Vintage Turntable, Thoughts?

[DJames89]

Hey everyone!

 

I've been casually searching for a good vintage automatic turntable. From what I've found, today's options are either just okay, too pricey, or both. Vinyl is more of a side hobby for me, so I'm not ready to spend a lot on a high-end setup.

 

Why an automatic turntable? I just like the convenience and ease of use. I used to have a Pro-Ject Debut III. It sounded fine, but I got tired of the fully manual operation pretty quickly. Right now, I'm using an Audio Technica Sound Burger with an upgraded LP Gear elliptical stylus. I love it because it looks cool and fits well with my Sonos system. But it's a bit of a hassle since you have to be nearby to flip records or turn it off.

 

Last night, I found a Sharp Optonica RP-5100 on Facebook Marketplace for $350. I don't know much about these turntables, but this seems fairly solid, and I like its aesthetic. I'm not a big fan of vintage wood veneer. 

 

What do you think? Should I go for it or pass?

 

 

[aussievintage]

It looks nice but, the problem with old turntables that are full of electronics, is that they can be hard to fix if something goes wrong.   If they are old, I prefer turntables that are all mechanical, as you stand a chance of fixing them.

 

Another approach are the new fully auto tables like the Audio Technica LP60.    I have one like this ( sold under the CORD brand), and I use it for when I feel too lazy to fire up the main system.

[SONDEKNZ]

2 hours ago, aussievintage said:

It looks nice but, the problem with old turntables that are full of electronics, is that they can be hard to fix if something goes wrong.   If they are old, I prefer turntables that are all mechanical, as you stand a chance of fixing them.

 

Wise words from aussievintage.

On this basis, you might find that for a bit more money, a nice belt-drive table will provide better value.

I think you should also consider your overall budget. If you are prepared to spend more, $350 is a big chunk if this turntable turns out to be NOT so Sharp.

It may cost you more initially, but if you can find a nice old quality brand like SYSTEMDEK, ARISTON, THORENS, LINN, REGA, AR, LOGIC, HEYBROOK, DUAL or something similar, I think you would be far better off - and you will probably spend less in the long term.

If you are unsure about any particular brand or model, you can always post the details here and the panel will try to steer you right! 

Edited June 21, 2024 by SONDEKNZ

[andyr]

2 hours ago, DJames89 said:

Hey everyone!

 

I've been casually searching for a good vintage automatic turntable. From what I've found, today's options are either just okay, too pricey, or both. Vinyl is more of a side hobby for me, so I'm not ready to spend a lot on a high-end setup.

 

Why an automatic turntable? I just like the convenience and ease of use. I used to have a Pro-Ject Debut III. It sounded fine, but I got tired of the fully manual operation pretty quickly. Right now, I'm using an Audio Technica Sound Burger with an upgraded LP Gear elliptical stylus. I love it because it looks cool and fits well with my Sonos system. But it's a bit of a hassle since you have to be nearby to flip records or turn it off.

 

Last night, I found a Sharp Optonica RP-5100 on Facebook Marketplace for $350. I don't know much about these turntables, but this seems fairly solid, and I like its aesthetic. I'm not a big fan of vintage wood veneer. 

 

What do you think? Should I go for it or pass?

 

 

 

Given you:

a.  don't seem to be into sonic excellence, and - more importantly

b.  like convenience and ease of use

 

... I suggest you go for it!!    (The Sharp.)

 

But don't be surprised if it karks itself, soon.

 

[aussievintage]

14 minutes ago, andyr said:

Given you:

a.  don't seem to be into sonic excellence, and - more importantly

b.  like convenience and ease of use

 

... I suggest you go for it!!    (The Sharp.)

 

With those criteria, get the LP60, it's cheaper and will have a warranty.

[DJames89]

I've been looking at a few of the higher end automatic options. They look very cheap compared to a decent mid- range manual/semi-automatic turntable.  

 

The other option I'm looking at is the AT-LP3XBT. 

[Steff]

FWIW, quite a few units on gumtree these days.

(The Denon DP-60L stands out but probably not what you're looking for)

[andyr]

2 hours ago, aussievintage said:

With those criteria, get the LP60, it's cheaper and will have a warranty.

 

If it's cheaper & new - agreed!  

 

[DJames89]

@Steff Older Denon turntables are awesome. I need a bigger apartment before I get a unit like that!

[Peterbean]

There are lots of great semi automatic turntables out there 

 

Dual. Many models, I favour the direct drives. The 700 series have non clogging motors and automatic lift

 

beyond this there are the Japanese ones, that’s what I use. 
there are many , it depends on what you want to spend. My favourites are the Kenwood 990’s and the bigger Pioneer pl series ( based on the pioneer exclusive series) .

 

the Kenwood has a great tonearm that’s wired with silver lintz wire, and is great to use if you hate those floppy unipivots. It can be used with great cartridges ( but try to tell a hair shirt audiophile that)

 

These only ever pop up on eBay, ar around $1500. Importing o eBay it’s now much harder to avoid import duties, then there’s freight and a good voltage transformer. That would bring it to $2000 area. 
 

there’s also Denon and JVC but I don’t know which models are automatic 

[hlov]

Hmm, I used to have several vintage products and my main issue was they I felt like I was always spending time and money in maintenance. My mate had a modern Sony, I believe under 500 and for your needs it should work, otherwise you might need someone with electronic experience to review whatever vintage you will like to grab

[macguffin]

I have been down this path. Started with a fully manual Pro-ject, picked up a Vintage Akai which had manual start but auto return, ended up with a Pioneer PL-3F fully automatic and I would not go back to manual. It probably isn't considered a "Hi Fi" table but it sounds great (to me and possibly more importantly, my wife) and encourages me (us) to play LPs more often and that, to me, is the whole point. I spent most of today spinning David Bowie. It was great. Just be prepared to have any vintage table serviced and factor that cost in. And I didn't buy from Japan, the whole 100hz, need a step down transformer is too much bother. I just want to listen to music, sometimes quite loudly!

 

Take some time to find a good auto vintage table, get it serviced and just enjoy the sounds it makes. Good luck.

[macguffin]

And I agree, the Sharp does look cool.

[cafe latte]

The Sharps where amazing turntables. My 2c here is make sure it is working correctly and get it serviced by someone ie a recap and calibration. This way it will be good for a very long time.

Chris

[DJames89]

@macguffin @cafe latte I ended up getting a good deal on a Audio-Technica AT-LP3XBT which has been great so far. However, I will keep an eye out for a higher quality vintage turntable. There a few places that restore and sell them, one day the perfect unit will become available.

 

One day it would be great to have a solid vintage setup that looks and sounds good  

[macguffin]

Glad you found something that works for you.

Enjoy the music.

It's the only thing that matters.