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Which TT to keep? SP10, 124, 301, L75, B12H

I've collected these vintage turnatbles over the past year or two: Technics SP10 MKII, Thorens TD124 (MKI), Garrard 301 (oil bearing), ROK B12H, and Bogen/Lenco L75. Among them, TD124 and L75 are in nice original form, rest need rehab. My original plan was to restore, put them in high quality plinth with nice arms, etc. Apparently, like most of us, I probably have been too greedy and possessive. So, I am now forcing myself to keep just one of these. In the not-so-long-term, I will use only modest tonearms that are in my possesstion (Audio Technica ATP12, Micro Seiki MA505, Ortofon AS212, etc). So, what's your take if you were in my situation? Since the choice shall be very much taste dependent, it would be nice to refer to your own music inclination. Thanks.
zipcrack
lewm
12,512 posts
 
You have to keep two, Technics and either Lenco or Garrard. Keeping all 3 would be better, but I think this is a hypothetical question anyway. I listen to jazz most of the time, big bands a lot.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
keep the Lenco, and sell me the Technics!!
mosin
410 posts
 
I wouldn't be able to sell them all, so it would come down to two of them. I would pair the Garrard with the Ortofon arm and one of the Lencos with the Micro Seiki.

I listen to a lot of flavors of music, everything really, so the combination of a lively Lenco sound and a more refined Garrard sound would both appeal to me for different reasons.
zipcrack OP
2 posts
 
Thanks for advises so far. First off, I listen to a variety of music, mostly classical (drifting toward Bach and early music) and Jazz (love the energy and rhythm driven by clean base line). Somehow I appreciate more if I can feel/hear the music bouncing off individual instruments or vocalists.

I haven't got much LPs, yet. That's one of the reasons I haven't started anything on the project. Further, I still don't see myself to have much time taking up the project any time soon. So, here is my current thinking (which is quite fuzzy):

SP10 MKII: my main concern is the fact that there are basically no spare parts. When something's gone wrong, like motor or quatz, it's pretty much gone.

301: To me, the look is simply breathtaking. However, it seems that a modded L75 may approach and reach 301's performance. That means I should pocket the difference in $$.

TD124: Relatively common. May well sell my current position, and pick one later when really want one.

B12H: It seems to me, after comparable mods, this idler may not reach the performance of L75 and others, ultimately. On the other hand, they are so cheap, it doesn't hurt to keep it in box.

So, what I did recently (week) was: sold 301 and TD124, left L75 and B12H in boxes, and leave SP10 MKII on shelf as eye candy.
hiho
451 posts
 
Sell the Thorens TD-124. I had three before and sold them all. I just wish I held on to them longer after Art Dudley inflated their prize. Currently the most overrated vintage gear. The ROK B-12H is just noisy due to that monster Ashland motor. Good luck taming that beast!

Now you need to get an Empire 208 to complete your vintage table collection. :-)
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