Ebay turntables... sub $200 suggestion?

Matt__P · « **on:** 15 Aug 2006, 03:44 pm »

Hi Guys... Ive got a real modest system that includes a Harman Kardon preamp a pair of Norh Le amps
Adire 10.1's and shiva sub powered by Hypex.
Ive got a ton of vinyl that Ive collected but nothing to spin it on.
Without spending alot to get started does anyone have a recommendation on what I should be watching for on Ebay for less than $200 with cartridge and stylus? Old Harman Kardon, Techniques, Denon? a particular model #?
I also have another $200 or so for a phono preamp and would appreciate a recommendation on that as well.
Thanks! Matt

ohenry · « **Reply #1 on:** 15 Aug 2006, 04:06 pm »

How timely this post is.

I need something similar (a ready-to-play turntable) for my girlfriend's little Sharp EX-200/Polk system in that price range. When shopping for lower-end vinyl spinners, is it better to just go for something new?

BTW, the 1-bit Sharp EX-200 sounds stupidly enjoyable with those little Polk floorstanders.

Q1Q · « **Reply #2 on:** 15 Aug 2006, 04:33 pm »

Pro-ject Debut or Goldring GR1 are both good choices.

chriss · « **Reply #3 on:** 15 Aug 2006, 04:57 pm »

Hi Matt,
I would, based on what I've read, use Audiogon as opposed to Ebay for a TT purchase. You are less likely to encounter someone who is just reselling a TT they have aquired. That said, if you could up your budget just a little for the table and cart you would be better served in the long run.
The Shure M97 is a good value in a cart.as for a pre the Rotel is a good value and is usually sold used for 100.00 or so(theres one on Agon now but they go fast) Avoid the NAD or Project boxes as from what I understand they are average at best.
As for a table spend a little more and least find a used Rega. That way you will have a better idea what all the fuss is about. Lastly there is alot to be learned at the Viynl Asylum at AA. Nice folks and vast amounts of information avalable in the archives on just the sublects your asking about.

Have fun and remember, you will be able to buy lots of great music really cheap once you are set up. You will of course need to consider cleaning supplies but that can be done on the cheap as well.
Chris

Berndt · « **Reply #4 on:** 15 Aug 2006, 07:08 pm »

look at these luxmans...

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=28200.0

jrhymeammo · « **Reply #5 on:** 15 Aug 2006, 08:11 pm »

Ebay is the easiest place to get ripped off especially TTs. How about something like this? http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1160403881 TT comes with a good Pro-Ject CarbonFiber arm. It should satisfy you for long time.

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #6 on:** 15 Aug 2006, 09:45 pm »

Quote from: jrhymeammo on 15 Aug 2006, 08:11 pm

Ebay is the easiest place to get ripped off especially TTs. How about something like this? http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1160403881 TT comes with a good Pro-Ject CarbonFiber arm. It should satisfy you for long time.

I can't speak for the musicality of the MMF stuff...but I know that model doesn't have the carbon fibre arm. I'm not sure what arm that is, but it's one of the MMF-sourced or made lesser grade arm for their lower price point models. Still, it may be just fine.

As for ebay tables, the older JVC and belt drivers are well made for the money.....and rarely top $100.00 unles they have rosewood plinth or something. You need not do more than filling them with 10 or so lbs or Plast-i-Clay inside and they become wonderfully satisfying cheap players. DON'T buy the ones with plastic arms, however; stick with the shiny metal armed TT's from them.

jrhymeammo · « **Reply #7 on:** 15 Aug 2006, 11:23 pm »

Thanks for the clarification TCG.
I just do not trust Ebay for TTs. Alot of tables do not spin at the correct speeds, even if you spend $20 for a replacement belt. Also on old direct-drive TTs, when drive mechanism goes out you have pretty much wasted your money. Alot of people do succesfully buy OLD TTs on ebay, but another problem is that 99% of them do not have the orignal/proper packaging. I would purchase a TT that is 2-5 years old for the same price you could spend on some brand new Sony or AudioTechnica. If you end up purchasing one of these http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/turntables/132996d8909f84e4/index.html, chances are you will upgrade it within a year.
Happy Huinting.
-JRA

Audioexcels · « **Reply #8 on:** 16 Aug 2006, 02:10 am »

Sugden

Matt__P · « **Reply #9 on:** 16 Aug 2006, 01:26 pm »

thanks for all the help so far guys. I checked on those Luxmans and both were sold.
I thought I was fortunate living so close to the needle doctor in Mpls but they werent as much help as I had hoped. Their shop is about the size a large closet . They half way helped me try and resurrect an old Pioneer PL41 I had but $50 later I was less than impressed with the outcome. Website seems to be where they do all of their business.
Looks like the Goldring GR1.2 can be had sub $300. think thats a good place to start?

Matt__P · « **Reply #10 on:** 16 Aug 2006, 01:58 pm »

I found these locally on Craigslist. Any bargain in either ?

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ele/183584979.html

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ele/188000912.html

Psychicanimal · « **Reply #11 on:** 16 Aug 2006, 03:59 pm »

Quote from: Matt__P on 16 Aug 2006, 01:58 pm

I found these locally on Craigslist. Any bargain in either ?

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ele/183584979.html

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ele/188000912.html

Why not buy new instead and avoid the troubles?

Kevin sells the Technics SL-B20D for $169 brand new. It is a belt drive with a frequency generator servo drive that achieves 0.06% wow & flutter--unheard of in the other 'audiophile' belt drives like the Projects & Music Halls. This Technics should beat everything from other brands in the $500 range. Kevin also sells other phono preamps cheap. Give him a call...

www.kabusa.com

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #12 on:** 16 Aug 2006, 04:14 pm »

Quote from: Matt__P on 16 Aug 2006, 01:26 pm

thanks for all the help so far guys. I checked on those Luxmans and both were sold.
I thought I was fortunate living so close to the needle doctor in Mpls but they werent as much help as I had hoped. Their shop is about the size a large closet . They half way helped me try and resurrect an old Pioneer PL41 I had but $50 later I was less than impressed with the outcome. Website seems to be where they do all of their business.
Looks like the Goldring GR1.2 can be had sub $300. think thats a good place to start?

Yeah, I visited The Needle Doctor about 3 years ago in Minnie....it really is a postage stamp sized outfit. They sell everything at or near list; I suspect Mr. Raskind is combing his profits with a large rake looking at what his overheads really are

Matt__P · « **Reply #13 on:** 16 Aug 2006, 09:14 pm »

Thanks for the info on KAB Psychic!
I think I'll go that route. I sent him an email with the specs on my preamps phono stage to see if he thinks i need to upgrade that. If he's even half as helpful as his website is i'll be spinning vinyl before the month is out!!
M

Psychicanimal · « **Reply #14 on:** 18 Aug 2006, 12:19 am »

Keep us posted!

ohenry · « **Reply #15 on:** 18 Aug 2006, 12:54 am »

Today I got a Technics SL-Q303 from a local lady off Craig's list for $35.

Except for the dust cover scratches needing to be polished out, it perfect. I put a Shure M-91 with a new stylus on it and it sounds VERY good. Perfect for my girlfriend's modest system.

jrhymeammo · « **Reply #16 on:** 18 Aug 2006, 03:43 am »

Quote from: ohenry on 18 Aug 2006, 12:54 am

Perfect for my girlfriend's modest system.

If that's a picture of your girlfriends system, you must marry her!!!!!!!!!!!!

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #17 on:** 18 Aug 2006, 03:43 pm »

Henry,

Take an evening and stuff that Technics with as much Plast-i-Clay as it will hold (including the underside of that aluminum platter - it's normally about 9 lbs in those TT's). It will improve dramatically when you give it a more solid base.

Ya' never know, you might get some more snarlin' outta' it

ohenry · « **Reply #18 on:** 18 Aug 2006, 04:44 pm »

Quote from: TheChairGuy on 18 Aug 2006, 03:43 pm

Henry,

Take an evening and stuff that Technics with as much Plast-i-Clay as it will hold (including the underside of that aluminum platter - it's normally about 9 lbs in those TT's). It will improve dramatically when you give it a more solid base.

Ya' never know, you might get some more snarlin' outta' it

You never know...

I'll probably do some stuffing (the turntable) this weekend, it can't hurt. I am surprised at how good this thing sounds with a mediocre cartridge. It's quiet and truly full-ranged; the bass is presented with authority. Speed stability seems excellent so far. I see that it retailed for $240 in 1981; its performance exceeds that price IMO.

Matt__P · « **Reply #19 on:** 29 Aug 2006, 03:49 pm »

ok guys I found a brand new in the box (with receipts) SL-1200MK5 for $300
on Craigs List.
He included a Stanton cartridge that he paid like $45 for.
I set it up yesterday and it sounds great just run through my HK preamps phonostage and into an xr-55
but will getting a better cartridge improve it dramatically?