vintage turntables?

Denon DP-500M. It's solidly aimed at the home market and the mktg lit sez it's been engineered to minimize internal vibrations. They also have an upscale model, the DP1300 Mk2 not officially imported to the US (but available via audiocubes2.com) that runs about $1800.

If I were going to buy and not mess around, I'd probably get the Denon DP500M, but to extract more performance, I'd get a Technics SL12x0 and have KAB put on the fluid damper and tonearm rewire at the least, and probably go for the outboard PSU, threaded clamp, and some serious feet as well.

The feet could be the KAB-available Isonoe footers 'n' boots, or some Mapleshade threaded Brass Heavyfeet. They're about the same price. If you go with brass cones, platform the TT onto a thick butcher block cutting board or 2-4" slab of maple supported by Isoblocks or Vibrapods.

My personal rig is an SL1210 M5G with fluid damper, aftermarket mat, KAB rubber record grip, threaded brass feet (not Mapleshades but only cuz I'm cheap), a butcherblock cutting board, and Vibrapod feet underneath it all. I use a Denon DL-160 HOMC mounted to a Sumiko headshell adjusted for azimuth and am really pleased with this rig at a mid-rez level (Amber electronics driving Mirage speakers).

Ive seen a few of the denon's here on the gon and on ebay...i really like the look of them actually..and ive heard nothing but good things about them, i would definately like to check them out.

C: That's the MAN. Eric has such skill and knowledge besides being fair and honorable. He and his family are a real slice of ye 'ol balmer much like the folks i knew as a kid growing up near Govens . Right now he's working on SA-100 and an Advent. And, he gives you a hands-on free estimate.

excellent...if i have problems, ill definately take my stuff to him. i can't remember where i got his card from actually...haha, might have been one of the second-hand stores on 34th street when me and my girlfriend were looking for used turntables one day. does he actually have anything hes currently trying to sell? or does he just do repairs?

Chuckelator: As far as I know Eric and his Dad are not a resellers, but on occasion they assist a client to find folks that want to sell certian vintage electronic items. You must visit the store;the place is cramed will all sorts of ancient photo/audio gear. Hollywood Si-Fi film producers visit so why not. Call before you stop bye.

The question , for me, is "Are vintage turntables worth the trouble ?". My answer is sometimes and only rarely. Why ? Because most are flawed either in design or execution. For example the Garrard 301 & 401 were generally discarded in the 1970-90's. It was not until complete rebuilds with new pliths appeared on the secondary market('00-'04) the prices started to sore (ouch). At prices between $3,000-$11,000; these tables are no bargins rebuilt. Also, one needs to know difference's between a true rebuild and a dust off.

Vintage turntables come with a variety of noise and reliability issues. In my opinion, plastic plithed turntables all sound alike, as do most suspended and unsuspended. Same applies to direct drives. The exceptions are the wooden based Garrard # 92 and 100 (needs a lot of work) , the Maplenolls (lots of work and air driven) and Luxman Direct Drive Record Players and the origional XAR wooden base Record Players. I define turntable as W/O a tonearm and a record player as a complete package. The exceptions given a lot of TLC , properly damped with worn parts replaced can equal many of the Hi-Fi Tables. For plug and play buy a Luxman DD. They are built like tanks. As for receivers try a Marantz 2250b (limited ed. if you can find one); one of the finest ever built. The internet and AG offer the best chance to located a good working audio gear: The "Avenue" you get who's knows what.