Cosy Cool Posted July 29, 2019 Share Posted July 29, 2019 (edited) Hello folks I’m trying to find a turntable that matches my specific desires up to say $1000 used. I know this sounds odd but I’m not strictly an audiophile. Most “good” equipment sounds good enough to my ears, so I’m looking for something that has the features and looks I’m after and I had no problem finding amps and speakers I like, but I can’t find turntables with those features. My my current setup is a Technics SL-1200 mk II which I bought used but mint for $550, a Yamaha A-S1000 (used $350) and Krix Lyrix (used $700). I love the SL for its tank like build quality, quartz controlled speeds, and what I consider good looks. The thing that kills it is the lack of auto return. My missus wants to play her Beyoncé albums once in a while and I come home to the sound of the stylus grinding the runout groove for hours... I could buy a lifter but the ones I’ve seen look a bit fiddly and I’ve heard they aren’t reliable (comments welcome). I like decks that have solid and classic looks and feel about them. I would’t consider anything that looks like a spaceship, Perspex, etc. I can’t afford a Linn. I don’t want to adjust the speeds every time I switch 7/12” or anything esoteric, just a solid, classic, semi auto deck with solid feel. Please let me know your suggestions. Thank you! Edited July 29, 2019 by Cosy Cool Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim D Posted July 29, 2019 Share Posted July 29, 2019 Maybe just something like this? http://www.clefhifi.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=4189&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzKGR8pPa4wIVzIRwCh0NVwfWEAQYASABEgLvPvD_BwE 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cafe67 Posted July 29, 2019 Share Posted July 29, 2019 1: take Beyoncé records 2: throw out window 3: if missus complains, see 2: 6 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosy Cool Posted July 29, 2019 Author Share Posted July 29, 2019 5 hours ago, Tim D said: Maybe just something like this? http://www.clefhifi.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=4189&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzKGR8pPa4wIVzIRwCh0NVwfWEAQYASABEgLvPvD_BwE The lack of a dust cover is suboptimal for my situation (forgot to mention in my wish list) but that’s a valid suggestion, thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosy Cool Posted July 29, 2019 Author Share Posted July 29, 2019 3 hours ago, cafe67 said: 1: take Beyoncé records 2: throw out window 3: if missus complains, see 2: Now now 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim D Posted July 29, 2019 Share Posted July 29, 2019 5 hours ago, Cosy Cool said: The lack of a dust cover is suboptimal for my situation (forgot to mention in my wish list) but that’s a valid suggestion, thank you. Read down- dust cover included... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosy Cool Posted July 29, 2019 Author Share Posted July 29, 2019 Oh! Very good thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
was_a Posted July 30, 2019 Share Posted July 30, 2019 Not sure going to the cheapish (relatively!) belt-driven Denon will be an upgrade... In fact, if you get a decent plinth made for the Technics (and that dust-cover that you're after!) you'll have an excellent turntable. Upgrades for Technics Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blakey72 Posted July 30, 2019 Share Posted July 30, 2019 This is a little over budget but is probably suitable. http://www.clefhifi.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=2442&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsvrpBRCsARIsAKBR_0LebhUidH-6hCGDukCO7LUbVMUEgNPFVoTO3kntTlnTbXAs6LQWCcoaAnHuEALw_wcB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosy Cool Posted July 30, 2019 Author Share Posted July 30, 2019 2 hours ago, was_a said: Not sure going to the cheapish (relatively!) belt-driven Denon will be an upgrade... In fact, if you get a decent plinth made for the Technics (and that dust-cover that you're after!) you'll have an excellent turntable. Upgrades for Technics Thanks for the link. Very interesting reading, but if I understand correctly, the upshot is that U$2000 of TT and mods later, the result still doesn't match an out of the box $2000 TT, but satisfied the writer's itch to research and modify. I am already stretched with other 'tuner' projects and was hoping for an easy fix, but thanks again for the interesting read. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosy Cool Posted July 30, 2019 Author Share Posted July 30, 2019 1 hour ago, blakey72 said: This is a little over budget but is probably suitable. http://www.clefhifi.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=2442&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsvrpBRCsARIsAKBR_0LebhUidH-6hCGDukCO7LUbVMUEgNPFVoTO3kntTlnTbXAs6LQWCcoaAnHuEALw_wcB Yes that looks very nice as well. Thank you for your suggestion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie_bird Posted July 30, 2019 Share Posted July 30, 2019 you could look out for a direct drive Japanese import. Yamaha, Kenwood etc They show up here in the classifieds once in a while 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkipEsquire Posted July 30, 2019 Share Posted July 30, 2019 Just buy her an ATLP60 or other cheap turntable for her beyonce records and enjoy your Technics to yourself without undue stylus wear. Alternatively preach to her the virtues of portable music on smartphones through earbuds and put he beyonce LPs into picture frames. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
was_a Posted July 30, 2019 Share Posted July 30, 2019 (edited) 6 hours ago, Cosy Cool said: Thanks for the link. Very interesting reading, but if I understand correctly, the upshot is that U$2000 of TT and mods later, the result still doesn't match an out of the box $2000 TT, but satisfied the writer's itch to research and modify. I am already stretched with other 'tuner' projects and was hoping for an easy fix, but thanks again for the interesting read. Sure... It's just that a direct-drive like the Technics spoils you for pitch stability, dynamics and reliability. You really need to spend money to equal these attributes when moving to a belt driven model - which is preferable of course when done well. I'm sorry, but the suggestions I've seen so far would disappoint. Edited July 30, 2019 by was_a Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosy Cool Posted July 30, 2019 Author Share Posted July 30, 2019 2 hours ago, was_a said: Sure... It's just that a direct-drive like the Technics spoils you for pitch stability, dynamics and reliability. You really need to spend money to equal these attributes when moving to a belt driven model - which is preferable of course when done well. I'm sorry, but the suggestions I've seen so far would disappoint. Yes agreed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosy Cool Posted July 30, 2019 Author Share Posted July 30, 2019 Sweet baby Jesus... I just saw THIS! https://thevinylfactory.com/news/technics-unveils-sl-1500c-turntable/amp/ This is *exactly* what I want. Now I just need one of you to buy it when it’s released (at about 1700 Aussie Doll Hairs ), leave it in its box for a couple of months and sell it to me at a heavy discount when your wives threaten divorce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosy Cool Posted July 30, 2019 Author Share Posted July 30, 2019 4 hours ago, SkipEsquire said: Just buy her an ATLP60 or other cheap turntable for her beyonce records and enjoy your Technics to yourself without undue stylus wear. Alternatively preach to her the virtues of portable music on smartphones through earbuds and put he beyonce LPs into picture frames. Cheeky! Im trying to support her desire to appreciate the medium! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 31, 2019 Share Posted July 31, 2019 There were plenty of quality decks in the 80s that had an auto lift and shut off at the end of a side. Something like a Pioneer PL30L would do the job and sound quite good.Alternatively find a well maintained Dual 1219 or 1019. Fantastic units, they will need a higher compliance cartridge though. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wartman Posted July 31, 2019 Share Posted July 31, 2019 I have a Technics sl-d2 and Dual 505. Pm sent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKay Posted August 1, 2019 Share Posted August 1, 2019 Denon DP 60L is my recommendation. You should be able to get an excellent unit for $1,000. See old add below. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosy Cool Posted August 1, 2019 Author Share Posted August 1, 2019 On 31/07/2019 at 9:30 PM, Grizzly said: There were plenty of quality decks in the 80s that had an auto lift and shut off at the end of a side. Something like a Pioneer PL30L would do the job and sound quite good. Alternatively find a well maintained Dual 1219 or 1019. Fantastic units, they will need a higher compliance cartridge though. Thank you for your suggestions. I’ll research those units. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosy Cool Posted August 1, 2019 Author Share Posted August 1, 2019 13 hours ago, wartman said: I have a Technics sl-d2 and Dual 505. Pm sent Thank you very much for your offer but I think I want something more physically substantial. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosy Cool Posted August 1, 2019 Author Share Posted August 1, 2019 10 hours ago, PKay said: Denon DP 60L is my recommendation. You should be able to get an excellent unit for $1,000. See old add below. Wow that really does look amazing! Thank you for this suggestion. I’ll research these units further. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosy Cool Posted August 1, 2019 Author Share Posted August 1, 2019 10 hours ago, PKay said: Denon DP 60L is my recommendation. You should be able to get an excellent unit for $1,000. See old add below. On the other hand..... maybe not for the faint hearted. https://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/viewtopic.php?t=107935 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKay Posted August 1, 2019 Share Posted August 1, 2019 (edited) 32 minutes ago, Cosy Cool said: On the other hand..... maybe not for the faint hearted. https://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/viewtopic.php?t=107935 I had one for a few years which never missed a beat. I sold it to @BATMAQNwho can comment. Also Greg still has one. @Doppelganger there are a few others who have had them as well. Like every vintage item there is always a risk. One thing I can confirm is that you have to spend a lot more to get a better sounding deck. Edited August 1, 2019 by PKay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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