Cheap turntable ideas anyone?

la toilette

la toilette

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I've just sold my Garrard 401 / RB300 (boohoo) in order to pay for some materials for continuing cottage renovation, and now I need to buy an affordable replacement.

I have a strict budget of £150 but I do already have a cartridge which I kept from my previous setup (Denon DL 160).

I would prefer to either buy something that I could improve by building a new plinth for or various cheapish mods etc, or get something that is a good performer but is overlooked or unfashionable, if you know what I mean.

I was considering a TD150 or 160 (popular tweakers decks and I have heard them before) and have seen a TD125 go for little money too (bit fugly but cheap). Other options are a Lenco GL75 or some overlooked Japanese DD - but I'd really need specific advice on that one as I really don't want to end up with a shite one :D

Cheers, Dave
 
Samantha: Never even heard of the Ariston Q decks, certainly ticks the cheap box, might be worth a punt as I'd have very little to lose!

Nando: Not sure about project; the only ones inside my budget even 2nd hand are their entry level decks. Never heard one mind.....do you think that a project genie III for instance would better a TD160?

Dave
 
if you can get a thorens ttd 160 in good condition go for it, the issue is the cartridge,
 
If you want pitch stable musical clarity avoid all belt drives. A good direct drive is the answer but there is so much plastic dross as well as the good'uns. Plus you cannot buy by the Japanese manufacturers name as they all produced good and dross at different times. So for no risk purchase go for a rim drive as you used to own and the only one in your price bracket is the (Goldring) Lenco (G)L75. I hate the look of the arm but others say it is much better than it looks.
 
Ok thanks for the suggestions, it seems that I was just about on the right track with the Thorens or Lenco plan, so I'll keep my eyes peeled for one or t'other.
 
nando said:
if you can get a thorens ttd 160 in good condition go for it, the issue is the cartridge,
Click to expand...

Second that one. I'd put a Grado cart there and be a very happy man. Even a Black would yield satifsfying sound for a very small outlay.

Keep an eye on garage sales too. Thorens 150/160 and Lenco L75 have great upgrade potential and their sound can be incredibly improved with a few cheap tweaks.

Enjoy your quest :)!

Regards,

Vincula
 
I actually have another Thorens td160bc available I found in the spare room last night it has a lid on it and an sme board but u will need to pick up a belt for about £5 Turntable will be £60
Also h.ave a Mission 774 arm with thorens 160 metal arm base £120
Also an Ortofon VMS30 £30

Just noticed u have a cart so I will do £150 + post for deck and arm

Thanks
Dan
 
Another possible is a Systemdec ,you can pick them up at reasonable prices and the IIx model can be upgraded in many areas.
 
I got a Revolver turntable recently almost free for a friend who wanted to start himself on vinyl. Lovely deck for what it is. Does the job with style... and substance.

Regards,

Vincula
 
Try an AR..easily as good as any belt drive Thorens and a classic.
Ive had 3 or 4 and modified the 'T Bar' subchassis to take LVV, Hadcock and Roksan Tabriz. The latter 77XB is here ready to accept a Roksan or, of course, any Rega 250, 300 etc. Platter a bit discoloured but bearing very good. £50.
 
Another recommendation for a Thorens TD150. With a Linn Basik LVX and AT95e its a hard to beat package for £150 IMHO. I had this excact combo at one point with a NAD3020 and Diamond MKIs. Sounded very nice too!
 

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