2. analog
  3. 1247207990

I need a turntable, only have $450 to spare...

More than likely used. I haven't had a turntable since when I was in Germany in 1989 when I had a Denon 37F but I still have my 392 count vinyl collection. I've searched and read plenty of things but they were always with a larger budget. My budget will grow (hopefully!) in the future but I need something to get me along now as I plugged my Teac X-1000r over the weekend and it reminded me how good analog sounds.
My noisemaker goes as follows: CEC 3300R cd player, tube DAC-68, Adcom GFP-750 preamp, 2 Adcom 545 amps biamped to a pair of Wharfedale diamond 9.6 speakers, Dayton interconnects and homebrew power cables. In anticipation to my future TT purchase I got a Bellari VP-130, new but open box. With my current equipment and what I have to spend I'm not expecting a masterpiece BUT I don't want a $99 piece of junk either, just something that I can play for a while and be happy. I understand it may need to have the belt replaced, cartridge. Musically I'm all over the map but mostly Jazz (Monk, Marsalis, Coltrane) and Brit Wave (Joy Division, OMD, Smiths). Where should I start?
mtandrews
mtandrews OP
43 posts
 
What about a Dual CS 505-4? Just got a email with pics, has ortofon OMB-10 on it. Seller sez table works fine but of course I don't know the condition of the cartridge. I can have it for around 200 bucks.
jb0194
476 posts
 
If considering Dual tables, contact Bill Neumann in Des Moines. Google "fixmydual". He almost certainly has fully refubished 1200 series tables well within your budget. I recently traded in a 704 for a 701, and he may have that one still around.
With any vintage table, if you're not knowledgeable to do so yourself, I'd advise buying one that has been competently refurbished or budget to send the one you buy to such a shop. For Pioneer tables, "BC Electronics" in PA can do the work. Others may add shops they recommend for specific makes.
The newer entry level Rega/Music Hall, etc. tables shouldn't need this, so it comes down to personal choice. I like vintage, fully auto tables and top line vintage mm carts, but that's me.
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
I like the psx 70 from sony...pua 7 carbon arm...brushless quartz dd...very well made...500 new in the day...
breuninger
101 posts
 
A Thorens TD-160 and a Denon 160 cartridge would be my top recommendation at 450 USD. You will get a great 3D stage and have wonderful pace and drive.

Peter
mtandrews OP
43 posts
 
ok guys, I'm down to 2 duals and I need to pull the trigger within the next few days. A beautifil CS 5000 (needs cartridge) and an equally clean 721 (late model) with a Shure V-15 type 3 cartridge. Both are pretty close in price. The 721 has been cleaned, oiled and cueing fluid replenished. I'm leaning towards the 5000 due to it being newer, what do ya think? I don't like the rca's on either, I wouldn't attempt to replace the wiring myself (got a local audio repair shop) but where should I look for a reasonable replacement if one is available?
More to discover