YOUR Top 5 Semi Automatic Turntables - Picked By You!

[@gregbates2844]

These videos are absolutely addictive. Kevin has such a phenomenal style. I love everything about them. And the whole "M.K." versus "Mark", hilarious and classic. :)

[@brunoserwaczek5232]

Your voice & manner of presentation is quite pleasant Kevin, in addition to the info you share.

[@davidbailey6350]

Bought my Marantz 6300 in 76, still runs like a top and is in Mint condition…. Love using it to this day. Thanks for these videos…!

[@shigeruimaoka5169]

I have owned my SL-D2 for over 50 yrs and you're correct on the hinge tabs, still own all 3 cartridges I bought for it (AT-12E, XV-15/625E, V15-IIIG).

[@mattspokane]

The right way is "mark," not MK. That said: I really appreciate your friendly (Who Gives a F$&k" attitude, so I want you to just keep saying it wrong to loosen up sone of the uptight folks out there. 🙂

[@mannie_f]

Technics SL-1200. I bought mine in 1974 for, I think, $350. Still have the original box and documentation. Dust cover is in good shape with some light scratches. The material seemed to scratch just from wiping it with a soft cloth. Other than that it is in mint condition.

[@mplsmark222]

Technics really made quality machines. I also really like their design, modern and functional. The SL-1200 has inspired millions of cheap copies, but they still make the original real deal after all these years. That is simply unheard of elsewhere in the audio manufacturing industry. I’ve always thought Duals looked “cheap” and antiquated, though I’m sure the are fine machines, at least the higher end ones.

[@graeme1491]

The SL-1200 not semi auto

[@mannie_f]

In the video and in the description he asks for votes for the favorite manual turntable.

[@JN-kv8ym]

Got a Technics sld-2 for Christmas in 1980 and still running it. I upgraded the feet with a set of Audio Technica adjustable feet quickly after I got it. The feet kit came with a bubble level that still sits on table to this day along with my Discwasher stylus brush/mirror. One pro to the sld-2 you didn't touch on is the front mounted controls. You can shut off the table, which will auto return the tone arm without opening the dust cover, limiting the chance of skipping the record. Love the videos...keep it up!

[@DanRockTV]

Would you consider selling?

[@ethimself5064]

Speaking of the Golden Era of Vinyl and Turntables. One Golden memory was when I heard my first Direct to Disc album. For the day the audio was spectacular to say the least. Yes expensive but a collection I/we did start.

[@damoldcrow]

I had the SL-D2, for me a major upgrade from the BIC changer that came with the system package from CMC Stereo (BIC, Technics 15 watt receiver, Ultralinear 3 way speakers).

[@Poppinwheeeeellllllieeeeez]

Manual Vote: Technics SP-10 The 6100 is a noob pick for certain as are the PL's. No pitch control. Enjoy 34.3 rpm. Technics lid tabs can be saved with baking soda and super glue and a file, prior to polishing the cover. I have 23 turntables and neither is a Pioneer nor Marantz by design. 🤔

[@rocketsredglare8440]

G' Day Kevin, When I was 16 in 1975 I bought the Marantz 6300, still runs mint & sonically is 2nd to none…. ,I now have 2, 6300's & a 2275 & 4400 Receiver, Had a 5030B & am looking 4 a 5030, Saul really built this equipment well

[@stevensoreide9930]

I pick up a Marantz 6300 back in the 90's from a thrift store for $30 complete and in good working condition

[@paulbeck9825]

My SL-D2 has been going strong since 1980. I always referred to it as a blue collar TT.... nothing fancy but gets the job done.

[@johnnytoobad7785]

Favorite Manual Table: Thornes TD-125 Mk-II with SME 3009 Series II (improved) tonearm. I've owned it since 1973...re-built it in 2018 (incl electronics) and STILL use it as my primary table today. I say "Mark" not MK Glad to see the turntable that got me through college made the list...Pioneer PL-55. (I had the "55D" model though)

[@careystuart]

You want to laugh your ass off? Check out the video "The Best Turtables of 2024". i have the same deck except I have the SME w/ the fixed head shell. They are magnificent tables and arms!!

[@crmixman]

Favorite manual TT - Pioneer PL-550. I stripped mine and recovered it with real raw walnut veneer. The surprise sleeper in my collection is the Sansui SR-626. It's a very solid table that seems to fly under the radar. Great list Kevin! I totally agree about the PL-518. I picked one up a few months ago and wasn't expecting it to be such a pleasure to use, since it looks a little like a budget plastic table you might have found at Wards. I do still need to find some replacement feet.

[@DaveFoehring]

Wards! Love it!

[@Mr.HotRod]

@@DaveFoehring Monkey Wards. Had one for quite a while her in my new home town. It had just about everything even a pretty good auto repair dept. Manager had a pipe glued to his mouth every time I went there.

[@stevekupris4133]

My favorite manual turntable is, the Pioneer PL-71, which I bought new and still own. I just finished watching this video and I find my other turntable (Pioneer PL-518) made it to the top of this list, I agree!

[@johneddy3951]

I like my Pioneer PL-514 belt drive semi auto. My SOTA Sapphire with Syrinx PU-3 tonearm with Project Pick It LOMC cartridge, TT from 1986 is my favourite go to manual turntable. Viewed from Australia.

[@jjjcmo]

Manual turntable: Thorens TD-160. Bought it new in 1976, still working with only minor service and belt replacements.

[@mileshigh1321]

My fave manual drive turntable is my 1970 Ariston Audio RD II S. You have to take the platter off to change the 2 speeds.

[@artprince9163]

I have a Thorens TD318 from the mid 80s that has auto lift and stop. A real workhorse that still does a fine job playing discs today. I also have a fully manual TD 160 which is a great table but very sensitive to floor vibration so you need to think about placement and vibration isolation.

[@daninnj8580]

My favorite fully manual is my Thorens TD-160. It may be the cartridge I put on (a Grace F-9 that SoundSmith built for me) but I love it. It works perfectly, every time - and sounds great doing it. If I ever hit the lottery, it will be a Garrard 301 with a custom walnut plinth. Sigh.

[@TheBlondeOak]

Had the Pioneer PL-518 back in 1980-1981. Really liked that turntable! How about doing a top 5 reel to reel tape recorder picks?? 🤔

[@gordonwhocares663]

Fully Manual turntable Ariston RD80SL transcription turntable (remove the platter to adjust for 45 or 33) with a SME 3009 tone arm it has 3 adjustable feet 1 at the centre back 2 at the front I just love this deck.Its served me well for many a year, Made in Scotland 1970s just down the road from me. I'm very proud to own this deck, and there still affordable

[@MashBill]

My favorite manual turntable is the Micro Seiki DDX-1000 with a Micro Seiki MA-505 Mk (pronounced "Mark" or "MK") III primary tonearm and a SAEC WE-308 secondary tonearm. I don't recall when I bought it (probably back in the '80s), but I use it daily. Like most turntables of that era, I had to replace the adjustable feet. I had a machinist make me three aluminum (not "aluminium") cones to replace the original rubber feet. I also really like the original Acoustic Research XA turntable. One of it's "cons" is the non-standard headshell it used on the tonearm. The Thorens TD-125 was also a pretty good table when fitted with a SME 3009 or Grace G-707 tonearm.

[@stevenclark1717]

I have a Pioneer PL-518, with new feet and an Ortofon 2m bronze moving magnet cartridge. The turntable looks mint sounds amazing. Audiophile grade without the audiophile price.

[@geoffb4334]

Great series! Favourite manual TT (best to last): Denon DP-80 (I know it won't make the list, but Denon RULES) Technics SL-1200, obvs (any of the "MARKS")😜

[@guyb7005]

Pioneer PL-518: MDF or pressboard? My Dual CS-515 isn't pretty, but 40 years on, still doing great!

[@ekbanjosworld4926]

Luxman PD-272 👍 , Love your channel ! Looking forward to coming to your store some day ! 17:36

[@willhouse]

My old fully-manual turntable was a *Denon DP-755* I found at a thrift shop & it was wonderful! It was a quartz-locked direct drive beast with a single switch for power & speed selection, a dial for pitch that was wholly unnecessary & a downright lovely Grace tonearm - nothing else besides basic dropping/lifting & height/skating adjustments. I'd still be using it, actually, if I hadn't been gifted a new Audio-Technica that can also play 78's.

[@KRich408]

I picked up a Luxman a few years ago and was very happy with it I replaced the cartridge and stylus with a Ortofon 2m blue, sounds great 👍

[@jimkinker1200]

I like my Thorens TD160. It’s my only TT but I’m so happy why change it.

[@williampalchak7574]

Sansui FR-1080. Purchased new in January 1979. Reconditioned in May 2015. All of the original packaging and documentation. Audio Technica dual magnet cartridge with nude elliptical stylus. Even have the Watts dust bug. The fluid bottle is evaporated though.

[@TD402dd]

MK with a number is always Mark number. I guess only the older people have even heard of the AR Turntable, but it was $100 at a time when almost every was more expensive. It has spring loaded suspension and the arm was designed for a Shure V15 type II or III. It has a huge following even today, but most replace the tonearm with an SME model.

[@bquinn3191]

Great info, I bought a Marantz 6300 about a month ago at a garage sale for a ridiculously low price. It does need a little work but still in great cosmetic condition and can't wait until I get it done to use it. Thanks for the great video.

[@reedhensley]

Are you the guy from reddit that bought one for a dollar?

[@bquinn3191]

@@reedhensley no, I found one at a garage sale for $10

[@reedhensley]

@@bquinn3191 lucky you

[@martyjewell5683]

I got a PL-518 in 1979 for $118 at Churchill Audio in Brooklyn. Set up was easier due to the overhang gauge supplied. The specs were above average for the period, W/F of 0.03% and rumble 73dB's. It also had a +/- 2% speed adjust and I think the platter weighed two pounds. It was considered by Pioneer to be a manual turntable as stated in their literature. Gotta say that strobe was mesmerizing. Man-o-Manischewitz it's a swell unit.

[@Asantenanna]

I have an old sears rebranded audiotechnica, direct drive, linear tracking, auto stop. I think its from the 80s. I bought it used about 10 years ago. I'm actually very happy with the way it sounds and the cartridges are still affordable. At this point the table has sentimental value. I wonder if it damages my records though.

[@tom_hoots]

Marantz 6300 -- "Name any other turntable made with a real wood veneer finish." (Yeah, there were a few, but not many!) Heck yes, I got in there and oiled that walnut finish up on a regular basis. I gave mine to my brother-in-law about a decade ago, and he still uses it to this day. I gave up on the dang thing when I realized it wouldn't play my MP3 collection. Seriously, I loved that thing -- still do, but I wasn't using it, so giving it away gave it another chance to live. And those feet -- I always called it the Four Wheel Drive Turntable.

[@AverageUser1040]

Mk is the abbreviation of mark, typically when people see an abbreviation, they pronounce the word.

[@cazaresfamily007]

My favorite manual turntables are pioneer pl-41dc and pioneer pl-61

[@mplsmark222]

I’ve had my SL-1700 MK2 for a few years, bought it as a fixer upper, and I love it. It’s a bit temperamental at times, but I love the features and it sounds good. The quartz lock speed control,is rock steady. I tinker with other tt’s and no other TT I’ve tried has the speed control of the SL-1700 MK2. I’m a musician and have very good “pitch”, I can hear wow and flutter that perhaps other can’t. I also have and used an SL-Q2, kind of a light version of the 1700. Also very good.

[@morkvomork5557]

Well, i have 2 PL 518, both working great, this is a real working horse.

[@collinwood60]

Great show. Love looking at all the vintage gear. My favorite manual turntable is the Audio Technica AT-PL120. Nice looking turntable that is still working perfectly and has never had any service other than a new stylus.

[@popeyesailor9571]

I had a 6100 and a technics 1300 I prefered the sound and look of the 6100 which i think is one of the nicest looking out there.

[@XOXOX007]

SOTA Sapphire SME IV tone arm Various carts - fave Lyra

[@alanblock3538]

Great review Kevin,, am really enjoying these customer lists.. Have an awesome 4th...

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks, you too!

[@ifoundpete]

Favorite manual tt? Empire Troubador 398. Amazing design. Solid construction. Unbeatable performance.

[@jeffcampanale3540]

My Yamaha YP-D8 is great. I've had it since 1982

[@raymiehershey1430]

Sl 1200 Mark 2, full manual vote. I was bidding on a 518 Pioneer 3 months ago but the price got too high and, it is ugly. The same seller had a JVC QL A7 I won for 160 shipped. An exceptional 26.4 lb semi auto.

[@1Hiprascal]

No favourite Manual Turntable for me. Clunk, clunk, clunk..... I would like to see a new Technics Semi Automatic GR turntable. Great video, I enjoyed seeing the gear and hearing your comments. That PL-518 dresses up nicely. Oh, I say mark (get set, go).

[@andershammer9307]

I liked my Dual 731Q with adapter for 1/2 inch cartridges. I have since replaced it with a Linn LP12. But I'm still keeping it.

[@bobbyg7458]

My favorite manual Turntable: LENCO L75

[@donthurman459]

Thorens TD 166 mkII. Bought new in 1984 and has run flawlessly since.

[@ScottKoberna-wj8bq]

Even though I am a vintage guy from the class of 75... I have a pro ject carbon, the cost was reasonable, but it looks expensive and works great, my number one choice for manual turntable

[@archangele1]

I have a 6300 I have owned for years and am astonished at the prices they are selling for now. Still, the 6300 is an excellent turntable and is probably one of the best looking turntables out there.

[@owenthompson9313]

favorite manual turntable is the Thorens TD 203, great tone arm and great looks sound is amazing, at least to me also the Thorens TD 145 from the 70s it was my dads and still works and sound amazing as well

[@festersuncle6298]

I had a Marantz 6100 and Philips GA 422 or 27 (wood plinth) the Philips was absolutely a great semi auto table. Rega RP3 matched with an Ortofon Blue is my pick for manual.

[@gman5218]

Agree the Pioneer pl518 is a beast and parts are easy to come by. The black x version does look better. Got mine matches with a Sony str 6055 and audio technica 120e/b cart 👌

[@StevenMitchell-o7u]

Love my PL 518. Bought new and still runs great.

[@SuperPirate100]

I use a Pioneer PL510A direct drive turntable that I bought in Japan in the mid 1970s , it still has its original spare headshell and cartridge but I use its second headshell with a Shure V15iiiG cartridge wirh stylus from JICO . Superb machine everything on works perfectly .

[@rharcha8878]

Favorite manual TT: AR XA -- if you love manual TTs and have never owned an AR XA you owe it to yourself to try one. Others that I own/love: Linn LP12, Thorens TD160, Technics SL1100/SL1200 Mk1/SL1200Mk2 SL1200Mk2 will be the overwhelming winner, and justifiably so. Love your attitude towards HiFi. Love the videos! ☮

[@francescotenti193]

Another great and fun video. Glad to see my SL-D2 made that list. I have one since new with no issues at all, even the dust cover is intact and feet as well. I use an Ortofon 2 Blue, Klipsch RP600 M and an SX 780. Waiting to connect it to a newly acquired Yamaha A 500 at a thrift shop and being serviced as we speak.

[@bigaldallas]

sold my D2 mid 80's. regret it. now have D3 automatic. not as great sounding but the speakers i had with D2 were great. I may need better speakers

[@BeaverPDX72]

Your comment caught my eye since I have my SL-D2 acquired only a couple years ago that I setup with an Ortofon Blue, as well. It's a great combination. When I bought the TT it had a Pickering V15 on it, which is ok.... but doesn't compare to the Ortofon. Listening to "Disraeli Gears" on it right now. Sweet.

[@francescotenti193]

It is a great TT, built like a tank, with great specs, looks and sounds very good, at least to my ears. Almost 44 years of great service, hard to beat!@@BeaverPDX72

[@Andres_1970]

Semi-auto is the way to go. IMO In my case it greatly reduces the level of anxiety I experience by being, sometimes, more focused in waiting for the record to end than in enjoying the music while doing something else. Duno, maybe it's just me.

[@thepennyarcane5358]

I agree, it's not just you.

[@richardwagner4460]

Oracle Delphi MK II, Ariston Audio RD IIS there arer others like AR-XA, Rek o Kut N33H but those are the ones I have.

[@countdebleauchamp]

I had a Delphi, finicky but incomparable when set up correctly.

[@chrislj2890]

My favorite manual turntable was my first, the Acoustic Research XA. I'm pretty sure I had a Pickering cartridge on it. Oh yeah, "MK" usually always signifies the term "Mark". I think the Brits started that.

[@stephen579]

Yes, we did, and we say Tech NIKS, not Tech NEEKS.

[@chrislj2890]

@@stephen579 That's okay Stephen, you guys can't help it if you have a speech impediment, lol.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks for sharing!

[@raddad10]

No opinion I’m just looking to purchase a vintage turntable. Much Thanks for your time in doing this this video . BTW Randy sent me

[@WC0125]

Marantz 6100 , 1977 price $129.95 less cartridge. Kevin, as for manual play turntables....Do you mean a self contained unit that all you add is the cartridge or one built up with a transcription motor and a separate arm on a custom base? If all contained, Empire 698. If going for built up, Garrard 301/401 w/ SME3009 arm, multi-density plinth and Ortofon SPU cartridge.

[@countdebleauchamp]

Manuals - Rega P2,3,6; Oracle Delphi, SOTA Sapphire, AR Xa, Linn. Thorens. For Direct Drive, Technics 1200II. Many of the tables mentioned in the comments would not be considered sonically capable.

[@stephenbarr2735]

Surprised that my daily driver topped the list! I bought my PL-518 at a garage sale in 1991 and his performed perfectly ever since!

[@stephenstevens6573]

Pioneer PL 112D.. Technics 1200. Any of the versions. By far the best. Only added the pioneer is because i own both, lol

[@chesterjohnson4504]

Technics SL 1200. I so much enjoyed the one I purchased around 1973 or 74. I wish I could find one that I could afford. Just getting back into the stereo set up. Just moved and waiting for my record collection to show up. Back in the day, Kenwood tuner (so, so) Pioneer amp, Revox R2R tape deck. The best speakers I had were Marantz, Technics 1200 turntable. I just can not recall the model numbers.

[@yorkemar]

Technics sl1210mk2. Serving me well. I've had to squirt contact cleaner in the headshell socket once, but that's it. My old 70s and 80s lps and eps sound great on it.

[@marcelobragaserafim3071]

For me, the best manual TT is a Technics SL 1500, first generation. I have one in my set (my set: SL 1500; Marantz Model 1120; Deck Marantz 5010B; CARVER CD Player SD/A 360; Pioneer Turner TX-500A). For me is a perfect manual TT. Regards

[@barryp9463]

I have the Pioneer PL 516 X, and yes, I bought it customised the best TT I have ever had

[@waynert3548]

"....Yea, it's not our list man". LOL. I hear your frustration. People, in general, are not as competent as they think they are. And this is the diplomatic way of putting this. Hence all the irrelevant and erroneous comments people type . Like this one I'm making. Who really gives a hoot or if any comments make any real difference? What may make a difference? Good job on the videos. This one Audiofool really enjoys your work :).

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you for understanding! Lol

[@scottjorgenson7990]

Dual 701 for me

[@johndrx165]

Opinions...everybody has one. Do your thing, brother! Fun stuff.

[@mr.krinkle8261]

You mentioned that the RS 400 is similar to the 6100. I looked it up and the 400 is a DD. The 6100 is a belt drive. I have a 6100. Got it a few months ago for $125. I had to grab it at that price. It's definitely (mechanically) identical to the HH Scott PS-17. They don't share the same motor. But the Scott does share the same motor with the Marantz 6025. Anyway... cool video. Hope to see your shop one day.

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

Like my two Dual 506. Semi-auto. You push arm to start and use cue to drop. At the end it lifts and shut off.

[@astolatpere11]

I have a PL518 that I used for a long time and like it a lot. I replaced it with a Harmon Kardon ST 7, an amazing tt. I had to very carefully go through it to breath new life into it but I only paid $60. It is certainly unique and cost a lot in 1976.

[@markvalery8632]

Could you tell me what you did to bring it back? I'm picking up a package of non-working turntables tomorrow. One is a HK ST 7. Thanks.

[@astolatpere11]

@@markvalery8632 it tried my patience, but my ST7 was neglected a long time. I needed new parts: 3 colored bulbs and 1 clear, 2 new belts, 2 capacitors in the speed circuit, and the top plate for the catridge wand holder. I relied alot on the service manual- follow those steps in order. These was a lot of following the steps and then going back to recheck. Bought a new dust cover and I'm loving it.

[@oleplanthafer7034]

Manuals are all about reliable and exact simplicity. Doesn't get much more reliable, exact and simple than my personal choice, above even the Thorens TD124 and Garrard 301/401: The LENCO L75 🎯

[@daninnj8580]

I had the L78 SE and liked it too. I have a thing for idler arm tables. Also liked the Auto/Manual knob (I kept on Manual) but a visitor went crazy for it and offered me obscene money - I still miss it. Swiss-made; not sure why so many don't get how great these are.

[@robertreid2637]

SL 1200 Mk 2. Bought new and still loving it.

[@railroaddean7040]

Just got a Technics SL-1700 Mark 2 from my mother-in-law. It needed a new tone arm drive belt and "pick-up" gear for the tone arm. The technician couldn't find the gear so he glued the old gear together. I hope it lasts. Total cost of the repair was $240.

[@cooper6086]

👍 I have two favorite manuals: The Micro Seiki BL-51and the CEC Bd-6000 which in my opinion is underrated.

[@spacemissing]

Well... I Was going to sell my PL-518, but now I'm going to keep it.

[@ianmcintosh5869]

Linn LP12 Sondek - I have had one for many years and have kept it upgraded to current spec

[@henkefrangbg6156]

Thank you for nice video! Now I knew what turntable I should bye but I must fix a counverter to 220volt the current we have in Sweden 🇸🇪🇺🇲🇸🇪🙏

[@hugobloemers4425]

Hi Kevin, where to start? Pioneer PL12D, perfect entry level TT; SL1200 in all its disguises after MK 1, no need to list the make nor what made it famous. BTW, I always said "MK 2"; Thorens TD 124, because belt and idler wheel.

[@bisarowood]

On that PL-518 it's actually 3/4 particule board :) not mdf same sort of crap sorry I'm a woodworker

[@olledahlquist3784]

Hitachi HT-840 is my choice. In my profession as a sound engineer the best manual turntables was the EMT 927 and the Technics SP-10.

[@timothymchugh1926]

Favorite manual turntable: Acoustic Research AR XA. If, as Cristóbal Balenciaga suggested, elegance is elimination, it doesn't get any more elegant than the AR XA.

[@stu3700]

Before going separates in college, we had a Dual 1218. Going to separates - the Dynaco 400ST and the little Nakamichi 410 pre-amp (best sounding electronics I ever owned), I got the presumably "audiophile on the cheap" Connoisseur BD-1 kick-start, rubber band drive TT with a Grace 707 arm and cart. For the life of me, I could not isolate that table from walking, from anything. Upgraded to the much heavier, solidly built Luxman PD441 direct drive beast with Grace 707 Mk1 and F9E cartridge in '79 I think. I still have that tt.

[@crisquimicafacil1886]

My favorite manual turntable is the Technics SL 1200 MK1, because it is very strong and confiable!!!

[@jeronronnunkoffunk4691]

Great segment sir, I definitely agree with you on those sl1700 Technics tables with that manual option, after having dealt with sl 1300s with that same lift issue, I do remember reading in the 1300 owner manual, the other main reason for that manual override is in the event of some of records particularly 45s that have a very short dead wax Or runout however it’s referred to, the record won’t return prematurely. Also fooled around with the optical auto shutdown system on a later version the Marantz 6350, you raise great point tho not end of the world, it can be a trip to adjust,but when functioning right it’s on point!

[@quiksr20]

Many people re-veneer the Pioneer PL's, Reveneer + available iron on decals they can be made to look good cheaply. Hahahhah you just mentioned re-veenering as I was typing and listening! Us vintage nerds are on the same wavelength!!

[@marcbegine]

For the full automatic, I own the Kenwood KD5100, awesome turntable

[@rniamath]

My vote is for the Technics SL 1200's - one of the most rugged around with a functional, simple design copied by multiple others - obviously targeted at the DJ with the massive torque at startup. I had a pair of Mark (not "M K") Twos - purchased in 1984 - still have them...(....in watching your video, I just realised I also had a Marantz 6300 before getting the twins..... )

[@nirodha35]

The early day designers are most interesting to listen to. Early products like Levinson, Krell, Spectral, those were the days. Audio has matured a lot but many “roads” led to better numbers instead of more musicality

[@davidatkins1483]

I love your channel and your videos, I hope to visit your store one of these days. I have been collecting records, record changers, turntables, and gear since I was a teenager in the 1970s. I spent years searching for my final turntable, the search was over when I purchased my Linn sondek lp12 whith the ITTOK LVII tonearm currently with an Audio-Technica OC9 II Moving coil cartridge. I of course realize there are turntables that rate higher than the lp12 but I have to say over the years I have probably had 20+ turntables go through my hands every one of them I tried and had my fun with but this turntable absolutely walked over all of the rest of them. I cannot imagine swapping it out and I've been using it for 15 years now! Thank you so much for considering my submission. Best regards, Dave

[@martian50]

Technics SL1200 mkII for a manual. Mine replaced an old Dual automatic.

[@bkon4675]

Sansui SR-525 Direct Drive Turntable. Solid work horse. It's never needed anything except cleaning and a new cartridge.

[@petenamlook18]

All hail the manual turntable king, the Technics SL-1200.