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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?

n777

Showing 2 responses by elliottbnewcombjr

elliottbnewcombjr
5,922 posts
 

get started for under $600.

this automatic programmable linear tracking quartz locked direct drive TT

https://www.ebay.com/itm/205188030069?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=f5def466-c550-11ef-a551-653837353162

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

https://www.ebay.com/itm/166404553925?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=1443fa02-c554-11ef-9152-393635343532

lower price,

https://www.ebay.com/itm/196845473675?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20220405142716%26meid%3D52eab684e64a4f3e81db6d69114c3497%26pid%3D101506%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D256724605103%26itm%3D196845473675%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D4481478%26algv%3DDefaultOrganicWebWithV11WebTrimmedV3VisualRankerWithKnnV3AndUltBRecall%26brand%3DTechnics&_trksid=p4481478.c101506.m1851

elliottbnewcombjr
5,922 posts
 

this seller seems to know what he is doing

https://www.ebay.com/itm/176761792266?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=664ee218-c558-11ef-ad89-393635343532

see seller’s other items, 16 other TTs currently listed

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_dkr=1&iconV2Request=true&_blrs=recall_filtering&_ssn=horiatis76&store_name=horiatis76&_oac=1

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. 

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