There are several early Technics direct drives that are easily restored fairly cheap that would satisfy.
Second hand record turntable - Which one?
Hi everyone, I am looking to purchase a new second hand turntable and found some options which I would like to get some advise on.
- Rega Planar 3 with Exact element, 2 years old - €550
- Pro-ject 1 Xpression with Ortofon Blue, 10 years old - €350
- Pro-ject Debut Carbon with Ortofon Red, don’t know how old - €200
Or should I just go ahead and invest in a new turntable? I have been looking to buy a Rega or a Pro-Ject for a while now but I don’t really have any experience and reference to compare, since the only turntable I ever owned was a Pro-Ject Primary E years ago. I am curious if it is okay to purchase a used one if it is in good shape? And how to look for signs that it isn’t. Or isn’t it worth the risk?
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The way I think of it, there are two reasons to buy a used TT. One is to save money over the cost of a new sample of the TT you seek, and the other is because the TT you most want to own is no longer in production. The TTs you list are inexpensive, but you don't say how much you would be willing to spend on a new TT. If $350 or less does represent your "budget", then I would recommend you purchase something used, because there is not much to be found in the way of new TTs that would exceed or even equal the ones you list in performance. I say this although I am not myself a big fan of either Rega or Pro-ject. If you buy used, best to buy from a dealer or some other seller who is willing to guarantee the working condition of the TT. That warranty should be a major determinant. |
Both Rega and Pro-ject make decent starter level turntables, which is what you are looking at. Since they are used the condition of the parts is going to make all the difference in the world. Specifically you need to have someone who is qualified look at the diamond tips of each stylus under a microscope to see how much wear they have undergone. You also need to have the belt of each examined and preferably replaced. The motors should be listened to for noise. The bearings at both the tonearm pivots and the turntable spindle should be first lubed and then carefully listened to for noise. All of this is easily accomplished by someone who knows what they are doing and has the equipment to accomplished the tasks. If these simple tasks can't be performed on the two TTs, my advice is to take a pass. Assuming they both are evaluated as per above and are found to be OK, then you should play a record or two on each one preferably on the same system. Do you like the sound of one better, if so that is the one to buy. If they both sound similar, which is easier for you to handle? Pick on the basis of ergonomics. Finally, if all else fails, which one pleases you more visually? The most important thing to remember is to have fun with this process. Playing records is supposed to be fun. |
get started for under $600. this automatic programmable linear tracking quartz locked direct drive TT put this Microline Cartridge on it. One screw, P Mount auto alignment https://www.amazon.com/LP-Gear-REFERENCE-phono-cartridge/dp/B07V5C3PNG?gQT=1 now listen while you collect LPs, and find out if you will stick with it. listen while you research and trust me when I tell you, it is hard to improve on that combo, I owned it for years before giving it to my son. I compared it to others here and everyone I loaned it to loved it. notice, it has the separate OEM ground wire. I found a pin and make a ground for mine, easy enough, but .... Actually it didn’t have any hum without the ground wire, most are missing, seems others don’t bother using them with this unit. alternate, new belt, 6 mos warranty lower price, |
this seller seems to know what he is doing see seller’s other items, 16 other TTs currently listed My objection to the models you list is that they have tonearms with fixed cartridges, I advocate, once you know you will stick with Vinyl, at least a removable headshell if not potential for 2 arms. So many times, over the years, we move up a bit, then later another step up, which is why that newly listed Programmable Technics seems like a great opportunity to get listening while taking the time to learn, ask, think long ..... If there is no penalty, automatic features are terrific. |
I've now got 3 Pioneer PLX-1000 turntables and I bought each for $350 second-hand. They are great DJ style tables that I use in home audiophile systems. I prefer them over older Technics SL-1200 mk II tables. They sound really good and are more robust build than lower-end Pro-Ject and Rega tables. They also have removeable headshells, so setup is easier and you can swap cartridges around in a matter of seconds. Highly recommended in the budget - mid-price range. |
That’s some great advice, thank you all for taking the time to help me out! I live in Europe, so unfortunately those eBay listings aren’t really an option for me. I understand picking out ‘the right turntable’ is a very personal thing. To each their own preference of sound, looks, options and brand. I do enjoy the clean no fuss looks of the Rega and Pro-Ject as opposed to the more DJ oriented look of the silver Technics. But the black SL-1200mkII en 1500c are okay and I love that they are quality build tables. For now, it is obvious that purchasing the 10 year old Xpression and Debut Carbon is a no go, simply because I can’t test the components that Bill mentions and the seller isn’t a commercial seller that offers warranty. The P3 or the 1500C are the contenders, because they both are newer and better options in terms of quality and sound. Perhaps the best option will be to test the different turntables on the same setup and see which one I prefer. And then go from there and start my journey. |
You’d be fortunate to find someone competent and honest enough to do all the testing that Bill recommends, and if this rare individual is in the audio business, the cost of those services is likely to double or more than double the base cost of the units you listed. So it’s good that the Rega is not a very old unit, and I say again, buy from a seller who will guarantee the condition. If there are gross problems, you’ll soon know. |
Go for that Technics! https://us.technics.com/products/direct-drive-turntable-system-sl-1500c-k |
What features do you want? Things to look are include: - How is 33/45 speed change implemented: button, move belt on external pulley, remove platter. Do you frequently listen to 33/45 or >98% 33 only? - Is antiskate adjustable? Important if you want to use different cartridges. - Can you adjust arm height/VTA? Also important if you want to explore different cartridges. - Do the tables have height adjustable feet? Rega infamously does not, but there are aftermarket ones from TNG spinner. Not sure about the project. - Any design preferences? say color? If the TT does not spark joy, you won't use it. Been there, done that. Re second hand risk, the fewer parts a TT has, the lower the risk. Simple designs tend to be sturdier. Re price, I would suggest to factor in a new stylus (or new cartridge) right away. Old stylus with new alignment (shipping, new set-up) is a bad recipe. With Ortofon red, you can upgrade with stylus only to Ortofon blue. As the red has a conical stylus, while blue has elliptical, that is a no-brainer upgrade, IMHO. |