Cheap and cheerful turntables

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic. Read 1360 times.

mix4fix

  • Volunteer
  • Posts: 2529
  • I reject your music, and substitute my own.
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

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 575
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

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 2451
  • Strange things are afoot at the Circle K
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

  • Facilitator
  • Posts: 5763
  • Too loud is just right
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.

mix4fix

  • Volunteer
  • Posts: 2529
  • I reject your music, and substitute my own.
Re: Cheap and cheerful turntables
« Reply #5 on: 24 Jun 2025, 01:53 am »
The one thing is that these options would be acquired for free. I am trying to cash in my award points and choose something in the options available. Most items available are junk, anything halfway decent is limited. Plus, I only have so many points.

They also have a Gemini TT-5000. It is a cheap 1200 clone.

Letitroll98

  • Facilitator
  • Posts: 5763
  • Too loud is just right
Re: Cheap and cheerful turntables
« Reply #6 on: 24 Jun 2025, 11:56 am »
They also have a Gemini TT-5000. It is a cheap 1200 clone.
That's another Hanpin table.  Not good.  They will play records without damaging them, but the specs are terrible.

mick wolfe

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 1340
Re: Cheap and cheerful turntables
« Reply #7 on: 24 Jun 2025, 02:53 pm »
Good point on record damage. Being's that the vinyl itself will end up being your biggest investment, I would not start any lower than the mid-range offerings from Fluance or U-Turn. Choose a compatible cartridge as well. Some of the carts that are included are pretty solid choices. Cheaping out on a turntable and cartridge will not leave you cheerful.

I.Greyhound Fan

Re: Cheap and cheerful turntables
« Reply #8 on: 24 Jun 2025, 04:13 pm »
I have a Pioneer PL55x Vintage Semi Auto TT.  It is in excellent working condition and I have it for sale for $295.  I will let you jave it for $285. It is from 1976 or 1977.  My son has been using it.  I bought it a few years ago, fully refurbished.  In 2 weeks I am having my EE friend who repairs TT's and electronics, give it a going over before I sell it.  It does have a slightly warmer sound.  My son was using it with a Nagaoka MP-150 and it sounded great.  I also have a fully refurbished vintage Thorens TD-145 Semi Auto TT that has been fully restored and I built a custom wood plinth out of cocobolo wood and insulated the whole chassis with something similar to GT mat which is used for sound insulation in cars.  It also has adjustable sorbothane feet for further isolation. 
I am selling this one for $750 firm.  I can email pictures.  It just had a good going over by my EE friend who has been fixing Thorens TT'S for almost 50 years.  It is running perfectly.

If you go with Fluance, do not get the RT-81.  At least get the next model up.

Larry

mix4fix

  • Volunteer
  • Posts: 2529
  • I reject your music, and substitute my own.
Re: Cheap and cheerful turntables
« Reply #9 on: 27 Jun 2025, 05:39 am »
AT-LP120XUSB

Direct drive, 1200 clone

wushuliu

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 3741
  • Music a bubble, not looking for trouble.
Re: Cheap and cheerful turntables
« Reply #10 on: 27 Jun 2025, 09:18 pm »
I have a Pioneer PL55x Vintage Semi Auto TT.  It is in excellent working condition and I have it for sale for $295.  I will let you jave it for $285. It is from 1976 or 1977.  My son has been using it.  I bought it a few years ago, fully refurbished.  In 2 weeks I am having my EE friend who repairs TT's and electronics, give it a going over before I sell it.  It does have a slightly warmer sound.  My son was using it with a Nagaoka MP-150 and it sounded great.  I also have a fully refurbished vintage Thorens TD-145 Semi Auto TT that has been fully restored and I built a custom wood plinth out of cocobolo wood and insulated the whole chassis with something similar to GT mat which is used for sound insulation in cars.  It also has adjustable sorbothane feet for further isolation. 
I am selling this one for $750 firm.  I can email pictures.  It just had a good going over by my EE friend who has been fixing Thorens TT'S for almost 50 years.  It is running perfectly.

Larry

Now we're talkin'. 8)

S Clark

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 7479
  • a riot is the language of the unheard- Dr. King
Re: Cheap and cheerful turntables
« Reply #11 on: 28 Jun 2025, 03:52 pm »
I have a Pioneer PL55x Vintage Semi Auto TT.  It is in excellent working condition and I have it for sale for $295.  I will let you jave it for $285. It is from 1976 or 1977.  My son has been using it.  I bought it a few years ago, fully refurbished.  In 2 weeks I am having my EE friend who repairs TT's and electronics, give it a going over before I sell it.  It does have a slightly warmer sound.  My son was using it with a Nagaoka MP-150 and it sounded great.  I also have a fully refurbished vintage Thorens TD-145 Semi Auto TT that has been fully restored and I built a custom wood plinth out of cocobolo wood and insulated the whole chassis with something similar to GT mat which is used for sound insulation in cars.  It also has adjustable sorbothane feet for further isolation. 
I am selling this one for $750 firm.  I can email pictures.  It just had a good going over by my EE friend who has been fixing Thorens TT'S for almost 50 years.  It is running perfectly.

If you go with Fluance, do not get the RT-81.  At least get the next model up.

Larry

Buy it.  You won't do better at 2X the price.   

Letitroll98

  • Facilitator
  • Posts: 5763
  • Too loud is just right
Re: Cheap and cheerful turntables
« Reply #12 on: 29 Jun 2025, 11:00 am »
Umm, gentlemen, mix is buying this with credits on Amazon.  Basically free.  So the options have to be available there.

S Clark

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 7479
  • a riot is the language of the unheard- Dr. King
Re: Cheap and cheerful turntables
« Reply #13 on: 29 Jun 2025, 09:02 pm »
Use the store credits on something else as Amazon credits always get used... get vinyl.     Buy a the Pioneer PL55 

I.Greyhound Fan

Re: Cheap and cheerful turntables
« Reply #14 on: 29 Jun 2025, 10:38 pm »
Use the store credits on something else as Amazon credits always get used... get vinyl.     Buy a the Pioneer PL55


I agree, buy my Pioneer.  Price reduced to $280.   :D