Cheap and cheerful turntables

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mix4fix

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Cheap and cheerful turntables
« on: 27 May 2025, 06:29 pm »
What would be your recommendations on new, low end turntables?

Audio Technica
AT-LP70X-BZ

Audio Technica
AT-LP60X-BK

Audio Technica
AT-PL70X-BG

???

rotarius

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Re: Cheap and cheerful turntables
« Reply #1 on: 27 May 2025, 10:26 pm »
Consider U-turn basic orbit and AT AT-LPW30. There are some decent Music Hall models you could look into as well.

nlitworld

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Re: Cheap and cheerful turntables
« Reply #2 on: 28 May 2025, 12:51 am »
I second the U-Turn or AT-LP30. There's also a Fluance RT83 which comes with an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge already. Pushing top of a real C&C kit, but would be best in that category. That is unless you're needing a unit with built in preamp.  :shake: If that's not the case, you'd be better off with a receiver built in or a Schiit Mani and BJC cable for hookup. But by that point, you're $550 so that's putting a lot of the C&C budget towards vinyl.

I.Greyhound Fan

Re: Cheap and cheerful turntables
« Reply #3 on: 28 May 2025, 01:03 am »
Buy as much TT that you can afford.   If you go the used route, there are quite a few Project Debuts for 250 to 300.  A Debut carbon can be had for 300 or so.  The Fluance RT83 is a good buy.  Skip the RT81.

Letitroll98

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Re: Cheap and cheerful turntables
« Reply #4 on: 28 May 2025, 10:33 am »
I second the recommendations given here.  A little more info on the Fluance line.  They have two platforms with varying options within each.  The RT80 and 81 are the El cheapo model and not worth looking at.  The RT82 through 85 are a much better table with better cartridges as you go up the line and the RT85 having an acrylic platter.  Like others here I think the RT83 is the sweet spot in the line.

Used tables, mainly the older direct drive models, can be great sounding options, but do your research and be prepared for at least some electronic repair.  Caps should all be replaced, they can fail and brick your table.  Avoid the newer plasticy models, the older heavyweight chassis sound better.

My top recommendation that might be $100 or so higher than the other pricing here is a VPI HW19.  A Mark III or Jr is a great option, they're built like a tank, and sound better than anything listed above.  The Jr doesn't have a suspension and would be the cheapest as well as not worrying about tuning or repairing the spring system.  They didn't come with arms but are often fitted with Rega or Jelco arms, I've seen a few with Grace arms.  Best of luck.