[johzel]

I'm looking for a semi automatic turntable - basically I want something that will shut off and lift at the end of the record.  I appreciate this is a bit of an audiophile "no no" but too frequently find myself getting distracted and coming back sometime later only to find the platter still turning.  So far I've come across the Thorens TD-240 - I believe its fully automatic but would meet my needs.  It's also about as much as I care to spend.  Pro-ject makes a Xpression Comfort which is semi-automatic but unfortunately Sumiko doesn't import it to the US.  Looking for other recommendations.  Many thanks - I also realize I could go vintage but prefer to look at new options right now.

[2gumby2]

I have this semi-automatic turntable for sale at the link below. I am the original owner and it has been well cared for.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=82607.0

[royphil345]

The quality is said to be not so great on that Thorens. In my experience, a lower-priced table with a small DC servo motor and electronic speed control with no quartz-lock or pitch control is a pain in the butt. My first table when I got back into vinyl was a Rotel RP-955 that shared this design and it was a pain in the butt. The reviews I've read on this and similar Thorens tables seem to agree. They do tend to drift in speed depending on the mood they're in that day... lol.  This design really should have an illuminated strobe and pitch control to keep a handle on that. The speed of the Thorens can be adjusted through the case with a screwdriver, but speed does tend to drift and be a pain to keep accurate from what I've read. I have also read more than one review about premature motor failures.

I have a Dual 522 going up for sale. Has a new part that restored the auto functions, a new belt and a new AT95E cartridge and stylus installed. All cleaned and lubed and the cosmetic condition is very, very good. It even came with the original box and packing materials from the '80s, the instruction manual, a Dual booklet of that year's line and the cartridge overhang tool. Here's a pic with the old cartridge. The AT95E stylus is green...

http://www.4shared.com/photo/DnWQnd1V/Dual_522.html

[Wayner]

2Gumby2's deck would be good. I like the 80's Technics tables, direct drive. I also like the Technics SL-Q2 (I own one) and is easy to work on.

Wayner

[johzel]

Thanks for offers.  Will consider.  Perhaps older tables may be the way to go then?  Anyone with a newer semi automatic they can recommend? 

[simoon]

You might want to look on ebay or audiogon for add on devices that will lift a manual arm when it gets to the end of the record.

Audio Technica used to make on called "Safety Raiser", There are a couple of these for sale on Audiogon now.
Expressimo made (or still makes) one called "The Lift"

And Monitor Audio used to make one.

The main advantage in using one of these is that you don't have to compromise on the table/arm you buy. It is also possible to DIY one with a little ingenuity.

[TONEPUB]

Havent seen anything these days that's any good that is semi.

I'd also suggest a technics, or I just got my hands on a Denon that I'm pretty smitten with as well....

[Toka]

Yea, check out a Technics/Denon...would serve you well!

[johzel]

Just searched eBay and the Needle Doctor.  Came up empty on such devices.  But thanks for helping.  I appreciate it.  Have decided to look for something vintage to go with my old Marantz integrated, tuner and Dynaco A-25's.  That could be fun.    Have received a few offers already - thanks.   Will keep the manual Pro-ject table with one of my other systems.  I'll just have to stay awake when using the Pro-ject. 

[pumpkinman]

The Kenwood Kd-770D  Direct Drive TT I think is a good choice
The arm lifts at the end of play but is not linked to play operation
I picked up one at a used record shop for $75.00 Mid 80's TT
orignal list approx. $600.00



The precision engineered KD-770D features the Kenwood ultra-rigid DL motor and high stability HS tonearm for outstanding music reproduction accuracy.

Drive system: direct drive

Motor: Quartz PLL coreless and slotless DC servo motor

Platter: 33cm aluminium alloy die-cast

Speeds: 33.33 and 45rpm

Wow and flutter: less than 0.02% WRMS

Rumble: better than -80dB

Tonearm: straight pipe arm

Effective length: 245mm

Overhang: 15mm

Stylus pressure range: 0 to 3g

Usable cartridge range: 2 to 12g

A listing for one in Canada   http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/11653-kenwood_kd770d_direct_drive_turntable