Getting back into vinyl on a budget

[oldson]

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

[Smegger68]

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.

[struth]

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

[Jac Hawk]

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.

[Minstrel SE]

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

[Natara]

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.

[hifi_dave]

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.

[chris@panteg]

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

[narabdela]

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.

[walpurgis]

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?

[oldson]

cheers for the replies guys, i am bidding on a P3

[Cycleallday]

Simon, I also live in Andover and have an almost new Rega 3 deck, cartridge and phono I am considering selling - you are welcome to come look and hear. I also have a Technics you can listen to but nor for sale.

Mel

[Audio Al]

I have a P3 and a Kenwood KP5022A that could be for sale if you dont win the bidding :)

[oldson]

Simon, I also live in Andover and have an almost new Rega 3 deck, cartridge and phono I am considering selling - you are welcome to come look and hear. I also have a Technics you can listen to but nor for sale.

Mel

Hi Mel,
thanks for posting.
i narrowly missed the unit on ebay so i am keen to know more about yours.
did you buy it new, colour and which arm/ cart is fitted? and of course what price you have in mind?
cheers
Simon

btw , your message box is full ;)

[Cycleallday]

Hi Mel,
thanks for posting.
i narrowly missed the unit on ebay so i am keen to know more about yours.
did you buy it new, colour and which arm/ cart is fitted? and of course what price you have in mind?
cheers
Simon

btw , your message box is full ;)

Have cleared my message box Simon.

Will send you another pm in a few minutes as as I notice I also missed a digit from my phone number - sorry.

It’s maybe easier to discuss verbally or via pm but basically yes I have owned the items all from new.

Mel

[oldson]

I have a P3 and a Kenwood KP5022A that could be for sale if you dont win the bidding :)

thanks for the reply Allen, but i'm going to look at Mel's deck tomorrow as he is right on my doorstep.
cheers
Simon

[oldson]

well i'm now the (very happy) owner of a pristine RP3 courtesy of Mel (Cycleallday).
thanks to all who recommended this deck, i'm really glad i took the advice.
but mostly , of course thanks to Mel.
the price for the deck alone was a bargain, but he included so many extras that ive ended up with nothing short of a fantastic deal.
just wanted to acknowledge on here that he is a top guy to deal with. (could not see an area to post on buyer seller feedback!!)
it could be a late one tonight!!! cheers Mel :cool:

[Macca]

Cheer you up after last night's disaster anyway :)

[montesquieu]

Deleted. Just seen you found something.

[oldson]

Cheer you up after last night's disaster anyway :)

you're not wrong, i certainly needed it.
its hard falling at the last hurdle, but at least we got there and we're in the mix next year.
i'm not feeling as bad as our keeper, though!!

[Macca]

you're not wrong, i certainly needed it.
its hard falling at the last hurdle, but at least we got there and we're in the mix next year.
i'm not feeling as bad as our keeper, though!!

I sort of feel sorry for him even though I shouldn't. It's going to be harsh for him. Anyway enjoy your new deck, we'll do them next year :)

[oldson]

I sort of feel sorry for him even though I shouldn't. It's going to be harsh for him. Anyway enjoy your new deck, we'll do them next year :)

cheers, i'm loving it

[oldson]

I sort of feel sorry for him even though I shouldn't. It's going to be harsh for him. Anyway enjoy your new deck, we'll do them next year :)

just been reading that Karius has received threats against himself and his family. cannot put into words how that makes me feel.
unbelievable, some people. not football fans imo.

[Bigman80]

just been reading that Karius has received threats against himself and his family. cannot put into words how that makes me feel.
unbelievable, some people. not football fans imo.There's an extreme element to most thing in life, football is no different. Ridiculous to threaten the man, as if he doesn't feel bad enough.

[Macca]

just been reading that Karius has received threats against himself and his family. cannot put into words how that makes me feel.
unbelievable, some people. not football fans imo.

That's what I meant. It's inevitable nowadays, sadly. I've never been one for crucifying players for mistakes, and it has never been that way at Liverpool. Not real Liverpool fans doing that I think.

[Cycleallday]

it could be a late one tonight!!! cheers Mel :cool:

Thanks for the compliment and pleased you are happy.

That Felicity Kendal work out LP with provide you with hours of healthy enjoyment and help you forget all the woes of your favourite team.

Mel