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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 1 response by oberoniaomnia

oberoniaomnia
173 posts
 

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.

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