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Decent vinyl playback on the cheap?

post #1 of 4
7/3/05 at 4:57pm
Thread Starter 
Hello. I've currently got a pretty decent computer-as-source setup but I'm looking to find a way to utilize my dad's extensive backlog of vinyl. However, I'd be listening mostly just for kicks, not for high fidelity. I guess what I'm asking is, what is the best bang for the buck in the low end vinyl market? I'm looking to spend $200-300. Thanks.
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post #2 of 4
7/3/05 at 5:31pm
You could get a Pro-Ject Debut III and a Radio Shack phono preamp for about $300. Alternatively, you could get much better playback by buying a Thorens table on eBay (there are several different models) with a decent tonearm and get a cartridge and preamp. The Thorens will be better than the Pro-Ject, but it will be more difficult to get a hold of one in good condition and it's more risky since there is no warranty or guarantee on any table that's 30 years old. Anyway, those are just a couple ideas.
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post #3 of 4
7/3/05 at 11:38pm
The best deal on turntables is the Dual 1218 or 1219 or 1228 or 1229. (They are all very similar...) You can get them at ebay used for around $100 and they are rugged, they sound great and they have the ability (with the proper stylii) to play any 78, 45 or LP you throw at it. I have a 1972 Thorens that's a great turntable, but I find myself using the Dual a lot more often. You should be able to get a decent cartridge for around $75. If you plan to play 78s, you will need several cartridges to cover all the grooves you are likely to enconter... a 2.7 mil elliptical, a 3.0 mil elliptical and a 3.5 mil conical. For 78s, I would recommend spending the extra money and getting DJ cartridges mounted on headshells for easy swapping.

Also, all Thorens are not created equal. The models made since the 80s aren't in the same league as the ones from the 50s through 70s.

See ya
Steve
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post #4 of 4
7/4/05 at 9:44am
Another option is a Lenco. These were Swiss made decks of equal or higher build quality than the Dual's and certainly more tweakable. They are unique in that they have a continuously variable pitch control between 16-86 RPM and can therefore play almost any record ever pressed even those pitched-up shellacs from the 1920's. Just try that with a Technics!
They were also sold under license as Goldring-Lenco in the UK and worldwide rebadged as Bogen or Benjamin. Here is a nice looking one

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...sPageName=WDVW

These are becoming something of a cult but are still underpriced. In stock form it will be upto Rega Planar 3 standards but can be tweaked into the high end by fitting a Linn Basik tonearm for instance. Of course new plinths will also help.

Check this audigon thread for more info and pics of people rigs.

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr...4493&read&3&4&
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