What's your Turntable?

I thought it would be great to see what others are using for turntables these days - I really prefer listening to music still on vinyl. I've looked at new ones, considering some but so far I haven't the need yet. I have a couple Duals that I use, this Dual 721 I bought from a guy on CL for 60 bucks and I did some restoration. It needed new R/C components in the snubber network (that eliminated the speaker pop at end of play) and I replaced the RCA cables and built a new "real" wood enclosure. I'm quite happy with it now. But some day these Duals will eventually get to the point where I can't repair them so I'll be looking for something new.

Please share any photos and maybe some comments good or bad?

http://1drv.ms/1LWIfXo

Thanks, Bill

Only one in the world, I think ... or at least that's what it seemed like when I tried to get some help during a rebuild.

About 40 pounds of carbon composite ... definitely built RAM tough!

Bought new back around 1980 for $400.

Here is one, non-electrical though.

Have two turntables, 1st is my favorite, a Dual 1219 purchased new in 1970 presently with a Shure M97xE and a JICO SAS stylus, and 2nd is a Technics SL-7 purchased new in 1982 presently using an Ortofon TM14 cartridge(original) with a Shibata stylus.  Use both frequently, they both have about the same sonic characteristics so no preference of one over the other.  Just like the Dual more due to its traditional turntable configuration, don't get me wrong total hands free turntable is fun however I like to feel that I am part of the vinyl experience.

Great idea for a thread!

The record player in my avatar is my one and only. A Linn pre-cirkus LP12, bought second hand in 1992. The lore about these things is that making upgrades or adjustments is a dark art. Well, I found that's nonsense. There are on line tutorials to help set them up and upgrade them. Here's the current status:

Replaced the springs, upgraded Nirvana to Lingo power supply, upgraded to new "quiet" motor.

3rd party upgrades include: audio Innovations' Sole sub chassis, Audio Origami tone arm, Transfiguration Axia mc cartridge.

En route to the present set up, I had a Cetech sub chassis and arm board in there, which was a big improvement, though the Sole is much better. If anyone wants the Cetech, you're welcome to it for dirt cheap.

I understand there's a new Sole sub chassis with integrated arm board -- I might try that in the next year or so.

Three turntables in my fleet

1st and favorite is a fully serviced Thorens TD-124 with slate armboard and SME Tonearm.

2nd  is a restored Rek-O-Kut B-12-H Ashland Hysterisis Motor and 16" Micropoise Tonearm in a custom build plinth (see Avatar)

3rd  is a Dual 1019 that's also been reconditioned.


Each has it's purpose.. I like the Thorens for vocals, jazz, and lighter music. I like the ROK for hard rock.. and loud music. The Dual is currently not being used, but I'm thinking about purposing it for my doo wop/rock n roll/RnB 78 collection. This would probably work well with the HK Citation I


The photo doesn't show the top well. It is a birdseye maple veneer.. and the sides I wrapped with an exotic wood veneer.. I can't remember the name? Bubinga? or one of those African Woods.. (it's actually an engineered wood product that's very nice to work with.)


My Thorens TD 124 completely renovated. New Idler, bearings, everything. It's an oldie but a goodie.

It's great to see photos so please post photos.

Thanks

Some months ago a replaced my brAun pcs5 with a thorens 320 with ortofon OM30.

In days of yore, I had a Dual CS505 but let it go when CD's came along and I upgraded c.1989.

If/when I go back into vinyl than it's going to be a Rega Planar, I think.

Regas are great, and give exceptional value for money.

A Lenco L75 that I have fully restored, you can see step by step through the link below.

http://www.lencoheaven.net/forum/index.php?topic=12063.0

I use two arms, an ROK micropoise with a Denon DL103 capsule and capsule Rega RB300 with a Shure V15-IV and needle VN45 Jico SAS.
I also use a wooden arm cloned Gray 108, a GE-RPX capsule to mono vinyl and 78s.

After sp14 my next project become a new DIY Turntable. İ had a rega P3-24 using with Demon DL103r and Diy Le Pacific phono pre.
my project will be completed hopefully in couple of weeks.

I still have my old Dual 601, will spin it till it dies.  

Tiguan, that looks great !

Please keep us posted,

A pair of Thorens TD 280's purchased new June 1988. ($550.00 for both). Just mounted a pair of Ortofon 2M reds. Totally trouble free. Dale

VPI Traveler here. Ortofon MC 3 Turbo cart; got a brand new Ort 2M I haven't tried yet. Wish I still had my old coal-fired Rek-O-Kut.
Traveler is a nice spinner, but changing out cartridges is a pain as there's no shell. I'd swap it for a high-end Technics in a heartbeat.

deepee99 wrote:VPI Traveler here. Ortofon MC 3 Turbo cart; got a brand new Ort 2M I haven't tried yet. Wish I still had my old coal-fired Rek-O-Kut.
Traveler is a nice spinner, but changing out cartridges is a pain as there's no shell. I'd swap it for a high-end Technics in a heartbeat.

Coal give off the best heat.!

A few years back I bought a Roksan Radius 5. It looked cool as hell but didn't really offer me any real audio benefits I didn't already have with my 1979 Phillips 877. I ended up selling the Roksan and I'm still using the Phillips, but I'm having some issues with the input cables - not too sure who I'll deal with those.

Rega p3/24, the one with the external power supply/speed control. It has the Rega Elys2 cartridge. Most of my vinyl is rock and jazz, and this is certainly as much TT/cartridge as I need.

Dave, I recommend Johnny Nielson at Audio Origami if you need exquisitely expert help, but at a less than exquisitely expert cost. Before going that route, though, would you dare DIY it? Broken connections at the connectors is a frequent culprit, and you can solder on a new set yourself with a little courage. No need for silver solder or a 'clean room', temerature controlled and dust free.

I would recommend Kevin at
https://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/
for all things turntable; his speciality is Technics but he can talk you through most anything.

I use two turntables: a Lenco L75 with a layered plinth à la Lencoheaven and a Thorens TD160.
Both TT's have an SME 3009 arm, one with a Shure M91ED and the other a V15-III with SAS stylus.
Since the Lenco was introduced into my home I hardly use the Thorens at all.
And yes, I wish those Rek-O-Kut's were more prevalent over here. I love the way they look (and their prices)

Here's my Mitsu DP-EC10 while recently under the knife ...



I don't think I left any scalpels or sponges inside ...

Technics Sl1300 with a Pikering XUV cart and jico Shibata Q4500 stylus. Also a Dual 1019.

^^Really! Another 1300?!!

I've got one too, also a 1200, but the 1300 gets all the love
(and playing time)
because of the auto cueing and return.
Found mine in a thrift store, $40 minus headshell and cart.
Currently has a Denon DL-110 on it.

Hooray for direct drive!