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Entry level turntable for my son

Hello all, 
My 16 year old has the same audio sickness as me. He recently approached me about acquiring a turntable for his system. Any recommendations on the entry level stuff from Rega, project, music hall, etc? Should I stick with the newer stuff or look for an older model like a Planar 3 or a MMF-5? I still use my Linn LP 12,  but I hear the newer ones out there have some nice new features the older entry level stuff didn’t. I don’t think he will be looking to do any modifications in the near future, he just wants to spin some vinyl. 
Thanks in advance!
skipper320
cakyol's avatar
cakyol
940 posts
 
Cheaper/earlier  VPIs use the Hurst motor which does NOT have a lower bearing on the motor (God knows why they designed that s..t like that) ?
In a year or so, motor starts getting destroyed.  Keep away from any turntable which uses the Hurst synchronous motors.
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
6,207 posts
 
@cakyol
You have no clue in making that statement. I’ve been using a VPI HW19 since 1995 and I have never had any trouble with the Hurst motor!
cakyol's avatar
cakyol
940 posts
 
You must be one of the lucky ones.  I used the 'standard' Hurst motor in my Linn Sondek and it broke on me after about 18 months with grinding noises. My point is, I AM talking from experience.

Unless VPI is using a 'specialized' version of the Hurst motor, the issue is there.

At one point, being aware of this issue, I know VPI improved the motor by attaching a brass sleeve to the top bearing but this is a band aid, never a proper solution.

An axial motor without two bearings is bound to fail sooner or later.  It is a design flaw.


cakyol's avatar
cakyol
940 posts
 
Here is another example:

https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/analogue-source/309925-hurst-motors-300-rpm-vs-600-rpm-upgrade-myth-...


donvito
400 posts
 
I gave my nephew my 30 year old VPI and he has never had a problem with that Hurst motor!!
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