Turntable selection advise


I have to admit that I am no audiophile nor do I have the funds to purchase some of the extravagant systems out there, I'm just a simple guy looking for simple advise. So far, I have looked into 3 turntables and I am wondering if some of you could assist me with my selection process. I just want to play vinyl that's all, hmmm audio nirvana ~!

So far I have looked into various TT and my selection is as follows.

1) Technics SL1200MK2
2) Technics 1210M5
3) Audio Technica AT-PL120

I like the fact that the Audio Technica has a built in phono pre amp and it plays at 3 different LP's speed rates (33, 45 and 78)

Could someone please advise the pro's and con's of my above selection?
chgolatin2

Showing 1 response by grimace

If you're not looking for the ultimate hi-fi experience the Technics 1200 (or 1210) would be excellent choices. They're really easy to use, dead stable and very reliable. There are also a lot of mods available from KAB if you ever do want to upgrade. They are also an excellent value.

A lot of audiophiles look down their noses at the Tech-12s because they're not hi-fi enough. I wouldn't let that kind of snobery put you off these machines if you just want to play some records. They're really quite good.

I would not mess the with the AT table, but their cartridges are very good. I'm listening to one right now (AT-OC9).

If you're willing to buy a used machine there are lots of great tables out there. Personally I'm a big fan of Sota tables which can be very reasonable here on A-Gon.