Technics SL-V5...Bargain?

[violante]

About a year ago, I happened to see a cool looking turntable at a garage sale. I was considering getting into vinyl, the thing looked mint and was even packed in what appeared to be the original styrofoam, and best of all it cost only $10 CAN. Today, I happened to begin looking for advice on a more standard turntable, as I figured that the upright standing and automatic playing were several characteristics which added to nothing beyond asthetic value. But upon looking into what I currently have--a Technics SL-V5--I found that a heavily used one of these sold for over $200 on ebay just over a week ago.

So my question is this: is it advisable to sell my Technics SL-V5 and upgrade to a new turntable, hold onto this and buy a new turntable (will it increase in value??), or keep this one in my setup and consider upgrading parts? I really have no idea of the playback quality of this compared to other turntables, as I have no experience in this subject. It has a Shure M92LT needle, and it is in very good condition.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Corey

 

[Mr.Radar]

According to www.vintagetechnics.com it is a linear-tracking quartz-lock model. If it is made of metal (in the mid-80's Technics switched to mainly plastic parts) and in good condition then I'd say it's a keeper, and certainly an oddity at the very least. That eBay price is probably a bit on the expensive side, and I wouldn't expect it to get too much more valuable. I'd say listen to it, and if you like it maybe upgrade the cartridge (I don't know too much about the one it has).

 

[S_Dedalus]

It looks more like a collectible than anything else. I know technics used to advertise the ability of their tables to play at a 90 degree angle.
If you like the way it sounds, I'd say keep it and get a couple of spare styli.

 

[lini]

Corey: That's a nice record player - not audiophile quality, but proper mid-fi. As you say that it's in fine condition, I'd recommend to keep it for now and maybe try another cartridge - for example you could check the Audio-Technica AT311EP or AT316EP (http://www.garage-a-records.com/atcart.html). However, I wouldn't recommend to invest in cartdridges significantly over US$ 100 for that table.

Greetings from Hannover!

Manfred / lini

 

[S_Dedalus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lini I'd recommend to keep it for now and maybe try another cartridge - for example you could check the Audio-Technica AT311EP or AT316EP (http://www.garage-a-records.com/atcart.html)

I'd also check kabusa. The owner might know more about that table, and is a pretty cool guy to talk to.