[WC]

I just looked on ebay and became overwhelmed by number of available turntables. Looked to me that Dual, Pioneer, Denon, Technics (other than the 1200), Marantz, and Sony were in this price range along with some more unfamiliar names like Garrard and ELAC.

Anything I should look for?
Any overachieving turntables?
Anything I should avoid?

I have never set up a turntable before, but I am willing to learn. I would like to use this as a stepping stone to a more expensive turntable in the future when I have finished building the rest of my audio system.

[Wayner]

A good old direct drive table makes sense to me, tho I'm not fond of recommending used to newbies because of the potential problems with vintage stuff.

I do like Sony and Technics direct drives, and you don't have to fool with finding a belt.

Wayner

[Nick77]

Might want to stick to craigslist to get the most bang for buck.

[WC]

Might want to stick to craigslist to get the most bang for buck.

My local craigslist is pretty bad. Most of the items are mass market junk that people think is worth almost what they paid for. It will probably be where I sell off the Ion Audio Profile record player I have, it will fit right in with all the rest of the junk for sale.

[thunderbrick]

Might want to stick to craigslist to get the most bang for buck.

+1!.  You can get to see it and test it, and no shipping problems.  I've seen two great Phillips 212s go for $100 each, decent Pioneers (no plastic crap) for $40-60, and I am going to pick up a clean Dual 1219 this weekend for $45 to get a buddy set up to start.

I shudder to think how an ebay seller would pack something like a TT.   

Edit:  I agree there's a lot of junk, but the gems do show up.  Where are you located?  If there's an audio group around SOMEBODY will have a unit sitting around.

[WC]

I am located in Peoria, IL.

[thunderbrick]

So, the D8 builders aren't into vinyl?   

Try other cities in the region, or maybe ask the GAS guys for help.  Whenever I am on the road I check CL at my destination cities.  Found some great deals but yes, people with crappy 80s "tower" systems usually want way too much for junk.

Check Rockford and S'field or the Quad Cities.

[Devil Doc]

 "Unfamiliar names like Garrard". Now I really feel ancient.

Doc.

[Mikeinsacramento]

A good old direct drive table makes sense to me, tho I'm not fond of recommending used to newbies because of the potential problems with vintage stuff.

Wayner

There is a way around that, sort of.  I bought a Newcomb classroom TT off e-bay for, I don't know, $50-$60 delivered.  I had no idea what I was doing, but I took it apart, replaced the wheel, stylus, and 'lytics.  A couple of resistors that were wacked.  Rewired the arm.  Basically got a feel for the mechanics.  It sits in my office and I occasionally play weird records I find at thrift stores. 

Then I bought a Garrard Z1 off CL for $50.  Every lever and switch on this thing was frozen up.  Bunch of spiders were living in it.  Since it's a changer, there is a maze of linkages, levers, and cams.  It's good training.  Now I'm modding the crap out of it and having a blast.  When I'm done, I'll find something else to tackle. 

Just because you've never messed with an old TT before, there's no reason to be intimidated.  If it's a piece of crap beyond repair, just ditch it.  It's not like you have a lot of dough committed.

[Wayner]

When the anti-skating doesn't work, or the motor is broke, it's a different story. I've heard of all kinds of horror stories even tables arriving with cracked plinths. While I do admire your abilities to fix some table problems, there are many, many more challenging problems that can be encountered and for a pro, are almost impossible to fix for lack of parts.

Wayner

[WC]

A good old direct drive table makes sense to me, tho I'm not fond of recommending used to newbies because of the potential problems with vintage stuff.

I do like Sony and Technics direct drives, and you don't have to fool with finding a belt.

Wayner

How old of a direct drive turntable should I be looking for? It shouldn't be a problem if it works, but is only missing a cartridge?

[Wayner]

Most were from the early 80s so they are 25+ years old. You should get a new cartridge as 25 year old stylus assemblies are probably toast or near toast anywho.

Wayner

[Musky_Don]

WC,

A while back, I decided to fiddle with some of the old Yamaha TTs of the late 70's, early 80's for use in a second system.

I am pretty sure my 'not being used inventory includes' the following:

YP-B2  belt drive
YP-211 belt
YP-701 belt
YP-800 direct drive
YP-D71 direct

All are nice tables, well built IMO for their respective price points at the time.  The last two would be over the "$100 or so" category but really sweet TTs particuarly the YP-800.  Of the first 3, all would be under, and I personally like the YP-701 best, then the YP-211.  I'd part with either for a good bottle of scotch.  I think I modified the 701 with a new, better set of interconnects.  They are in storage so I'm writing this from memory... and I think I have the model numbers correct.

I'm in the Chicago area. Pick-up is best with TTs.  Payment would be at your discretion after using for awhile.  If you have any interest send me a PM. 

Happy hunting.

Don

[orthobiz]

I have seen vintage tables with the speed adjuster wander all over the place, not holding a true single speed. Three tables I did recently responded to spraying some Caig Gold into the pots and moving the switches around. So don't be disheartened necessarily if everything works but the speed adjuster is twitchy.

Paul