[H3LlIoN]

Hey everybody...H3llion here.  I'm looking to finally upgrade to my first "real" turntable (non-jap-'90's-junk) and I need some guidance.  I've done some searching on what's available locally, and here's what I've come up with -
 
 
Sansui SR-626 - $85
 
Audio Technica AT-120 - $150
 
Dual 1019 w/ Shure M55E - $150obo (with paperwork and manual, cracked dust cover)
 
Rega Planar 2 - $200
 
So!!!  Which one should I get?  Is there something else out there <$200 that would be better?  If I get one of these, what should I plan on upgrading/replacing to make it sound the best?  Also, if you'd care to expound on what makes one better than the other/etc, please feel free.
 
Thanks for the help...I'm pretty green when it comes to performance TT's.
 
- H3


FYI - upgrading from Onkyo CP-1114A

 

[TubeDriver]

Rega is the one I would get, it is in a different league from the rest that you listed.
 

 

[H3LlIoN]

Is $200 a reasonable price?

 

[liamstrain]

That seems like a good price for a Rega P2 (especially if it comes with a cartridge). 
 
I have the Dual 1019 - it is great as well, but as with all vintage turntables, will require special care and keeping to run well. 

 

[mythless]

If I were in your shoes, I take the Sansui SR-626 and buy a quality cartridge or upgrade the current stylus.
 

 

[H3LlIoN]

Quote:

If I were in your shoes, I take the Sansui SR-626 and buy a quality cartridge or upgrade the current stylus.
 

Two things:
 
A) Would you care to elaborate as to why?
 
B) I'll probably buy the 626 even if I DO get one of the others, as it's @ the local thrift.  I'm just waiting for the price to go down.
 
Also, the Dual sold.  I found another one that has an M44 and has been completely disassembled/cleaned/rebuilt for $250, but that seems high.

 

[mythless]

Quote:

Two things:
 
A) Would you care to elaborate as to why?
 
B) I'll probably buy the 626 even if I DO get one of the others, as it's @ the local thrift.  I'm just waiting for the price to go down.
 
Also, the Dual sold.  I found another one that has an M44 and has been completely disassembled/cleaned/rebuilt for $250, but that seems high.

Sure:
 
1)  The price is right.  Lots of room to buy a great cartridge like a Grado Gold gently used or a brand new Nagaoka MP-110.
 
2)  No belt to buy, again maximize your budget.  You will always need to replace the belt if the owner hasn't.  Not to say the Rega is a bad table, It's a great table.  Acos arm is very good (Japanese made arm) however, I'd doubt there will be a great performance difference between the two tables.
 
I will say the Dual price is very fair if it's been serviced.  Lots of labour involved when restoring those idler wheels.  M44 is a DJ cartridge so you might want to replace it.
 
On a side note:
 
I've seen the Planar 2 and I was not impressed by it's built.  While I do understand why they did it and it works, I kinda wish they put more effort in doing so.  The motor is mounted to the plinth via what looks like two hair rubber bands.
 
 

 

[H3LlIoN]

Haha thanks. Goes to show what I know.  So...if I get the Rega, I'd automatically have to replace belt?  On the 626, I forgot to mention that the dust cover is missing...I couldn't find a price online for a 626 (the 838 seems to be the find) but I'm glad to hear that $85 is reasonable.  Like I said...might buy it any way.  I'm waiting to hear back from the rega guy and the dual guy as to condition/upgrades/etc.  Headed in now to check on price of the 626.  I'm weary of the dual because I'll be on a boat, and the high humidity vs. wood...no bueno.  Thanks for all the input...feel free to keep it coming.
 
Also, are all of these going to require the phono input style (amped input, I guess) receivers?  Thanks,
 
- H3

 

[liamstrain]

As far as I know, all of these will need either an external phono stage (ProJEKT or NAD PP2 or similar), or a receiver/amp with a phono stage.

 

[H3LlIoN]

Here's some pic porn while I procrastinate about the price....no dust cover, Audio techinca AT-130e cartridge.  Owner's manual included.
 

 

 

[H3LlIoN]

Does anyone have any experience with the 626's?