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78 RPM turntable

I just recently bought a truck load of old 78s from an estate sale. I haven't had the time to even go through them yet. The ones I have are in mint condition. I mean thick records that you could hit someone over their head and not even break them. My problem is finding a turntable that will play these 78s as well as 33s. Anybody have any suggestions?
philefreak
normansizemore
601 posts
 
Thorens TD-124, Dual 1219, 1229, Lenco (most all of them). Enjoy... there are a surprising number of GOOD sounding 78's.
oregon
809 posts
 
simple- get a Lenco.
pug
34 posts
 
Technics SP-15 plays all 3 speeds (33, 45, 78).
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
01-15-09: Oregon
simple- get a Lenco.
I don't think getting a Lenco and restoring it is simple. Neither is getting and restoring a Thorens TD124 or any number of other 30+ year-old rim drive alternatives.

Getting a current production Audio-Technica AT-PL120 for $219 new with warranty delivered to your door is simple. Plus it can play a 78 back at anything from 65 to 93.6 rpm. Did I mention that it has interchangeable headshells?

I'm sure a restored Lenco plays back 78s wonderfully, but finding, buying, and restoring one is not simple.
headsnappin's avatar
headsnappin
295 posts
 
Getting a turntable to spin at 78 is easy, the real issue is the groove size is WAY wider than an LP and one ends up with a ton of noise from the stylus riding at the bottom of the groove. I'd recommend an separate TT with a proper cartridge to play 78's, not simple, but it is what it is.
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