Our Favorite Vintage Turntables!!! So Many Surprises!!!

[@davidclark8132]

I had an old Dual 1218. I put an ad on kijiji, "Free to a good home". 15 minutes later a 17-year-old kid was on the way. I still feel good about that.

[@TheHammerofDissidence]

Can never go wrong with a Technics in good shape. The amount of headaches you avoid having a swappable headshell, adjustable VTA, and the most reliable speed you could ask for is worth every penny. Only thing that sucks with the older models is the attached RCA.

[@musicforfun5350]

I'm still using my Dual 1219, purchased in 1971. Recently took it in for a tune-up and it works like a charm.

[@juanvillanueva5267]

I've owned 1009(f?) A TANK. Needed full restoration, contacted well known Dr. Dual, (way more money than I could afford). I only own the drop 45 rpm spindle I bought on Ebay. It's one of those things where with head tossed to side, I heave a sigh.....

[@brucesmith5426]

Love my $58.00 1219 with a Shure V15-III cartridge. Cleaned the old hard grease out and lubed with quality fishing reel grease and viola it's like new. I've had it now 5 years and it's going strong.

[@60gregma]

The 1219 was the predecessor to the 1229, made from 1969-1971. It came in two iterations. In the v1 version, the cuing lever does not work in multi-play mode. The 1219 is the same as the 1229, minus the built-in strobe. Many of the parts are interchangeable. The 1229 also came in a 1229Q version... Q for quadraphonic. The only real difference was updated tonearm wires to support the high frequency pilot signal needed to decode quad playback.

[@flouisbailey]

Dual Guy here 1218 and 701 Bill services as needed.

[@SinnerSince1962]

You can't beat any of these Duals: 1009, 1019, 1219, 1229 (all idler drive). I also like the 701, a direct drive model. I have a copy of each of the aforementioned units.

[@SinnerSince1962]

I love your reviews. No bravado, no boasting, just a regular guy who loves audio and tells everyone about his experiences.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, Bryan!

[@barbaradee5191]

I bought a Thorens 160 back in the 70s and lovde it. When i got back into Vinyl, i was lucky to get a pristine Thorens 165 for a great price.

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

Bought my Thorens TD 160 Super with a Morch UP-4 arm in ‘85. Still uses it each day.

[@brucecoyle2565]

It’s cool to have vintage gear and a repair shop close to home.

[@skylabsaudio]

Hey Bruce!

[@robertliskey420]

I still have my Empire 598 Mk2 first high end I bought in 1972! And except a couple belts over the years still runs great! ($400.00 back then)

[@AirDOGGe]

Duals were my favorite. Before them I had a BSR and a Sanyo. My last was a Pioneer linear, but it only lasted 4-5 years before the motorized arm stopped working.

[@Trojan0304]

My Pioneer 518 still works like it did in 1978, hooked up to my old Pioneer receiver 780 still

[@NebukedNezzer]

I have a very nice Technics SL-D2 that I got for free. also my pioneer single play bought in hong kong 1966. I also am a broadcast engineer so got to keep the old gates, etc tables going. a tip. clean the rubber parts with alcohol.

[@MuzikJunky]

I grew up with a Dual 1229 and was so sad when it bit the dust in 1985! I also loved that it muted during the automatic cycle and the noises that the unit itself made while it cycled! Peace.

[@girogio83]

I’ll be selling a Dual 1229 I’m very good,shape if you are interested I’ll let you know when it’s ready. Charlie

[@Slonge92]

I’ve had a Marantz 6300 since new in 1977, it is like new and with a good cartridge it hasn’t let me down. Friends are always recommending tables in the thousands, maybe I’ll buy one if the Marantz dies. Great videos, thanks.

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

My first table was a BSR. 1980 bought a used Duals 1216. I still have it and love it. Since then two 1215S, two 1216, 1218, 1225, 1226, 1229, and two 506 Duals. Love them all

[@JazzEnthusiast]

Great post! I was a QA tech at the Dual U.S. main distribution location in Mount Vernon, N.Y. back in the late 70's. One of the main features on their turntables was how accurately you could balance the tone arm. At audio shows we would mount the turntable upside down on a rack and play a record. The tone arms were so finely balanced that there was minimal wear on your vinyl. Beautifully engineered.

[@michaeladdison5359]

My Dual 1218 still works. I purchased it in 1974. When a wrapped record wouldn't play on other tables, the Dual was there to show that it could be played.

[@JazzEnthusiast]

@@michaeladdison5359 that's the incredible Dual Gebrüder Steidinger's tonearm engineering. It has gyroscopic stability.

[@nicomeier8098]

I'm using a DUAL 704 Electronic Direct Drive, with a Nagaoka JT322 cart with a Shibata Naked diamond stylus. In total it cost me less then €500 and I love it! I have a custom made acrylic dust cover on it as well, looks so good. I did go from vinyl to CD during the 90's, but now I use both as they both have their strong and weak points. The thing about vinyl is that it takes more time and effort to properly use it (starts with cleaning any new record), which in turn makes you really take time to sit down and listen to the music.

[@BLOVECU]

love my modded dual 704 too. with a retipped micro-acoustics 2002e, sweet.

[@norbertkuhse3790]

The 704 is a Great Turntable , the reason why i use a 606 is , that i love the Ortophon ULM 155 System

[@mikeos1]

UK here. I bought a Thorens TD 124 new in 1972. Still going strong now after 50 yers. Used with a SME 3009/2.

[@ozarkpipertony8396]

I appreciate your connection with turntables and that "connection" to vinyl. Its something I was blessed to grow up with and it sounds better with the right turntable and amp/speakers. I have a Fluance RT83 with upgraded plate and Ortofon Blue cartridge. Staying with heritage and media that has so much historic meaning in history is so much more than many in our electronically advanced society will truly enjoy. Thanks for sharing!

[@stevenjosephs9]

Hang Friday & Saturday playing vinyl ( 70's ) pretty much fighting over the next LP

[@TheMentalblockrock]

You might also wish to try the Rega planar 2 and 3. These are very simple, just a motor, a glass platter and a VERY good tone arm. Made in England and sound great.

[@greganderson1681]

My P3 rules.

[@davidclark8132]

Gave one to my son.

[@TonyAguirreJazz]

Rega Planar 3 with the Ortofon Blue! in one room and a Dual 504 in the other

[@JU5T1NH4RTL3Y]

Currently using a Planar 2 from 1978 with cherry wood framing with a Nagaoka MP-110 cart and can confirm! It's not nearly as detailed sounding as my Marantz 6170 but it sounds way more powerful and "musical". And the motor is practically indestructible! I'm never going to stop using my Rega! :D

[@jamesbrunnette4895]

My Rega planar 2 has worked great for over 40 years. Great product!

[@malexder0082]

I sold most of the tables you reviewed when I worked for a couple of shops in Harvard square from 72-75. Thorens and Technics were the top picks for people with money. The AR was a best-seller because of price/performance.

[@bertroost1675]

I just got a very old but in great condition Rek O Kut T12 with a Shure 232 arm. It has that low idler noise floor but this beast is so dynamic and forceful in its music presentation. I'm amazed.

[@timfenton7469]

Still have the Dual 1229 that I bought in 1972 when I was 18. I love this turntable not only because it’s built extremely well but also has a very high degree of sensitivity. It has the counter weight, of course, for balancing the tone arm, anti-skate, a light strobe function for fine tuning record speed, three settings- 45 and 78 are the two that aren’t normally used and a toggle that allows you to manually very softly drop the tone arm onto the LP.

[@billyoungberg3207]

Very nice video. I still have my Dual 1216 in a Sylvania case from 1974. Still works great.

[@davidrothert7531]

I am still using the family Philips 312 turntable from 1979. Only issue it ever had was a fractured rca connector. Replaced the cables and sounds better than new.

[@woodyunderwood2828]

I have an Elac/Miracord purchased in 1973. Perfect and still running.

[@CrashTestingAudio]

I have a vintage Yamaha YP-82 and just love it. Got it for $80 and paid $150 to have it fully updated and restored. Got an AT-ML (the red cart), and it’s just great. If I went new I think I’d have to pay WAY more for the same quality tone arm, plinth, low noise floor and auto return.

[@mrpbody44]

The AR was my first turntable in 1972 and still my fave. Still working after heavy use for 50 years. I got other turntables but kept coming back to these. I have 2 now.

[@andiman45]

Too complicated LOL

[@markbryant4641]

The Thorens is VERY quiet. As in the background noise from the motor and bearing. I used to spend hours mucking around with it and I've had it so quiet that it couldn't be heard playing blank passages of an album with the volume turned up more than double the setting that I listen to music at what for me is high volume. This is loud enough to be heard out on the street. And at double this volume the turntable was silent. This is absolutely the key to high definition playback. But plonked on a shelf and used as is, this is still a very good table. Mine's simply plonked at the moment and I use it every day. Here in Melbourne, Australia I see Thorens TD160 and 165 come up for sale with Empire MM carts. There must have been a dealer back then who sold these tables with these carts. This is how mine came (second hand 16 years ago)and it's a fantastic combo. I've tried other tables, sometimes for a year or more but when I swap back to the 165/Empire it sounds better. The Empire cart is very clear and tonally a little light on mid-bass. Opposite to the classic Stanton carts. I need this tonal voicing as my speakers are bass heavy transmission line.

[@mccarthyd6603]

Picked up a Hitachi PS-48 a year ago for a fair price on looks for my spare listening room. Love this TT so much I actually got rid of my Rega.... Love the sound and appearance of vintage....just recently upgraded to a Grado Opus Cartridge and could not be happier 👍

[@ccrm10]

I have the AR XA, Thorens TD 165, Pioneer PL-41 and the Dual 1229. Looking at the Technics next. Thanks for validating my selections!

[@abdulhalim9650]

The feeling and relationship I have when playing a record with my Dual turntable is akin to I'm dressing up and on my way to a live concert...

[@BIGD-gj1vb]

Realistic Lab-400. Much mystery behind who produced it but it's a rock soild performer. Just installed an Ortifon Blue cartridge and it's a great TT. ❤

[@markmwj]

Cool! I have an SL-110 with an SME arm and Shure V15 type III pickup. I bought it in 1970's after I got my B&W DM2A's at their Worthing shop. My dad was friend's with John Bowers and Roy Wilkins and worked for B&W for a short time.

[@rogercoates2492]

I love the Lenco 75 that I re-built. I grew up with a Dual 1219 that my dad bought.

[@martinlepper4522]

Sent my Dual 1219 to 'Fix My Dual'. Awesome. Glad to hear you give them a heads up.

[@williamsharp5973]

Good Grief! I found this list pretty amazing. My path too has followed simplicity, design, and manual operation. But, with all the turntables available during these years, I have only had a relative few, but what a list, as least as evidenced by what is covered here. 1964, my first real turntable, ARxa, about $64.00. 1968, Pioneer PL-41, purchased at a PX in Viet Nam and shipped home. 1974, Technics SL1200, initial production model - the first arm, simple single switch for 33/center off/45, lift, speed adjustment controls, fair trade pricing back then, $279.98 I think. 1984, I traded in the SL1200, getting in some fashion what I paid for it ten years earlier - they were still very popular with DJ's - this was mainly a direct drive and torque issue - fast startup onver belts. Took home Harman Kardon T-60, about $475.00 list back then. Then soon after, around 1985 I got out of vinyl when CDs hit, and didn't have a turntable again until 2017. I bought a Haman Kardon T-40 and then added a T-60, both from ebay. Though not 60's-70's, I'll add here that both of these turntables follow the same path - simple and relatively 'clean' design and function.

[@solomonstewart1025]

Damn!! A new perspective...bonding with a turntable.

[@skylabsaudio]

Lol, pretty soon people will be taking their turntables in to go grocery shopping. You watch.

[@hewie2u]

I started out in around 1973 with AR XB 1a , kept it for years and have it stored now in the original box and foam with the books. Next I went a bit sky high with Linn LP12 Ittok Karma. Then to Sota Star Saphire 2 . Still have that and love it . Two Turntables years ago really did me in though . Nakamichi Dragon and also Thorens Prestige. They are some piece of work there for their day . Just saying how I feel about Turntables.

[@Tanko3691]

Bisarre choice that you put Rega on line 2, they have dominated the turntable market and won more awards than any other company PLUS they are one of the simplest to work on.

[@barbiejaye8623]

I loved it. Brought back memories. Loved my AR XA. I used to get Garrards at a discount, but they were junk..

[@philatwood2086]

One advantage of the Dual Turntables most people don't realize is that they don't need to be level to have accurate tracking and anti-skate settings. The spring adjusted tracking weight allows the turntable to be set at ANY angle, even UPSIDE DOWN and as long as the record stays on the platter, the turntable will track and play properly.

[@ivansbacon]

I have several Dual's and none of them have "spring adjusted tracking weight" I have never heard of "spring adjusted tracking weight" There are servo controlled tracking arms and linear arms but not on Dual's. Perhaps you could explain?

[@Dsoul51]

I love my Dual 1245. I bought it in 1974. It t is fully automatic as it is a record changer although I haven't used the changer in years. It still works. As long as I have the manual I can repair it. As far a the antiskate I can tilt it but why would I want to?

[@philatwood2086]

@@Dsoul51 Let me explain my understanding of anti-skating. Anti-skate has nothing to do with tilt, at least in the Dual 1200 series. Anti-skate is a small force put onto the tonearm to push it towards the outside edge of the platter. This is to counteract the natural force on the tonearm to pull in towards the center. This is caused by the friction of the stylus in the groove. As the record spins, it "pulls" the stylus towards the inner side of the record groove, causing more pressure on that side of the groove. This extra pressure can audibly affect the volume, balance and tone of the musical signal. If you have a way to protect or easily remove your stylus, you can test this skating effect by placing the protected cartridge on a smooth low friction surface on the platter. As the platter spins, the tonearm will be pulled in towards the center spindle, rather quickly. This is the force that anti-skating is designed to counteract.

[@philatwood2086]

@@ivansbacon I've replied twice to your question, but the reply has been deleted (I suppose, since it is no longer on this site). Regardless, the Dual 1200 series tracking force IS set by a spring. If you click on my name, you can message me for answers to your question.

[@ivansbacon]

@@philatwood2086 Seams to be a confusion caused by your terminology. Yes of coarse the "anti-skate dial does tension a spring(s) counteracting lateral or inertial tracking force (skate) inherent in the spinning record. Your use of the wording "tracking weight" implies VTF Vertical Track Force as weight changes the VTF. You reinforced that confusion by claiming you could turn the table upside down and the tone would stay on the record and play it fine. That is absolutely false. There is no spring forcing the tone arm down onto the record. It is gravity, a fulcrum/gimbal and a weight to counteract gravity that sets the tracking force. I have completely removed the arm on my 1219 and replaced it, there is no spring at all in the gimbal or attached to it that would impart any force to keep the arm down on the record. I have work stand that allows me turn my deck completely upside down. There is indeed a spring in the anti-skate mechanism, in fact there are two springs. Also, although the deck does have anti vibration springs under it, that does not mean that the plinth does not have to be level. If it is out of level then gravity will cause the stylus to not contact both sides of the groove with the same pressure. Anti skate adjustments are NOT there to compensate for gravitational effects on an out of level turntable. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turntable_anti-skating The necessity of anti skate is debatable in some circles, Pun intended.

[@HappyJ]

Bought a Rotel 1100q in 1972. Still using it today.

[@kontrolenthusiast1099]

A sleeper 1982 Hitachi HT-67 owner (Direct Drive, uni-torque with quartz lock, auto, damped arm, electronic no touch photo-sensor return), purchased pre-owned 2013, no issues.

[@WC0125]

Excellent - Thank you! Your list has some of mine on it too. The AR, Dual 1229 and Empire. Add add two others have mentioned. Garrard 301 and 401 and one you'll hate for its service complexity but when restored, a great unit; Yamaha PX-2 linear. The Technics SP-15 and 25 are great as well but they are starting to have capacitor and solder joint issues, eek!

[@mallacai]

i'm sure you've covered some great deck's I have a 1968 goldring lenco GL75 made in switzerland, I built it over a 30 year period and couldn't find most parts untill ebay came online, it runs 16-33-45 and 78, it runs like a swiss watch and I love the fact that it took 30 years to finally finish it, i'm not an audiophile I just like good music and it meets my need's, I hope everyone else is out there that loves the deck they have, DuaL also marketed the same deck under their own name which I think show's how good it still is, really enjoyed the video

[@Johnny-ov7qe]

Just got a recently serviced Dual 1229! This video and your interview with Bill got me hooked. The look, sound, and build quality are top notch.

[@HarmonyHomeInspectionServices]

I have a fully automatic Kenwood KD-5070 in the family since 1977. Had it serviced and it still rocks. As a matter of fact, the service tech refers to it as "The Rock"

[@skylabsaudio]

Yup! Nice heavy tables!

[@jasfrt6384]

As far as the anti-skate goes on the AR, you can actually use the tone arm wires running down the shaft of the tonearm for a little bit of anti-skate.

[@paulgeorge1238]

My sears solid state 1974 non belt auto tone arm with working 8 track still spins perfectly and I can still get diamond flip needle stylus. I love stacking 45s watching the drop.

[@karaDee2363]

I love your unbiased opinions on components.. The only turntable I've owned was the one I bought when I was in high school, which was a technics sl220 belt driven and best audio Technica cartridge I could afford... couldn't afford the direct drive model... But I never had any complaints with the sl220, it did everything it was supposed to do and thought the speed controller was a real plus with the Technics players.. When the belt drive got old and broke, I used a comparable sized rubber band and it worked...lol

[@skylabsaudio]

I fixed an 8track player with a rubber band when I was younger. Gotta do what ya gotta do!

[@frankstephenson1746]

Thank you! Your the only normal record guy on utube I’ve been running a PL-41 for years now just wanted to see if there was a vintage player I was missing out on. Once again, thanks for the down to earth video.

[@briguy1960]

Still rocking my Pioneer PL 518, Marantz 2225 and My JBL 4310's. Love your channel. Hi from Vancouver Canada

[@vincecarnevale4406]

Had a AR turntable In the 70's was as reliable as a light switch ,quiet,smooth ,a simple design, no frill machine!!

[@hegonefishing9122]

I love my pioneer pl 707, was lucky to find it for $100 that was pristine in condition. It goes with my pioneer stack, But I currently have it hooked to the fisher 500c.

[@mikesabota2570]

Still using my 1229 bought new in '73..been worked over since,but still handles my vinyl with kid gloves..I have a couple others in the rotation but there is something about the Dual that makes it worth using over the others...

[@cpu554]

Owned a few in my life,Sony ,Micro Seiki,B&O and an Ariston RD 40 which was my fave.

[@parallaxcontinuum7898]

Dual 1219 ,from late 68 !!!

[@korling99]

Very cool that you are local only - cheers to your local customers too - when I get the chance to travel to that part of the country, I will definitely stop in

[@danwheetman6914]

Good look. I have thr P 41 and the Dual 1229, both great tables.

[@willgibson7478]

I've had turntables made by Dual, Denon, Technics, Pioneer and JVC, and the one that's been sitting in my main system for years now is a Sony PS X500, one of their BioTracer line. It's as close to a "set it and forget it" deck as I've ever used.

[@SinnerSince1962]

They are great tables, but electronically complicated if something goes belly up. I had the x600 and it was a constant worry for me.

[@studydude]

I have the first Gen, Technics SL1200, they are a bit rare but findable, things I like is the Cue Dampening, Sturdy build, strong player, I use an Ortofon 2m Blue and Nagoaka MP-200 currently rotated. Your video showed the more popular SL-1200 MK2, which came out in like 78 while the First gen was closer to the SL-1100, 1972-1977ish.

[@markbryant4641]

Yeah, I had one of those for a few years. A good table. I gave t to a friend who now uses the same cart as you, Ortofon blue. ...or perhaps red. A very good table, but too noisy for me.

[@tommywingate2220]

Like many I grabbed my first good stereo while in the military. Too immature to hold on to anything but I loved my sl 1200 and 9090. LOL. I even packed 4 Sansui 2000 ?? on the aircraft carrier. Some shipmates thought I was a little wacky. Good memories so thanks.

[@johnedwards2696]

Back in "the day", I owned a Linn LP12/ SME/ V15 combo and gave it up for the SL110/ SME/ V15. Today I use Technics SL110/ SME 309 on a nice burrwood board with Kiseki Blue NS and loving it.

[@SuperMcgenius]

Great list, I would add the thorens 125 with a better tone arm, with a better plinth it can sound fantastic.

[@swinde]

I have a Thorens 125 with a Rabco SL-8E tone arm.

[@winterknight4176]

I have a Thorens 150 with an SME tone arm, which I bought in the early 70's. And I'm still not going to change

[@mileshigh1321]

I recently acquired a refurbished Gradiente DD 200Q. Brazilian made and just a really beautiful turntable! I also have 1970 British built Ariston RD 11S turntable with an upgraded tonearm and platter. You have to switch the belt over to play 45's ! Paid $10 at a yard sale for that one in the 90's !

[@tambarskelfir]

The Dual 1219 and 1019 omg such tanks. They'll outlive us all and they're automatics. It shouldn't be possible, but there it is.

[@roykeller2893]

I had a Dual 506 in 1980 and loved it. Long gone. I bought one on EBay a few years back though.

[@jameslester6785]

I have a Kenwood KD-850 which I purchased in 1980. Still an excellent beast of a turntable, weighs over 30lbs, wow and flutter .022

[@ct1660]

I own an AR XB which a building super gave to me. Even has the original box, accessories and paperwork which has a purchase date of December 20, 1975 I also have some Dual turntables.

[@chrisnovakowski9827]

Luckily for me, I think my first turntable will be my forever turntable. I purchased my mint condition Yamaha YP-701, with an ADC QLM30 Mk-III cartridge, 15 years ago for about $250CAD ($190USD). I've recently replaced the stylus (same cartridge). For me, I don't anything more than this turntable/cartridge combination. Although, I am interested in trying other cartridges. To me, this turntable is a piece of art. It proudly sits on top of my stereo cabinet. It is a statement piece that sounds as good as it looks.

[@Akstergrind]

I totally agree with what you said about “forever” turntables! I’ve had two £1000+ turntables in the last few months and just haven’t gotten along with either of them. I mean they both look great and sound fine, but I couldn’t imagine using them in the long term. I’ve now ordered one of the new Denon DP-3000 NE turntables which has some incredible reviews, so fingers for that one ‘cause it sure ain’t cheap!

[@tomhalbouty3653]

Very nice review. There are a few points that might be helpful for buyers to consider regarding the Thorens turntables. The TP16 tonearm internally uses push connectors within the arm that attach to the back side of the receiver plug for the head shell. The push-on connectors used on the internal tone arm wires are very thin metal and over time often become loose, causing intermittent dropout of the signal. The solution is tedious and involves removing the plug from the tone arm, tightening the connectors and reinserting them. The better solution is completely rewiring the tone arm which provides a big reliability improvement and has some sonic benefits. I personally replaced my arm with a Jelco arm and never looked back. Regarding the Empire tables, the motor is a high speed motor compared to the low speed synchronous motors used on the Thorens and AR tables. For the tables I've worked on the rumble from the Empire table measures much higher when compared to the lower speed motors and can be audible. That said the Empire tables are very cool looking and well made. Again, nice review.

[@johnnytoobad7785]

Just recently re-built my old (50 yr) Thornes TD-125 (Mk II) with the classic SME 3009 S2 arm. I was able to find schematics etc on the Inter-web. Upgraded just about ALL of the electronic components, belt and springs. The heavy platter combined with the old knife edge bearings demands that I re-lube it at least twice a year. One day I'll have the Tonearm refurbished. I owned a Dual 1219 in HS and Pioneer PL55D in college. I sold the 1219 and gave the Pioneer to my cousin. I would love to play with a Technics 1200 someday. Love that VTA "on the fly" feature. Can't do that with the SME 3009.

[@richardbrown8099]

LP12 is my favourite.

[@mylesross5712]

I still have my Thorens TD125 with a Stax tonearm from 46 years ago. Still awesome.

[@polishdawg4283]

I bought a Dual 1246 that didn't work for 25 bucks. I downloaded the repair manual and read it and decided to try to repair it and I did. It now works like a charm. I only had to put about 80 bucks of parts into it (a new cartridge/stylus and a belt). They are very complicated underneath and all those levers and parts can scare most but I figured if I can't repair it, I had some spare parts for another one.🎹🎹🎷🎷🪕🎻🎸🥁🥁🎧🎤🔊

[@rickc661]

After an AR T/table I bought a mid 1970's Pioneer full auto , still works fine. bought a new Thorens 103 full auto for no good reason - learned Long ago ( I'm 73 ) that full auto is the way to go, a machine handles the critical needle / disc contact way better than my hand, especially. if ' enhancements' are used.

[@robertballard8833]

I have had both belt drive and DD tables, and have been critically listening to records for 55 years. I still hav eexcellent hearing, dispite being a musician ( Earplugs LOL). I was given a Sony PS-FL7II Direct Drive linear tracking table and, after replacing drive and transport belts , was blown away. I dont see you saying much about linear tracking, and they dont seem to have as much cred as standard designs. I'm curious as to why. They are complicated mechanically, but do a better job of tracking the groove than any other type. Paired with my 80s AT 166LCU cartridge upgraded nude diamond stylus it compares to CD quality. Biggest difference is the LT table does not distort the inner grooves like conventional tables do. I'll never be happy with conventional tables again.

[@malcolmpappa8758]

Running a Goldring G99 with a 12"SME arm .old pinchwheel drive 78rpm45 33&16 speeds Shure N75 takes 78 &33 stylii . pretty cool vintage tech.

[@astolatpere11]

I too have had many turntables over the years. My current tt is a Harmon Kardon ST7 that I refurbished, with an ADC XLM cart and new stylus, into a EAR clone tube phono preamp and I love it - the looks, how it operates, and how it sounds. Oh la la ...!

[@pauldavies8638]

I use a 50 year old pioneer pl 51 it's solid got a great dust cover and it's direct drive and manual I love it it's not super high end but it's so engaging with it not being automatic.

[@willhouse]

My vintage Denon direct-drive unit needs some TLC & I wanted a smaller footprint since I was building a little system at work... So I decided to try a Pro-Ject Elemental, just plopped it atop the old Pioneer SX-434 I've had for 25 years & HEYYY: Extraordinarily simple operation, great looks & lovely sound. It's an especially impressive turntable because it doesn't even really have a plinth; there's a skinny slab of particle board holding a motor on one end & a tonearm on the other, with a heavy blob of molded resin in between that keeps everything sturdy. The whole rig hangs from a slat wall in a college bookstore & I'm growing quite fond of it!

[@JackT_Music_on_Vinyl]

Great video. I live very close to Skylabs and have been there a few times over the past few years. Always a welcome greeting, happy to chat and answer questions, and the "bench" is in plain sight. They do it all! My 2 turntables are a Technics SL1200 MK2 and a 1972 AR XA which I rehabbed myself. One is a fancy vintage deal, the other probably the world's simplest turntable. Love em both for different reasons.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, JackT!

[@davidhindle594chemicalman]

I bought in the 70s a new transcriptors hydraulic turntable with transcriptors tone arm. 10ib platter with solid brass gold plates weights. Still have it.

[@juanvillanueva5267]

Luv, Luv, Luv this post. The turntable is by far my favorite component. I have several but just one in use right now. I switched out my thorens 209, (It's really a novelty from Thorens with that crazy plinth), with vintage Kenwood 3070. It's easily the best table in my small collection. I'm crazy about tonearm on this model. It's super quiet, plays beautifully, sounds fantastic and it's nearly indestructible! I moved and kinda just dumped it in a box willy, nilly with platter on. I lucked out! This machine is gorgeous and working flawlessly. Think it's my forever table. Looks like..... Who knows? (Turntable geeks not mentally stable men.). Thanks for your post.

[@skylabsaudio]

Lol, thanks for making me laugh!

[@edwilson7187]

I had a mitsubishi LT5V which was my last turntable. It was a unique design that stood up and the tonearm tracked across the album so there was a zero tracking error. Never had a problem with it even though it had a belt and not direct drive. The speed indicator stayed right on with no problems. Glad eveything went digital though, records took up too much space and have a problem with bacteria and trash in the grooves.

[@skylabsaudio]

Had one of those too. Great table, wish I still had it.

[@hwccheng]

That is definitely quite a piece of machinery. My favorite though, is the Technics SL-7 and SL-10. They play vertically or at an incline and can sit on top of the speaker without much negative feedback. Now I have 2 lesser but still working linear tracking TT and 2 Fluance TTs. Another one is the B & O linear tracking and I have to give them the best styling award

[@rickeymh]

Yes, I too had an LT5V. Before the age of the internet, I could not find a replacement belt and so I traded it for another toy. Oh my misspent youth.

[@josephhoward8304]

You'd have to pry my ELAC Mirachord 50H turntable from my cold dead body.

[@greatpix]

I recently sold my 'The AR Turntable' after 39 years. Still works great. The most unique turntable I own is a Braun PS-500 designed by the famous, Dieter Rams. It's built like a piece of military gear too. Almost 28 lbs.

[@thorstenromstadt485]

That´s a nice video! I still have the 1229 I bought new in the 70s, accompanied by a Lenco L78, a Dual 502, and a CEC BD-3200. The nice thing with classic turntables is: when they are well cleaned and properly lubricated, when they have a cartridge that fits to the toneam in its compliance, when the cart is properly aligned, and when you have added a bit of damping and fiddling, then any of those machines sounds really good. So really it is useless to debate which of those is "he best".

[@longde]

Dual is perhaps the only manufacturer in history that has made superb idler wheel, belt drive and direct drive turntables.

[@johncale814]

Love to impress people with the hammer test on the AR. BANG BANG

[@ingenfestbrems]

I had modern project classic, rega p6 with original mc pickup, Neither of them outperformed my 1978 jvc i had since I was 14years old. And this jvc was never cared for really good until i realised it’s better than expensive project and rega. So i bought technics 1210mk2. And never looked back. This is the best you could buy for a reasonable price. And it would last forever. And the sonic quality outperform all OEMs/ copycat types

[@joncouper577]

Any direct drive Technics is always a good bet, bullet proof. Perhaps an honorable mention, the Kenwood KD-2055 or the ROCK as it's known.

[@juanvillanueva5267]

I Luv The Rock! Have one stored in closet. Got it used. Have others in small collection including couple of newer models back in boxes. These newer machines don't have feel and sound of their 70's predecessor's. Currently playing Kenwood 3070. Not great, but pretty darn nice.

[@tombillard5264]

getting flashbacks to my teen days when i first caught the audiophile bug lol thanks brother

[@MrRourk]

Technics SP 15 and Elac Maricord 50H II are my fav to date

[@tonybeef1142]

I swap these two in and out of my system ...JVC QL A7 & Hitachi HT 561 they sound just fine :).

[@tesmith47]

Yep bought my AR XA IN 1966, ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT

[@buskman3286]

Probably the best TT ever made for simply PLAYING a record as well as it can be played. That "cheap looking" arm/headshell is anything but and outperforms ANY of the arm and/or head shell "upgrades" that are commonly installed.

[@garychiuminatto917]

I’m not a real music expert so I don’t have any of the turn tables you mentioned but I chanced upon your channel when you were picking the best receivers for under $300. I found it very interesting and I do have a Sony purchased in 71 or 72 but it’s not the one you mentioned. I ha 20:39 ve a Gerrard turn table with it and they both work great for me. I’m sure they aren’t any where equal to to the ones you have picked but I sure enjoy you show. Keep up the great videos. Thanks

[@kerryprance3767]

I have had my Technics SLBD-1 for the last 40 years ( They eat belts).... BUT.... I have always wanted one of those old Gates cast iron grey & green felt ones that we used to use back when I was in Radio.

[@ddy3smptr]

I picked up a Techincs SL-B2 about 10 years ago off Craigslist for $50. It came in a grocery bag and smelled like he was hot boxing it with cigarettes. Cleaned it up, discovered it had a new belt and fresh lithium grease where needed, added an AT-95 cart and has been running like a champ since then. Pretty simple tt, just the right amount of bells and whistles, the only negative I’ve found is the counter weight isn’t right, pretty much maxed out at what it says is 3.5 grams but otherwise no real complaints and will stack it up to anything under a 1200

[@davidserlin8097]

I think a great table that does not get enough love is the Garrard Zero 100. What a piece of engineering! It seems like it will be fussy, but with minimal maintenance it’s a very reliable machine. I will take a Garrard Zero over a Thorens any day of the week.

[@skylabsaudio]

Yeah, pretty complex piece there! They are amazing when they work. Not fun to fix, not fun finding someone to fix either.

[@davidserlin8097]

@@skylabsaudio agreed on both points! If you can find someone who can repair one, you have a friend for life! 😎

[@gabrielspiropol9418]

@@skylabsaudio, I agree, these are mechanically challenging, I just packed it away after a few years. FFWD 41 years later I wanted to revisit my LP’s so I had to find a Garrard specialist so I joined a couple of forums to get up to speed on my TT. After searching around the net I found a place in Southold, Long Island NY that is 30 minutes away from home. Adam the owner was the Service Mgr for Garrard / USA they also have an eBay store as well but if you search out TurntableExperts dee ohh tee Cee ohh Emm you can have a chat about getting your Garrad, Dual, BIC TT’s repaired or serviced. My TT was seriously gummed up and frozen, nothing moved and required 2 weeks of expert disassembly cleaning and lubrication before any fine tuning could be accomplished. Adam did a superb job and has my gratitude and total recommendation. My vintage TT is back to spinning my 60’s-70’s LP’s, my original Empire cart/stylus was lightly used, a 3000 III, so it does sound wonderful. What I also need is a ultrasonic vinyl cleaner, the results of cavitation cleaning is without peer based on my research, albeit expensive ! So we have an expert specialist whose 30 years of skills was worth every penny in restoring the Garrard Zero 100 back to like new. A new idler wheel and grommets for the motor mounts were also replaced. I even bought the OEM 45 large record spindle L.R.S.100, rev2 new in box so if I ever have the need to stack my 45’s I can. Personally I’ve not done this with my LP’s long spindle and won’t but this was built as a fully automatic player. Finding a NOS Garrard wooden plinth was sweet and made the TT look and sound better to me.