Choice of Turntable

[Stuartm]

During a recent "spring clean" SWMBO pointed to my collection of LP's and announced that as I no longer play them they had to go! This spurred me on to make the decision to add a turntable to my system once again (much to my wife's chagrin!!!).

I have an Acos Lustre GST-1 Arm with an ADC Headshell in which is mounted an AT95E Cart., and I now need some advice on what Turntable to buy to go with this.

Funds are somewhat limited, and having looked on fleabay to see what is available I am considering the following two:
* SEE Revolver (original, not the Rebel). There is one currently available without an arm,and searching the internet shows that these turntables have a reasonable specification and are still quite highly thought of.
* Sugden Connoisseur BD1. Again there is one on fleabay and reviews were favorable.

Any comments on whether either of the above are suitable, or suggestions of others that I should consider, would be much appreciated.

[The Barbarian]

Hi Stuart
You won't be able to fit the Acos on the 'SEE' TT.. You would have no problems mating it with the 'BD-1' The period match would be good too. Actually those 'GST-1' are a good sounding Pick-Up arm.. The 'BD-1' will need a good plinth & also the motor cradle will need attention. I modded one ages ago with 'O' rings, got shut of the original idea.

[Beobloke]

The Revolver is a very nice deck but, as Andre points out, fitting the Acos won't be a 'drop it in the hole' job - some woodworkery will be required.

As to the Connoisseur BD-1, I wouldn't touch one with the world's longest barge pole but some people seem to like them!

[walpurgis]

I've used a Lustre arm with a BD1. It's a very good combination for the money.

I've seen the BD1 that's on eBay. It looks rather good and will accept that arm with no bother. Surprisingly good sounding unit the Connoisseur, considering how simple and basic it is. I've owned various Regas to compare it with and would sooner have the BD1.

The turntable will need fettling every now and then. New belts are available and many other parts. The motor suspension fails every couple of years, but is dead easy to sort out, I've done dozens of them. Use EP90 or EP80 gear oil for the main bearing. They like thickish oil and wear out if you use anything thin.

I still have a BD1 unit knocking about and keep meaning to bung it in a plinth, I may do that this year.

If you get it and want any advice give me a shout.

[struth]

the other option is to sell the acos arm which should often sells for up to 200 and buy a complete tt of choice.

[walpurgis]

I see Adam has slagged off the BD1 whilst I was writing out my nice little bit of praise for it :lol:. Never mind.

Don't be put off if you want one. I've had about twenty of them and have always kept one around. I just like them. They're an honest bit of kit!

[walpurgis]

the other option is to sell the acos arm which should often sells for up to 200 and buy a complete tt of choice.

True, but remember, the Lustre arm is well capable of being used with pretty good moving coil cartridges, given a rigid headshell. Mine also worked surprisngly well with Deccas. You'd have to spend a fair amount to better it.

[The Barbarian]

As to the Connoisseur BD-1, I wouldn't touch one with the world's longest barge pole but some people seem to like them!

:lol: I knew that was on the cards however im still not understanding what is wrong with them apart from the motor cradle issue i pointed out!

[struth]

True, but remember, the Lustre arm is well capable of being used with pretty good moving coil cartridges, given a rigid headshell. Mine also worked surprisngly well with Deccas. You'd have to spend a fair amount to better it.

agreed. just pointing out an option if he fancied a plug n play version. hed probably get a decent full tt for no outlay if he chose.

[Stuartm]

Many thanks for the comments so far.

Another option has appeared in the form of a Thorens TD160 - any comments regarding the pairing of the Acos with this turntable?

Stuart

[walpurgis]

If the TD160 has an SME type mount cut out it will save you some time. The Lustre arm is fairly heavy, so you may have to tinker with the Thorens suspension spring adjustment to get the TT level. Nice deck the TD160.