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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? 

zavato
joeycastillo
267 posts
 

OP

Technics SL-50C, $799.

Technics SL-50C (Terra cotta) Manual direct-drive turntable with built-in phono preamp (Terra cotta) at Crutchfield

it has a switchable phono pre-amp

 

elliottbnewcombjr
7,701 posts
 

Also Linear Tracking, and Programmable, I had one in my second system, used it for awhile in my main system, loaned it to 3 audiophile friends, we all agreed, it plays and sounds terrific. I gave it to my son, glad I did, but I miss it.

P mount cartridge, easy to change, no alignment or anti-skate needed, and they make P mount cartridges with advanced stylus shapes, I got one with Shibata.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/127817598043?mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=6f442ad6-3c0d-11f1-9483-313330333831

moteef
6 posts
 

Piling in on the PLX-1000 love. I also saw Herb’s review when it came out, and took the plunge. Since then I added the KAB fluid damper (necessary imho) and Hana SH Mk 2 cart (overboard but wth) and couldn’t be happier. You can’t go wrong at your price point. 

elliottbnewcombjr
7,701 posts
 

I think people here can say Yay or Nay to the 3000 spinner. Add an arm of your choice, enlarge the existing hole, or spin the armboard 180 degrees for a new hole. (verify that)

Like my JVC TT81, it's 100v, you use a transformer for your voltage, many of us do that, no problem.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/406869346850?mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=e823734a-3c43-11f1-922a-313330333831

 

 

 

elliottbnewcombjr
7,701 posts
 

This, add shipping may be a bit over budget.

Don't read that language, but google could translatee for you.

What I do know is the Technics SP-15 is a superior TT.

https://www.soriaudio.com/page/hot-react/dist/?doc=65148661&refsource=hifishark

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