What's the reason for splitting your TH-cam channel Lenny, i.e. Just Audio seems to be Lenny Florentine and then there is Crazy Lenny's Hifi...just curious?
@@thetapeshack2595 I am going to be using both channels for different content going forward. Crazy Lenny's will have specific product videos and Lenny Florentine will be traveling to stores, documentaries, and other vintage videos. Should start seeing that in the next few months.
i had a set of Technics 1200's that were literally under water for 3 days. The Nightclub had a fire (so these were also subjected to fire and thick smoke) We found them soaking in wet black water from putting the fire out. when we picked them up the water poured out of them. Took them home, took the base and platter off and poured distilled water over everything (electronics and all) I sprayed it down with diluted rubbing alcohol and rinsed them off with distilled water again. They dried dissembled for a week. When I put them back together and fired them up, The damn things worked like nothing had ever happened. The pitch controls had to be re calibrated and that was all. They were bullet proof for years to come
I have a Technics SL-DD33 fully automatic direct drive turntable. When purchased in1987, it was at the bottom of their direct drive line. It still performs flawless to this day. I enjoyed the show.
My parents had bought that exact turntable and the full stereo stack to go with it. I have all of it in my studio and it works perfectly. Only the tape deck from the full stack isn't functional currently.
I've been using my Thorens TD-160 manual turntable for decades with no complaints! Bought it new in 1974, and still have the box stating "Made in West Germany"!
FYI..In my opinion (as a somewhat turntable aficionado), best modern day table for the price today is the Fluance RT85. At $500, I put it up against any $1500-$2000 table. And while the Ortifon 2M blue it comes in is "okay" , match it with an AT440Ml or equivalent AT cart and its bliss !!! Its not full auto but the auto stop feature works very well.
I had a Denon direct drive (SL-7D) years back that I loved. Started with a Grado cart on it and it was really good, switched to a Denon cart and it was really special. I have a Fluance now with an ortofon blue and it’s great, but not as nice as the denon.
I got a Fluance RT82 to replace an old Dual CS 515 (the Dual worked for 30 years or so). The cartridge coming with the RT82 is good enough to me, and there is always that option to change the cartridge and essentially upgrade to a RT85. For me Fluance is the standard these days, when you put into the equation sound, overall quality and price.
@@R3TR0R4V3 I have the RT85 as well and I love it I got for xmas and I got about 40 hours on it. I noticed in the last 10 hours or so the blue has really opened up and is slapping. I love it. But I was looking at the at440ml but I was worried about the VTA. Did you have any problems?
I can only talk about what used to be in my turntable collection, but I had a number of both turntables and cartridges. Turntables included Dual 1249, Technics SL-1200, Technics SL-10, and my favorite of the bunch, a Pioneer SL-570. I went through a lot of cartridges looking for "that sound," AudioTechnica AT-15, Shure V15 Type IV, Stanton 881S, Ortofon OM-30, but my favorite was the lowly Pickering XSV-3000. Playing through an Apt Holman preamp...heaven.
After my Dual 1218 and Phillips 312 TTs broke down, I bought the fully manual, belt-drive Thorens TD166 mk2. That was in 1985 and I still have that uber durable machine. Quality lasts. I'm surprised that you didn't include at least one Thorens in your video.
I have a Kenwood KD2070 manual turntable that I bought new back in 1978 and I recently purchased a used Pioneer PL55X that is currently in my vintage system. I love both of them! Great video!
I have a Pioneer PLX-1000, which is a poor man's Technics 1200, and I love the thing! I have an all-black component set up that gives me great pleasure disconnecting from the world and enjoying great music!
Great..I'v pioneer plx 1000.along side my linn sondek LP12.Plx1000 is a rocksolid hidden gem.and dead silent table.good news... reviewer's are overlooked this..
When I see these reviews, there is one model that always gets overlooked. Technics SL1600MK2! Fully auto, automatically adjusts to record size, direct drive quartz lock, s tube tone arm, strobe speed indicator on the platter, repeat function, swappable headshell, pitch control knob. I was told by the Turntable Guy Joel that the torque is just slightly less than the 1200.
Best vintage turntable in my opinion. I've owned one since I was a kid in the 80's. I'm pretty sure it doesn't have a repeat function though. It weighs in at 23lbs. It gets up to speed in 1/4 of a revolution and can stop rotating just as fast. I mounted a Garrot P-77 moving coil cartridge on it. $10 says you never heard of one of those, it was made in Australia .
@MarvinHartmann452 it's not plastic. The bottom is a composite material that's much heavier than regular TPU plastic. The plinth is cast aluminum, as is the platter, which weighs 4lb, add another pound for the substantial rubber mat
Fully automatic, semi automatic.... by default, that is bad thing for turntables: vibration, resonance touchy device does not benefit from aditional levers, etc stuff dangling inside them....
People are sold on the idea that a fully automatic turntable rings like a bell. I'm sorry, folks. My 1972 year Dual 1219 sounds fantastic, as well as my 1975 year Dual 701 turntable. Sure, they've more parts requiring a modest cleaning. But we're talking 50 years later. BTW: I sold my Thorens TD-160 following the two turntables service call. Why? Because they sound great and are fully automatic. No praying over the turntable waiting for the end of play.
@@ronmcmartin4513EXACTLY my 1974 Chevy Nova was the best car I have ever owned. Sure it didn't have all the Bells and Whistles but it had everything I needed and was very easy to work on.
I have a Denon DP 45 F I bought in 2006 for 180 bucks. Wow and Flutter of 0.012%, speed variation of 0.002% and a SNR of 72 db. I put a decent Grado cartridge on it for about 500 bucks and it sounds incredible. I'm a Denon fanboy for sure. Got a Pioneer PLX 1000 and that thing is built like a tank. Love it too.
@@bricefleckenstein9666 I want to say no, but I'm not entirely sure. They have the Prestige, Reference, Timbre and one other line I can't remember. Their customer service if you buy directly from them is excellent.
When you go on discussion forms today and someone is asking for suggestions between one of two turntables most people would suggest to get the turntable with a better tone arm rather than the cartridge as it can always be upgraded, but with some of these tables, the tone arm cannot. I would venture to say that the tone arm is more important than the cartridge initially when it comes to buying a turntable.
Dual introduced the ultra low mass tonearm in the 1980s, one of the best tonearms ever mass produced. It appears dual has reintroduced the ulm. With the ortofon cart, one included the 78 stylus for the cs 608q table, this was an unbeatable combination, esp in the early 80s, for an off the shelf turntable. I know something of those days, ex.. Want a marantz 6100, it's the same table as the Lafayette t 2000, for 500 bucks less. As to belt v direct drive, toward the end of vinyl, at the nascence of the cd age, direct drive was far superior. Glad to see dual is back. These new turntables seemed to have rolled back the clock.x
I had a 40 year old Dual 502 with a high torque AC motor and replaced the arm with a REGA RB 250 and it really made the table sound great. I just gave that table to my youngest son as I just bought a Technics SL 100C and love it. Totally quiet and speed stable.
Dude, you have my dream job. I'm 56 and I always pictured myself owning my own hi-fi store ever since I was young. I was an audiophile at a young age. I owned many of the vintage components I see in your store. I smiled when you walked by a Pioneer SX-D5000 (7000?) In your back room. I had a CT-F1250 to go along with it. I still have my Technics SL-1600MK2 table, but it's been in storage for years. I worked as a bench tech for Kyocera in the 80's, who's NJ headquarters were right down the street from my high school. I'm happy to help with any tech questions or tell you what made each model different from your run-of-the-mill components from that era.. I wanted to congratulate you on your store and wish you the best of luck. Wish I were you. 😊
I didn’t research anything at all before buying my first turntable. Ended up picking up a Technics Lp-60 for $75 Used it sparingly in our new sitting room for the past 8 months and then the speed was off. It took a long time adjusting the mini screw underneath to fix the speed. I also added the LP-Upgrade kit. For $60 bucks the new stylist and belt made this thing sound completely different. Very impressive for what it is. It’s hooked up to a BlueTube 70 hybrid amp ($50) B&W 201’s bookshelf’s ($50) and sunfire sds8 sub ($75) All purchased second hand locally. I love this little system.
Great Video! I started out the AT120, (hated the integrated RCA cables) had that for 7 years, Acrylic platter mat upgrade, Stylus upgrade (ATML540) It did serve me well, passed it down to my Niece to replace her Crosly. Now have the Mofi Studiodeck absolutely love the Mofi!! Pricey but worth it in my humble opinion.
I can tell you what's the best turntable you can get for under $100.00: The Pioneer PL-300. It's a direct-drive brushless with quartz phase-locked speed control that produces less rumble with lower wow & flutter than your average new "entry-level" turntable... and it was made in the late-70s!
I have a pair of Technics 1200's that have to be easily over 30 years old. They were originally owned by a nightclub so they were quartz modified to make beat mixing easier for house music DJs. They are equipped with classic Stanton 680EL cartridges which are also over 30 years old and still sounding great.
I know it may be a little of an oddity, but Bang & Olufsen made some really good turntables that are pretty affordable today. Even if you are not into the B&O ecosystem, the RX2 and the TX2 are easily some of the best turntables ever, especially when it comes to vibration isolation. I've personally owned: Pioneer PL-12D, PL-518, and PL-707, Audio Technica LP-120, Bang & Olufsen 1602, B&O RX2, B&O Beogram 5005, and B&O Beogram 9000. The B&O by far win in vibration isolation, and their style is super cool too since it looks like the record just floats above the plinth. Though I do admit that the big draw back is the rarity of the cartridges, and the expense of them.
I own 3 vintage decks mainly because I must be getting on toward vintage age myself, a Pioneer PL12D, a Dual CS505 & an out of action at present Linn LP12 + Ittok tonearm that requires a new cartridge. I snapped the stylus after a few beers and the Ortofon MC 25 cartridge is a discontinued model.
As a pro DJ, I have a pair of SL-1210's customized with new tonearms, leds and powder coated, and a Denon Prime 4+ in my setup currently. Grew up spinning in the 80's and 90's spinning vinyl and refuse to ever give it completely up in my setups.
We still have a Realistic motorized tray turntable that was coupled to a Realistic STA-2100D amp. That amp died a long time ago, but the turntable is still here in working condition. We also had a nice Sony wooden turntable, but we sold it a couple of years ago.
I ran across a pioneer pl530 for $80 bucks . In pristine condition, vinyl has one tiny spot lifting and was missing the headshell, added a headshell and cartridge ($400 more) . Couldn’t be happier. I manifested this pl530 for a long time.
I use a mid 60's Pioneer PL7 with the glass and wood cover with the original Audio Technica AT6-7D cart with rim drive. I love it! I would like to hear more on carts for these vintage tables. Mine sounds great but I've never heard anything else to compare it to. I can't quite bring myself to drop 3 to 5 hundred on an experiment.
I've just purchased a Rega Planar 3 50th Anniversary Turntable with the PSU and Exact Cartridge included and works out cheaper than buying the regular Planar 3, PSU and Cartridge individually. It's only available for sale in 2023. The Clear Audio Technical AT-LP2022 you showed does not come with the Clear Cartridge. It comes with another AT Cartridge. If you want the Clear AT Cartridge that is available separately.
I exclusively use a "Technics, Minifon P55 Plexi". For a true audiophile such as myself, wire recording is the only way to truly experience music in the way the artist intended.
Great video ... I have that first turntable you showed, the Audio-Technica LP120XBT-USB. My first turntable to get back into vinyl. It came with a pre-mounted Audio-Technica AT-VM95E cartridge, which sells for @ $69.00. Regardless of what you pay/paid for your turntable, if you're listening to a $69 cartridge, you have a $69 turntable. I upgraded the head shell / cartridge recently to a Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH/H, @ $229 ... made a huge difference. Like you said, this new cartridge is similar to those found on much more expensive turntables, so it's nice dipping your foot into the more expensive turntables before you decide to spend that kind of money. Thanks again, very much enjoyed the video.
That is some collection indeed, I envy you. I bought my first cheapo deck at 16, I am now 65 & retiring in 3 months when I am 66 I have owned a few decks & various kit but as you get older so do your ears. I will now settle with my possibly last deck & setup a rega p3 with marantz & Bowers & Wilkins. But I sure do still find it all as fascinating today as 50 years ago. Oh! do you have wheelchair access for oldies lol. Only Joking I an a brit.
Speaking of vintage I have a Thorens TD-160. Fully manual very simple but well built turntable and using a Sure 97Xe cartridge. Sounds great. Also nice to see you sell Luxman. I have a Luxman L-430 amp I really love. Again, solid and well built as always with Luxman.
That CS529 got the same features as my vintage Dual 621. Full auto with repeat. Sweet. For those looking, pick up a 621 btw, It's a really nice direct drive rig from '78-'79.
As a hobby the turntable/record revival is an interesting subject. The same fascination is found in steam trains. Piston aircraft engines, and split cane fishing rods.
The only a source who called a $1k turntable an entry level. Bravo. Finally no flirt with a customer. PS I'm not surprised to find a picture disk and Audio-Technica in one video -) PSS I tried 10,000 turntables and the best entry models are Magnat MTT 990, EAT Prelude, Technics SL-1200, and MoFi StudioDeck. Torens, ProJect, Rega, etc.. are just toys at this price range. For instance ProJect starts from RPM9, Rega starts from Planar 6, etc..
I have a lovely Pioneer PL-530 that I completely rebuilt from a wreck, a customised/modified Technics SL-1200 Mk2 and a very rare Claro Clarity 09. They are about as different as you can get but I love them all equally. Toys for grown-ups!
My dad had a TT in the 70’s and 80’s and he said it was common to have that feature where the arm resets when the record was finished, or would replay the record. He also had one that would allow you to stack records and play through multiple records automatically. I wish they still made them like that and at a more affordable price. Even back then, you could get a pretty nice setup and not break the bank, unlike today.
As a long time fan of my Dual CS5000 and Ortofon OM cartridges, your review warmed my heart! Great to see Dual is still in the game and still using that beautiful black walnut from across the ocean.
A couple of pirates bought ought the name around 2018 and FIRED the entire Fehrenbacher-Dual plant and kicked the factory and all employees to the curb. What you get from that new Dual (which disgusts me and I consider it a rip-off!) is simply another version of the AT-LP3, made in China, except it is way over-priced! If you want a real Dual, buy a "Pro-Ject", because the original Dual factory was absorbed into Pro-Ject Audio Systems. The Pro-Ject A1 and A2 are the direct continuation of the Dual 435 fully automatic turntable. With a few "Rekkord" branded machines, they are only original Dual machines from the 90s still made, and they are built in Germany by the original factory! The Pro-Ject Carbon Pro has an arm gimbal developed by Dual as an evolution of the Dual-5000, a historic audiophile turntable! Oh, there is also the Andover Spin Deck, which is also the same old Dual 435 turntable :)
I still have my (UK) Dual CS505 Deluxe with a black ash plinth and an Ortofon cartridge I bought new in 1979/80. It's been snug in its box for many years as I purchased a Pro-Ject Debut SE when they came out, to much and deserved acclaim. A 'pro-ject' for 2024 is to digitise my LP collection, though I'm only halfway through doing that to my cassettes..
I love my new Technics SL-100C as the speed is dead spot on when playing my Shure test lps with the 1khz and 10 khz tones and viewing the output in my recording software's FFT display...just a solid, narrow spike at those frequencies not a wider spread you get from a belt drive table. The quietness of the LPs in the band between tracks is remarkable. A superb table for $1100. I changed out the AT-VM95 C stylus for the ML and love the sound.
I got me a 2nd hand lp120x. Great little thing but my current model has no arm height adjustment which is less optimal in theory. Still sounds great and I'd be hard pressed to upgrade to something else. I recently learned that the cartridge it comes with doesn't need to be completely level for best performance, so that's probably why they got rid of that feature. I did get it close to level by stacking rubber and acrylic turntable mats.
I've been in the business for 50 years and as one of my customers described himself I'm a "terminal audiophile". At this moment I'm listening to the new Geffen Steely Dan Gaucho. It sounds great but I am waiting for the 45 RPM UHQR version from Analog Productions. My main system is the Yamaha GT-5000 with a Grade Aeon cartridge into a McIntosh MP1100 phono preamp. The signal path is balanced ( with AQ cables ) from the turntable out to the power amp in and the result is a very quiet background. My home theater has the equipment that used to be in the main system, a Well Tempered Lab, Simplex turntable and integrated arm that has a golf ball in a viscus fluid as the pivot, the drive belt is made out of fishing wire. I am using a Sumiko Blue Point special cartridge feeding into a Parasound JC-3+ Phono pre amp. Two tables I've had for awhile that are not in use at the moment are a Yamaha PX-2 with a straight line tracking arm that is fully automatic. The other one is the height of my 80's audiophile dreams a SOTA Star with a 40 lb acrylic platter with a vacuum system that seals the record in place as if the cartridge is playing a 40 lb record. That wasn't enough for me so I installed a Eminent Technology air bearing straight line tracking arm. I haven't used the SOTA since I moved years ago for lack of a good spot to put it plus the time and complexity of setting it up. I need two fish tank pumps to provide the air for the arm and the platter!
Still running 2 vintage turntables. Upstairs mancave has a JVC QL50 armless direct drive with a Sumiko Premier MMT tonearm, and for cartridges - I swap back and forth between an Ortofon 2M bronze, or an Old Empire 2000X Cart with new old stock Empire S2000X stylus or a low hour AT 150MLX. Down stairs I still have what was one of Pioneers top turntables, - The Series 20 PLC 590 with the PA1000 tonearm with carbon fiber arm wand. For a cartridge, I use one of the above or a retipped Empire EDR.9 or Empire 2000Z with New old stock Empire stylus. Both tables are manual, but each has a vintage Audio Technica AT6006 safety raiser to lift the arm at the end of playback. the AT6006 is finnicky to set up at first and you have to get used to locking the lift arm back don at the end of each play, but I've gotten used to it and like having the cart stylus off the record surface at the end of each side play.
Marantz TT-15s1 with a Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood for better lower priced highend beltdrive. Stylus can be replaced with a modified AT95e if damaged. I have 18 turntables not including portable and consoles. For a semi I like my vintage JVC QL-A5 for less than $200 used. Put on a cork platter mat and you are good to go. Club music is a Sl1200 series with a good Santon 681 or Oritfon Concord.
DJ here. I still use turntables. I have a pair of Pioneer PLX-1000’s and a pair of Technics SL1200’s. I don’t think I would ever part with either pair. Those Technics SL-1210 M5G are my dream decks.
I have a LOT of vintage Duals,from the late 60's to the mid 70's--ALL are still working fine! The modern Duals are NOTHING like my vintage ones-the major change is the tonearm,from the dynamically-balanced one,to a static balance. Those arms on the vintage Duals were the best feature about them--one of the lowest mass,of any production turntable,and they literally could track in ANY position--even at a 45-degree angle,and upside-down! I actually did it with mine! and it plays FLAWLESSLY!
That AudioTechnica 120 is easily upgradable when someone is ready by two changes: Upgrade the stylus to at least the nude elliptical one (the "EN" stylus) or better. The EN is the one with the orange body for the stylus. Don't even bother with just upgrading to an EX (red body) in my opinion. There are videos on TH-cam with the various styli available for the AT95 cartridge where people have made transfers with comparisons, etc., to let people hear what each one sounds like. Buy a better phono preamp if you don't have one already either standalone, within a full preamp, or within a receiver. Don't just switch off the phono preamp...internally disconnect it. Unless something has changed with the current "X" model vs the previous one, switching this off still keeps it in the signal path and, once removed, the sound becomes clearer and more open. There are videos on TH-cam where people have done this and let you hear the before and after.
I love that clear Audio Technica in your collection. I personally have 2 of the Technics 1200 M3Ds...built like a tank. The oldest is dated back to 1999 and it's still works.
14:25 No no no. That's incorrect. You don't necessarily need a separate phono preamp to run LOMC if you only have MM support on your amp. Alternatively, you could use a SUT (step-up transformer), which boosts the voltage of your LOMC to levels that a built in MM phono stage can use. ANOTHER alternative is a headamp, which is basically a small amp that - just like a SUT - boosts your LOMC signal to MM level signals. Headamps are quite uncommon/rare though, but there are plenty of SUTs to choose from.
My fav is the vintage Technics SL-10. Quartz timing, direct-drive, linear tracking, fully automatic, moving coil (stock), small unique footprint, and it looks so cool (to me of course). And you could play it upside down... but I digress (a lot).
I had a Eurokit turntable which has a ceramic ball for the acrylic platter, features found today on tables that cost five figures. But the tonearm was flimsy and fell apart. I made a new plinth out of two sheets of fluorescent green plexiglass sandwiched together for a 1/2-inch-thick plinth. I got an Audio Technica AT 1009 tonearm, cable, and anti-skate base that uses a string and weight. I used an online calculator to put the pivot 228.1 mm from the spindle, using the Lofgren A with a supremum 1.75-degree error from linear tracking. You can't match that precision in how you mount the cartridge, and this taught me why linear tracking turntables are so uncommon. Turntables costing six figures usually have pivoted tonearms. This error causes 0.6% second order harmonic distortion, less than what is in the single-ended triode amplifier (in my case, using the 833-A AM radio station transmitter tube running at a gentle 1000 volts needed to power Magnepan speakers). I prefer moving magnet cartridges to moving coils which fatigue fracture the vibrating lead-in wires; Ortofon black. I have a Pro-ject Tube Box S2 on the way.
When I was a child in the 70’s I remember a table that you could load several records onto. When one record was done it automatically dropped the next record. You could listen to hours of different music and never need to touch the table. Is there a modern table that has that function? Do you have a model number for a vintage player that has the multi record function?That is what I’m looking for in a table. Thanks.
The cartridge that i still prefer to use is a Stanton 681EEE…it’s just the (correct) replacement styli can be a pain to find….on a Technics SL-1200M7L turntable…run through a 1980 Technics SA-404 Receiver to a pair of Bose 901 Series VI Speakers…
After multiple tables tried I finally settled with a Sansui sr 929 and couldn’t be happier. In my opinion the 929 blows the two vintage turntables shown in the video out of the water.
I have a small turntable collection, nothing super expensive but a few tables I have bought over the last ten years and are still interesting to me. My collection consist of a yellow soundburger, two matching custom white Technics 1210s mk2s for djing, a Marantz 6300, a Pioneer PL-570 and a PL-630, a Micro Seiki DD-33 with custom plinth, a linear Technics SL-M3 and a SL-J3 and finally a Denon DP-60L. I like the fully automatic of the 570, the low mass arm of the DD-33 and DP-60L the linear tracking of the M3, the track selection of the J3, the looks of the 6300, and the sprung base and automatic of the 630. The turntable I use the most is the Micro Seiki DD-33 as I really like combination of the low mass arm and high compliance of the Ortofon OM40 cartridge with a tracking force of 1.3 grams. On that note I wish someone would release a new P-mount table and cartridge with the 1.25g tracking force. I have both the M3 with a p-mount shibata stylus and the DD-33 turntables plugged into a Pioneer SX1250 receiver through a Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2 phono amp driving a set of Kef Q55.2 speakers. This setup, for my taste anyway, sounds amazing. My biggest problem is I’m likely to get divorced if I buy anymore turntables or vintage gear. 🤔😁
Been in audio for 45 years. My two best vintage TT's are my Sony PS-X5 and a rare Numark TT2400, both made in Japan. The Numark has a JELCO tonearm. Both very, very heavy. I rotate around 10 different carts for various records. I hardly use my 1200. They go straight to a rare Andre preamp out to a BGW 250 amp hooked to some Infinity Monitor II's with Walsh tweeters. Sweet sound.
In 30 years of buying vinyl, I've never pay $30 for an album. Of the 2,000 albums I have bought one the years, the average cost was $3 in great condition. In the 90's nobody wanted vinyl. My turn table is a Technics 1200 I paid $200 for from my younger brother.
There are so many great affordable tables that were missed here. I guess you want to push what you sell. Bottom line, if you're looking for a turntable, don't take just one sources' recommendation.
I have a great setup for my music room (a bedroom) but what I need are a decent set of bookshelf speakers. Nothing too loud, just good quality. I currently have these old Panasonics which have just a single speaker. They're not bad, the warmth is there, just need better ones to go with my 20 watt Marantz receiver and the exact turntable you first showed, the AT 120X. I wish I had the room and setup for some old Cervin Vegas, but in a townhouse that wouldn't work. I'd love the KLH Model 3's, but that's overboard for my needs as well as too expensive right now (for the pair).
A good cheap option could be National Panasonic SB-39 speakers. Not well known, if for sale it's at bargain prices. I have a pair I bought new in 1978 and they still are going strong. A modern option could be Kef LS-50 Meta.
I have a Sota Moonbeam with a Goldring E3 (the cartridge is an amazing value.) Currently this is what I use to make vinyl transfers for my YT channel. Then I have the AT-120XB - and have a bunch of different cartridges mounted in head shells to use depending on the record - such as for mono, or 78s. My regular cartridge with this is an old Shure V15 Type V xMR - with a JICO replacement needle. To me, that is the best sounding cartridge ever made. My vintage favorite turtable - running since 1975 is the Connoisseur BD2-A (British made, belt drive.) I've used just about every cartridge with this - but it sounds best with something bright like an AT AT-VM95ML. I'd really like to plug the Rega Fono Mini A2D mk2 MM. A bargain, great sound, and the USB out slot is great for making transfers of vinyl.
Wow that collection is expensive looking but nice! Im still rocking my trustee Vintage Dual 1019. Runs perfectly fine with vintage Pioneer SX-424 amp with Sansui SP-2500 X speakers. Definitely a budget set up and its not perfect , but works well for me
My Technics SL-QD33 is nice. It's completely auto with repeat and queuing. I bought it in excellent in 2013 and is still going strong. Thanks for the videos!
What a NICE primer on everything turntables ! Well done ! So many good TT's out there at all sorts of price points. Some costs more than my cars ! Several months ago, I asked the owner / CEO of a very well known German TT manufacturer what part of a TT has biggest impact on sound ? Answer: CARTRIDGE !
@@LennyFlorentine and I would assume the PhonoPreamp is 2nd most important part of a TT system... I've seen people doing the TAP test on the plinth and makes me wonder what exactly does that prove ? Problems with these things is the point of diminishing returns quickly sets in after a couple of grand or so, maybe sooner... I would LOVE to own the Luxman but it is so pricey.. Somehow, overseas, the Luxman is so much cheaper !
Talking vintage, there is only two components that I still use from my 1972 original system purchase, that is my Bose 901 speakers and my Dual 1219 turntable with a Shure V15 Type II cartridge. The automatic turntable and cartridge that still performs today. Buildt to support stacking 45's with record spindle adapters. or 78's if you change out the stylus. I may have stacked a few 45's once or twice, but really only use the auto start or manually place the arm using the lift arm to play 33 1/3 long play records with auto return and stop.
I got into vinyl 6 months ago after long research I found out that Direct Drive is he best. I want a Automatic DD so my picks are Technics SL 1300, 1600.
My advice with any vintage table would be to get something that is not fully automatic no matter the brand. Same advice for new ones. Less is more. imho Same advice for speakers, get speakers not speakers with built in amps, subs etc.
7 months ago I picked 2 Gemini DJ turntables for $300 off Facebook Marketplace PT 2000 and a SA 2400. Both of these turntables have better specs than most turntables under $600. I also picked up a Stanton T 62 for $70 with original box 2 years ago. Last I have a BST PRO 96 belt drive DJ turntable I got in 1998 to 2001. I use the 2 Gemini DJ turntables on my internet radio station Phat Beats Radio.
I own a Technics SL 1200 MK II complete with a Ortophon Concorde Gold. Really good MM System. In my Yamaha Amplifier is a built in phono preamp who can switch between MM an MC. Good old days, where this were standard in good amplifiers. This amp was the sencond biggest at the time. I only didn't buy the biggest, because it wouldn't fit in my rack. It was to deep. 😂 So I only have 2 × 800 Watts and not 2 × 1000 Watts. But i can live with it.😊
Surely one of the major features of the CS529 that wasn't covered here is the ability to remote control it via an app?! Seems like a pretty big part of its functionality being able to stop and start it using an app on your phone.
Thx Lenny, good video. Love the dual CS model you showed, I have 3 tables, Fluance RT81 with upgraded AT Cartridge. Pro-ject Debut Carbon table with Ortofon Blue Stylus & Vintage 1970s JVC QL-F4 Direct Drive table paired with my '70s Marantz 2252 Receiver
Lenny, enjoyed that! I have a Technics SL-D2 and Fluance RT-85 with the clear vinyl platter. I bought an AT95E and AT95ML. I like them both very much. Price appropriate for my TT and my very crappy 50 yr old records. The Duals call to me because I had a 1219 and 1257. Always loved their looks.
Get a Record Cleaner. Even an $80 Spin Clean. Some may sound really good. For Classical records, the Golden Age of 1958-63 are still some of the best sounding records.
I feel like they dont do fully auto anymore because of the number of moving parts required to do so. Seeing as so much stuff isnt built to last anymore, I dont mind going full manual for simplicity and longevity's sake. That being said, still have to get one of those little AT arm raiser things for my LP-7. Just in case i fall asleep one day on the runout groove
I have a few turntables. I have my grandma's SL220 with matching amp. Also bought a Stanton T90 (?), and my favorite turntable is the Micro Seiki DD8Z with a Grace G1040 arm and Nagaoka 500 cartridge.
i bought a technics recentely a regular SL something with basic functions and weight /anti-skating ,also stroboscope looking mint from 79 direct drive quartz engine with a slim 1980 amplifier with power crystal peak display and tuner, also in mint condition for 150€ , the turntable on Ebay costs when they appear around 300€
At the present time I own 7 turntables of which 3 are vintage Duals. They are the Dual 701, the 1015 and the 1229 and all are in working order and all bought 2nd hand. I also have a second hand Linn Sondek LP12 bought for £450 that I no longer use because my main deck is a second hand Goldring/Lenco GL75 that I have had replinthed and modified with a Rega arm with a Tom Evans phono amp. I also have a second system running a Technics SL1200 II which I bought for £50..through a Project phono box 2. I also have a Thorens TD160 B which my son uses on his bedroom system again through a project phono amp. I never buy new audio equipment apart from cartridges and headphones. All my other gear is second hand and working perfectly.
I scored a technics sl-d303 fully automatic turntable for less than a $100. The dust cover have a small crack on it the installed ortofon cartridge has no stylus left but everything works. Power on, set the speed and hit start and it will automatically detects the record size, has a repeat function too.
Not only more maintainance, but also more noise…because of that more of mechanical pieces. My personal number one feature is, as low noise as possible. So i only use full manual tables…one belt driven vintage C.E.C. and one refurbished vintage Toshiba studio player with direct drive. Mostly i use the DD Toshiba to listen to my music. It feels (to my ears at least) faster and more direct connected to the music…aspecialy with high dynamic music. I‘ve upgraded the Toshiba with a Jelco SA250 arm and a Goldring 1042 cartridge over the last two years. On new tables i personally would go for a Music Hall Stealth…what a great player, super silent, great arm. And for budget i would recommend a Rega Planar1 for belt drive (maybe a Fluance in the us) and the AT-LP5x for direct drive.
When I had the HiFi bug back in the 80’s, there was a shop called Myer Emco here in the Washington D.C. area. They used to have a yearly warehouse sale. During one of those sales I bought a Kyocera PL-910 turntable; I think I paid $900 for it. The arm is a Signet XK-35 and the cartridge a Signet TK10ML. It hasn’t been used for awhile, so I don’t know if the cartridge is still any good; the damping is likely dried out. I definitely know the turntable needs a new belt.
My daily driver is a Realistic Lab-500. My kid is using a Lab-400 and I have a Lab-440 on the living room system. All full automatic. I do have a AT PL-120 (pre-usb) in brand new condition that's really nice but it's manual. Which is why it's currently sitting on a shelf...lol.
I really want to like you guys because I'm so close to you you in travels. I just can't stand these analysis and your prices to buy stuff. You are the reason why I started my own business working on stuff and selling it. Thank you for that. 😂
I find the marketing folks throw the term "Fully Automatic" around too loosely. When growing up a fully automatic TT the tonearm would lift, drop, play until the end of the record, then return to the arm cradle, then instead of just shutting off gave you the option to "REPEAT" the side you just played. The only example that meets the old school definition of a fully automatic table covered here is the Dual CS 529. Back in the day some even had record changers where you would stack multiple records, after the first one finished it would drop additional record for you to play. Glad to see that tech has not made a comeback since it scuffed the hell out your records. A lot of what passes as Fully Automatic these days would be considered Semi-Automatic back in the glory days of Hi-Fi. With these the tonearm would lift, drop, play until the end of the record, return to the arm cradle, then the motor would disengage, and the platter would no longer spin. I do not remember them fully shutting down, you had to switch the power button to off. To confuse thing even further you have Auto Shut off where the Turntable Powers down when the arm hits the dead groove but does not return it to its cradle. Considered in some circles to be semi-automatic functioning. I have no idea how to classify a table with that feature, for me it is not truly a Semi-Automatic table. I guess Auto Shut Off is good enough.
For more of my content subscribe to TH-cam.com/@ThatGuyWithTheBeard
What's the reason for splitting your TH-cam channel Lenny, i.e. Just Audio seems to be Lenny Florentine and then there is Crazy Lenny's Hifi...just curious?
@@thetapeshack2595 I am going to be using both channels for different content going forward. Crazy Lenny's will have specific product videos and Lenny Florentine will be traveling to stores, documentaries, and other vintage videos. Should start seeing that in the next few months.
i had a set of Technics 1200's that were literally under water for 3 days. The Nightclub had a fire (so these were also subjected to fire and thick smoke) We found them soaking in wet black water from putting the fire out. when we picked them up the water poured out of them. Took them home, took the base and platter off and poured distilled water over everything (electronics and all) I sprayed it down with diluted rubbing alcohol and rinsed them off with distilled water again. They dried dissembled for a week. When I put them back together and fired them up, The damn things worked like nothing had ever happened. The pitch controls had to be re calibrated and that was all. They were bullet proof for years to come
Only literally, and not actually?
Yes actually because technics make the best turntables
I still love my Technics 1210 with an Orofon or Shure cartridge. Still sounds great.
Quality used to be the norm. Today manufacturers go for cheap products and high (overpriced) pricing.
I have a Technics SL-DD33 fully automatic direct drive turntable. When purchased in1987, it was at the bottom of their direct drive line. It still performs flawless to this day. I enjoyed the show.
My parents had bought that exact turntable and the full stereo stack to go with it. I have all of it in my studio and it works perfectly. Only the tape deck from the full stack isn't functional currently.
I've been using my Thorens TD-160 manual turntable for decades with no complaints! Bought it new in 1974, and still have the box stating "Made in West Germany"!
FYI..In my opinion (as a somewhat turntable aficionado), best modern day table for the price today is the Fluance RT85. At $500, I put it up against any $1500-$2000 table. And while the Ortifon 2M blue it comes in is "okay" , match it with an AT440Ml or equivalent AT cart and its bliss !!! Its not full auto but the auto stop feature works very well.
The VM540ML is pretty much the modern equivalent. Great bang for the buck, imho.. Been using these for a few years now. :)
Could not agree more... I changed from 2MBlue to Hana MC (green one) and what an upgrade ! I am happy !
I had a Denon direct drive (SL-7D) years back that I loved. Started with a Grado cart on it and it was really good, switched to a Denon cart and it was really special. I have a Fluance now with an ortofon blue and it’s great, but not as nice as the denon.
I got a Fluance RT82 to replace an old Dual CS 515 (the Dual worked for 30 years or so). The cartridge coming with the RT82 is good enough to me, and there is always that option to change the cartridge and essentially upgrade to a RT85. For me Fluance is the standard these days, when you put into the equation sound, overall quality and price.
@@R3TR0R4V3 I have the RT85 as well and I love it I got for xmas and I got about 40 hours on it. I noticed in the last 10 hours or so the blue has really opened up and is slapping. I love it. But I was looking at the at440ml but I was worried about the VTA. Did you have any problems?
I can only talk about what used to be in my turntable collection, but I had a number of both turntables and cartridges. Turntables included Dual 1249, Technics SL-1200, Technics SL-10, and my favorite of the bunch, a Pioneer SL-570. I went through a lot of cartridges looking for "that sound," AudioTechnica AT-15, Shure V15 Type IV, Stanton 881S, Ortofon OM-30, but my favorite was the lowly Pickering XSV-3000. Playing through an Apt Holman preamp...heaven.
After my Dual 1218 and Phillips 312 TTs broke down, I bought the fully manual, belt-drive Thorens TD166 mk2. That was in 1985 and I still have that uber durable machine. Quality lasts. I'm surprised that you didn't include at least one Thorens in your video.
The Thorens TD166 was a mainstay of the budget set-ups in UK audio magazines for ages during the 80's, with NAD amps and KEF speakers.
I have a Kenwood KD2070 manual turntable that I bought new back in 1978 and I recently purchased a used Pioneer PL55X that is currently in my vintage system. I love both of them! Great video!
I have the exact same Kenwood at home for like 2 years, it was free because of some issues. I would never buy an other one to replace it, i love it.
If you perchesed pioneer plx1000.than you feel what a hidden gem.
I have a Pioneer PLX-1000, which is a poor man's Technics 1200, and I love the thing! I have an all-black component set up that gives me great pleasure disconnecting from the world and enjoying great music!
Me to and it's that's the best I've ever had. Miss my Lenco L75 though. And miss absolutle not my P3. A myth!
Miss the arm on my former Kenwood 550.
Great..I'v pioneer plx 1000.along side my linn sondek LP12.Plx1000 is a rocksolid hidden gem.and dead silent table.good news... reviewer's are overlooked this..
When I see these reviews, there is one model that always gets overlooked. Technics SL1600MK2! Fully auto, automatically adjusts to record size, direct drive quartz lock, s tube tone arm, strobe speed indicator on the platter, repeat function, swappable headshell, pitch control knob. I was told by the Turntable Guy Joel that the torque is just slightly less than the 1200.
Same with the SL-1600.. Basically the same motor as a SL-1200, which is why I went with one. Not crazy about how the MKII looks, but that's just me. 👍
Best vintage turntable in my opinion. I've owned one since I was a kid in the 80's. I'm pretty sure it doesn't have a repeat function though. It weighs in at 23lbs. It gets up to speed in 1/4 of a revolution and can stop rotating just as fast. I mounted a Garrot P-77 moving coil cartridge on it. $10 says you never heard of one of those, it was made in Australia .
It's a plastic turntable. I had one.
@MarvinHartmann452 it's not plastic. The bottom is a composite material that's much heavier than regular TPU plastic. The plinth is cast aluminum, as is the platter, which weighs 4lb, add another pound for the substantial rubber mat
I have one of those that has broken and even a good turntable tech couldn't fix it.
The 1970's turntables were the best by far - great performance, fully automatic and reliable!
Just like 1970s American cars, right?
Fully automatic, semi automatic.... by default, that is bad thing for turntables: vibration, resonance touchy device does not benefit from aditional levers, etc stuff dangling inside them....
People are sold on the idea that a fully automatic turntable rings like a bell. I'm sorry, folks. My 1972 year Dual 1219 sounds fantastic, as well as my 1975 year Dual 701 turntable. Sure, they've more parts requiring a modest cleaning. But we're talking 50 years later.
BTW: I sold my Thorens TD-160 following the two turntables service call. Why? Because they sound great and are fully automatic. No praying over the turntable waiting for the end of play.
@@ronmcmartin4513EXACTLY my 1974 Chevy Nova was the best car I have ever owned. Sure it didn't have all the Bells and Whistles but it had everything I needed and was very easy to work on.
I have a Denon DP 45 F I bought in 2006 for 180 bucks. Wow and Flutter of 0.012%, speed variation of 0.002% and a SNR of 72 db. I put a decent Grado cartridge on it for about 500 bucks and it sounds incredible. I'm a Denon fanboy for sure. Got a Pioneer PLX 1000 and that thing is built like a tank. Love it too.
Does Grado still make their F series cartridges?
I loved my Grado on my Sony PS-T3.
@@bricefleckenstein9666 I want to say no, but I'm not entirely sure. They have the Prestige, Reference, Timbre and one other line I can't remember. Their customer service if you buy directly from them is excellent.
When you go on discussion forms today and someone is asking for suggestions between one of two turntables most people would suggest to get the turntable with a better tone arm rather than the cartridge as it can always be upgraded, but with some of these tables, the tone arm cannot. I would venture to say that the tone arm is more important than the cartridge initially when it comes to buying a turntable.
Dual introduced the ultra low mass tonearm in the 1980s, one of the best tonearms ever mass produced. It appears dual has reintroduced the ulm. With the ortofon cart, one included the 78 stylus for the cs 608q table, this was an unbeatable combination, esp in the early 80s, for an off the shelf turntable. I know something of those days, ex.. Want a marantz 6100, it's the same table as the Lafayette t 2000, for 500 bucks less.
As to belt v direct drive, toward the end of vinyl, at the nascence of the cd age, direct drive was far superior.
Glad to see dual is back.
These new turntables seemed to have rolled back the clock.x
I had a 40 year old Dual 502 with a high torque AC motor and replaced the arm with a REGA RB 250 and it really made the table sound great. I just gave that table to my youngest son as I just bought a Technics SL 100C and love it. Totally quiet and speed stable.
Dude, you have my dream job. I'm 56 and I always pictured myself owning my own hi-fi store ever since I was young. I was an audiophile at a young age. I owned many of the vintage components I see in your store. I smiled when you walked by a Pioneer SX-D5000 (7000?) In your back room. I had a CT-F1250 to go along with it. I still have my Technics SL-1600MK2 table, but it's been in storage for years. I worked as a bench tech for Kyocera in the 80's, who's NJ headquarters were right down the street from my high school. I'm happy to help with any tech questions or tell you what made each model different from your run-of-the-mill components from that era.. I wanted to congratulate you on your store and wish you the best of luck. Wish I were you. 😊
Thank you! I noticed that one walking by it too, you weren't alone
I didn’t research anything at all before buying my first turntable. Ended up picking up a Technics Lp-60 for $75
Used it sparingly in our new sitting room for the past 8 months and then the speed was off. It took a long time adjusting the mini screw underneath to fix the speed.
I also added the LP-Upgrade kit. For $60 bucks the new stylist and belt made this thing sound completely different. Very impressive for what it is.
It’s hooked up to a BlueTube 70 hybrid amp ($50) B&W 201’s bookshelf’s ($50) and sunfire sds8 sub ($75)
All purchased second hand locally. I love this little system.
Great Video! I started out the AT120, (hated the integrated RCA cables) had that for 7 years, Acrylic platter mat upgrade, Stylus upgrade (ATML540) It did serve me well, passed it down to my Niece to replace her Crosly. Now have the Mofi Studiodeck absolutely love the Mofi!! Pricey but worth it in my humble opinion.
Nice choice!
I can tell you what's the best turntable you can get for under $100.00: The Pioneer PL-300. It's a direct-drive brushless with quartz phase-locked speed control that produces less rumble with lower wow & flutter than your average new "entry-level" turntable... and it was made in the late-70s!
I love my Pioneer PL-530 so it's nice to see it get some love and recognition. I put an AT-120E/T cartridge in back in 2015 and it sounds great.
Loving old Pioneer Wood grain with belt ... Very little you can't repair yourself ... Mint PL A45D . Nice
I have a pair of Technics 1200's that have to be easily over 30 years old. They were originally owned by a nightclub so they were quartz modified to make beat mixing easier for house music DJs. They are equipped with classic Stanton 680EL cartridges which are also over 30 years old and still sounding great.
I have 3 Technics turntables, SL-230, SL-1300 and a SA-Q2. I have all three being used and they sound great.
I know it may be a little of an oddity, but Bang & Olufsen made some really good turntables that are pretty affordable today. Even if you are not into the B&O ecosystem, the RX2 and the TX2 are easily some of the best turntables ever, especially when it comes to vibration isolation. I've personally owned: Pioneer PL-12D, PL-518, and PL-707, Audio Technica LP-120, Bang & Olufsen 1602, B&O RX2, B&O Beogram 5005, and B&O Beogram 9000. The B&O by far win in vibration isolation, and their style is super cool too since it looks like the record just floats above the plinth. Though I do admit that the big draw back is the rarity of the cartridges, and the expense of them.
I would not give up on my Vestax PDX 2000 MK2 for any of you just mentioned. And as a DJ i´v tried almost all direct drive turntables.
I own 3 vintage decks mainly because I must be getting on toward vintage age myself, a Pioneer PL12D, a Dual CS505 & an out of action at present Linn LP12 + Ittok tonearm that requires a new cartridge. I snapped the stylus after a few beers and the Ortofon MC 25 cartridge is a discontinued model.
As a pro DJ, I have a pair of SL-1210's customized with new tonearms, leds and powder coated, and a Denon Prime 4+ in my setup currently. Grew up spinning in the 80's and 90's spinning vinyl and refuse to ever give it completely up in my setups.
We still have a Realistic motorized tray turntable that was coupled to a Realistic STA-2100D amp. That amp died a long time ago, but the turntable is still here in working condition. We also had a nice Sony wooden turntable, but we sold it a couple of years ago.
I ran across a pioneer pl530 for $80 bucks . In pristine condition, vinyl has one tiny spot lifting and was missing the headshell, added a headshell and cartridge ($400 more) . Couldn’t be happier. I manifested this pl530 for a long time.
I use a mid 60's Pioneer PL7 with the glass and wood cover with the original Audio Technica AT6-7D cart with rim drive. I love it! I would like to hear more on carts for these vintage tables. Mine sounds great but I've never heard anything else to compare it to. I can't quite bring myself to drop 3 to 5 hundred on an experiment.
I've just purchased a Rega Planar 3 50th Anniversary Turntable with the PSU and Exact Cartridge included and works out cheaper than buying the regular Planar 3, PSU and Cartridge individually.
It's only available for sale in 2023.
The Clear Audio Technical AT-LP2022 you showed does not come with the Clear Cartridge. It comes with another AT Cartridge. If you want the Clear AT Cartridge that is available separately.
I bought a set Technics 1200's back in the early 90s and they still sounds as good as when i first bought them ! Technics is def Quality Geat 👍
Music Hall, Rega Planar, and Project are all outstanding turntables for under $500 that will blow away most of those.
I exclusively use a "Technics, Minifon P55 Plexi". For a true audiophile such as myself, wire recording is the only way to truly experience music in the way the artist intended.
Great video ... I have that first turntable you showed, the Audio-Technica LP120XBT-USB. My first turntable to get back into vinyl. It came with a pre-mounted Audio-Technica AT-VM95E cartridge, which sells for @ $69.00. Regardless of what you pay/paid for your turntable, if you're listening to a $69 cartridge, you have a $69 turntable. I upgraded the head shell / cartridge recently to a Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH/H, @ $229 ... made a huge difference. Like you said, this new cartridge is similar to those found on much more expensive turntables, so it's nice dipping your foot into the more expensive turntables before you decide to spend that kind of money. Thanks again, very much enjoyed the video.
That is some collection indeed, I envy you. I bought my first cheapo deck at 16, I am now 65 & retiring in 3 months when I am 66 I have owned a few decks & various kit but as you get older so do your ears. I will now settle with my possibly last deck & setup a rega p3 with marantz & Bowers & Wilkins. But I sure do still find it all as fascinating today as 50 years ago. Oh! do you have wheelchair access for oldies lol. Only Joking I an a brit.
Speaking of vintage I have a Thorens TD-160. Fully manual very simple but well built turntable and using a Sure 97Xe cartridge. Sounds great. Also nice to see you sell Luxman. I have a Luxman L-430 amp I really love. Again, solid and well built as always with Luxman.
Thanks for sharing!
That CS529 got the same features as my vintage Dual 621. Full auto with repeat. Sweet.
For those looking, pick up a 621 btw, It's a really nice direct drive rig from '78-'79.
As a hobby the turntable/record revival is an interesting subject.
The same fascination is found in steam trains.
Piston aircraft engines, and split cane fishing rods.
The only a source who called a $1k turntable an entry level. Bravo. Finally no flirt with a customer.
PS I'm not surprised to find a picture disk and Audio-Technica in one video -)
PSS I tried 10,000 turntables and the best entry models are Magnat MTT 990, EAT Prelude, Technics SL-1200, and MoFi StudioDeck. Torens, ProJect, Rega, etc.. are just toys at this price range. For instance ProJect starts from RPM9, Rega starts from Planar 6, etc..
I have a lovely Pioneer PL-530 that I completely rebuilt from a wreck, a customised/modified Technics SL-1200 Mk2 and a very rare Claro Clarity 09. They are about as different as you can get but I love them all equally. Toys for grown-ups!
Love my very vintage (bought brand new in 1985) JVC QLY-66F. It still looks and sounds fabulous.
A terrific turntable, but if the control chip dies it can't be fixed
My dad had a TT in the 70’s and 80’s and he said it was common to have that feature where the arm resets when the record was finished, or would replay the record. He also had one that would allow you to stack records and play through multiple records automatically. I wish they still made them like that and at a more affordable price. Even back then, you could get a pretty nice setup and not break the bank, unlike today.
As a long time fan of my Dual CS5000 and Ortofon OM cartridges, your review warmed my heart! Great to see Dual is still in the game and still using that beautiful black walnut from across the ocean.
A couple of pirates bought ought the name around 2018 and FIRED the entire Fehrenbacher-Dual plant and kicked the factory and all employees to the curb. What you get from that new Dual (which disgusts me and I consider it a rip-off!) is simply another version of the AT-LP3, made in China, except it is way over-priced! If you want a real Dual, buy a "Pro-Ject", because the original Dual factory was absorbed into Pro-Ject Audio Systems. The Pro-Ject A1 and A2 are the direct continuation of the Dual 435 fully automatic turntable. With a few "Rekkord" branded machines, they are only original Dual machines from the 90s still made, and they are built in Germany by the original factory! The Pro-Ject Carbon Pro has an arm gimbal developed by Dual as an evolution of the Dual-5000, a historic audiophile turntable!
Oh, there is also the Andover Spin Deck, which is also the same old Dual 435 turntable :)
I still have my (UK) Dual CS505 Deluxe with a black ash plinth and an Ortofon cartridge I bought new in 1979/80. It's been snug in its box for many years as I purchased a Pro-Ject Debut SE when they came out, to much and deserved acclaim. A 'pro-ject' for 2024 is to digitise my LP collection, though I'm only halfway through doing that to my cassettes..
@@terencejay8845 Sounds like something I would do!
I love my new Technics SL-100C as the speed is dead spot on when playing my Shure test lps with the 1khz and 10 khz tones and viewing the output in my recording software's FFT display...just a solid, narrow spike at those frequencies not a wider spread you get from a belt drive table. The quietness of the LPs in the band between tracks is remarkable. A superb table for $1100. I changed out the AT-VM95 C stylus for the ML and love the sound.
I got me a 2nd hand lp120x. Great little thing but my current model has no arm height adjustment which is less optimal in theory. Still sounds great and I'd be hard pressed to upgrade to something else.
I recently learned that the cartridge it comes with doesn't need to be completely level for best performance, so that's probably why they got rid of that feature. I did get it close to level by stacking rubber and acrylic turntable mats.
I've been in the business for 50 years and as one of my customers described himself I'm a "terminal audiophile". At this moment I'm listening to the new Geffen Steely Dan Gaucho. It sounds great but I am waiting for the 45 RPM UHQR version from Analog Productions. My main system is the Yamaha GT-5000 with a Grade Aeon cartridge into a McIntosh MP1100 phono preamp. The signal path is balanced ( with AQ cables ) from the turntable out to the power amp in and the result is a very quiet background. My home theater has the equipment that used to be in the main system, a Well Tempered Lab, Simplex turntable and integrated arm that has a golf ball in a viscus fluid as the pivot, the drive belt is made out of fishing wire. I am using a Sumiko Blue Point special cartridge feeding into a Parasound JC-3+ Phono pre amp. Two tables I've had for awhile that are not in use at the moment are a Yamaha PX-2 with a straight line tracking arm that is fully automatic. The other one is the height of my 80's audiophile dreams a SOTA Star with a 40 lb acrylic platter with a vacuum system that seals the record in place as if the cartridge is playing a 40 lb record. That wasn't enough for me so I installed a Eminent Technology air bearing straight line tracking arm. I haven't used the SOTA since I moved years ago for lack of a good spot to put it plus the time and complexity of setting it up. I need two fish tank pumps to provide the air for the arm and the platter!
JVC JL-F50 direct drive fully automatic. Bought it from Jim Disney at Stansbury Stereo in 1977 when I was 16. Still use it with my Marantz 2270
I have a Crosley cruiser. I play all my audiophile records on it. It sounds great.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Still running 2 vintage turntables. Upstairs mancave has a JVC QL50 armless direct drive with a Sumiko Premier MMT tonearm, and for cartridges - I swap back and forth between an Ortofon 2M bronze, or an Old Empire 2000X Cart with new old stock Empire S2000X stylus or a low hour AT 150MLX. Down stairs I still have what was one of Pioneers top turntables, - The Series 20 PLC 590 with the PA1000 tonearm with carbon fiber arm wand. For a cartridge, I use one of the above or a retipped Empire EDR.9 or Empire 2000Z with New old stock Empire stylus. Both tables are manual, but each has a vintage Audio Technica AT6006 safety raiser to lift the arm at the end of playback. the AT6006 is finnicky to set up at first and you have to get used to locking the lift arm back don at the end of each play, but I've gotten used to it and like having the cart stylus off the record surface at the end of each side play.
Love my PL 530 so much I had it veneered in real wood, tuned up and new dust cover. Knocks visitors out everytime.
Marantz TT-15s1 with a Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood for better lower priced highend beltdrive. Stylus can be replaced with a modified AT95e if damaged. I have 18 turntables not including portable and consoles. For a semi I like my vintage JVC QL-A5 for less than $200 used. Put on a cork platter mat and you are good to go. Club music is a Sl1200 series with a good Santon 681 or Oritfon Concord.
DJ here. I still use turntables. I have a pair of Pioneer PLX-1000’s and a pair of Technics SL1200’s. I don’t think I would ever part with either pair. Those Technics SL-1210 M5G are my dream decks.
Your knowledge of vintage gear is crazy! Love your videos and your store. Saving my $$ to make a purchase. Cheers.
I have a LOT of vintage Duals,from the late 60's to the mid 70's--ALL are still working fine! The modern Duals are NOTHING like my vintage ones-the major change is the tonearm,from the dynamically-balanced one,to a static balance. Those arms on the vintage Duals were the best feature about them--one of the lowest mass,of any production turntable,and they literally could track in ANY position--even at a 45-degree angle,and upside-down! I actually did it with mine! and it plays FLAWLESSLY!
That AudioTechnica 120 is easily upgradable when someone is ready by two changes:
Upgrade the stylus to at least the nude elliptical one (the "EN" stylus) or better. The EN is the one with the orange body for the stylus. Don't even bother with just upgrading to an EX (red body) in my opinion. There are videos on TH-cam with the various styli available for the AT95 cartridge where people have made transfers with comparisons, etc., to let people hear what each one sounds like.
Buy a better phono preamp if you don't have one already either standalone, within a full preamp, or within a receiver. Don't just switch off the phono preamp...internally disconnect it. Unless something has changed with the current "X" model vs the previous one, switching this off still keeps it in the signal path and, once removed, the sound becomes clearer and more open. There are videos on TH-cam where people have done this and let you hear the before and after.
I love that clear Audio Technica in your collection. I personally have 2 of the Technics 1200 M3Ds...built like a tank. The oldest is dated back to 1999 and it's still works.
14:25 No no no. That's incorrect.
You don't necessarily need a separate phono preamp to run LOMC if you only have MM support on your amp.
Alternatively, you could use a SUT (step-up transformer), which boosts the voltage of your LOMC to levels that a built in MM phono stage can use.
ANOTHER alternative is a headamp, which is basically a small amp that - just like a SUT - boosts your LOMC signal to MM level signals.
Headamps are quite uncommon/rare though, but there are plenty of SUTs to choose from.
My fav is the vintage Technics SL-10. Quartz timing, direct-drive, linear tracking, fully automatic, moving coil (stock), small unique footprint, and it looks so cool (to me of course). And you could play it upside down... but I digress (a lot).
I had a Eurokit turntable which has a ceramic ball for the acrylic platter, features found today on tables that cost five figures. But the tonearm was flimsy and fell apart. I made a new plinth out of two sheets of fluorescent green plexiglass sandwiched together for a 1/2-inch-thick plinth. I got an Audio Technica AT 1009 tonearm, cable, and anti-skate base that uses a string and weight. I used an online calculator to put the pivot 228.1 mm from the spindle, using the Lofgren A with a supremum 1.75-degree error from linear tracking. You can't match that precision in how you mount the cartridge, and this taught me why linear tracking turntables are so uncommon. Turntables costing six figures usually have pivoted tonearms. This error causes 0.6% second order harmonic distortion, less than what is in the single-ended triode amplifier (in my case, using the 833-A AM radio station transmitter tube running at a gentle 1000 volts needed to power Magnepan speakers). I prefer moving magnet cartridges to moving coils which fatigue fracture the vibrating lead-in wires; Ortofon black. I have a Pro-ject Tube Box S2 on the way.
I have the audio technica lp120-usb and I love this turntable. works great for my needs.
When I was a child in the 70’s I remember a table that you could load several records onto. When one record was done it automatically dropped the next record. You could listen to hours of different music and never need to touch the table. Is there a modern table that has that function? Do you have a model number for a vintage player that has the multi record function?That is what I’m looking for in a table. Thanks.
Even the cheaper AT cartridges sound really good
The cartridge that i still prefer to use is a Stanton 681EEE…it’s just the (correct) replacement styli can be a pain to find….on a Technics SL-1200M7L turntable…run through a 1980 Technics SA-404 Receiver to a pair of Bose 901 Series VI Speakers…
What a your preferred styli replacement for the 681eee? Thx
After multiple tables tried I finally settled with a Sansui sr 929 and couldn’t be happier. In my opinion the 929 blows the two vintage turntables shown in the video out of the water.
I have a small turntable collection, nothing super expensive but a few tables I have bought over the last ten years and are still interesting to me. My collection consist of a yellow soundburger, two matching custom white Technics 1210s mk2s for djing, a Marantz 6300, a Pioneer PL-570 and a PL-630, a Micro Seiki DD-33 with custom plinth, a linear Technics SL-M3 and a SL-J3 and finally a Denon DP-60L.
I like the fully automatic of the 570, the low mass arm of the DD-33 and DP-60L the linear tracking of the M3, the track selection of the J3, the looks of the 6300, and the sprung base and automatic of the 630.
The turntable I use the most is the Micro Seiki DD-33 as I really like combination of the low mass arm and high compliance of the Ortofon OM40 cartridge with a tracking force of 1.3 grams. On that note I wish someone would release a new P-mount table and cartridge with the 1.25g tracking force.
I have both the M3 with a p-mount shibata stylus and the DD-33 turntables plugged into a Pioneer SX1250 receiver through a Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2 phono amp driving a set of Kef Q55.2 speakers. This setup, for my taste anyway, sounds amazing. My biggest problem is I’m likely to get divorced if I buy anymore turntables or vintage gear. 🤔😁
The WWF championship brings back some great memories. That was awesome to see.
Been in audio for 45 years. My two best vintage TT's are my Sony PS-X5 and a rare Numark TT2400, both made in Japan. The Numark has a JELCO tonearm. Both very, very heavy. I rotate around 10 different carts for various records. I hardly use my 1200. They go straight to a rare Andre preamp out to a BGW 250 amp hooked to some Infinity Monitor II's with Walsh tweeters. Sweet sound.
In 30 years of buying vinyl, I've never pay $30 for an album. Of the 2,000 albums I have bought one the years, the average cost was $3 in great condition. In the 90's nobody wanted vinyl. My turn table is a Technics 1200 I paid $200 for from my younger brother.
There are so many great affordable tables that were missed here. I guess you want to push what you sell. Bottom line, if you're looking for a turntable, don't take just one sources' recommendation.
That repeat option is so practical.
I have a great setup for my music room (a bedroom) but what I need are a decent set of bookshelf speakers. Nothing too loud, just good quality. I currently have these old Panasonics which have just a single speaker. They're not bad, the warmth is there, just need better ones to go with my 20 watt Marantz receiver and the exact turntable you first showed, the AT 120X.
I wish I had the room and setup for some old Cervin Vegas, but in a townhouse that wouldn't work. I'd love the KLH Model 3's, but that's overboard for my needs as well as too expensive right now (for the pair).
A good cheap option could be National Panasonic SB-39 speakers. Not well known, if for sale it's at bargain prices. I have a pair I bought new in 1978 and they still are going strong.
A modern option could be Kef LS-50 Meta.
Jensen Model 6
I have a Sota Moonbeam with a Goldring E3 (the cartridge is an amazing value.) Currently this is what I use to make vinyl transfers for my YT channel. Then I have the AT-120XB - and have a bunch of different cartridges mounted in head shells to use depending on the record - such as for mono, or 78s. My regular cartridge with this is an old Shure V15 Type V xMR - with a JICO replacement needle. To me, that is the best sounding cartridge ever made. My vintage favorite turtable - running since 1975 is the Connoisseur BD2-A (British made, belt drive.) I've used just about every cartridge with this - but it sounds best with something bright like an AT AT-VM95ML. I'd really like to plug the Rega Fono Mini A2D mk2 MM. A bargain, great sound, and the USB out slot is great for making transfers of vinyl.
Wow that collection is expensive looking but nice! Im still rocking my trustee Vintage Dual 1019. Runs perfectly fine with vintage Pioneer SX-424 amp with Sansui SP-2500 X speakers. Definitely a budget set up and its not perfect , but works well for me
My Technics SL-QD33 is nice. It's completely auto with repeat and queuing. I bought it in excellent in 2013 and is still going strong. Thanks for the videos!
What a NICE primer on everything turntables ! Well done ! So many good TT's out there at all sorts of price points. Some costs more than my cars ! Several months ago, I asked the owner / CEO of a very well known German TT manufacturer what part of a TT has biggest impact on sound ? Answer: CARTRIDGE !
Truth!
@@LennyFlorentine and I would assume the PhonoPreamp is 2nd most important part of a TT system... I've seen people doing the TAP test on the plinth and makes me wonder what exactly does that prove ? Problems with these things is the point of diminishing returns quickly sets in after a couple of grand or so, maybe sooner... I would LOVE to own the Luxman but it is so pricey.. Somehow, overseas, the Luxman is so much cheaper !
Talking vintage, there is only two components that I still use from my 1972 original system purchase, that is my Bose 901 speakers and my Dual 1219 turntable with a Shure V15 Type II cartridge. The automatic turntable and cartridge that still performs today. Buildt to support stacking 45's with record spindle adapters. or 78's if you change out the stylus. I may have stacked a few 45's once or twice, but really only use the auto start or manually place the arm using the lift arm to play 33 1/3 long play records with auto return and stop.
"most vintage turntables are automatic and maintenance hogs". Me, an AR owner, nose high in the air...
I got into vinyl 6 months ago after long research I found out that Direct Drive is he best. I want a Automatic DD so my picks are Technics SL 1300, 1600.
Yet, many $5K--100+K turntables use belts. Shocking!
My advice with any vintage table would be to get something that is not fully automatic no matter the brand. Same advice for new ones. Less is more. imho Same advice for speakers, get speakers not speakers with built in amps, subs etc.
7 months ago I picked 2 Gemini DJ turntables for $300 off Facebook Marketplace PT 2000 and a SA 2400. Both of these turntables have better specs than most turntables under $600. I also picked up a Stanton T 62 for $70 with original box 2 years ago. Last I have a BST PRO 96 belt drive DJ turntable I got in 1998 to 2001. I use the 2 Gemini DJ turntables on my internet radio station Phat Beats Radio.
I own a Technics SL 1200 MK II complete with a Ortophon Concorde Gold. Really good MM System.
In my Yamaha Amplifier is a built in phono preamp who can switch between MM an MC. Good old days, where this were standard in good amplifiers. This amp was the sencond biggest at the time. I only didn't buy the biggest, because it wouldn't fit in my rack. It was to deep. 😂 So I only have 2 × 800 Watts and not 2 × 1000 Watts. But i can live with it.😊
Technics sl-1200mk2 and Dual 1219. Both 🤟
Surely one of the major features of the CS529 that wasn't covered here is the ability to remote control it via an app?! Seems like a pretty big part of its functionality being able to stop and start it using an app on your phone.
LOL 😅
Thx Lenny, good video. Love the dual CS model you showed, I have 3 tables, Fluance RT81 with upgraded AT Cartridge. Pro-ject Debut Carbon table with Ortofon Blue Stylus & Vintage 1970s JVC QL-F4 Direct Drive table paired with my '70s Marantz 2252 Receiver
Lenny, enjoyed that! I have a Technics SL-D2 and Fluance RT-85 with the clear vinyl platter. I bought an AT95E and AT95ML. I like them both very much. Price appropriate for my TT and my very crappy 50 yr old records. The Duals call to me because I had a 1219 and 1257. Always loved their looks.
Very cool! Thanks Steve!
I had D2, sold it and now D3. not bad at all. running VM95ML now
Get a Record Cleaner. Even an $80 Spin Clean. Some may sound really good. For Classical records, the Golden Age of 1958-63 are still some of the best sounding records.
I feel like they dont do fully auto anymore because of the number of moving parts required to do so. Seeing as so much stuff isnt built to last anymore, I dont mind going full manual for simplicity and longevity's sake.
That being said, still have to get one of those little AT arm raiser things for my LP-7. Just in case i fall asleep one day on the runout groove
I have a few turntables. I have my grandma's SL220 with matching amp. Also bought a Stanton T90 (?), and my favorite turntable is the Micro Seiki DD8Z with a Grace G1040 arm and Nagaoka 500 cartridge.
i bought a technics recentely a regular SL something with basic functions and weight /anti-skating ,also stroboscope looking mint from 79 direct drive quartz engine with a slim 1980 amplifier with power crystal peak display and tuner, also in mint condition for 150€ , the turntable on Ebay costs when they appear around 300€
At the present time I own 7 turntables of which 3 are vintage Duals. They are the Dual 701, the 1015 and the 1229 and all are in working order and all bought 2nd hand. I also have a second hand Linn Sondek LP12 bought for £450 that I no longer use because my main deck is a second hand Goldring/Lenco GL75 that I have had replinthed and modified with a Rega arm with a Tom Evans phono amp. I also have a second system running a Technics SL1200 II which I bought for £50..through a Project phono box 2. I also have a Thorens TD160 B which my son uses on his bedroom system again through a project phono amp. I never buy new audio equipment apart from cartridges and headphones. All my other gear is second hand and working perfectly.
I scored a technics sl-d303 fully automatic turntable for less than a $100. The dust cover have a small crack on it the installed ortofon cartridge has no stylus left but everything works. Power on, set the speed and hit start and it will automatically detects the record size, has a repeat function too.
My dad just gave me a dual 1009, crazy it was made in 1963, still works perfectly and the mech is fully automatic
I have that pioneer PL 530 from the 70s I believe, it’s an amazing turn table, I love how it’s fully automatic and manual!
Not only more maintainance, but also more noise…because of that more of mechanical pieces.
My personal number one feature is, as low noise as possible. So i only use full manual tables…one belt driven vintage C.E.C. and one refurbished vintage Toshiba studio player with direct drive. Mostly i use the DD Toshiba to listen to my music. It feels (to my ears at least) faster and more direct connected to the music…aspecialy with high dynamic music.
I‘ve upgraded the Toshiba with a Jelco SA250 arm and a Goldring 1042 cartridge over the last two years.
On new tables i personally would go for a Music Hall Stealth…what a great player, super silent, great arm. And for budget i would recommend a Rega Planar1 for belt drive (maybe a Fluance in the us) and the AT-LP5x for direct drive.
When I had the HiFi bug back in the 80’s, there was a shop called Myer Emco here in the Washington D.C. area. They used to have a yearly warehouse sale. During one of those sales I bought a Kyocera PL-910 turntable; I think I paid $900 for it. The arm is a Signet XK-35 and the cartridge a Signet TK10ML. It hasn’t been used for awhile, so I don’t know if the cartridge is still any good; the damping is likely dried out. I definitely know the turntable needs a new belt.
My daily driver is a Realistic Lab-500. My kid is using a Lab-400 and I have a Lab-440 on the living room system. All full automatic. I do have a AT PL-120 (pre-usb) in brand new condition that's really nice but it's manual. Which is why it's currently sitting on a shelf...lol.
The Marantz is juicy.
Under a thousand dollars. Glad we're staying in touch with the common man.
I love pitch controls on turntables, because when the songs were recorded a little too fast, I slow it. And I prefer the direct drive turntables.
I really want to like you guys because I'm so close to you you in travels. I just can't stand these analysis and your prices to buy stuff. You are the reason why I started my own business working on stuff and selling it. Thank you for that. 😂
I find the marketing folks throw the term "Fully Automatic" around too loosely.
When growing up a fully automatic TT the tonearm would lift, drop, play until the end of the record, then return to the arm cradle, then instead of just shutting off gave you the option to "REPEAT" the side you just played.
The only example that meets the old school definition of a fully automatic table covered here is the Dual CS 529.
Back in the day some even had record changers where you would stack multiple records, after the first one finished it would drop additional record for you to play. Glad to see that tech has not made a comeback since it scuffed the hell out your records.
A lot of what passes as Fully Automatic these days would be considered Semi-Automatic back in the glory days of Hi-Fi. With these the tonearm would lift, drop, play until the end of the record, return to the arm cradle, then the motor would disengage, and the platter would no longer spin. I do not remember them fully shutting down, you had to switch the power button to off.
To confuse thing even further you have Auto Shut off where the Turntable Powers down when the arm hits the dead groove but does not return it to its cradle. Considered in some circles to be semi-automatic functioning. I have no idea how to classify a table with that feature, for me it is not truly a Semi-Automatic table. I guess Auto Shut Off is good enough.
You make a great point!
I have a Kenwood KD -5070 Direct Drive what do u think ?
Love my Pioneer PL-400 that shipped out with a Pioneer MC Cartridge!