31 replies to this topic

[soundfan]

I have always loved some of the older turntables that get around and have been running my Luxman PD350 for nearly 6 years now.
But lately I have been thinking of trying something different and have been looking at some of the better known vintage direct drives, and have studied up on some of the better known units such as the Technics SP MkII and Mk III, various Micro Seiki models, Kenwood L-O7D and Pioneer exclusive P3 etc.

But I came across a brand called EMT who I hadn't heard of, and further research showed that were and are at the top of the tree in regards to performance. I was looking at the EMT 930 ST, and everything I have read about them was positive, and I started to weigh up between trying to source a unit, or look for the much more common Technics SP 10 Mks II & III.

I have managed to source a unit overseas that is apparently in excellent condition which is 220-240v and will be come with the 929 tonearm, 155st preamp, and also including three (!) EMT cartridges, the OFS25 and OFS65 mono cartridges, and the TSD15 stereo cartridge. I am awaiting photos now, and if all appears in order, and shipping costs aren't overly expensive, I will take the plunge. I am aware that customs may also take their share when and if it arrives. The owner wants 2k US for it, but this appears a decent price after researching the prices they have been fetching on audiogon/ebay etc.

Heres a 1980 shootout of a few desirable tables getting around at the time and this is where I first heard of the brand:
http://www.thevintag...T/SS1980TT.html

So does anyone here have much knowledge of the EMT tables, and have any useful info, should I decide to go ahead?

Chris

[demmauhong]

I have always loved some of the older turntables that get around and have been running my Luxman PD350 for nearly 6 years now.
But lately I have been thinking of trying something different and have been looking at some of the better known vintage direct drives, and have studied up on some of the better known units such as the Technics SP MkII and Mk III, various Micro Seiki models, Kenwood L-O7D and Pioneer exclusive P3 etc.

But I came across a brand called EMT who I hadn't heard of, and further research showed that were and are at the top of the tree in regards to performance. I was looking at the EMT 930 ST, and everything I have read about them was positive, and I started to weigh up between trying to source a unit, or look for the much more common Technics SP 10 Mks II & III.

I have managed to source a unit overseas that is apparently in excellent condition which is 220-240v and will be come with the 929 tonearm, 155st preamp, and also including three (!) EMT cartridges, the OFS25 and OFS65 mono cartridges, and the TSD15 stereo cartridge. I am awaiting photos now, and if all appears in order, and shipping costs aren't overly expensive, I will take the plunge. I am aware that customs may also take their share when and if it arrives. The owner wants 2k US for it, but this appears a decent price after researching the prices they have been fetching on audiogon/ebay etc.

Heres a 1980 shootout of a few desirable tables getting around at the time and this is where I first heard of the brand:
http://www.thevintag...T/SS1980TT.html

So does anyone here have much knowledge of the EMT tables, and have any useful info, should I decide to go ahead?

Chris

Hi Chris !
If 2k US$ Goooo for it. What you say there this item worth more than 6k.
Do you know the owner well ? Beware .....

Come with Orignal stand ? If yes weight around 70 kg.
It should come with Phono stage at well will be MM, may be MC.

Nice turnatble Good Luck

[soundfan]

Hi Chris !
If 2k US$ Goooo for it. What you say there this item worth more than 6k.
Do you know the owner well ? Beware .....

Come with Orignal stand ? If yes weight around 70 kg.
It should come with Phono stage at well will be MM, may be MC.

Nice turnatble Good Luck

No, it will not come with the stand. If I was to go ahead I would have a suitable plinth made up upon arrival of unit.Weight would be around 25-30kg.
And yes, I am early into the negotiating of this tt, so will use all caution, and make a decision once I have all info at hand.

Chris

[Ken]

Hi soundfan,

I would add that although this Turntable is shown as suitable for 220-240 Volt, please be sure to check whether it is 50 Hz.

Ken

PS got your PM, I am considering my response (what me procrastinate?).

[demmauhong]

No, it will not come with the stand. If I was to go ahead I would have a suitable plinth made up upon arrival of unit.Weight would be around 25-30kg.
And yes, I am early into the negotiating of this tt, so will use all caution, and make a decision once I have all info at hand.

Chris

Nego ? No need Take it ASAP. If it a real deal
Be honest I do not trust this . Think about that at that price he can open the door sale it easy get more than what he asking

Well that my opinion , It all up to you

Demmauhong

[jaspert]

US$2k is very,very cheap. Go for it. It's an idler, like all EMT built like a tank and used to cost a fortune in its day. If in good nick, you will be in for a treat.

Looking forward to further installment.

Btw, SP10 Mk2 is very common but not so with SP10 Mk3 which commands a small fortune these days.

Edited by jaspert, 14 August 2009 - 12:24 AM.

[soundfan]

Nego ? No need Take it ASAP. If it a real deal
Be honest I do not trust this . Think about that at that price he can open the door sale it easy get more than what he asking

Well that my opinion , It all up to you

Demmauhong

I have been emailing Hi Fi Do in Japan, and the owner there tells me that they get them in occasionally and they themselves sell them for around 180 000 - 200 000 yen. That converts to $2490 aust and $2090 US at the moment.
So I not sure why you don't trust this?
Its early days yet, I will see how it transpires,and may end up using the abovementioned site if it all doesnt work out.

Ken- it is 50hz.

Chris

Edited by soundfan, 14 August 2009 - 02:13 AM.

[2sheds]

Chris,

Desirable? Some (myself included) would rate the EMT 930 as the best of all the vintage turntables - Garrard, Thorens, Linn, Micro Seiki, etc. The EMT 930 was built to be the best overall transcription turntable of it's era (the heyday of the record player). I reckon it succeeded. Mint examples sell for up to $13,000 (yes you read that right). Unlike Garrards, Thorens and co, the EMT930 seems to work best of all without modification. i.e. with it's stock EMT arm, cartridge and MC amplifier.

There is a wealth of info on the web re EMT tables. Parts could be hard to get in Oz. The EMT's are, however, still quite common in Europe. $2000 for a salvageable EMT 930 is IMO an absolute steal...

The EMT930 lies second on 2sheds most desirable list (after Salma)



cheers
2sheds

Edited by 2sheds, 14 August 2009 - 07:23 AM.

[turntable]

If it is 2K and legitimate - go for it.

does this link in Pink fish media sound familar - ie same seller?? may give you some background

http://www.pinkfishm...ead.php?t=64448


Or you can buy a full working model now on ebay. a bit more expensive

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...id=p3286.c0.m14

Edited by turntable, 14 August 2009 - 07:39 AM.

[2sheds]

Anyone who wants to see the lovely EMT turntables in all their restored glory MUST have a look at this site - better than sex

cheers
2sheds

[TLL]

If your purchase is through Hifido, go for it.

[soundfan]

If your purchase is through Hifido, go for it.

Yes, if this sale falls through for whatever reason I will purchase through Hifido when they have one available at a reasonable price.

Chris

Edited by soundfan, 14 August 2009 - 11:04 AM.

[soundfan]

Just an update and question. I was sent some pics of the unit, and the faceplate actually states that it is 117v and 60hz, and not 220v and 50hz as owner originally stated. I am seeking clarrification on this from the owner.

If this is indeed the case, would a step up/down transformer be the only thing I would require to play the EMT at correct speed?

I ask this question because a few yrs ago I purchased an AR turntable from the US, and apart from using a step down transformer, I had to also purchase a 50hz spindle to play the turntable at the correct speed.

Chris

[gamve]

Good luck with your venture, but be very careful. This table is listed at I'd say 1/2 its true value....something smells a bit.
BTW I think the power supplies on these tables are multi voltage tapped.

[zydeco]

Or you can buy a full working model now on ebay. a bit more expensive

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...id=p3286.c0.m14

There is a lot of interest into vintage t/t and, as evidenced, they seem to capture high-prices. Does this reflect the ability of these vintage spinners to make music or some kind of "collectability"? Or, put another way, how do these vintage spinners compare to their modern day counterparts?

Cheers,
APS

[soundfan]

I haven't heard back from the seller for a while now... so it looks like it could have been too true to believe, at that price.
And HiFi-Do got back to me about pricing, and it seems that they quoted me an incorrect quote for what they sell them for when they have them in stock.
The guy left a 1 off the price he gave, so the 200 000 yen should have been 1 200 000, which equated to over 12k US.

quote

Hi Chris,
>
> We sell EMT 930 at 1,200,000yen.
> It will be same price for next one.
> Please confirm it

unquote



Chris

[demmauhong]

I haven't heard back from the seller for a while now... so it looks like it could have been too true to believe, at that price.
And HiFi-Do got back to me about pricing, and it seems that they quoted me an incorrect quote for what they sell them for when they have them in stock.
The guy left a 1 off the price he gave, so the 200 000 yen should have been 1 200 000, which equated to over 12k US.

quote

Hi Chris,
>
> We sell EMT 930 at 1,200,000yen.
> It will be same price for next one.
> Please confirm it

unquote



Chris

Hi Chris !

Now you know the Value of the Vintage TT most wanted.
They are never cheap , Demand very high, So Price alway go up time to time.
Import Turntable are not easy , The cost Shipping are high, One turntable like EMT , Micro Seiki Proper pack make sure it arrive safe , must be 2-3 bigger box.. How much will cost ? Plus Cost Tax , GST , DUTY PAPER WORK .... If it arrive safe GOOD , If it damage.... OH No.....

Best Regards
Demmauhong

[demmauhong]

Hi Chris !

Now you know the Value of the Vintage TT most wanted.
They are never cheap , Demand very high, So Price alway go up time to time.
Import Turntable are not easy , The cost Shipping are high, One turntable like EMT , Micro Seiki Proper pack make sure it arrive safe , must be 2-3 bigger box.. How much will cost ? Plus Cost Tax , GST , DUTY PAPER WORK .... If it arrive safe GOOD , If it damage.... OH No.....

Best Regards
Demmauhong

Check it this item , I purchased Buy it now Because Price are good NOT GREAT , But another Ripp off ...

Surely I never complete this transaction , But just let all Stereonet beware...


http://cgi.ebay.com....alenotsupported

Why I know is Rip off ?
I search this item , Find out seller pick up the picture here and there from Google search image to post the item on Ebay.
Finally He send the Fake Ebay invoice request bank transfer.......

[turntable]

I haven't heard back from the seller for a while now... so it looks like it could have been too true to believe, at that price.
And HiFi-Do got back to me about pricing, and it seems that they quoted me an incorrect quote for what they sell them for when they have them in stock.
The guy left a 1 off the price he gave, so the 200 000 yen should have been 1 200 000, which equated to over 12k US.

quote

Hi Chris,
>
> We sell EMT 930 at 1,200,000yen.
> It will be same price for next one.
> Please confirm it

unquote



Chris

Chris

I thought the pricing you originally quoted from hifido was incorrect.

Looks like you should snap up that fully refurbed on on UK ebay. That fellow has a known history and reputation.

if it looks to good to be true, generally it is.

cheers

[turntable]

There is a lot of interest into vintage t/t and, as evidenced, they seem to capture high-prices. Does this reflect the ability of these vintage spinners to make music or some kind of "collectability"? Or, put another way, how do these vintage spinners compare to their modern day counterparts?

Cheers,
APS

APS, clearly both.

In this age of ipod's where everyone seems to want to be a sheep, follow good advertising and what everyone else has. My two young daugthers are exactly of this mindset. I wanna ipod nano as all my friends have one.

The Youth of today reminds of the classic " Life of Brian" scene where 100,000's of people are copying Brians every word including " we are all individuals" very funny and typical of today.

Me and probably a lot of audiophiles like to have something different, great sounding and very new or nowdays - very old.

I think if you can spend the time ( DIY) you can get a very nice vintage TT to sound comparible to modern tables of the same price range. Some may argue better. Even if it does not sound better, generally it is good fun playing with it.

The downside is that there are limited spares, no warranties and most items need to be sourced oversea's adding to the cost.

Personally I just bought a 30 year old DD turntable and it sounds absolutely wonderful - however if it brakes it will be difficult if not impossible to fix.

enough waffle

[soundfan]

Chris

I thought the pricing you originally quoted from hifido was incorrect.

Looks like you should snap up that fully refurbed on on UK ebay. That fellow has a known history and reputation.

if it looks to good to be true, generally it is.

cheers

The guy from hifido made the mistake initially with his price of around 200 000 yen. He just forgot to put a 1 in front of it.
And no, I cant afford that one on uk ebay right now.

Chris

[jaspert]

The guy from hifido made the mistake initially with his price of around 200 000 yen. He just forgot to put a 1 in front of it.
And no, I cant afford that one on uk ebay right now.

Chris

I'm not sure if this is up to date but look half way down.

http://www.hifi-stud...ttenspieler.htm

[soundfan]

I've decided to put my quest for an EMT 930ST on hold for a few years. I have actually been able to source a few around the world via sites like audio asylum, and a few hi fi dealers that sell a lot of vintage stuff.

I was also offered an excellent cond unit by an asylum member who was willing to let it go for $3,800 US and this guy owns 4 of them. But freight charges and duty taxes etc add to that, and my budget didn't stretch that far.

I have been offered a Technics SP10 MK II with an excellent tonearm by a member here and, and I am also looking at buying one of ENIGMAS slate plinths. Should be a killer combo.

And thanks all you guys with all the advice given on this thread.


Chris

Edited by soundfan, 20 August 2009 - 09:53 AM.

[jaspert]

I've decided to put my quest for an EMT 930ST on hold for a few years. I have actually been able to source a few around the world via sites like audio asylum, and a few hi fi dealers that sell a lot of vintage stuff.

I was also offered an excellent cond unit by an asylum member who was willing to let it go for $3,800 US and this guy owns 4 of them. But freight charges and duty taxes etc add to that, and my budget didn't stretch that far.

I have been offered a Technics SP10 MK II with an excellent tonearm by a member here and, and I am also looking at buying one of ENIGMAS slate plinths. Should be a killer combo.

And thanks all you guys with all the advice given on this thread.


Chris

I think so too but i will find out soon enough.

As for trying vintage idler in the future , you can look for one closer to home. If you see a Commonwealth 12D in good nick, grab it. It will keep its value imo and might appreciate in time to come. After a clean and lube and with a good plinth, it will be very good with a good arm. I have one ( see my avatar) and it's my favourite now among a few TTs. Frank Schroeder of tonearm fame has one and on the record, he prefers his to his refurbised EMT 930.

[soundfan]

I think so too but i will find out soon enough.

As for trying vintage idler in the future , you can look for one closer to home. If you see a Commonwealth 12D in good nick, grab it. It will keep its value imo and might appreciate in time to come. After a clean and lube and with a good plinth, it will be very good with a good arm. I have one ( see my avatar) and it's my favourite now among a few TTs. Frank Schroeder of tonearm fame has one and on the record, he prefers his to his refurbised EMT 930.

Hi jaspert, funny you should mention the Commonwealth 12D, as I have a "saved search" on ebay should one ever become available.

Chris

[ENIGMA]

Hi Soundfan,

Jasper was very kind enough to play the commonwealth for me and compare it to his Garrard.

Well, very nice -no, actually more than that, superb and i strongly recommend those who keep whinging about how LP is crap because of blah, blah, blah.... have a listen too.

All i heard was wonderfull music.

[Kuntyhillbogan]

G'day blokes,
This is my first posting on this August site. I happened to be looking for a new felt mat for my 12D and I found you lot.
Soundfan, have you found an idler drive yet ? If not, have you considered one of the Orpheus idler belt drives ?
I have one and the first thing I did was to get rid of the suspension and make the whole thing rigid. Now it is the equal of my 12D even preferable in some respects and beats any Garrard into a pulp. The combination drive gives the best of all worlds, I think they were onto something (or on something) when they thought that up.
Does anyone know where I might get a new felt for my 12D ?

[soundfan]

G'day blokes,
This is my first posting on this August site. I happened to be looking for a new felt mat for my 12D and I found you lot.
Soundfan, have you found an idler drive yet ? If not, have you considered one of the Orpheus idler belt drives ?
I have one and the first thing I did was to get rid of the suspension and make the whole thing rigid. Now it is the equal of my 12D even preferable in some respects and beats any Garrard into a pulp. The combination drive gives the best of all worlds, I think they were onto something (or on something) when they thought that up.
Does anyone know where I might get a new felt for my 12D ?

Welcome to the forums Kuntyhillbogan. What a strange username
I went with a DD Technics SP10MKII instead of an idler....... but one day will try one.

Chris

[jaspert]

G'day blokes,
This is my first posting on this August site. I happened to be looking for a new felt mat for my 12D and I found you lot.
Soundfan, have you found an idler drive yet ? If not, have you considered one of the Orpheus idler belt drives ?
I have one and the first thing I did was to get rid of the suspension and make the whole thing rigid. Now it is the equal of my 12D even preferable in some respects and beats any Garrard into a pulp. The combination drive gives the best of all worlds, I think they were onto something (or on something) when they thought that up.
Does anyone know where I might get a new felt for my 12D ?

I think the owner of Goldenageaudio (Lovetube from SNA) makes some custom bonded mat with an optional synthetic material (suede like) on top for Commonwealth 12D TT.

How are you comparing the 12D,Silex and the Garrard plinths and tonearms wise to come to your above conclusion?

[kristijan999]

Hi!

i have two EMT 039, and one EMT 938

if there is any interested buyer, contact me at kristijan.funaric@gmail.com


i am from Croatia, but can sell on ebay


cheers!

[brownemi]

Ahhh Croatia, that small suburb in Victoria.

[Dr Good Vibe]

Ahhh Croatia, that small suburb in Victoria.

When only the best will do.