Do I 'up' my turntable budget?

[plastic penguin]

If you don't like faffing around buy a direct drive TT , you may snigger at my suggestion Technics 1210 models ( Modified ) or a Sony PS-6750 , idler and belt drive units with sprung suspensions = faffing

Nothing against direct drive. I know the Technics 1210 has a good reputation, but I've always had belt-driven TTs. I suppose I'm a creature of habit.

For faff-free tables they don't come easier than ClearAudio Concept. However, there's no dealer within reasonable distance to dem.

[Bigman80]

Big Jap TTs from the 80s are fabulous - much better than the Press made them out to be at the time. My only concern would be servicing if it went wrong. Parts are unobtanium and one of the best Jap TT fettlers has disappeared with peoples' money and their TTs. No parts and bust electronics equals expensive paperweight. Adam (Beobloke) might be able to help with advice on where to get Jap DD TT repairs, if these float your boat.

The classic mechanical TTs have a substantial support network now from independents, who have remanufactured new parts and are able to restore and service them - hence long term enjoyment and likely to outlast the lifetime of the buyer.

That Sony is very reliable and parts are pretty standard so no need to worry about that either. It's a winner and I will buy one as soon as I am able.

Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk

[paulf-2007]

Big Jap TTs from the 80s are fabulous - much better than the Press made them out to be at the time. My only concern would be servicing if it went wrong. Parts are unobtanium and one of the best Jap TT fettlers has disappeared with peoples' money and their TTs. No parts and bust electronics equals expensive paperweight. Adam (Beobloke) might be able to help with advice on where to get Jap DD TT repairs, if these float your boat.

The classic mechanical TTs have a substantial support network now from independents, who have remanufactured new parts and are able to restore and service them - hence long term enjoyment and likely to outlast the lifetime of the buyer.

a Denon DP80 is around £500, add a plinth at £100 DIY or whatever you want to pay and an arm of your choice. It's only the turntable going wrong that's of any concern and just bad luck if it does. So another £500 and away you go. Or throw two grand at some belt drive rubbish and throw more at it when the upgrade itis kicks in. I think what I'm trying to say is you can take a punt on a fantastic turntable and risk £500 or spends thousands in something as good and lose money down the road anyway.

[Arkless Electronics]

Big Jap TTs from the 80s are fabulous - much better than the Press made them out to be at the time. My only concern would be servicing if it went wrong. Parts are unobtanium and one of the best Jap TT fettlers has disappeared with peoples' money and their TTs. No parts and bust electronics equals expensive paperweight. Adam (Beobloke) might be able to help with advice on where to get Jap DD TT repairs, if these float your boat.

The classic mechanical TTs have a substantial support network now from independents, who have remanufactured new parts and are able to restore and service them - hence long term enjoyment and likely to outlast the lifetime of the buyer.

Good advice The Japanese had a really annoying habit of instead of designing their electronics around standard off the shelf parts they would produce an IC ("silicon chip") made only by lets say Sony and used in only one or two decks for say two years....If one of these IC's becomes faulty 30 years later then it's a nightmare and can well be "game over".

I have a very nice Technics SL-150 MkII which has a fault causing severe flutter... I found the fault 10 years ago and yes it was possible to get the IC to repair it, at about £30! but I never got round to it... god only knows if it's still even possible to obtain the part now!

[struth]

£30. Thats nowt... you could build your own chip on bread boards and fit it inside I did that once for a cnc lathe. Was rather large mind lol

[Mikeandvan]

Aren't Rega TTs vastly overpriced? Not saying they don't sound ok, but boy are they basic. The only DD I know is my current 1210, which I love with simpler rhythm based music such as techno, but I don't like it much with classic 60s rock. Mind you mine is relatively unmodded. I'd like to try other Jap DD's, but there are too many to choose from!

[walpurgis]

Aren't Rega TTs vastly overpriced?

Well it's certainly an expensive way to buy a slab of MDF.

[hifi_dave]

Well it's certainly an expensive way to buy a slab of MDF.

They have never used MDF, it's too heavy for their application and contrary to the opinion above, they are very good value and extremely reliable. "Basic" maybe but aren't all good turntables basic ?

[Mikeandvan]

Can't see a price?

[Arkless Electronics]

£30. Thats nowt... you could build your own chip on bread boards and fit it inside I did that once for a cnc lathe. Was rather large mind lol

I have built discrete component equivalents to an IC before yes... but not when it's a 24 pin ic which would take maybe a months R & D to create a replacement!