box radio/cassette machines, portable "Walkman" type cassette players, serial-port printer cables, universal TV/audio remote controls, and other miscellany, including turntables that had nothing to do with any original Garrard design.
In 2018, Cadence Audio SA, who also own the British turntable and tonearm manufacturer SME Limited, took ownership of the Garrard brand and registered trademarks when they purchased Loricraft Audio Ltd. The business was restructured to run under the name of Garrard Turntables UK Ltd.
Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables
HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
SVS PC13 Ultra
Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer
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October 21, 2020, 01:28 PM #7
Re: Best vintage TT purchase option
I would like to recomend Lenco.
Check in //https://www.lencoheaven.net/
it a direct drive turntable, very good sound quality and it gives you the opportunity to make a lot of upgrades on plinth, tonearm, etc.etc.McIntosh C302 + C2600 - Lumin A1 - Lenco L75 - Marantz SR6007 - Paradigm S6 - Gaia II - Chord Epic Twin Speaker Cable + Jumpers - Bada LB5500
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October 22, 2020, 07:35 AM #8
Re: Best vintage TT purchase option
After my Micro Seiki BL91 and AR PH6 got hit by mother nature and unable to repair, I found an original VPI Classic ( the first classic) from MDP on this site and couldn't be happier. Paired it with a Manley Chinook.
2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)
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October 22, 2020, 08:54 AM #9
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Re: Best vintage TT purchase option
i have 4 turntables; 3 of which are rather expensive more recent designs that i love.
however my 4th turntable is a vintage model which i highly recommend, the direct drive EMT 948. the 948 was designed to be used in radio stations mostly commercially, so it's built like a tank. it won't be 'cheap, cheap' but it should be reasonable, and as a European product should be accessible in your area.
it comes with it's own arm, but it's not too daunting to have an arm board made which bolts in place replacing the standard arm and allows for choices of other arms. i use a different arm than standard. most 948's have an integral phono stage, but i don't use that.
i'd like to load a picture of my 948 here but we can't do that here (the way i load pictures) unless we have a photo hosting site. so here is a link to another forum where i was able to load pictures.
EMT 948 pic
i've owned the following vintage turntables.........the idler Garrard 301, direct drive Technics SP-10 Mk2, and direct drive Technics SP-10 Mk3. all three of those are also very good choices but typically more expensive than a 948.my system on Audiogon; https://www.audiogon.com/systems/615
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October 22, 2020, 09:01 AM #10
Re: Best vintage TT purchase option
You can upload a photo without a hosting site. Who said that? Just use TapaTalk. We removed the add on link for photos because it was creating duplicate posts. But we don’t require a hosting site for photos. I pay $$ to host all our data including photos.
As I said, I strongly recommend TapaTalk. Makes it way easier to do everything like uploading photos.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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October 22, 2020, 09:05 AM #11
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Re: Best vintage TT purchase option
i'm an old guy......makes it harder for me.
i use my camera for pictures and load them from my laptop, always have. not my phone. Tapatalk is for mobile devices. so not relevant for me. and i rarely surf audioshark with my phone, i use my laptop or work computer. so just does not fit my use profile.my system on Audiogon; https://www.audiogon.com/systems/615
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October 22, 2020, 09:29 AM #12
Re: Best vintage TT purchase option
My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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October 22, 2020, 09:33 AM #13
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Re: Best vintage TT purchase option
i'm a guy who likes to post pictures, so if you can make it work with my laptop that would be great. thank you.
btw; i'm traveling to Sarasota in early December for a business meeting (not yet called off) and will try to stop by and visit you if you are around. i realize you prefer doing it by appointment so will reach out when i know my time and day.my system on Audiogon; https://www.audiogon.com/systems/615
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October 22, 2020, 09:40 AM #14
Best vintage TT purchase option
6F903D9E-2EDD-4D76-BEE6-D0D109C55375.jpeg
Testing without photo hosting.
Mike, click GO ADVANCED, click the PAPERCLIP, upload the file (choose file), click upload, close window, click paper clip icon, there’s your picture!My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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October 22, 2020, 09:40 AM #15
Re: Best vintage TT purchase option
The Dual's were really noisy and plastic, just like the BIC's. I would try and find an old AR or something similar.
Vine, Vide, Velcro - I came, I saw, I stuck around.
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October 22, 2020, 09:56 AM #16
Re: Best vintage TT purchase option
Start researching JVC tables. There are strong advocates out there on other forums who have posted perceptions of the best models. They are $1600 or less.
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October 22, 2020, 09:58 AM #17
Re: Best vintage TT purchase option
I bought a VPI HW-19 on a whim, I was already a long time VPI owner having had a Scout, Classic and Prime. The HW-19 was damaged in shipping. So I rebuit from the ground up. New motor, pulley, electric, rubber mounts, etc. Sent the bearing to Harry at VPI and he refurbished it for me. Quiet as a mouse.
I was so happy with it after completion that I sold my Prime and this is my only table.
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October 22, 2020, 11:26 AM #18
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Re: Best vintage TT purchase option
Thank's everyone for you're inputs. Need to do more research then, after all the suggestions
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October 22, 2020, 11:28 AM #19
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Re: Best vintage TT purchase option
I saw the photos from the link you posted and I'm mesmerized by your "turntables display" ...WOW
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October 22, 2020, 12:15 PM #20
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Re: Best vintage TT purchase option
The AR was a good table. The poor man's LP12.
Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables
HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
SVS PC13 Ultra
Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer
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October 22, 2020, 03:27 PM #21
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October 22, 2020, 05:50 PM #22
Re: Best vintage TT purchase option
in agreement with Brian as well, also Audiocircle.com for Vintage suggestions. My personal vintage love was my Kenwood KD-500 with Premier mmt arm and a Grace F9e cartridge, gone but not forgotten.
As for current set-ups that present $$ values, Rega(discussed here in another thread) and the modern Technics 1200, can't go wrong with either IMO
one more thing...... Welcome aboard !Cheers ! …. Dave
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October 23, 2020, 07:56 AM #23
Re: Best vintage TT purchase option
My VPI just keeps on spinning. Solid.
2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)
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November 27, 2021, 12:45 AM #24
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Re: Best vintage TT purchase option
I have an Empire model 398 - it's built like a tank and friends who have never seen an Empire are amazed at it's performance. You may still find one for under $1,000 but it's getting harder all the time.
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November 27, 2021, 12:54 AM #25
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Re: Best vintage TT purchase option
[IMG]IMG_0003.JPG[/IMG] Here's a shot of it.
No picture! Huh!
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November 27, 2021, 12:35 PM #26
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Re: Best vintage TT purchase option
i have a 34 year old Linn LP 12 that works great and keeps on spinning. i wouldn't buy a Linn LP12 unless you have a dealer who can set it up properly wihin driving distance. it makes a big difference. john
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November 27, 2021, 02:18 PM #27
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November 27, 2021, 02:20 PM #28
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November 29, 2021, 09:44 PM #29
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Re: Best vintage TT purchase option
I have a 1970's Thorens TD-145 in perfect condition.
Last year I bought my son a 1970's Pioneer PL-55D in almost mint condition. It's a great starter TT.My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
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I'm suffering issues with getting 1 boulder amp to talk to another boulder amp. I will agreed sound is pretty good.
Boulder 866 app