Amazon’s 5-star turntables surprised me | CHANNEL 33 RPM

Checking out and discussing the top rated turntables on Amazon (Fluance, Pro-Ject, Technics, Audio-Technica).
#amazon #turntables #vinyl
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ABOUT Channel33rpm: Your channel for #vinyl, gear and more, where I try to put the fun back in record collecting.
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Videos shot live on location near Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

[@CHICO976]

I bought the Rt-85 several months ago after doing a lot of research ...what I really liked about the RT-85 was ther three feet and head shell ..easy levelling and changing cartridges...at my age of nearly 85 this will be the last TT I will buy and I am very,very happy with it

[@Channel33RPM]

Definitely good features.

[@TBNTX]

Paul, I agree with about the three adjustable feet. It made leveling the turntable so much easier. Using the included bubble level, mine was good to go in just a few minutes. Additionally, Fluance pre-aligns the cartridges in the heads hell before the turntable was shipped. Very cool. I'm turning 70 years of age come May, and I've never owned a finer turntable.

[@budsmoker4201120]

Right on brother, keep'em spinning

[@lonniestringfellow9854]

I've had my 1974 Technics 1200 since new. My dad purchased it the week I was born. Still use it everyday!

[@markfx12]

Frank, I gotta tell you that your manner and persona makes me feel like I am simply sitting across from you in your vinyl den while listening to you talk about stuff. It is very relaxing and most enjoyable. Props!

[@9mmmike642]

I’ve had my RT-85 for 4 or 5 years and have no complaints. Mine is in a 10 x 10 room. At high volumes I had major feedback/rumble until I put an IKEA cutting board under it and 4 Sorbothane disks under the cutting board.

[@Channel33RPM]

Good hack!

[@kaptanfunk]

I've been spinning on a old school technics sl-5200, sl-6 & a newer AT Soundburger when I need a portable TT. The sl-6 is some cool 80's technology, works like a CD player!

[@ChristianCousineau]

I bought Fluance RT85 because it had all the specs that I was looking for in a new turntable.... of course when you know what you want. it should be perfect. I know a lot of people are listening to others advice in order to make sure they buy the best on the market. but you got to know what you need and what you are willing to spend to get it. that is why I am happy with my purchase ! :)

[@Ionbilly]

Owned two Pro-ject Automatik turntables that were both bought at Costco. The issue was the platter rubbing on the motor pulley with ANY downward pressure in that area. Sometimes, even without pressure, the platter cutout slots would still clip the pulley resulting in a ding, ding noise. It was solvable by slightly pushing down on the platter, 180 degrees from the pulley, but that's something you shouldn't have to do with a new turntable. I'm now a proud owner of a Fluance RT85, and there's no looking back.

[@Cimone90]

Love that there is so many good options now. I started with a uturn back when they were a kickstarter start up company. It served me well for about 8 years but when it broke I decided i wanted to rebuild something vintage. I bought a micro seiki bl-51 with an ma-701 tone arm on it. After a rebuild, it absolutely outclasses anything I've ever heard.

[@user-rc3kh4pv9u]

I have Project RPM 3 with a Hana EL MC cartridge. I love it, the design is very good. The motor is not attached to the plinth, but sets in hole to position it properly. The tonearm is 10 1/2" s style arm. It sounds fantastic. It is also very upgradable. I like the sound of the table and cartridge together.

[@ditlefchristianjacobsen5351]

Thank you for a great video. The turntables I have are Pioneer PL505, Philips 212, Gerrard SP25 MK 3 and 4 , Teac P7 and Dual 1214.The Pioneer is the one I use the most.

[@TBNTX]

Good review, Frank. I've owned my RT85 since March of 2019, and I am delighted with mine. If I had any gripes, I'd like it to have a VTA adjustment, and a better tonearm lifter.

[@vergevinyl]

Love my Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo! Solid build quality, simple and easy to operate.

[@jamieingram4998]

Great show, as always, Frank. I purchased the Pro-ject Debut a couple of years ago from one of your reviews. I've learned a lot from vids and truly appreciate it. Keep on spinning, Frank.

[@Channel33RPM]

Awesome. Thanks man!

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

Amazon ratings are as dodgy as a $50 Rolex

[@jimb2416]

Great video Frank! Nice change of pace to see this topic covered. I use a Technics SLDL1 linear tracking turntable that I bought back in the 80s. I love the automatic features of it. It uses a p mount cartridge and any upgrades for that are hard to find. I have 3 Ortofon OM10 cartridges that might last me a while yet. If I were to get something newer I would still want something fully automatic. Keep on spinning Frank 👍

[@c128stuff]

The stylus for the omp10 (p mount version of the om10) is still in production, and you can upgrade it to a stylus20 or 40 (also still in production). No need to replace the entire cartridge. I have a couple linear tracking turntables from Technics, ranging from a simple 'dl1' to the SL-7 (have 3 of them actually), a few SL-300Rs, and a collection of p-mount cartridges, some of which are still in production: - GP 'red', p-mount. This is still available new, but is a bit problematic on some p-mount turntables because of its 'wings'. It will fit the SL-7 but won't fit the SL-300R or any other linear tracker with a track sensor next to the cartridge mount. Also, you want a turntable which lets you increase the tracking force to 1.75g. - omp10 (with stylus20), no longer available, but original stylus is still available, including upgrades. Ideally you want a turntable which lets you increase the tracking force to 1.75g - omt10, no longer available, original stylus no longer available, this is a variation on the omp10 which does not need increased tracking force - AT85ep in p-mount, should still be available, replacement stylus still in production, again ideally you want a turntable which lets you increase tracking force to 1.75g - Technics/National EPC22, no longer available, original stylus no longer available but JICO makes excellent replacement styli in various price catagories - Technics/National EPC202c, same notes as epc22 - Technics/National EPC30, needs a slightly different stylus from epc22 and epc202c, excellent replacement styli available from JICO. Of all those, I rather strongly prefer the EPC22 with the JICO SAS stylus. That stylus exists in a 'regular' and 'boron cantilever' variation, imo the later is a bit too expensive for what it does, the 'regular' one seems to be better value for the money, but, the boron one is somewhat better. For your DL1, take care to replace its control belt (the tiny one which drives the tracking mechanism) before it starts causing problems. Its pretty easy to do, but failing to do so and waiting until it actually fails comes with the risk of damage to your records. Also, for a DL1, I think anything above a stylus20 upgrade for the omp cartridge would be overkill, and money better spent on upgrading the player to a SL-QL1 or SL-7 first (both of those are quite a step up from any of the SL-DL models, without the expense of a SL-10).

[@ericjohnsonlo1333]

Hey Frank, great vid.I have a technics SL 3200 with an acrylic platter and ortofon blue cartridge. Love it!! Sounds great in my record room with all my other gear.

[@Vince_Tasciotti]

I was thinking about getting a Fluance turntable. When I read up on them, I learned that some people were having issues with the bearings seizing. Not wanting to take that kind of chance, I decided to go with the Audio-Technica ATLP 120 X USB. I thought the cartridge it shipped with was good, no complaints at all with it. But when I had the chance I purchased an Ortofon 2M Red. Oh Boy, there is a difference. I have not used the on board pre-amp. After everything else the ATLP 120 X USB does what it should; and what I want it to do, it does a good job playing vinyl records.

[@rustfiber]

i have just jumped into this i was just a headphones and dap guy for awhile but am loving chilling with the wife while i have a spin. i know i want to upgrade my player one day but i just got a cheap one called retrolife . I will venture out oneday but right now its fine for me now. also man you have some of the chillest vids i have seen on YT. love throwing your vids on while i do a little work or even game some with the wife and kids. cant wait to see you hit that 60k and am glad im apart of it

[@norrieclark5217]

I have the Technics SL1500C for 3 yrs now.Excellent turntable and your right, I didn't need the built in phono stage as I have a separate phono. The AT cart on the SL100c can be easily upgraded by changing the stylus of the cart to the AT-VM95ML which is a very good cartridge.

[@AeroModule]

the whole idea behind putting the cheapest AT cart on there is that you'll pay another $150 to upgrade the stylus. AT almost undoubtedly does not charge Technics for the cart.

[@DarthSculpin]

Came here to say this! I'm very tempted to switch out my Fluance RT85 (currently with the AT-VM95ML) with the Technics SL-100C.

[@mileshigh1321]

I have two vintage turntables. A 1970 Ariston, made in the UK and 1980's Gradiente that was built in Brazil ! That one is fully automatic with Quartz Lock and was fully refurbished when I bought it last year! First time viewer too, enjoyed your video and subscribed!

[@gloomyvale3671]

I have a pioneer PLX 1000, what a fantastic turntable, be careful on Amazon reviews because a lot of reviews are for other models or manafactures.

[@samuraix73]

I've had my Debut Carbon EVO for almost 2 years now (thanks in part to your channel) and I love it! I did make some slight upgrades; I changed out the sub-platter from the plastic to the aluminum one and I upgraded the platter to the acrylic one. I also bought the Sumiko Moonstone stylus (which is just a simple swap) to eventually upgrade the Sumiko Rainier that came with it.

[@joeytavarez2093]

I have the same set up and have been thinking about upgrading to the Moonstone. How do you like the Moonstone and was a big improvement over the Rainer?

[@samuraix73]

@@joeytavarez2093 Believe it or not, I haven't done the Moonstone swap just yet. I still have a bit of life on the Rainier, but I will let you know when I get around to it.

[@markpocock183]

Thanks for the video Frank. I also like the looks of the Technics, but am very happy with my vintage Thorens TD 160 Super. Maybe as a 2nd?

[@montyjanes728]

Hey Frank. Thanks for the vids. I recently upgraded from the Pro-Ject RPM-1 Carbon to their Debut Pro. I got it for the same price as the EVO, so definitely an awesome deal. I like it better than the Rega P3, that reviewers put in the same class, and it came in at about half the price! With regards to Fluance, I had ordered a set of their speakers years ago, and they weren't even assembled properly. Thankfully, I was able to get a refund on those, and replaced them with the Elac Debut B6's. I've been hesitant to go with anything Fluance ever since. Hopefully, their quality control has gotten better. With regards to Amazon reviews, I wouldn't trust them at all. Just my opinion though. 😉

[@frederickfranchi6408]

Love it, couldn't agree with you more ✌️

[@bobroberts3968]

Have the Fluance RT-83 with an updated acrylic platter. Basically the RT-85 but with a 2m red stylus. Very pleased with the quality.

[@richardsinger01]

Project deserve more credit. They were making new turntable models when nearly everyone else had completely stopped making them. They are partially responsible for the vinyl revival in my opinion. 15 years ago just about the only tt you could buy on the uk high street, apart from the crazy high end offerings came from project.

[@markfx12]

What an incredible Cinderella story. This unknown comes outta nowhere to lead the pack at Amazon. The normally reserved Amazon crowd is going wild for this young Cinderella who’s come out of nowhere. Almost a 5 star rating, Fluance gotta be pleased with that. Fluance got all of that one, it looks like a mirac . . . It’s in the hole! IT’S IN THE HOLE!!!

[@Channel33RPM]

:)

[@chrisblackburn1872]

Hi Frank I too have to many turntables. But my favorites are the 1019 & 1219 Dual I just love them. Built like tanks. Great show keep up the great work 🤘😎

[@4catsnow]

Brought back memories...We sold the new Technic's direct drives back in the day and they blew the Dual's and the Pioneer's right out of the water...and that went on for years...

[@luckas30]

I own a Music Hall mmf-2.3le Ferari red. I upgraded the cartidge for an Ortofon 2M Red. I love it!

[@SeanFlaherty]

i'd want direct drive, quartz-locked as well as more automatic features (press play and the table moves the stylus to the first song, returns arm to rest at the end of the record, repeat side?)

[@harmlessrebel868]

Hey Frank. Definitely agree on the Fluance and the Project, they are the two I recommend most to friends/family getting into records. As far as the Technics, I would grab the new SL1200 mk7 for $999 US over that 100c, or spent the couple hundred more for the SL1200GR, which is the route I went. I love the GR. Best purchase I've made. Love everything about it! Hope you and your ladies are doing good and staying warm.

[@grahambiggs9822]

Enjoyed that review Frank. Fluance not so prominant in the UK, but plenty of Pro-ject, Rega and Technics to choose from. I even see Dual making a small comeback. Mines the Audio Technica LP5X with Ortofon red cartridge. Not high spec but works for me !! Keep on spinnin !!

[@Channel33RPM]

I have seen a couple Duals out there as well. I would be curious to check one out.

[@journey062267]

I have had Marantz TT-15 also have Pioneer PLX 1000 and a Techincs SL 1200MK VII. I live them all.

[@vinylrecordplayer]

I've had the U-Turn Orbit for quite some time. Switched to a separate pre-amp on your suggestion. It's a great, great system. Wouldn't change much. Got 5 speakers plus sub, out of a Sony integrated. Enjoyed the content, Frank!

[@Channel33RPM]

Awesome. U-Turn makes some good stuff.

[@sandyfader4649]

Love my Fluance RT85, upgraded from a cheaper Fluance RT81 a few years back and I think it’s a steal at this price point. And looks so nice, easy to use. Only wish the tone arm lever was in a more convenient location, but what do I know. Great video.

[@bobroberts3968]

Tone arm lever is my only complaint as well.

[@moniack]

I just got a used RT81 2 weeks ago. It's my 1st turntable so I'll consider upgrading in the future. So far I'm really liking it. The libraries around me have started vinyl collections which was a motivator. I know the higher RTs have better speed control, and I can get a heavier weight for different cartridges. I'm thinking about the better ML stylus for the AT cartilage that comes on the 81.

[@ganonkenobi]

I've had my rt-85 for a couple of years now. I've had no issues with the table itself. I did not like the 2m blue so I upgraded to an at-vm540ml and it's dare to say perfect now.

[@frankdawsonjr]

I have a fluance rt81, love it.

[@moniack]

I just got a used one 2 weeks ago, my 1st turntable. I'll use it for a bit and see if I feel the need to upgrade. FYI Fluance sells a heavier weight so you can use heavier cartridges, or you can use a lighter headshell.

[@frankdawsonjr]

@@moniack mine goes up to 3.5 grams, i dont think you would want any cartridges beyond that. mine is a at95e it tracks at 2grams.

[@moniack]

@@frankdawsonjr The Ortofon cartridges actually weigh more so the lighter counter weight doesn't quite work.

[@frankdawsonjr]

@@moniack got ya, didnt know that!!

[@SgtMjr]

Pro-Ject X1 with a Nagaoka MP-30 cartridge. Don't have it yet (replacing my Thorens TD160) but looking forward to adding it to my Schiit system.

[@rayk6049]

My MM deck is a Sony PS X60 with a Nagaoka MP-110. It is a very nice upper end fully auto that I have less that the price of a Fluance into. My MC deck is a fully manual Sony PS-2251LA with a Denon DA-305 tonearm and Denon DL103 cartridge. I know geography often often plays a role but I find much better value in the used market.

[@joeythedime1838]

If your shopping for your primary TT, I'd recommend saving up a bit more and getting the Marantz TT-15S1. I know it's a bit more costly (~$1,500USD) but your getting an solid audiophile TT made by ClearAudio in Germany. It comes with a ClearAudio Virtuoso Wood Ebony MM cartridge which sells for +$800USD on it's own.

[@tonyvaldiconza3914]

Bought the RT-85 to replace a Dual CS 741Q that I had for 25 years. Then after 6 months sold the RT-85 and upgraded to a Mofi Studiodeck wth the Mofi Ultratracker cartridge. At the the same time I also upgraded my phono preamp from a Schiit Mani to a Lounge Audio LCR mkIII Silver. I've bought my last turntable. Now exploring Moving Coil cartridges 😎

[@pnichols6500]

Nice upgrade! I recently got the Ultradeck with the Master Tracker cart and am very pleased with it. MoFi's MC cartridge may be my next cart, for the money it gets good reviews and I think MoFi offers a lot of bang for the buck. I've got a Rega 2 with a Sumiko Moonstone cart, and for just at $1000 it's not bad, but can't touch the MoFi.

[@danieldaniels7571]

I'm still using the same vintage Sony turntable I bought at a thrift store for $15 about 18 years ago. It's a PS-T2 direct drive and still in pristine condition. S-tonearm with standard removable headshell. Has pitch control, strobe, anti-skating, and auto return. I didn't like the sound of the cartridge in it, but bought a cheap AT for $17 on Amazon and love it. I expect it to last me the rest of my life. I believe it was made in 1979, and I would completely recommend it or any other quality turntable from that era with similar features.

[@petertate8366]

I've a pro ject essential and a debut edition.Great turntables .

[@R3TR0R4V3]

I'm rockin' a 70's Technics SL-1600 that's highly modified, running a AT-VM540ML cart/stylus. I have some other vintage decks too, as well as a AT-LP120USB that's modded out.

[@jziemann]

I've been eyeing that SL-100C. I've got a AT 540ML that I can put on it. I should probably just pull the trigger.

[@tzq5fx]

I have a technics sl1200 mk5 & mk7. Also have a vintage technics sl1400 mk1. Love the 1400.

[@roberttoews2775]

A couple months ago, for my 20th wedding anniversary, my wife and family gave me a Fluance RT-82 in bamboo finish! I've been looking at this turntable for quite a while as a much needed upgrade from my old but still flawless Hitachi HT-1 turntable with an upgraded Shure M111HE cartridge. So far, I'm loving the Fluance. I bought extra headshells to play with my different cartridges and may do some other turntable upgrades later (the magic of the Fluance). For now, I'm just keep on spin'n. 😉

[@surgen9499]

With New Records Prices , they should give everyone a Free Turntable

[@Channel33RPM]

Free with purchase.. I like that idea :)

[@rpapplebee]

Love, love, love my RT85N. Came with a Nagaoka MP110 cartridge.

[@tawilk]

I've enjoyed the Fluance TT I got that's in piano black. basic needle but overall good quality.

[@JasonGS919]

I have a Technics SL-1210GR. I love it and highly recommend it.

[@flouisbailey]

Dual 701 vintage 1974-5 serviced by Bill of FixMyDual Nagaoka MP200

[@havingoodtime]

I still use my old Pioneer-990 plus I have a RCA lab 1200 a Ion profile lp and my old all in one soundesign stereo I bought back in the 80s

[@perfectstack-music]

I'm with you on the Technics, I have a SL 1210G and absolutely love it. I've had a few TT, an Orbit, Pioneer PLX1000, a 1210GR, the one current/new table I'd really like to try out is U-Turns newest model, the Orbit Theory, at $1000 it sure seems to offer a lot of bang for your buck.

[@stepheng8779]

I got a Pro-ject 1 way back in the early 90's when they first started making turntables and it still functions & sounds perfectly fine today. Due to how Pro-ject work if I ever need any parts for it they're all still available to this day, not that I have, apart from changing the stylus I've just carried on playing records 👍😀

[@mattlonnen8664]

Hi Frank, Nice! I bought a Project 2 Xperience with the Ortofon 2M black cartridge/stylus thrown in about 4 years ago. Love it and I am done with buying another turntable. Recently downgraded to the cheaper Ortofon Bronze stylus, with little to no audible difference to my ears. Cheers Matt

[@scottbaylor6215]

I’ve got my eye on the Cambridge TT’s but need to save up some cash. Nicely done.

[@yyman23]

For brand new, under $500, I'd definitely go with an Audio Technica AT120. It looks good (in my opinion) it sounds good and it's reliable. Going up to the $1000 USD - I'd personally go with the Technics. They're built better by a company with great tradition. I personally use a Technics 1200G in my main system, a couple of vintage 1200/1210 MKII's in my other systems and an Audio Technica AT120 in my office system.

[@johnbarrington2526]

I have the 83 and I like it. I also bought a sub made by them sounds great

[@Channel33RPM]

I use a Fluance sub in my home theatre set up (the larger one they sell). I also dig it!

[@JoseRodriguez-mo4jw]

I just sold my Marantz 6100 and Fluance RT 81. I wanted to upgrade and not spend to much. Did some research and decided on the RT85! I’ve had it for a month now and have no complaints. It looks beautiful (piano black), plays and sounds excellent.

[@captainken452]

I know it’s wildly out of a lot of people’s budgets, but I absolutely love my 1210g.

[@Channel33RPM]

Seems like a great turntable.

[@theflipside-vinylcommunity]

Another great video

[@Channel33RPM]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@cpta03]

I think Fluance’s strategy of providing their turntables to KZbin vinyl channels was brilliant. They were confident in their product and all of the reviews I’ve watched for the past five years have been overwhelmingly positive. Although I did not need another turntable, I bought the RT85 last year, partly for the Ortofon blue cartridge. I was not disappointed. It is a fine turntable/cartridge combination. But like you, I think the build quality is not as robust as others. The Technics SL-100 looks like a great turntable. I am tempted, but I already have four turntables in my collection in order of my favorites - Denon DP-47F, Technics SL-1200 Mk II, Sansui SR-2050, and the Fluance RT85. The Denon has a Denon DL-110 high output moving coil cartridge that works with any moving magnet preamp. I think the moving coil cartridge makes the Denon turntable superior to my ear than the other turntables, although I haven’t switched cartridges to make a true comparison. The Technics has a Nagaoka MP110 and the Sansui has a vintage Shure M91ED with a Nagaoka stylus.

[@Channel33RPM]

Nice selection of turntables! I have been curious about the DL-110 for some time.

[@trondam]

I've got a Denon DP-30L Mk1 and it's great. The specs are also great. Wow and flutter: 0.015% WRMS (servo) and Signal to noise ratio: 78dB. Weight: 9.5kg

[@Bondrkmz]

I’m in the market for a new TT and am struggling to decide between the RT85 and Debut Carbon EVO. I like the semi-auto feature on the Fluance and also the better cartridge, but from my research, it appears the ProJect’s interior “guts” might be a bit better. Plus I think I like the to tonearm on it better. Frank, what would you pick between the two? Thanks.

[@stefanegger]

I have Denon DP 300F in silver to match my harman/kardon and I like it. It's good, cheap, has all the functions, automatic fully. I'm still happy and there is not much fully automatic and also not much silver ones out there, so that was the only one I found. I would recommend it.

[@kennethoransky4881]

An RT82 user for a couple of years now. Upgraded to a Shure m91ed cartridge with an original Hi Track stylus.

[@leonardwise4780]

have had several turntables,have a thorens td318 which is almost 40yrs old and still going,have a project debut esprit fairly good for the money i guess.did have a rega p3 which is a great sounding turntable well made as well,now my main deck is a michell gyro se and that is an amazing piece of engineering

[@andyshacks7812]

Hi Frank. I have an AT VM95 cartridge on both my Technics SL 1210s and they sound great. Just upgrade the stylus to the microline. I noticed a big improvement upgrading from the elliptical stylus.

[@greatpix]

I've kept all my old turntables, The AR Turntable with a Linn Basik Plus arm, Braun PS-500 (designed by Dieter Rams and built like a tank), and my first good turntable, from the '70s, a Philips GA-212.

[@williamchandlee7790]

I recommend the fluance either one's are good with me can't do no wrong if you want to just change the sound go with the stylus or so many good ones out there but just that's my opinion don't go crazy chasing sounds when these record players give such a good sound but it's up to you but I'mma fluance guy through and through you can't do no wrong and like I said if you want to try to upgrade sounds change the stylist another great video just keep on spinning 😛🤘

[@mic982]

Well, all I know is I own a Fluance RT-85 with the 2M Blue cartridge. And I gave it 5 stars. I've owned turntables since 1966. That's a lot of years and this one is nearly the best of them all.

[@bk6678]

IMHO, the RT-81 is the best bang for the bucks.

[@michaelfavreau7617]

I own a RT-85 and love it. Although I`m still trying to get rid of some buzz when I bring my hand close to the cartridge. I`ll be purchasing the new release of the Soundburger from Audio Technica as soon as its available this spring. This will be great for the backyard and the cottage I`m sure. With a cartridge upgrade of course

[@berns009]

I had a rt85 before i switched up to a rega p6. it was a good starter turntable that provided excellent value for the price but the weak link was or is definitely the tone arm

[@ColtLuger]

I use the built in preamp in my 1500C and it's far better than the phono stage in my Sansui 881, I also tried an ifi zen and couldn't tell the difference.

[@twangersturntable]

Hey Frank. Man I have to admit I was salivating at that Technics direct drive as well lol! But alas, at nearly $1500CAD, I think my Pioneer PL400 from 1980 works just fine. The only upgrades I've made have been nothing fancy and a long way from audiophile by any stretch, are an acrylic platter, and Audio Technica AT-VM93C cartridge and headshell. I also have recently began using a stabalizer from Audio Technica as well which does in fact improve some of the older and lighter weight vinyl. Whether that is real or perceived, I'm not sure my 50 something yr old ears can say confidently, but on a vintage system that is anything but hi-end, sometimes perception is as good as reality. Good food for thought Frank. Cheers! 🤘🎶🤘

[@Channel33RPM]

Yeah... not a cheap turntable for sure. Cheers man!

[@AndyCarter-db4gt]

I have am Ariston RD11 (the direct predicessor to the Linn LP12 ). In fact most of the internal components came from Linn when I had it serviced by a Linn dealer. SME 3009 tonearm and a Nagaoki MP-11 boron cartridge. It was made in England in 1974 and still sounds superb.

[@Vintageelectronics2296]

Frank what kind of oil do you use on your spindles some say use heavy weight I use lite machine oil what do you think ?

[@RonFerlman]

I have an at120usb with the ortofon 2m red, upgraded counter weight, and cork plater. I've had it for 4 years or so and haven't had any issues with it so far.

[@Pluralofvinylisvinyls]

I just got a Crosley but I had it modded to put on a Sumiko Moonstone cartridge and I have it hooked up to my computer speakers. Really high fidelity. My OG Blue Note records sound really great.

[@raygu1818]

C6 or C8 model?

[@tomfurgas2844]

I wonder why many of the new turntables do not have the stroboscope patterns on the edge of the platter. Do the turntables have other options for regulating speed?

[@theflipside-vinylcommunity]

Cool bro

[@glock36me]

I have an AudioTechnia AT-LP140XP that came with the AT-XP3 DJ cartridge. Not a bad sounding cartridge but I replaced it with the Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML micro linear cartridge and with the built in preamp in my ONKYO TX-NR6100 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver it sounds amazing! I tried my daughter's IFI Zen phono preamp but it paled in comparison to the onkyo's built in preamp. The IFI Zen dulled and rolled off the highs on my system but sounds great on hers. I love bright sharp highs. It's probably the base model Fluance Home Theater speakers that I've used since the early to mid 90's. Their not audiophile but are great for their designed home theater purpose.

[@joet_swbo101]

I own both the Audio Technica LP - 120 & the LP -1240. Can't complain about either. The 1240 is my favorite though. Built great and excellent DD motor. This is as close (if not a direct replacement) as you're going to get to the old SL-1200. The 1200 may just have it b/c of the tone arm. They were better. This is from someone who owned a 1200 back in the day. I have the 120 paired with a Shure m97x cart and the 1240 with the Ortofon Blue. What I don't get is that today, I haven't seen a belt driven TT with the old thumb adjustable pitch control (am I describing that correctly?). When I was a kid I had (late 70's early 80's) a technicas (maybe audio technica - can't remember that far back, I'm old now - lol) TT in my room that was belt driven with that adjustment. They all came with them (at least the good ones) back then. That is why I can't seem to get myself to buy a belt driven today. Those belts, after sometime, will stretch. Long before they need to be replaced. With that adjustment to could visually see if it was slightly off and correct that with a simple touch. In some of the manuals I read today, they all want you to replace that belt after a year, regardless. I guess that's their way of making sure it stays in pitch, by constantly replacing the belt. Not my idea of a good solution as a replacement for lack of planning by removing a previously standard feature.

[@nicksfans]

I also have too many turntables, but the one I use most is an old Realistic LAB-400 with a Nagaoka MP-110 cart. I'm pretty happy with it, but I wish it was quartz-lock.

[@kevinpimentel6957]

I have a project evo and I'm happy with it but not gonna lie Frank u make me wanna try a technics of some sort

[@TorToroPorco]

Fluance has managed to hit the pricing sweet spot in what is a price sensitive market segment. Based on what I’ve heard the Pro-Ject is a better sounding turntable but that probably doesn’t manifest itself with an entry level cartridge & phono stage. And I’m not sure many people in this market segment will notice the difference.

[@Channel33RPM]

Yup... absolutely... and they have stuck to it, not raising prices (which I am sure will have to end soon).

[@davidbailey6350]

I have a Marantz 6300…. Still runs great…

[@Suddsy.]

I have two 1200s that I've had for over 25 years and I can't see anytime soon getting anything else

[@Channel33RPM]

1200s will outlive us all...

[@Kane26510]

I have two turntables that I use a lot - Technics SL-1350 ( a stacker, which I use in single play mode) and a JVC QL-A75. I'd recommend them both, but I have no idea where to tell you to find one.

[@cpayne4956]

I had, and plan to again, a Pioneer PLX-500 Black turntable. I got that one used for a real good price, and I absolutely loved it. It can play 78s (I collect 78s) and has the swappable headshell/cartridge for 78 and Mono cartridges. I love everything about it, except the built in (non removable) RCA cable. I wanted to use a high end cable, but didn't have the option to do that. But it wasn't all that bad sounding. I would go for the PLX-1000 but it doesn't have the 78 speed option (I need that option). I may look elsewhere, but I plan to build my own turntable for 33 and 45 RPM records (my daily driver), and use the pioneer for the 78s and Mono records.

[@QoraxAudio]

To answer your question: I own both a Technics SL-1200G and SL-1200M7L. I would recommend both, but especially the SL-1200G... it's more expensive, but also on an much higher level of quality and precision.

[@Channel33RPM]

Looks so nice

[@Vintageelectronics2296]

I just bought a project evo first one I ever got hope I will like it been a Technics sl1200 and Fluance rt84 fan I will see if this is as great as them not sure about the anti skate adj I'm use to a knob

[@kellybueckert671]

I have had my rt 82 for about 2 years its upgraded with the acrylic platter been a nice sounding turntable that been said i have warrantied it twice already hoping third times the charm and customer service has been pretty decent . Plus for the money its hard to say no

[@DanG12342]

Don't know if you can get Rega turntables in Canada but my Rega plannar 3 is amazing.

[@Channel33RPM]

Regarding are available here, but for some reason they don't seem to be as popular as overseas. Not sure what that is.

[@Trekkie4]

Audio Technica AT-LP140XP. Bought mine back in 2019 when it first came out and been using it ever since. It cost me approx. 500 USD, about the same as RT85. I even heard people comparing 140 with SL1200 (from those who actually own both) and recommending it for considerably less amount of money. Yes, the Technics will give you better tactile experience than Audio Technica due to superior build quality, but sound-wise the LP140 will give Technics a run for its money. Assuming of course that you pair 140 with decent cartridge and swap the included slip mat for something better. The included AT-XP3 cartridge is fine ... I would even dare to say better than VM95C but alas not audiophile grade, I'm afraid. Come to think of it, I believe that 140 may be the only turntable from Audio Technica which doesn't have USB and/or the internal pre-amp.

[@FLDawg71]

I have a fluance.

[@jdmoney1000]

Frank, what are your thoughts on blue tooth turntables????

[@Channel33RPM]

I have never tried the Bluetooth functionality on turntable, so I reserve judgment.

[@peterdandyk2342]

Bought a Pro-ject A1 at Costco ( they have their own model with the OM 5E instead of Ortofon OM 10 cartridge ) BUT!! it was on sale for a ludicrously cheap $ 199 vs $ 499 for the 'regular' A1. Identical in every other way. Bought the Super OM 10 as an upgrade for another $ 100. Still way ahead. Performs flawlessly and sounds great for a fully automatic rig. Homerun especially if you get Costco version.