Kenwood KD-2000

[Pure_Brew]

Theres a guy selling one local to me in good cosmetic and working condition for $100.

http://maine.craigslist.org/ele/2634225748.html

I currently have no turntable and the cheap new ones I bought/tried got returned due to issues.

Thoughts?

 

[Elite-ist]

I don't know much about that model of Kenwood turntable, but it seems to be well respected. You would be driving to the seller's place to pick it up? I wouldn't have it shipped without proper shipping considerations: transit screws, removing headshell with cartridge and other specific packing details.

If you get the opportunity, demo it first, Joe. I wonder which AT cartridge is on it.

Nando.

 

[Pure_Brew]

Thanks for the reply. It's like 2 towns north of where I work so hes real local and is welcoming a swing by. I'm not reacting to quickly. If I loose out then o well. I'm finding a pattern of behavior in myself that can jump to quickly on "good deals". Even my wife would rather I wait and get something new later, even if it costs more. (i have gear collecting dust, and she'd like that to go too -lol)

I don't know what I want for a table really. If I knew I would pursue. I got burned on a couple low cost stantons, couldn't maintain speed and the short tone arm would have lousy sound at the end of the records. Got burned again on a Pro-Ject that had a wobbly platter. All brand new.

I cant believe it is so difficult to get cheap turntable with reasonably good sound. I mean, is it really that hard to spin a record accurately?

Maybe I should take the advice of the guy at Spear-it sound. Unless I have a nice vinyl collection to begin with, don't bother.

I digress to rant - lol.

 

[laatsch55]

Cheap turntable/ good sound wasn't applicable in the 70's and it still isn't today. Patience is what is required to get a good vintage table. There were A LOT of good tables manufactured in the 70's and 80's. It's funny you haven't had a lot of replies to your question, Stuwee is pretty knowed up on TT's as well as a few others. Hang in there Joe and one will cross your path. In the meantime define some parameters so it doesn't seem so overwhelming, direct drive/belt drive, automatic/manual, adjustable speed/fixed, 33 AND 45 rpm or just 33, separate tonearm, or standard model tonearm, 1 tonearm or 2, or 3? Lot of options.

 

[speakerman1]

I haven't bought a good TT for less than 500.00 in a long time.I don't have a big collection;but what I do have when I want to listen I want to listen. I like my botl Micro if there is such a think. I haven't listened in awhile. I have a MH that is torn apart at the moment.It is a redesigned Pro-ject.

Larry

Find a table you would like and start shopping. Do your research 1st. I'm going to try the head light lens stuff on my Micro cover.

 

[stuwee]

Ok, my turn to jump in, it's decent enough, but I've seen some guys find some nice Thorens belt-drives for around $150 lately, I'd hold out for one of those. A TD-160, TD-124 or TD-125 like mine will set you back a bit more but very, very worth it, no wobbly platters or speed issues EVER, will last longer than you, easy to update/mod with a better arm, Swiss/German engineering...I've had mine since 1977 and just a new belt every couple of years and a sip of oil for the motor.

Of course, there are lot's of nice vintage TT's around, but I prefer a nice old Thorens. Joe, you deserve better for your $100 bucks, just my two nickels.

 

[Elite-ist]

Joe: perhaps, it would be better to let you know of which turntables members regularly use and could recommend from experience?

I have been using a Pioneer PL-570 in my downstairs bedroom for the last five years since buying it from the original owner. It has an ADC QLM MK II cartridge on it. I purchased a replacement stylus for the cartridge not long after I bought the turntable.

And you can check this link for specs and information. For your present system, it would look complimentary to your other wood-sided Pioneer components.

http://www.thevintageknob.org/pioneer-PL-570.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Nando.

 

[speakerman1]

There are so many things to consider.Do you like S tone arms or straight.Do you want a belt or DD drive? Do you want a low mass arm or not. You can build gradually. Buy a nice TT w/o a tone arm.Then buy a tone arm. There are several ways to go.

Larry

 

[Pure_Brew]

Thanks people for the replies. What I want is the end result, nice sound comming out of my speakers from a vinyl medium. Not sure how to get there or parts selection. It doesnt have to match my other gear or be automatic. I was gawking at a new Thorens over at AA as a future option. I imagine they would work fine and be backed by warranty. I've always been more comfortable with used everything else, but used source components dissapoint me alot.

 

[stuwee]

I understand your frustration with used stuff Joe, but seriously, a good used Thorens will outlast just about anything out there. I'm not that familiar with their newer gear, but I can't imagine and I've heard they are no where near as nice or as well built as the vintage ones. They're just a plinth, motor and a platter, and some times a nice tone arm. Nothing to go wrong really. And like I said dead accurate speedwise.

I have to ask, do you have perfect pitch hearing? Most folks can't hear the difference in the quartertone range, when you get below that you're a gifted/cursed SOB

 

[Pure_Brew]

I don't think I have perfect pitch hearing. But I think over time the ear can be trained to pick up alot of things. I do listen to piano often and that's something that can be made to sound petty odd but most noticeable with fluctuations.

 

[ksrigg]

Music Hall MMF 2.2 is your table. You can find factory refurbs at Needls Doctor or the other big name place on occasion. I think I got mine for around $350.00. I then purchased the Acrylic Platter (Project) and am very happy. Very nice NEW turntable with warranty, and have tried the Tracker cartridge which came factory mounted, than an Audio Technica AT120E, and have ordered a Shure Mx97 for $54 from J&R. I think the table is VERY nice, and I couldn't be happier. I wanted a Rega, but after reading about all the upgrading for the motor to spin better, I swayed away..I alos have several old turntables, but that is what you generally get.......an older turntable with inherent problems..New dust covers cost several hundred dollars, and you end up spending what you would for a new table....

 

[Pure_Brew]

I appreciate the feedback on that thank you.


Joe

 

[stuwee]

Thorens! Thorens! Thorens! An older one!!!