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Reason for buying old/classic turntables

Could you please clarify why many people buy old/classic turntable from the 1960's or 1970's? Are those turntables better than the contemporary ones? Is it just emotion and nostalgia? I'm also asking because these classic turntables are often quite expensive (like vintage automobiles and wine). Recently I saw an advertisement for the Technics SP-10 Mk II for $3,000 and a Micro Seiki SX-111 for $6,000. You can also buy a modern turntable like an Avid, a Clearaudio or Raven for that kind of money. Or are these classic turntables still superior to the modern ones?

Chris
dazzdax

Showing 2 responses by dlanselm

dlanselm
111 posts
 
Hello,

I would like to clarify a bit, I really think you need ultra high end flagship tables: SME 30, Raven AC-3 etc., to surpass by a meaningful margin, the great vintage stuff. Mid level current product is NOT going to do it IMO. Hence the vintage has a VERY strong value position and is great in absolute terms as well.
dlanselm
111 posts
 
Vintage Turntables have a definite place in audio and not just for nostalgia's sake. They are strong performers without question and get the whole of the musical experience very "right".

Over that last year I have had excellent examples of "state of the art" in vintage and current product. I can positively say that turntables have progressed at the extreme high end. However, not all purported extreme high end is created equal, so you will need to choose very very wisely. I feel tweaked out vintage tables will humble many contemporary "high end" tables.

This past year really has taught me MY vinyl hierarchy: Cart and Arm together as first, phono preamp 2nd, the spinner is important but is a distant third, which is IMO why these vintage tables are given "new life" their importance is deep in the hierarchy and the surrounding products are so superior.

Happy Holidays,

David
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