[bogiedr]

I am in the process of putting together a vintage system for our den. I am going with Thiel CS 2 speakers, (1982) and will be paired with a Sansui 717 integrated amp, (once I find one). Which 70's table would you reccomend? Thinking a Technics direct drive but open to suggestions. Vintage is good, but trying to keep this veeery reasonable ($). 

[richidoo]

I got a Technics SL-Q2 for free from my neighbor. I added a used AT 150MLX cart and a new Vista phono pre (both found on AC.) After careful setup it makes really great music for cheap.

[bastlnut]

hallo,

why a cheap turntable for a pretty up there system?
if you can find a Technics SP 10 then you will have a good old broadcast turntable that will be the best Technics for what you have.
thats if it has to be a Technics.
other options would be a Thorens or Systemdek, and Ariston or Rega.
of course there is VPI and Well Tempered, Luxman and Micro Seiki.

best to check out the local Craigs List and epray of course.
there might be a record shop near by tha will have some used TTs to choose from,
or better yet, go to a local dealer that will have some used equipment and maybe a TT or 2.

regards,
bas

[Jlappy]

What about an Acoustic Research  XA , XB1 or The AR Turntable? I know some folks here who restore these 'vintage' tables    

[BaMorin]

If vintage has to be 70's.........hmmmm..........how about mid 80's based upon 60's technology?

walnut plinth, lacewood armboard, Linn arm, very nice suspension and bearings..........

[Minn Mark]

I'm using a SL-D3 that I bought new 30" years ago. Still works great in my vintage system (Marantz 2250b, 5220 cassette, Advent Baby speakers).  Very reliable TT. and reasonable when they're on ebay.

Mark

[bogiedr]

Thank you for the reccomendations. Heading out to a local flea market where a local guy has a ton of old equipment, I might get lucky there. Bas I already own a Luxman PX 100 with a Clearaudio Aurum wood classic cartdrige as well as a Clearaudio Emotion table with a Verify carbon arm and a Maestro cartdrige. Both tables are part of my main system. I just happen to have a pair of Thiel's and thought, why not find a cheap old amp and table and see what happens? Basically this is a fun little project to show my nephew vintage can sound as good as anything produced today. I loved Sansui and never owned a Technics so I thought it was time to see of Sansui sounds as good as I remember it and if Technics is as good as everyone says.

[bastlnut]

hallo,

i do understand you wanting to try some things and be able to show your nephew what is possible.
i fully agree with not using budget gear to do this as we know vintage gear is not always cheap.
but......but the Thiels and the Sansui will show up the definciencys in the source,
and the Technics is not up to the other equipment.
i found a 717 last time i was in the USA and set up a holiday system with it.
i posted about it on another vinyl forum along with the Oracle Alexandria i refurb'd as part of the whole.
the BigBallSansui is an amazing amp and will power your Thiels just fine
you could find a vintage JVC or Denon which may even cost less but will be closer to the rest of what you have.
for that matter if you find an Oracle for similar money as the Technics you will have massive bass and strong mids with your Thiels because the Sansui can deliver it.

love the Luxman PX! great TT!
maybe you can find a vintage Michell, Thorens or Technics SP 10/15/25 or SL 1000/1100
so, good luck and lots of fun

regards,
bas

[Ericus Rex]

The Micro Seiki DDX-1000 is a really cool vintage table from the late 70's.  They aren't too expensive.

[Wayner]

Contrary to bas's comments concerning Technics, I think the SL1200MKII is better then even a Rega P3 or a VPI HW-19jr.

If properly tweaked and with the right cartridge, it will perform very, very well. As many here know, I am currently running 9 tables, and the Technics SL1200 is my favorite. Loose the stock mat for something with less durometer, put a dot of plasticaly about 2 inches down from the pivots, pair it with you favorite cartridge and align it to a Lofgren B.

There will be plenty of "air", pace, dynamics, and imaging. They also do not need any belts, nor suffer from a pulsating synchronous motor, or belt noise. The tables also have enough torque to be used as a cleaning station!

Even if buying new, The SL1200MKII is my first choice, regardless of others.

Wayner 

[orthobiz]

Contrary to bas's comments concerning Technics, I think the SL1200MKII is better then even a Rega P3 or a VPI HW-19jr.

Even if buying new, The SL1200MKII is my first choice, regardless of others.

Wayner 

Wow! Good thing I don't have a Junior!

Paul

[Wayner]

It was the table of choice for modifications by Kevin at KAB. Unfortunately the now out of production series can only have existing tables modded. Several mods are RCA jacks instead of the attached interconnects, tonearm rewiring (but I'm not a fan of the wire groupies), and the silicone damping trough.

Hell, I might as well plug his website here (free advertising). He's a good guy and knows his stuff.

www.kabusa.com

Wayner

[LM]

I agree completely with Wayner's comments but you could also look at other Technics models as well.  As well as my own SL1210, I have friends with both SL1300 and SL1600 models owned since new and both still perform flawlessly.  Not all TTs in the used market with either full or semi-auto functions will be as well maintained however they are great sounding and rugged options.

Lyn

[bastlnut]

hallo,

here in Europe we do not know the VPI well except the wash machine which is very good.
if the HW-19jr is not better than the DJ turntable, then it is good that they are not sold anymore.

i guess i am used to better quality and the SL 1200 and the type are just not good enough.
performance is not enough, it has to sound good too.
constant speed is not enough, the music also needs to breath and the Technics DJ deck simply can not do that.

regards,
bas

[Wayner]

I try to not be a turntable snub, rather I let the machines speak for themselves. I think some people can't get over the fact that a "disco" record player can actually perform well. Then I have to ask those people if they have actually owned one or is it too "below" their high end stuff to consider such dribble.

I've owned 4 AR-XAs, a Rega P-3 and other tables, including the current line-up and I know what sonics they are capable of. I also know how to tweak them and get the most sound out of them. I've heard high end tables (RMAF, dealers) and they haven't spewed out anything more magical then what I can hear in my studio.

I think the lesson here is to try and not be a vinyl snub, get a decent player ande start spinning. Even the lowly SL1200MKII will sound better then any CD player, and you don't have to sell the family farm to get one.

Wayner 

[Wayner]

Here is another awesome, but hard to find direct drive "disco" turntable, the Sony PS-X7. Comes with a carbon fiber tonearm, massive direct drive platter and a very well engineered tonearm. The one flaw is no adjustable VTA, but there are work arounds for that.

Here is mine with a Grado Gold1 Longhorn cartridge:

 

Wayner 

[DigiPete]

The Technics SL1200 series can be modified to compete with very expensive turntables, and can also sound very, very good with mild modifications.

A good following on the Techie can be found here, several of the owners that post there have gone the modification route and are extremely satisfied, myself as well.

http://theartofsound.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=4