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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
arkanya
11 posts
 
1. Does your son prefer a belt driven TT or DD?
2. What is your budget?

I wouldn't buy any used Technics SL1200, because those were used and abused by DJs years ago. It's hard to find one that was used as a home playing TT. If your son prefers DD, I would go with a NEW SL1200G if you wouldn't mind to spend over $1600 or New Pioneer PLX1000 for around $800. If he prefer the classic one my choice would be much wider: U-Turn, Pro-ject, Music Hall, Rega Planar 1, Marantz. They are all in a same price category of $350-$500 with a similar performance. Sometimes I even think they a produce at the same factory :)
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ethan_bennett
11 posts
 
Steer clear of "Toy" tables. I picked up an AudioTechnica AT-LP60 used for like 50$ off a friend (they retail at Best Buy for like 149 or something). It worked OK when I was using my HT receiver, but sounded miserable once I finally got around to upgrading to a real high-end amp. After that I picked up a Denon DP-300F. That actually sounded REALLY good. It was fully automatic and had a built-in preamp and lasted me until I picked up a really nice Emotiva differential with a built in Phono stage. Gave that one to my parents (who say it sounded better than the turn table they had growing up!) and grabbed a used Pro-Ject Debut Carbon used for like 350. It is incredible! Highly recommended and super affordable. Plus, it's rife with mods and extras to really geek out on.
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chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Belt drive turntables must be avoided for sure, this is the worst investment, especially the cheap ones. Comparing cheap belt drive to $300-500 used DD Technics SL1210mkII is very bad idea, Technics always better in everything (and can be upgraded, if needed, by changing the arm, feet, power supply etc). You can’t buy anything better than this for $300-500 for a 16 year old kid.

Also in a youth comminity Technics is a legendary turntable used by their idols (deejays) in music videos and on stage, in the clubs etc, your hi-fi belt drive is nothing for them.

Technics DD previously used by DJ has no problem at all (if the tonearm is not damaged, which everyone can check). It’s impossible to damage Technisc DD motor, no matter who is the user, i have those turntables for 23 years, my neighbour have them for 30 years. Many friend purchased them used and some of them made in the late 80s or early 90s, still no problem to use at all. Every spare part for SL1200mkII or SL1210mkII available on ebay new in the boxes and can be replaced by any technician. This is Made In Japan quality and a cult turntable in the history. They made more than 3 000 000 of them and this is the reson why the price is so low.

A bnad new cost just $1399 (with phono stage and cartridge included)!
https://www.technics.com/us/news/20190107-sl-1500c/


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