Record Player buying advice needed.

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BigSkyCory

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I am leaning towards a Technics SL 1400 because there is one for sale close to me for $150. What old Technics players are good and what ones suck? I was told by a vinyl junkie to find an old Technics and replace the cartridge if needed and it will work great. I was pretty shocked to have him tell me that after listening to his $25,000 speakers and $20,000 record player.:-?
 
Lazarus Short

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Those Technics turntables can be very good, if in good condition. The SL 1400 should be direct drive, so there is one thing to check on: cogging. A little is normal, but watch those dots at the edge of the platter. If they dance back and forth too much, it is evidence of excessive cogging, and so, look for another table. I got rid of my beloved SL 1500 for that reason.

In case you don't know, cogging is the result of motor poles. As the platter turns, it is pushed at some points in its rotation, and coasts at other points. The speed difference between the push and the coast is the cogging. Too much will smear the musical notes.
 
orange

orange

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I would not necessarily fault the DD for that. A cap is bound to be involved or even the bearings.
 
Gepetto

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Technics makes a solid TT. I have 2 SL1200 Mk2 and they work reliably and accurately.
 
Elite-ist

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There are so many under-the-radar turntables, it would make your head spin which ones don't get the notoriety they deserve. I picked up an Hitachi PS-58 turntable, yesterday. Hooked it up today to the big Pioneer SX-1980 receiver. I haven't even bothered upgrading the cartridge, yet. Picked it up for $200. Going through some of the 80's 12" 45s I have.







Nando.
 
stuwee

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Hello BigSky, listen and look for what Laz says on these older Technics, they can be fine and last for years. If you are in no hurry, something may turn up later my friend. Maybe a Thorens??

Nando, Niiiiice! Very cool! Love ya playin' the old 80's goodies :love4:
 
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BigSkyCory

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Found a Technics sl 1300 that has motor issues for $50. Not sure how hard or expensive a motor is to put in. I was told to stay away from Thorens and Bang and olfussen. I found a bang and olfussen at pawn shop but I think they wanted a lot of money for it.
 
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BigSkyCory

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There is also a Technics SL 1210 MK 2 But is listed at $800. I might be able to get it cheaper, but I don't know if it is worth it, but a lot of the vintage good gear holds its value pretty well.


http://bozeman.craigslist.org/eld/5741702231.html

TECHNICS SL-1210 MKII TURNTABLE
NEW DUST COVER
NEW MICRO SEIKI HEADSHELL
NEW SLIP MAT
NEW SHURE STYLUS
NEW CHROME 45 ADAPTER
INCLUDES PRO CASE
PLUG'N'PLAY CLASSIC DJ DECK
 
Lazarus Short

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BigSkyCory said:
There is also a Technics SL 1210 MK 2 But is listed at $800. I might be able to get it cheaper, but I don't know if it is worth it, but a lot of the vintage good gear holds its value pretty well.


http://bozeman.craigslist.org/eld/5741702231.html

TECHNICS SL-1210 MKII TURNTABLE
NEW DUST COVER
NEW MICRO SEIKI HEADSHELL
NEW SLIP MAT
NEW SHURE STYLUS
NEW CHROME 45 ADAPTER
INCLUDES PRO CASE
PLUG'N'PLAY CLASSIC DJ DECK
Click to expand...
I just wish you lived closer, as I have a passable Onkyo turntable, and a Pioneer PL-950 I would just about give you. Both have belts, but no cartridges. I HATE shipping turntables...
 
stuwee

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BigSkyCory said:
Found a Technics sl 1300 that has motor issues for $50. Not sure how hard or expensive a motor is to put in. I was told to stay away from Thorens and Bang and olfussen. I found a bang and olfussen at pawn shop but I think they wanted a lot of money for it.
Click to expand...
B&O's, lovely to look at, lovely to behold, keep lot's of money aside for when they don't do as told!!

Who dissed Thorens btw? I'd to have a chat with them :director:
 
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BigSkyCory

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Laz and friends,
Well wow I have been learning so much lately. I saw and listened to the Technics SL 1210 MK2 today and fell in love. He would sell it to me for $650 with a Shure set up. The lights on the top and bottom were dancing and the middle was staying pretty steady, if that makes any sense. Still learning this record stuff. :cussing::read2:

TECHNICS SL-1210 MKII TURNTABLE
NEW DUST COVER
NEW MICRO SEIKI HEADSHELL
NEW SLIP MAT
NEW SHURE STYLUS
NEW CHROME 45 ADAPTER
INCLUDES PRO CASE
 
Gepetto

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BigSkyCory said:
Laz and friends,
Well wow I have been learning so much lately. I saw and listened to the Technics SL 1210 MK2 today and fell in love. He would sell it to me for $650 with a Shure set up. The lights on the top and bottom were dancing and the middle was staying pretty steady, if that makes any sense. Still learning this record stuff. :cussing::read2:

TECHNICS SL-1210 MKII TURNTABLE
NEW DUST COVER
NEW MICRO SEIKI HEADSHELL
NEW SLIP MAT
NEW SHURE STYLUS
NEW CHROME 45 ADAPTER
INCLUDES PRO CASE
Click to expand...
It is a great TT, you should have few regrets.
 
Lazarus Short

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BigSkyCory said:
Laz and friends,
Well wow I have been learning so much lately. I saw and listened to the Technics SL 1210 MK2 today and fell in love. He would sell it to me for $650 with a Shure set up. The lights on the top and bottom were dancing and the middle was staying pretty steady, if that makes any sense. Still learning this record stuff. :cussing::read2:

TECHNICS SL-1210 MKII TURNTABLE
NEW DUST COVER
NEW MICRO SEIKI HEADSHELL
NEW SLIP MAT
NEW SHURE STYLUS
NEW CHROME 45 ADAPTER
INCLUDES PRO CASE
Click to expand...
$650?? I guess he saw you coming. You could drive down here and pick up my Onkyo & Pioneer for less in gas money...
 
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