New TT for ~$1500

OP here. I appreciate everyone's feedback. I went ahead and got an SL-1210GR with a Hana SL.

Great! I hope later you will find some MM or MI to compare different carts to your MC

"Sounded great" for you, but you can’t even adjust VTA on those cheap tonearms

Really, where have you read that?? The pro-ject 9, 9c or 9cc all have adjustable VTA! You loosen two allen screws at the base of tonearm mount. Pro-ject provides a shortened allen key to do this. They also have adjustable azimuth via a grub screw near the bearing yoke......wow! Talk about misinformed! The pro-ject aluminum (9), carbon fiber/aluminum (9c), and the carbon fiber 9cc are ALL better arms than the cheap S tonearm used on the technics. The only advantage of the technics is vta on the fly, that’s it. Also, a one piece tonearm sounds better than one with a detachable headshell. The technics does not have azimuth adjustment as far as I know, unless there is play in the detachable headshell. The entire arm on the pro- ject can be rotated to adjust azimuth. Also, Linn chose the pro-ject 9cc arm for their current Linn Majik turntable....it is a $700 arm, Linn did not think it was a sh*tty tonearm!

denon large deck with 2 arms ready to go


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Denon-Dp-6000-Record-Player-With-2-Denon-Da-309-Tone-Arms-And-1-DL2E-Needle/324239457963?hash=item4b7e2d7eab:g:86kAAOSwURNe7NfI

OP here. I appreciate everyone's feedback. I went ahead and got an SL-1210GR with a Hana SL. All set for now and very satisfied. Next year I will upgrade my phono preamp from the Phono Box SE II but until then just enjoying the music with my very capable setup. Thanks again for your opinions, and take care!

Marantz Tt-15s1.Besides a great turntable, it comes with a Clearaudio Virtuoso cartridge. It lists for $1,500. But I didn’t have any trouble getting it for $1,250. (Music Direct). It is a steal.

I'll second Chaksters recommendation on the vintage cartridge. I have a Audio Technica ML150 OCC moving magnet cartridge and this thing rocks. Current MM manufacturers don't hold a candle to this kind of build quality. I used to have a Ortofon 2M Black on a VPI Scout 1.1. Never could warm up to the sound and I'm pretty sure it was the cartridge and its shibato stylus that was the culprit.

Now you see Sam, some of them are real killers, i can imagine if you will ever try the AT-ML170 OFC or AT-ML180 OCC :) 

Shibata is great profile, but the cantilever is important and the generator is important, there is nothing new in the Ortofon 2M series that some nice vintage MM cartridges can't beat. 

AT-ML with its MicroLine stylus profile is a low moving mass design, thanks to Beryllium Pipe cantilever (not available anymore for cart manufacturers) and tiny diamond. 

Enjoy.  

I'll second Chaksters recommendation on the vintage cartridge.  I have a Audio Technica ML150 OCC moving magnet cartridge and this thing rocks. Current MM manufacturers don't hold a candle to this kind of build quality.  I used to have a Ortofon 2M Black on a VPI Scout 1.1. Never could warm up to the sound and I'm pretty sure it was the cartridge and its shibato stylus that was the culprit.  The 2M Bronze doesn't behave this way.  It just wasn't my cup of tea and other users mileage may vary. 

Technics 1200/1210Gr. Resale value is much better than most any budget belt drive TT. The Technics is good enough to be the last TT ever purchased for majority of people. 

Interesting, nice TT.

It seems Pioneer used the model # PL-50 more than once, both belt and DD units are to be found.

nice looking wood plinth, pioneer belt drive, inexpensive start

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pioneer-Pl-41-Turntable-Working-Stunning-Condition-/184309276718?_trksid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10

anyone know anything about this current new Denon DP-500M Direct Drive with Wood Deck?

https://www.amazon.com/DP-500M-Direct-Analog-Turntable-Record/dp/B0000C908N/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=denon+500+turntable&qid=1590760383&sr=8-9

binalong,

I agree, Vintage Direct Drive. Many, not all of he JVC-Victor and Denon Plinths are special designs, some 70 mm thick, 7 layers (4 wood/3 compound), others are solid, it is good to know which type you get.

I like Real Wood Veneer, that Denon marble plinth is a cut above, some wood is actually vinyl photo of wood, wrapped on the plinth.

The Sony I found is Metal, not plastic.

Of course, if you like or not bothered by plastic, you can get vintage for less cost, or affordable new.

Vinyl Engine says your Pioneer PL50 is Belt Drive, correct?

file:///C:/Users/ellio/Downloads/ve_pioneer_pl-50.pdf

Removable Arm Boards give future flexibility, and the large plinths with two removable arm boards are terrific if you get into Mono LP's as well as Stereo.

Hi to everybody. Greetings from Australia.
I am very new here, although not at all new to audio and I have been following this topic with interest.
I also had the same question as the OP and I looked at and listened to as many of the usual suspects as possible, so Pro-Ject, Rega, Music Hall etc.
I decided on a Pro-Ject 2xperince DC at a cheap price for a demo unit, but quickly became dis satisfied with it, so I sold it and imported a vintage Pioneer PL 50  via Noppin and subsequently fitted a Dynavector DV 20 XL cart.

Compared to you guys in the USA, all audio gear is very expensive in Australia and even ordinary tables like the Rega 8 and MoFi Ultradeck are $4K+ AUD here. My Pioneer sounds( and looks) great and you can see, feel touch and most importantly, hear, the quality of a 30 year old table compared to a 2020 table.
So, to address the OP's question, I would look to import a vintage DD 'table such as Pioneer, Yamaha, Denon, Victor etc for a ridiculously low price. Yes, it is true that shipping is expensive but all up my Pioneer cost me $1100 AUD, two years ago. Shipping prices have definitely risen sharply since then but IMO it is still a viable option.

denon with a marble plinth

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Denon-DP-1800-Direct-Drive-Turntable-Marble-Plinth-in-Very-Good-Condition/153950071172?hash=item23d823a984:g:Or4AAOSwnaVez0iP

The Hana SL is a wear-it-down to the nub cartridge. Thats a good thing.  Also look at similarly priced Benz.

quick search came up with this

Technics turntable SL1210 MK5G. Condition is Well maintained I have 3 MK5Grandmasters for sale

https://www.ebay.com/c/15020228144

and this article
https://www.whathifi.com/us/reviews/technics-sl-1200sl-1210-mk7

if not changing pitch for dj work, what are the 'equally best' models in terms of simply playing 33.33 steadily, deck resonance?

 IOW, the pricer 'grand' models make zero difference to us, except sleeping better at night.

@chakster that was my original plan but I never see them come on the used market!

I've pretty much decided against it because I want a hinged dustcover :)

link to clearaudio downloads, scroll down to antiskating sheet

https://clearaudio.de/en/products/turntables-concept.php

@tas234

Hey all, OP here. I appreciate all of your responses and youve given me a lot to think about. I was initially set on a 1210GR after your responses here and elsewhere. With a Hana SL that is closer to an endgame system for me. Unfortunately, price is still too high.

If the price is too high simply buy used GR and don’t buy Hana SL, instead of this MC you can find a better deal on MM or MI cartridges.

When you buy used GR you can save some $$$ (no risk).
And if you want to go cheper with great Technics then simply buy MK7 for $899   

I've never seen a Clearaudio Concept, had a peek.

The anti-skating adjustment located on the underside of the deck and the specific data sheet about adjusting it seem poor at best, 

I would want to know more about that, it's critical to success.

Hey all, OP here. I appreciate all of your responses and youve given me a lot to think about. I was initially set on a 1210GR after your responses here and elsewhere. With a Hana SL that is closer to an endgame system for me. Unfortunately, price is still too high.
However, I have a Concept in my sights with a dealer-installed Artist V2 cartridge for $1300. Seems like a great deal, low hours. Talk me out of it?
@panzrwagn that IS a good deal on the pro-ject--any other thoughts on this combo?

this Sony is an inexpensive start, $220. delivered, or make lower offer.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/362991960379?ul_noapp=true

info at vinylengine.com

not wood, not plastic, 

If you can repair the tonearm rubber gasket (easy with basic handy skills), this is a darn good start to a dual arm direct drive in a wonderful wood plinth (CL-P2) with a special tonearm, effective length 282mm (11-1/8")

It's big, make sure you can fit it. 564mm wide x 506mm deep (22-3/16" x 20")

https://www.ebay.com/itm/VICTOR-CL-P2-TT-81-UA-7082-Analog-Player-Set-AC100V-Working-Properly-F-S-d60/254585467881?_trkparms=aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20200520130048%26meid%3D1efa8200025841aa99eb369313af7d0c%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dsb%26sd%3D174154854899%26itm%3D254585467881%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv5PairwiseWebWithBBEV2bDemotion%26brand%3DVICTOR&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

I bought one like this, didn’t know much, was warned here about the arm, got anxious, cancelled the sale. Found another one in Canada, seller repaired sagging counterweight, it came plinth and dust cover busted, returned, found another in Canada (no JVC arm), it came, I added my two arms.

While I had the busted one, I took the JVC arm apart. Now I know how easy it is to fix that arm, Well worth fixing as it is JVC-Victor’s Long 7082 arm, with VTA On the Fly height adjustment.

Simply take rear counterweight portion of arm apart, replace gasket with rubber washer from Home Depot, back together, done.

You could point out the counterweight sag to this seller, offer around $900., see what happens. add another arm in the back for ... (mine is mono cartridge ready to go), bingo all set.

are these Pioneer's real wood veneer, or vinyl wrap photo of wood?

https://www.ebay.com/i/124196466431?_trksid=p1.c100423.m3621&_trkparms=aid%3D1110001%26algo%3DSPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20150526101643%26meid%3D287272e6a25a4dada74788acbdb45e93%26pid%3D100423%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26mehot%3Dnone%26b%3D1%26sd%3D224015961788%26itm%3D124196466431%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D1%26algv%3DDefault&ul_noapp=true

and, the Pioneer plinths, are they special layered construction like the Denon's and JVC's, or just ....?

good looking custom wood deck, Pioneer belt drive, inexpensive 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/PIONEER-PL-514-TURNTABLE-CUSTOM-RESTORATION-MAHOGANY-WOOD-FULLY-SERVICED-/124193785757?_trksid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10

here's an inexpensive start, $375. delivered

Pioneer Direct Drive, wood deck, separate arm for anti-static roller and dust brush

https://www.ebay.com/itm/PIONEER-PL-1250-Stereo-record-player-Direct-drive-type-Includes-instructions/193474325293?_trkparms=aid%3D1110002%26algo%3DSPLICE.SOI%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20190711095549%26meid%3D4a566d5fc9414414b5b5ed6d6c1ae6a7%26pid%3D100047%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D193474324926%26itm%3D193474325293%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSellersOtherItemsV2%26brand%3DPioneer&_trksid=p2047675.c100047.m2108

pioneer, fully automatic, OR, fully manual, hmmmm

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pioneer-PL-530-Vintage-Direct-Drive-Turntable-Fully-Serviced-Works-Well/224015961788?hash=item3428644ebc:g:GGwAAOSwXQRew-Xo

https://www.vinylengine.com/library/pioneer/pl-530.shtml

@luisma31  

If i were you i would buy a better MM cartridge for this old Technics turntable, i would definitely rewire internal tonearm cable and external phono cable. Actually i've done that before with my pair of SL1210 mkII (added kab fluid dampers and isonoe feet, complete rewire with cardas internal and zu mission external wires/cables, but unbalanced). I was very happy with result, the most important is cartridge, the rest of this upgrade is very cheap, but you need superb MM or MI cartridge with advanced stylus profile and impressive sound quality. There are many of them available NOS. Over the years i've been buying all of them. 

It is nice to change a turntable too, but this is much more expensive and you can do that later when you will have a perfect cartridge to install on better Technics turntable. If you don't have the real killer cartridge then i don't think you have to start with new turntable. 

BUT if you have a budget for SL1200G go ahead, it can be your last turntable for the next 30 years :) 

P.S. Discogs is fine to buy records, i prefer original pressings from the 70's as most of my music is from that era. I don't like re-issues. 

 

 

@chakster you seem to know about turntables a thing or two, I have an SL-1210mk5, bought it used, and added a DL301II which was kind of complex to align and mount on the Technics headshell (at least for me) and I'm not entirely sure is properly installed, this is something I have to revisit but then I wondered if I should replace or mod the tonearm (which is Technics standard) add a tonearm cable, possibly balanced for my balanced preamp etc.

If you were in my case would you sell what I currently have and get a new SL1200G? or even a SL1200GR?The DL301II which is MC, should I get a MM cartridge instead?
I am a novice with turntables, I have an entirely digital rig (very good IMO) but I have the itch to start getting vinyl etc (currently have like 15 only and these are not very good)
Which would it be a good place to get "good mastered vinyl" Discog?
Thanks in advance

very clean JVC, seems like a good price, don't know that model

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649609918-amazing-minty-jvc-audiophile-turntable-unbelievable-sound-free-denon-moving-coil-cartridge/

technics linear tracking in Virginia, USA

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649591139-rare-technics-sl-m3-quartz-controlled-direct-drive-linear-tracking-turntable/

Not sure why you're posting all these.
The OP already could buy some nice new turntable

I don't know about Pioneer's

very tempting pioneer, long 11-1/8" arm
one pivot, two arms: S and Straight (same easy VTA on the Fly as my Acos Lustre gst 801)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pioneer-PL-70L-ll-Turntable-in-Excellent-Working-Condition/333556643479?_trkparms=aid%3D1110001%26algo%3DSPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131231084308%26meid%3D09a316cf54ca477fa9ab3d59bbcc222e%26pid%3D100010%26rk%3D10%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D193462140847%26itm%3D333556643479%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100010.m2109

database info

https://audio-database.com/PIONEER-EXCLUSIVE/player/pl-70lii-e.html

note earlier model PL-70 needed a special tool to raise/lower the arm, if missing it could be improvised easily enough, but II definitely preferable.

jvc single arm, affordable start

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Victor-JL-B-41-Direct-Drive-record-Player-audio-musical-turntable-33-45-rotation/264695727788?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item3da11846ac:g:uHsAAOSwmWFekJkX&enc=AQAEAAACcIQvEcHUrT7nmUC3yY5qbPyaBN1nJEDYW8MyypsJPgXKbpGVenk0QxwqJ7mBcQFMD25w4XFBZ3TJUiMnGLp7Y3rfsyJoAxjUKN8C0VunMlgggo4wVuvoVrfOQ8u1cVXJGdrgHcVM7iwhxam1SLN4E04HYJZjiNk%2BLnoNke0OY5xqmbQhJbSyFJJr8EKKIO3n79YjjBFHjkcr3deW6FRiH6NGF27Fdf36xVMae1B%2B1X4YTseCM%2BKlkDfc1N43hoZWiPX4SuO9UUtzLwahspqB72iewisKpW2jg2RyebSVsw7wXBKxNBhiPa6H07nl2imzcltzYoGrDlmfAieg5W5ssAVNi9AdBPzid8t50s5QqUJafqr1TATy0aNVkFl1th6f9haYbnJUGCyS6cHNpwQoc66oIwaw2SfiLRRU%2BuDkNV4ehE19B76xzhDWAgkk1Kn96JaRFiHjFeYW7vFiIkuV0Ha6v6e2WW1fwLOho0DvcS02y9KDPCCZkc%2F70PjfwpI0IvrcLmUxzFJNcIn3MyBptuW7QI3AoyhVsRK4xQDcgQArVIZJ38OaVKoXVs1OCWVOB%2BfQqFy%2B3lW7%2FbbrvMAq1q9sFEtm%2FBa9EY2rSZFZUlGt9YTpZs4NaFOIGCZolfBleoYZK2EK1LtSaOn0cd0kvTMVcJqNoL4KKme5n17lT4Cligug2ShD2y%2FCDE6XAiLqSTCOhUOee6rgjHoZXPVtNA7pIgqcKasfgSEQJhUxGrkCPg%2Fj0rME8NEWiPQ%2FBhyAEKc3JrsKpe1dhsLF5gCCyIMqoBndd8l7M7GnwnNhCdkuZuVMEOqft8b9mprJmQ3Q2A%3D%3D&checksum=264695727788efebf453a0fd489eb5f4a47a764361af

thanks, I thought you might know.

anyone recognize this tonearm????

Audio Craft low model

anyone recognize this tonearm????

https://www.ebay.com/itm/202864324336?ul_noapp=true

thanks, Elliott

Oh yeah, I am damn glad I persevered, love this vintage dual arm turntable,

JVC TT81 Spinner in 70mm thick 7 layer plinth, two removable armboards, also special layering

1 vintage 9" arm, Acos Lustre GST 801 for mono
unique magnetism system, easiest VTA on the Fly I can imagine.
https://www.vinylengine.com/library/acos/lustre-gst-801.shtml

1 new 12.5" arm for stereo (from Russia, took another chance)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/tonearm-tonarm-12-long-NewArtVinyl-BLACK-BIRD12-5-CARBON/233512433389?hash=item365e6cf6ed:g:CUMAAOSw86ZeXTqK
I am glad I bought it, but it has been tricky. I had to strip and solder the most delicate wires I ever experienced, and I had to make a spacer to raise it up because these old Direct Drives are very high above the plinth surface. 3 different size set screws, inconvenient set screw location to adjust azimuth ...

Play Oscar Peterson Stereo, phono 1; Play Oscar Peterson Mono, phono 2, switch at will during listening session, fantastic.

All due to me joining the forum and very good advice/help here!

thanks again, Elliott

chackster,

very good advice regarding potential shipping damage, especially these large heavy plinths, dust covers, tonearms, plastic feet ....

Making a claim, return, problem can be quite difficult, and check with PayPal BEFORE PAYING, you might not be protected (as I wasn't). Check with your Credit Card company, use the card with best protection, extended warranty? damage protection?

As you know I bought large plinth Dual Arm JVC from an experienced seller/shipper with high rating, right after Christmas: Canada to USA. Lots of high quality stuff, long time seller, high rating, lots of shipping experience ...

It arrived 'busted', box severely damaged, plastic feet shattered off, wood plinth damaged 3 locations, plastic dust cover cracked, what a shameful mess.  

I paid extra for insurance.

1. UPS

seller bought insurance, so seller must make claim. It went to UPS USA for damage inspection; they damaged it further; they sent it to UPS Canada (different shipper name); they denied the claim:  improperly packaged, single box, used box, not double thickness, 'antique'. They said they do not insure 'antiques' in any case. So, I paid extra for insurance that was not valid in any case.

2. Paypal

did not cover me, because: I sent money to seller, no eBay invoice, it could have been sending money to my friend, not protected.

3. Credit Card saved the day

a. I didn't have to pay credit card company for that item 'for the claim duration'. IOW, put on hold.
b. they started a 14 day countdown, computer would automatically put a claim to Paypal for me in 14 days. They said, then Paypal will put a claim to the seller, and if seller did not satisfy me, they would close his paypal account. (big deal, could just open a new one).
c. I told seller, 14 day countdown, he now on deadline to resolve/refund me or lose his paypal account. that got his full attention.

4. got full refund, whew!

I told seller, my refund was not connected to his insurance claim, refund me now. seller waited 
After UPS Canada denial, and after he received the package, he gave me a full refund.

5. Found another one, all good

I found Vlad, also canuck audio mart, https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/

nearly identical dual arm deck, excellent condition, discussed shipping, he assured me: 3 boxes, dust cover with misc in one box; tt in second box; both of those inside a larger box. It arrived in perfect condition, impressive, I highly recommend Vlad as I mentioned in prior post.

vlads current listings:  https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/userads.php?user_id=10089

Chakster, what have you to say about this auction site?

@elliottbnewcombjr only if you pay with paypal with official invoice from the seller to get your paypal buyer's protection (and full refund if anything wrong or not arrived). Shipping delay is what you have to expect in the near future. Some sellers have no idea how to pack items for international transit and this is why they list on local sites for local sales only. 

from Croatia, OMG

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Small-Audio-Manufacture-Aldebaran-Turntable-with-2-Brass-Tonearms-belt-drive/273650164431?hash=item3fb6d222cf:g:PG0AAOSwyApcN8XH

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Small-Audio-Manufacture-Brass-Renegade-Turntable-2-Brass-SAM-tonearms-BELT-DRIVE/274330375395?hash=item3fdf5d54e3:g:cSEAAOSwY2pejNpU

https://www.ebay.com/itm/HIGH-END-AUDIOPHILE-MUST-REFERENCE-Turntable-BY-SAM-with-2-SAM-Tonearm/274060517680?hash=item3fcf47a130:g:FHsAAOSws41drG~U

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Small-Audio-Manufacture-REFERENC-Turntable-with-2-SAM-Tonearm-belt-drive-33-3-45/273974488941?hash=item3fca26ef6d:g:e7oAAOSw3o1dXVhm

I guess just click 'see other items'

Chackster, what have you to say about this auction site?

denon dk-2000 dual arm plinth with dust cover, $300. usd,

https://www.hi-fi.ru/auction/detail/1147688?refsource=hifishark

seems he will give an alternate price to include a DP-80 or other spinner which would make more sense considering shipping costs

instant dual arm setup, add cartridges, play

Denon DK-2000 Dual Arm Plinth

Denon DP-3000 Turntable

Denon DA-308 Long Tonearm, 11-1/8" effective length

??? 9" rear arm

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Denon-Dp-3000-Dk-2000-Analog-Player-With-Double-Arm-DA-308-Unknown-maker-Uesd/183692949405?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item2ac4f3f79d:g:FcYAAOSwyhVca8Z1&enc=AQAEAAACYIQvEcHUrT7nmUC3yY5qbPyaBN1nJEDYW8MyypsJPgXKBE6azt8cGhqIvkcfFDcbkyCbo1uZrO3210WWi3PkO9%2BIfcFnOQi3iHr9TB4uTTEacSPTYxEoLNBlThhDMUYaWUEhgjNisyPVYRwMEMV4Czwlp%2FABhifbNmwVUj00Ft4M5fwHOh27i20XDMoDLpgVOh6orJVmgoqJ9de2RdraBBVYonBVCb5FkNJzz62uhYVEuVUR9%2Br%2FnEcTXZB3EjysGVtu7KBshKy3QC8%2FvyDNzNtDaW359BEVfMmerH5yf5aT5UVkDH%2BmlFrl4%2FBb03ywwPA7ZG%2Fv7Iv78qDuMGUa4CGKIR4frQpLfOj1tQ2aok900p13d%2BLLtJHUef3pBSOcdI45rqQrRdHpx9s4soSyQ3hbMKuDUWBCr9IZGcsKByznscdLIDljJQSQUVZU%2FCW%2FdHJLO17zapg2ZYfy3%2FmARv7gTYyT5FbbMAn1AtTGbl9TvP%2B2a3HS1qKAS6v2sO2g7LYRSreVH1zj4Jv3E1vJQ6hEJq3yolPyRc%2F4LP5A30FXvcY%2FowsBiA0IEpWnwo3%2FdCOAK1C2lGlm5diQq1IH35gjzYlxLYlHquN2i3t2o6r7vw2RqYyOJAyR4guS5Scs%2BokY7h4sr4sfaEj5I%2Bstnio%2B8z%2FgVgFnVTe7aYwXG%2FMkWFCO64RV72EbHOHsEEE5OJMYOZv5ykjY5S8kzCt%2FZHQ2gFwPsoMTNJ2DNWW7yKUgxw%2BEAXxwvdxv%2FmP%2BG%2BjrIXql2f7ERtBIy73rGdSmYdNxtq16AHn3tm9C3nTQX5mc&checksum=183692949405f470ed1eb7554564ab41fe209597c8fc

offers 2 year square trade protection for $240. which would protect: both arms, turntable, dust-cover hinges, ...

it looks like it would be real easy to remove the finish and stain it a different wood color

JVC Victor Spinner TT61, what say you?

I ended up with TT81, but I am thinking, for residential use, less costly TT61 is probably equal in performance, even if further developments were made.

Yes?

here's Denon DP-80 from Japan, prior one was from Russia

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Denon-DP-80-DK-300-Direct-Drive-Turntable-in-Excellent-Condition-Vintage/153895237352?hash=item23d4def6e8:g:3aQAAOSwgj9ekoaJ

I really like the dual arm potential of this JVC large plinth with TT61 spinner

https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649609617-victor-tt-61-quality-direct-drive-turntable/

Do you like any of the older stuff like, Thoren, Garrard, Sparta, QRC, Russco. I love the look, Art Deco

Rim drive, belt/rim drive combo.

For a direct drive I like Micro Seiki, they were, wonderful sounding, nice looking, and good tone arms too.
I had one stolen... man oh man...lot of time in that thing..

I like Ortofon, and Grado both.
  
Heavy MM mono carts, Pickering and Shure for 78s is still one of the best..

Regards