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Thread: Getting back into vinyl on a budget

  1. #1
    Join Date: May 2011

    Location: andover uk

    Posts: 475
    I'm simon.

    Default Getting back into vinyl on a budget

    Hi folks,
    i have recently re-caught the vinyl bug after 30+ years.

    i currently have only a pc based desktop system and listen mostly through my headphones(hd800).
    however, on my desk i do have my marantz integrated amp which runs my dali zensor1 speakers. (low end i know but it is only a desktop system.)

    anyway i have started researching what TT would best suit my needs.
    my original budget was £300 but that has quickly changed to "up to" £500.
    it is a bit of a minefield for someone like me that knows next to nothing about turntables.
    i started looking at new models from project and rega, but then it was suggested to me to go for something older, even vintage.
    so now i am also considering offerings from thorens, technics, pioneer and systemdek, also.
    i do like to tinker, so something that is easily modded is fine.
    going forward i will consider upgrading my speakers and amp, so i dont want the TT to be the weak point now.

    so far my shortlist includes the following.........
    technics sl2000,
    pioneer pl514/516
    rega planar3
    Project Debut Carbon Esprit
    thorens td150 mk2, td160, td280
    Systemdek IIX 900

    any advice would be really appreciated?
    thanks
    DIGITAL:flac/pc/foobar/wasapi>Chord Qutest> Frans' (Solderdude) headphone correction filter>Violectric V200>Senn HD650, Beyer DT1990
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  2. #2
    Join Date: Feb 2010

    Location: Bridgend, Wales

    Posts: 171
    I'm James.

    Default

    The easiest thing for that sort of money would be to buy a Planar 3 and be done with it. However, a good secondhand Thorens or Systemdek would also be worth having. As would a secondhand P2 or P3. I'd discount the Technics SL2000 & the Pioneer decks as not being quite up to the mark of the others. A secondhand Technics SL-1200/1210 that hasn't been DJed to death is also a good purchase. Not too familiar with that particular Pro-Ject but I've had a couple of their decks and not been overly impressed. The Goldring Lenco GL 75/78 idler decks are well worth a look as well, especially if the arm has been changed.

    If you're buying anything used, ensure it's been properly looked after and serviced. Try to find someone nearby who is experienced when going to look at secondhand decks as you don't want to buy a money pit. Assume any cartridge will need a new stylus.
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    May contain opinions that others find disturbing.

  3. #3
    Join Date: Feb 2013

    Location: W Lothian

    Posts: 99,005
    I'm Grant.

    Default Getting back into vinyl on a budget

    The project ones with the carbon arm are quite good and the regas always do a decent job too.

    Both are reasonably small and new so won't give much trouble
    Regards,
    Grant .... ؠ ......Don't be such a big girl's blouse

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  4. #4
    Join Date: Nov 2010

    Location: Chorley, Lancs

    Posts: 2,734
    I'm Mike.

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    I'd say a good planar 3 is a safe bet, plenty available so you can pick and choose and hopefully get a good deal, the main bearing on the Planar 3 is it's strong point and about the only bit of my original Planar 3 left on my deck at the moment, servicing them is simple and doesn't require a specialist (you can do it yourself pretty much) and finally if you're a bit of a tweaker there are plenty of upgrade parts available.


    As the late Colonel Sanders once said
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  5. #5
    Join Date: Apr 2017

    Location: Cheshire UK

    Posts: 843
    I'm Martin.

    Default

    My general overview about starting out again is that if you go too far back you end up having to restore or replace parts.

    I mess about with Duals but I would advise you to buy a Rega as I plan to do soon. I fancy a new one but there will be some good used deals

    Rega planar 3 and have done with it

    I handled a project Debut recently and I just didnt like it full stop.

    You dont want a money pit. Ive been obsessive with two Duals..an enjoyable money pit and not too bad as i build up some accessories. Sensible in a way as I work out what Im going to be spending on vinyl. Im still not sure where Im going with it or if I can afford that many vinyl records that dont come cheap from charity shops

  6. #6
    Join Date: Mar 2016

    Location: East Sussex

    Posts: 419
    I'm Nat.

    Default

    A great starter deck is a Linn Axis with either the Linn Basik or Akito arm it will be within budget and leave enough for a decent cartridge like a Denon DL110.

  7. #7
    Join Date: Apr 2009

    Location: Near Saffron Walden, Essex

    Posts: 7,087
    I'm Dave.

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    I would go for the Planar-3 for it's great performance, build, reliability and great backup.

    Trouble with buying an old or vintage turntable is that you will need to have some knowledge and skill to be able to service and re-furb and you don't know what you are getting until it's finished. I have had many old turntables in for service over the years and some take so much work that it just isn't viable.

  8. #8
    Join Date: Nov 2008

    Location: Banbury, Oxfordshire/Panteg is where my late father was born

    Posts: 4,382
    I'm Chris.

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    I would say go for a Rega, I think you'll enjoy it, simple plug and play with minimal fuss.
    Chris

    We've gone on holiday by mistake !

  9. #9
    Join Date: Aug 2010

    Location: East Midlands

    Posts: 426
    I'm Hugh.

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    I'd agree about the Rega, but I'd only buy new if I had the option of of an alternative cartridge to the standard Elys 2. I've never been a fan of Rega cartridges.

  10. #10
    Join Date: Apr 2012

    Location: N E Kent

    Posts: 51,624
    I'm Geoff.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by narabdela View Post
    I'd agree about the Rega, but I'd only buy new if I had the option of of an alternative cartridge to the standard Elys 2. I've never been a fan of Rega cartridges.
    Unfortunately, as most other cartridges are deeper bodied than the Regas, you then have to mess about getting the arm height right.

    I guess the dealer may do this for a new one (at a price probably). I wonder if they have a drawer full of rejected Elys carts?

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