Post A Photograph Of Your Turntable | Page 168 | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org

morserotonin · Oct 29, 2013 at 5:35 PM

matttcg said:
I humbly ask for advice if I may. Complete noob here. There are two turntables for sale locally. A Thorens td-280 and a Luxman td-284. Given that the condition is about the same which is the better choice.

I agree the Luxman, even though I am a huge Thorens fan when it comes to vintage tables. Enjoy whatever you decide!

Shaffer · Oct 30, 2013 at 9:57 AM

I'd get the Thorens. Almost every DD Lux 'table I've looked at in the last few years had speed stability issues. Big ones.

parbaked · Oct 30, 2013 at 10:36 AM

matttcg said:
I humbly ask for advice if I may. Complete noob here. There are two turntables for sale locally. A Thorens td-280 and a Luxman td-284. Given that the condition is about the same which is the better choice.

I checked out your local CL and was amazed that those are the ONLY two decent turntables for sale!

I would pass on both those turntables and keep looking, even for the $150 asking price.
It is not that they are not worth that money but I don't think those are the TTs you want.
1. Both are semi-automatic. You probably want a manual deck.
2. If you want a Luxman, 'cause they are pretty, get a belt drive!
3. if you want a Thorens, save up your pennies, study up on the history of Thorens and then buy a Thorens with a model number that begins with a 1XX. You will need to spend $$$ or know how to work on it to get a "real' Thorens.

Maybe check eBay for TTs by sorting by "nearest distance". You may find more sellers on eBay than CL.
You can often then contact seller and arrange to audition the TT and pick it up for a cash discount.
Another option is to place a TT wanted add on your CL.
It is not easy to find a decent TT for $150. That's a steal! It will take luck, patience and knowledge to get a good one.
The more you know before you buy, the better off you will be...

analogsurviver · Oct 30, 2013 at 10:52 AM

parbaked said:
I checked out your local CL and was amazed that those are the ONLY two decent turntables for sale!

I would pass on both those turntables and keep looking, even for the $150 asking price.
It is not that they are not worth that money but I don't think those are the TTs you want.
1. Both are semi-automatic. You probably want a manual deck.
2. If you want a Luxman, 'cause they are pretty, get a belt drive!
3. if you want a Thorens, save up your pennies, study up on the history of Thorens and then buy a Thorens with a model number that begins with a 1XX. You will need to spend $$$ or know how to work on it to get a "real' Thorens.

Maybe check eBay for TTs by sorting by "nearest distance". You may find more sellers on eBay than CL.
You can often then contact seller and arrange to audition the TT and pick it up for a cash discount.
Another option is to place a TT wanted add on your CL.
It is not easy to find a decent TT for $150. That's a steal! It will take luck, patience and knowledge to get a good one.
The more you know before you buy, the better off you will be...

This is good advice.

It depends how loooooooooooooooooooooo...ng you are prepared to wait. A good strategy would also be sorting by "lowest price first" - for "whatever" turntable, regardless of make/model, either on CL or ebay. Although laws of supply and demand are pretty accurate, sometimes there are "hiccups" - meaning that at the time and place there are no or few takers for a superb over the top deck starting at low bid. Ferraris and Rolls Royces of turntables have been known to sell for silly low prices - all good things come to those who can wait.

Trouble is, you have to know which TTs are good and are worth waaaaaitiiiing for ...

parbaked · Oct 30, 2013 at 11:55 AM

analogsurviver said:
Trouble is, you have to know which TTs are good and are worth waaaaaitiiiing for ...

And then what to "look for" in each of the TTs you've identified so you get a "good one"...

Hijodelbrx · Oct 30, 2013 at 1:05 PM

Of all the audio components, turntables are the most worrisome to buy used. So many moving parts, so many things that can be wrong. Add to this the lack of knowledge about the history of the unit, was it treated with care, or was it abused by some wannabe DJ? On top of that your price range ($150) practically guarantees you'll be getting a unit needing some work. Unless you're very mechanically oriented this means you'll eventually have to spend $ to get the unit in proper working condition. Sorry for painting such a bleak picture BUT...there are alternatives. Check out audioadvisor.com, they sell affordable entry-level tt's that actually sound good and are brand new!

MattTCG · Oct 30, 2013 at 3:16 PM

Thanks again everyone for the sage advice. I'll plan to be more patient and educate myself more before pulling the trigger. I'm learning plenty just reading through this thread.

Oregonian · Oct 30, 2013 at 6:41 PM

matttcg said:
Thanks again everyone for the sage advice. I'll plan to be more patient and educate myself more before pulling the trigger. I'm learning plenty just reading through this thread.

Are there no vintage/used record/stereo shops in Atlanta area? I have at least 4 to choose from in Portland. Bought my Yamaha TT at one for $125 direct drive, new cartridge and it has been flawless for 6 months.

analogsurviver · Oct 30, 2013 at 6:51 PM

parbaked said:
And then what to "look for" in each of the TTs you've identified so you get a "good one"...

True. In one of the other threads I have suggested a basic Rega or Project NEW TT over vintage - it is what it is, it can not best a really good vintage TT, but it is new and should be free from gremlins that dwell in vintage equipment. If one has tiiiiiime and LOTS of experience, it is possible to assemble a mind blowing sounding TT for peanuts. And equally fixing a vintage one can drive you nuts if you lack tiiiime and experience.

So prospective buyer should think hard if he/she wants plug and play solution or he/she is willing to fiddle with ills and quirks of analog. It always ends in the second camp, but first steps and appreciation of the analog records and sound they offer is perhaps easier with plug & play solution. Getting the vintage deck up to snuff might turn out to be too overwhelming for the novice.

parbaked · Oct 30, 2013 at 7:15 PM

analogsurviver said:
True. In one of the other threads I have suggested a basic Rega or Project NEW TT over vintage - it is what it is, it can not best a really good vintage TT, but it is new and should be free from gremlins that dwell in vintage equipment. If one has tiiiiiime and LOTS of experience, it is possible to assemble a mind blowing sounding TT for peanuts. And equally fixing a vintage one can drive you nuts if you lack tiiiime and experience.

So prospective buyer should think hard if he/she wants plug and play solution or he/she is willing to fiddle with ills and quirks of analog. It always ends in the second camp, but first steps and appreciation of the analog records and sound they offer is perhaps easier with plug & play solution. Getting the vintage deck up to snuff might turn out to be too overwhelming for the novice.

Yeah that's why 9 years ago I bought a new Rega P2 and the best cartridge I could afford at the time (Benz Micro Silver) and it's been my daily deck ever since. I upgrade the feet and platter but otherwise just enjoyed it. It is not the best, but it is very forgiving and doesn't need to be constantly tweaked to sound decent.
Works for me as most of my LPs are not flat anyway...

PS for Analog Survivor - I use different thickness felt mats to adjust the VTA (Roy suggested it!)

]eep · Nov 1, 2013 at 9:33 PM

Agree with above. Patience is important, but also knowing when to strike. Yesterday a saw a nice copy of the Benny Goodman at Carnegie Hall 1938 album with booklet and ringband ( what's that called; a spiral wire back for brochures booklets etc) at the 2nH store. They don't have much and most is rubbish. It kinda stood out. Unfortunately I couldn't take it because I was on an bike and didn't want to tote it around during lunch with a girlfriend. I came back today and it was gone. :mad:

I also have a better foto from the show I was at recently from a just released review. I'm even in the picture (way right).

Focal Stella Utopia loudspeakers, McIntosh C500 tube preamp, D100 d/a-converter, MC601 600W monoblocks and the MT5 TT.

I don't know all the prices but there are many countries in which you can buy a nice house for that money (I guess around €100,000).
On the other set after the break was a Well Tempered Versalex TT /w Dynavector Te Kaitora Rua on a Naim set and KEF Blades.

Sorry I don't have a better picture of the turntable. I walked out halfway. I wasn't charmed by the sound or the elitist presentation. Yes I am spoiled rotten (or I just know what I like). But I am not staying seated in reverence like it's a churchservice. Just walked out quietly and went to the toilet. :rolleyes:

Ah, I did find some pictures of probably exactly the same TT, for review on the same site (Dutch hifi site).
I think it's even rather charming for the collection of golfball, fishing string, plywood, anti-slip mat and lots of clever ideas that it is.

I must say the arm shares several design and engineering details with my Opera Audio T988 arm made in China. Not by coincidence, they work together. Opera audio manifactures the arm and distributes WT and DV in China.

Just one more picture. The food and drinks were very nice too. Top notch. Especially considering it was a free show.

analogsurviver · Nov 2, 2013 at 4:23 AM

]eep said:
Agree with above. Patience is important, but also knowing when to strike. Yesterday a saw a nice copy of the Benny Goodman at Carnegie Hall 1938 album with booklet and ringband ( what's that called; a spiral wire back for brochures booklets etc) at the 2nH store. They don't have much and most is rubbish. It kinda stood out. Unfortunately I couldn't take it because I was on an bike and didn't want to tote it around during lunch with a girlfriend. I came back today and it was gone.

I also have a better foto from the show I was at recently from a just released review. I'm even in the picture (way right).

Focal Stella Utopia loudspeakers, McIntosh C500 tube preamp, D100 d/a-converter, MC601 600W monoblocks and the MT5 TT.

I don't know all the prices but there are many countries in which you can buy a nice house for that money (I guess around €100,000).
On the other set after the break was a Well Tempered Versalex TT /w Dynavector Te Kaitora Rua on a Naim set and KEF Blades.

Sorry I don't have a better picture of the turntable. I walked out halfway. I wasn't charmed by the sound or the elitist presentation. Yes I am spoiled rotten (or I just know what I like). But I am not staying seated in reverence like it's a churchservice. Just walked out quietly and went to the toilet.

Ah, I did find some pictures of probably exactly the same TT, for review on the same site (Dutch hifi site).
I think it's even rather charming for the collection of golfball, fishing string, plywood, anti-slip mat and lots of clever ideas that it is.

I must say the arm shares several design and engineering details with my Opera Audio T988 arm made in China. Not by coincidence, they work together. Opera audio manifactures the arm and distributes WT and DV in China.

Just one more picture. The food and drinks were very nice too. Top notch. Especially considering it was a free show.

Nice report, Jeep ( I KNOW you are not a car, but I guess I will remain too lazy to find that character lurking somewhere in the silicon for the rest of my life... ).

I had to totally eschew our own audio event two weeks ago - I was recording an important concert in a hall I never worked before for which I knew to have absolutely amazing acoustics. Did not regret the decision one bit - and they didn't/don't have "the last picture" either !

WT designer(s) still, even after 25 or so years, did not figure out how to make cartridge mounting and fingerlift right. Basic concept of the arm is good, it has progressed from the original design, but it is still far from what it could and should have been. Regardless, one of the better and more musical arms around. Zero free play 5 point "gravity slanted" main TT bearing, on the other hand, is both original and well executed.

analogsurviver · Nov 2, 2013 at 4:43 AM

parbaked said:
Yeah that's why 9 years ago I bought a new Rega P2 and the best cartridge I could afford at the time (Benz Micro Silver) and it's been my daily deck ever since. I upgrade the feet and platter but otherwise just enjoyed it. It is not the best, but it is very forgiving and doesn't need to be constantly tweaked to sound decent.
Works for me as most of my LPs are not flat anyway...

PS for Analog Survivor - I use different thickness felt mats to adjust the VTA (Roy suggested it!)

We have a saying :

In dire straits, Devil eats flies.

And analogSurvivEr has similarly to resort to different mat thicknesses / cartridge selected primarily for its HEIGHT / tonarm base shims / other imprecise & non-precisely-adjustable/repeatable means in order to get the VTA/SRA at least within the ballpark in TTs/arms that have no provision for arm height/VTA. Mat thickness/size/material is absolutely critical with most TTs ( that is why there is and will never be the best universally applicable mat ) and I try not to alter mat if there is any other way around it.

Still, in dire ....

]eep · Nov 2, 2013 at 3:38 PM

Ringmat has a system of different thickness mat to allow for VTA adjustments.

]eep is from my 4 first names, and the mysterious creature from popeye (see my avatar) the jeep car was named after.

how to make cartridge mounting and fingerlift right

I really agree with that. It looks rather rickety, not stable and with resonance from that long thin lift sticking out. Asking for resonance problems. And why is there a stub left? Why not insert a sort of T-shape in it. This just looks glued together like toothpicks.

The end of the arm on my Clearaudio is a lot better. Not perfect but better. (this is just a sample picture, not my arm+cart)

MorbidToaster · Nov 2, 2013 at 5:28 PM

Having owned an Amadeus I can safely say I'd leave the fingerlift off completely.

It throws off the azimuth (causes it to drift) and is more difficult to use than just cueing from the middle of the arm.

It sounds odd, but it's really easy once you've done it a few times

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