Turntable recommendations: £300-500 (sans arm & cart)

Broken off from my previous thread ('Riverside P2') as was getting OT...

Currently have a Rega Planar 2 (old school model) with Incognito rewired RB-250 arm and Ortofon 520 Mk. II.

Thinking I need to upgrade the deck. As of payday (next Friday) I'll have a wad of cash burning a hole in my pocket...... (evil grin)

I basically want something that is A) a clear improvement over the Rega (don't want to pussyfoot around with incremental ugrades, and I want to know it was worth the cash), and B) good enough that I can sit back, relax, and enjoy some quality choons without thinking about upgrades for a year or two (or more!)

Would prefer 2nd hand, though I imagine transport of 2nd hand decks could be problematic, so willing to consider a brand new buy if the quality's there.

Recommendations please!

So far considering Nottingham Analogue Horizon/SE, Linn LP12... Maybe the likes of mid-level Pro-Jects, Regas.

Cheers,

Dunc

 

PS - Local 2nd hand shop has a Pink Triangle Export - what do you think? Also has a Manticore Mantra going real cheap. How's that sound?

Dunc

 

LP12, no question.

 

on m*** ?

 

Main problem with the Manticore maybe spare parts if anything goes wrong and maybe the same with the Pink triangle but with the designer making a comeback this might not be such a problem.

Personally I'd go for a 2nd hand LP12.

 

Michell tecno dec, roksan radius 5, clearaudio emotion, second hand giro, seconhand rpm9, rega P5. Some of these are being reviewed in the next hfc, out in a week or two if thats any help.

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3283&item=5768338137&rd=1

Need I say anymore?

 

you could maybe get a N/Analogue Interspace.

Or how about a Garrard 301 or 401. They really are very good.

GARRARD 401 in plinth with Mission 774 arm 300
GARRARD 401 in SME 2000 plinth with SME 3009 400
GARRARD 401 IN SLATE PLINTH WITH rb 250 arm 500
GARRARD 401 in APHELION PLINTH 500

I'd be tempted by the one with the RB250, you could sell it on ebay for 70-80 and out your own arm on.

from the emporium

 

Even though I have an LP12 and absolutely love it to bits, I wouldn't recommend one if you're going to use your Rega arm on it. Apparently they don't work well together.

I will only comment on what I've heard, which was a Gyro with an incognito wired, tecno-weighted Rega arm - around Gromit's house. It was producing some very nice sounds and if you could pick one up for around £500 I think you would be a very happy man

The NA decks are supposed to be great as well. Also, the Xerxes doesn't mind Rega arms (apparently)

Lefty

 

Hell yeah

 

The Rega arm works fine on an LP12.

 

Garrard 401 if you like the looks. Mine replaced an LP12 and betters it in every area, and by quite a margin.




Paul.

 

nice plinth paul

 

Interesting. I believe the 2nd hand shop has a couple Garrards sitting around, no idea the cost... Could go in for a listen if nothing else. Surprised to hear that it betters the LP12..? What's the difference between the 301 and 401, and what do I need to know if shopping for Garrards?

Would like to know more about this suggestion that the Rega arms ain't no good for the LP12. My mate's got an LP12 with an RB300 and it sounds good to me...

Cheers for all the suggestions - keep 'em coming!

Dunc

 

Hi Dunc

The jury is out between LP12s and Garrards - in truth there is a difference in the sound, and its all in the ear of the beholder. Certainly if your second hand shop has one that is 1) recently checked over 2) securely fit into a solid well made plinth 3) has the option of fitting the arm you already have 4) is cheap - you could be onto something.

NB 301's are generally about 100 or so dearer at the minute. Its as much fashion as anything else... I'd be equally happy with a 401 myself

 

I reckon the 301 is a better deck to the 401, its runs quieter so you get more 'fidelity' out of it but both the 301 and 401 still give the same musical performance and awesome bass. They're really easy to pull apart if you have any problems with them, sometimes you can pick up tatty ones for £40 ish and imo its worth having one about if you need to replace anything.
They're both great decks, I'd rather have the 301 grease bearing but I could never afford one so had a couple of 401's. Just don't pay too much for them.

 

Hi Dunc,

I was in your shoes about 6 months ago, having used a Rega Planar 3 for more than 20 years. Then I converted to the Church of Xerxes and I've been delighted to finally hear what vinyl is genuinely capable of!

Mine was £395, which included an RB-300, so you just might be able to find one for about £300-350 without.

Cheers, Dex

 

wot about a technics? they are direct drive

 

I've always been under the impression that whilst direct drive ala the Technics 1210s is desirable for DJ decks (as it allows a quicker stop/start, making mixing easier as you cue the records at the right point, and is better for scratching as you're not stretching a belt), from a purely sound quality point of view belt drive is better as it helps reduce motor 'rumble' or something?

/awaits somebody proving me wrong...

 

How much is the dealer asking for the Export?.......arm cartridge?

I ran a PTTOO for fifteen years before upgrading to an Anniversary....the Export is the same as the PTTOO,but with an internal P/S.

Better than the Xerxes and LP12 to my ears.

Paul.