WTD: Daughter's first record deck

[worrasf]

So at the age of 25 and after listening to music only via iPod/phone/laptop my daughter has asked for a "record player" for Christmas

Decided to build a pre-owned vinyl only system - looking for good quality separates but not the ultimate in HiFi

So I thought I'd start the ball rolling with the deck hence this post. Looking for a deck/arm/ mm cart in good/excellent condition. Not really fussed about make/model but none-suspended type would be more practical and probably needs 33/45 capability.

Looking to spend around £150 - £200 (max)

Anyone got anything they think might fit the bill?

Steve

[DSJR]

Plenty of old Pro-jects out there - and the 'Stuff from Southend' has loads of cheap spares if you ever needed any

[worrasf]

Hi David
Yes, got couple of projects on my eBay watch list - never heard one but understand that they are not to shabby
Steve

[DSJR]

Drive noise through the speakers is an issue with some of the cheaper new ones Debuts and so on. The old 1.5 and 2 were good, especially the latter. Rega's were rather better in certain areas (tonearms mainly) and a nice 1980's Planar 3 with RB300 and 2M Red or Goldring 10** series is still a very fine thing. Siting on both makes is absolutely critical though.

[steve s]

Hi Stephen,

I've got an old Ariston RD80 Transcription deck I was going to stick on ebay once I get a chance to give it a service (hasn't been used for a while) It's in good condition with a dark rosewood base and has the original Ariston arm but no cartridge.

Might be a bit fussy for your daughter's needs though. The suspension takes a bit of setting up initially and its a belt drive which involves platter removal and moving the belt from one pulley to another to change the speed. It is a very nice sounding deck tho'.

Steve

[worrasf]

Hi Steve
Thanks for that. Yes, love her as I do she's not really into setting up decks like the Ariston and unfortunately I'm not just around he corner.
I think a fit and forget like the Rega or Project will be a safer bet.

Steve

[worrasf]

. The old 1.5 and 2 were good, especially the latter..

Would that be the Project Essential 2 Dave?

[Stiffy]

Stephen,

The RD80 is a nice deck….I had the RD60 and was impressed with it.
Do you not think that once it was set up and your Daughter was accustomed to changing the belt position for speed changes, (which in reality probably won't be that often unless she's going to buy a load of 7" stuff) the RD80 will be far more satisfying to own.
My RD60 only had a basic AT91N cartridge and sounded good.
Sup to you though.

[worrasf]

Stephen,

The RD80 is a nice deck….I had the RD60 and was impressed with it.
Do you not think that once it was set up and your Daughter was accustomed to changing the belt position for speed changes, (which in reality probably won't be that often unless she's going to buy a load of 7" stuff) the RD80 will be far more satisfying to own.
My RD60 only had a basic AT91N cartridge and sounded good.
Sup to you though.

Hi John - It's a fine deck and no mistake. My concern is that Sophie spends 6 months of the year in UK on the farm and the other 6 months running a ski school in Verbier and I reckon if she had something like a Rega or Project she'd be able to take it with her (that would be the plan anyway).
Steve

[struth]

Yes, the project deck are quite easy to pack away and set up again, so would be good for that. Don't have anything in that range but sure there will be plenty on the bay. Mike Greenwood is selling a rega on his Thorens thread ,.. would need an arm though.