Recommend a turntable!
I’m not a turntable newbie as I bought my first turntable in the 70’s and now I have a very nicely specified Linn LP12 and a Thorens TD 124 that was beautifully overhauled in 2025. So why am I asking? I’ve put together a 2nd system far more modest than my main system, and there’s no turntable in the 2nd system.
So what am I looking for? I’ve never owned a direct drive turntable, so I’m thinking- direct drive it is. I specifically do not want anything with a built in phono stage. And in keeping with the modest nature of my 2nd system, this has to be a lower cost turntable but it has to be something good. Is there anything in the $1000 range?
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I bought my Pioneer PLX1000 because I wanted a new DD at an affordable price. This was after reading Herb Reichert's review in Stereophile. I bought it online for $699 from Sweetwater. No sales tax - this was some years ago before State governments started imposing sales taxes on Internet commerce. The PLX1000 is an excellent TT, certainly as good as a Technics for half the price! |
Would you consider a good vintage deck? I just purchased a Technics SL-Q2 used for $200. Its in good running shape. and decent cosmetics. Sounds very good as is, but I am going to install female RCA's so I can run a better interconnect. Dustcover also needs buffing. Even if I leave it as is, it's a solid metal plinth deck with the better SL-1200 type tone arm (No VTA). |
Given the two turntables you own, not just any run of the mill DD is going to measure up. I would look for a well cared for Denon DP75 or 80 based turntable.
If you are adventurous you could buy the drive unit, and then look for a builder for the plinth, or if you are a bit handy you can turn a large cutting board or butcher block into a plinth with a router or jig saw and some patience. Then source your own arm.
These tables come in various condition on Ebay also. I did locate a DP80 that had its electronics refreshed for a reasonable price. Bought from this seller DENON DP-80 Quartz turntable repaired basic operation confirmed good beautiful | eBay
Here is the unit I received. |
