vintage turntables?

Never disregard the Maplenolle Turntable (Record Player) Line. These tables are reaching 30+ years ; are air driven and offer great value and sota sound reproduction to those that understand and take a hands-on approach. More about Maplenolls's can be found on exsisting threads, should you want a good read.

C: That's the MAN. Eric has such skill and knowledge besides being fair and honorable. He and his family are a real slice of ye 'ol balmer much like the folks i knew as a kid growing up near Govens . Right now he's working on SA-100 and an Advent. And, he gives you a hands-on free estimate.

C: Stop ! Consider this: All early receivers require work. Unless you are an expert they will play but never up to the specs -- Its all a matter of age. Don't be cute...It will cost you $$$$$ to restore a unit. Unless you know exactly where to turn for advice.

C: My appology if I gave the appearnce of coming on strong. I my self collect vintage equipment. My first piece was a 1947 Grundig-Majestic type 1088 that suddendlly stopped playing. The first estimate for repair was $800 . Fortunately, I found a vintage repair person that estimated the actual cost @ $60.00. The unit plays perfectly. Presently, Eric is repairing to other units for me and has repaired a 1/2 dozen others. He is located in Baltimore, MD. Should you need his advice, send me a eail and I will gladly forward his firms address and telephone number. All the best.

Chuckelator: As far as I know Eric and his Dad are not a resellers, but on occasion they assist a client to find folks that want to sell certian vintage electronic items. You must visit the store;the place is cramed will all sorts of ancient photo/audio gear. Hollywood Si-Fi film producers visit so why not. Call before you stop bye.

The question , for me, is "Are vintage turntables worth the trouble ?". My answer is sometimes and only rarely. Why ? Because most are flawed either in design or execution. For example the Garrard 301 & 401 were generally discarded in the 1970-90's. It was not until complete rebuilds with new pliths appeared on the secondary market('00-'04) the prices started to sore (ouch). At prices between $3,000-$11,000; these tables are no bargins rebuilt. Also, one needs to know difference's between a true rebuild and a dust off.

Vintage turntables come with a variety of noise and reliability issues. In my opinion, plastic plithed turntables all sound alike, as do most suspended and unsuspended. Same applies to direct drives. The exceptions are the wooden based Garrard # 92 and 100 (needs a lot of work) , the Maplenolls (lots of work and air driven) and Luxman Direct Drive Record Players and the origional XAR wooden base Record Players. I define turntable as W/O a tonearm and a record player as a complete package. The exceptions given a lot of TLC , properly damped with worn parts replaced can equal many of the Hi-Fi Tables. For plug and play buy a Luxman DD. They are built like tanks. As for receivers try a Marantz 2250b (limited ed. if you can find one); one of the finest ever built. The internet and AG offer the best chance to located a good working audio gear: The "Avenue" you get who's knows what.

Emailers: For those requesting the address of the vintage audio restorer it is, Audio-Visual Services,3401 Chestnut Avenue(@ W34th Street intersection), Baltimore , Md 21211, phone # 410-467-3620, Attn; Eric Falkenhan. Eric's father will likely answer the call.

Eric also repairs vintage tube guitar amps for the "cream of the crop" Audio houses in the Country. I believe your experience will equal mine. Please mention " Charlie from Audiogon referred you". The only reason for that is that I would like to track how many actually use the referral. Thanks

Chuck: Check out the Revolver TT offered on AG . What a great buy. Everything costs something ... Se Ya