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?
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. |
With your budget, by far and away you should go with the Pioneer PLX1000. I bought one recently on a whim, mounted an Audio Technica AT-VM95SH and I have been binging on LP's the last few weeks. Can't recommend this combo highly enough! The table is 30# for the love of Pete! It is just a pleasure to use, great tactile qualities and very quiet, solid table. Never had a Shibata stylus before. No more ellipticals for me. Detailed, organic, dimensional. quiet, all at a bargain price. The table retails for almost $900 now thanks to all these damn tariffs. But, look for coupon codes. I lucked out and scored on for under $700. Even at normal retail, the table is well worth $900. |
This one is overpriced, a nice one just sold for $650. I got one and set it up for a friend, we both think it is a cut above, as well as so easy to use.
If it appeals to you, and not in a hurry, just go to hifishark.com, search mitsubishi direct drive turntable, sort by first seen, new first, LT30; LT20, ... other models, some black or gray, some wood grain, but a skin, not veneer, still they look nice, Linear tracking, removable headshell, any 1/2" mount cartridge. |
