YOUR Top 5 Manual Turntables

[@spokes28]

1976 I bought a Philips 212 and put a SHURE V15 type 4 in it. Although it did not have a polished granite base I still loved it.

[@careystuart]

The Philips decks like the 212 and 312 are what was called "the poor mans Thorens" Tweaked correctly they can be awesome.

[@joshjuanfifarek7382]

I can’t help but always admire how beautiful Phillips vintage equipment always is.

[@JumbleTasteSpinning]

3 years ago i decided to get back a turntable into my my life for home hifi use after allmost a decate without. Decides to go a vintage 1200, and the prices were a bit high. So i asked myself "if new - go to the top" - so i bought a new japanese 1210GR. 3 years later - and the party still on! What a turntable! For home use a 1200 is the best choise to my opinion.

[@simonjones8111]

For me, the Linn LP12 conquers all.

[@johnnystrachan9454]

It don’t conquer the standard well tempered Amadeus even when fully upgraded

[@Lfunk1983]

Technics 1200-GR so much bang for the buck and a state of the art new direct drive system. They’re dropping in price too because of the new GR2 (just got one for $1299) great channel

[@Sotol811]

LOVE AR! I have the XB, it sounds fantastic.

[@VIDSTORAGE]

Great list ,I never had any of these but I am interested in a AR XA and a Empire ... I bought a Sansui SR 525 about 15 years ago and it is great ,speed is accurate and the tone arm with a Grado Gold tracks great with no inner groove distortion

[@bearded_wolverine3503]

I really like the look of the Pioneer PL 550, the wood plinth is gorgeous. I do however own a Technics SL1200 MKII, which I just purchased in near mint for $350 USD. very happy with my 1200

[@Waltkat]

My favorite manual turntable is a Luxman PD-441 with a Grace 707 tonearm, mainly because that's what I use, LoL. Wouldn't mind a Linn or Sota though.

[@swinde]

I had an AR XA turntable back in the 70s when I was in the military. I really enjoyed the quality and simplicity of this turntable at the time. I currently use the Thorens TD 125 with a Rabco SL-8E radial arm and Shure V15 Type III.

[@Sotol811]

I have the AR XB. It sounds great and love the simple design and aesthetics

[@peacetrain3320]

Great series, Kevin! My pick, AR XB. I bought one in ‘77. It’s on the bench right now for an overhaul. Keep up the good work!

[@tjet500]

Mine I bought in 1974.

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

I love my two Dual 506. They are a bit delicate, but sound great. Plus it is a semi automatic. Where it lifts at the end and shuts off. A friend back in the day had a Pioneer that was manual. One day forgot to turn it off, when going to work. When home he had 45 spindle out of 12" record.

[@richardcampbell2261]

I miss my Dual 506. It disappeared after I was divorced.

[@cobar5342]

A big attraction of the Technics for me is the ease of changing headshells and thus cartridges

[@garycanuel3102]

Plus a BIGGER attraction is V.T.A. adjustment ! Some cartridges have different heights ie. 10mm to 20mm,also different stylus angles 20 degrees to 23 degrees VERY IMPORTANT ADJUSTMENT ! Very surprised lots of these these videos do not MENTION these facts

[@JackT_Music_on_Vinyl]

Thanks for the AR XA love. Most people dismiss it because it isn't fancy, has no cue lift, and sold for about 80 bucks when new in the early 70s. Love mine and use it with a Shure M91ED cartridge which was what they included when purchased new. The simple classics endure!

[@chienminchang40]

Yes, I was have XB model around early80 , pay around $90 .

[@jeffbrooke4892]

I have an AR XB in my box of toys. I stumbled on it at a yard sale years ago. I remember taking it to a shop for installing a cart and hearing the tech say that the arm was pretty much right on. I always thought the AR tone arm was an interesting contrast to other more often found and much more complicated tone arms. An exercise in simplicity! Thanks again for another great video.

[@jimmydelux]

Excellent video, Kevin. Keep them coming. Love the content!

[@svbarr]

LOVE the AR XA - I have had 3. Best one was with a Shure V15III --- very sweet.

[@kfl611]

Wow I like your honesty ! Most people say you can here the individual air atoms moving in the room with your pixie diamond dusted tone arms. Oh and you need your diamond dusted impregnated 100000 pure copper or sterling silver interconnect wires. It was refreshing to hear you say a cheap original tonearm sounded good to you.

[@buskman3286]

FWIW, I have an ARXA and a ClearAudio Concept. Using the same Ortofon MM cartridge, the XA will track the original Telarc 1812 overture cannon shots at 1.5 grams. On the Clearaudio, the cartridge will jump completely out of the groove at that tracking force. It needs 3 grams to handle the shots and even at that, will mistrack at the last (loudest) shot.

[@glenn1964]

Technics SL1200 is the one. Friend of mine has two of them. He's a club DJ. I have Technics SL-BD22D for home use, playing my records. With a MC cartridge. Glenn

[@buschtaxi75driver55]

SL1210 anytime....it's a legend and indestructible

[@kevincorr2985]

I had a Technics, the Thorens, an AR THE Turntable, so beautiful, an Rega P3.

[@grandadgamer8390]

Had various SLs for commercial use over the years, but recently picked up the new MK7 and am extremely pleased, and greatly appreciate that we still have the SL in production. Great vid 👍

[@spursmvp]

Love my AR XA. Upgrading the Tonearm and headshell.

[@kevinyoungM14EBR]

Tech-NEEKS SL-1500 for the win! An affordable manual turntable that just works, it's simple, easy to service and repair. The previous owner put the one I own through hell including a fire... it's still working and sounds great.

[@TheManticore416]

I have an SL-1800 and love it. I think the only difference is suspension.

[@artiehall7708]

I watched this video after the semi-auto vid, so I'll be a bit redundant, but I'm glad the Thorens TD-160 made this list. I believe it does have a couple simple, but cool, innovations: the magnetic (no physical contact) anti-skate, and the center spindle insert that simply flips over for 45's, so that it doesn't get lost. And going back to the TD-165, it had a virtual built-in Q-up under the chassis. I subscribed today. Great videos.

[@paulaj2829]

For 30yrs I've had the Revolver Black Ash with a Linn Basik LV tonearm with a Linn K9 cartridge & I hope that you can try & listen to this Turntable sometime because I would pleasantly argue that it would be up there at number one. Revolver Black Ash.🙂👍

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

I have the same setup with the Ittok arm and it’s very good but nowhere near as good as my Linn LP12.

[@triples4good]

This was a great series. Always look forward to the Sunday video.

[@spacehopper77]

Great video, agreed with most of this list. Was also surprised the LP12 didn’t make the list. Think you have one more list to go and that’s linear tracking turntables.

[@ThresholdZhor]

The LP-12 didn't get on the list because is expensive and mayority of people doesn't know how good it is, one time I had a discussion with an ignorant saying that the SL-1200 mk2 sounds equal to the LP-12, I had to go to emergency by laughing so much

[@MultiCowboy8]

That comment about you laughing at the guy about the Technics turntable immediately made me stop watching your video, that's the problem with this hobby, too many snobs

[@ThresholdZhor]

@@MultiCowboy8 I have own the Sl-1200 mk2, the Thorens and repaired the Linn, Sl-1200 is class C sound, Thorens class B, Linn class A, the Sl-1200 is the most reliable turntable ever made, the winner in that category, I laugh when I see someones that cannot hear a difference, no snobs

[@Darrylizer1]

My number one is the Thorens TD-124 because that's what I grew up with, and it was the turntable I first learned to use that wasn't a child's model. Thanks dad! Wish I still had it.

[@BrianHaselden-ek7jv]

Still use my PL550 daily that I bought new in 1977. Serviced once.

[@disquesettourne-disques]

You're right. Actually, the very first SL1200 model (1972 or 3) was not intended for DJing, it's only after they massively adopted it that Technics came un with the MKII that we all know now.

[@alm5693]

I've got a modern Rega P3 (a red one) and another of the benefits is that it has a receptor to upgrade the power supply to a Rega outboard unit. Among the benefits is that you have speed switching and the on/off control on the front of the power unit so no removing the platter any more. I'm going to guess that the power unit is between $450 - $550 but I bought mine as a demo 6-7 years ago.

[@bobby666666]

Wow. The price for Rega in the USA is expensive due to import costs. I've just laid a deposit down for the 50th anniversary edition in Walnut. It comes with the Exact Cartridge, the PSU (specially tuned) and an improved belt included. The package is cheaper than buying separately. $1600 in the USA. £899 in the UK. Thankfully, I live in the UK. The bad points pointed out are not extreme because as well as adding the PSU, the sub platter can be upgraded with a metal one, the platter can be upgraded with a acrylic platter and other cartridges can be exchanged too.

[@alm5693]

@@bobby666666 I bought my P3 from a place called Needle Doctor which had been around forever but closed a few years ago. The red P3, upgraded belt, Ortofon 2M Bronze and the demo outboard power supply cost me about $1750. That's kind of nuts compared to the cost of all my other equipment, but I kept wanting to upgrade the purchase to get "just one more" upgrade. I've got about 3500 records from 50 years of wanting new music to play.

[@robinkleinsteuber5217]

Thanks for that PS info, as I'm thinking of popping for a rega P3 soon. Better informed, thanks! 👍🍺

[@bobby666666]

@@robinkleinsteuber5217 Glad to be of help.

[@ENGLISHISBEST]

I can't justify the extra just to change the speed of my white gloss rega p3 once in a millenium as I only have about 30 singles. But it blew me away when I first turned it on.

[@marcparsons1726]

Always catch these videos late! My Yamaha TT-303 is playing Allman Brothers Fillmore thru Sansui 221 and Klipsch RP-160's! Wowsa!! Nice Video Kevin!

[@adsph]

Have 2 1200’s from the mid 80’s. Still going. Great review.

[@Gez492]

I absolutely agree with your choices maybe switching the position of the Technics with the Thorens simply becsuse the Thorens is such pain to live with.

[@freespeech3673]

I bought a TD160 at a garage sale 20 years ago for $10. Sold it 8 years later for $700! I'm now looking for another.

[@garytempleton5097]

I have a TD-160 and I'm still tweaking it to get it sound the best. It is sounding pretty good with my Sure 97Xe cartridge. One tip the person at the stereo store who sold it to me is before you engage the motor via the speed switch, on give the platter a little bit of a push first to help get it up to speed so as to take the load of the belt and motor (and shaft) since the platter is quite heavy. The idea is to lengthen the life of the belt and motor. I guess it can't hurt so this is what I do every time I use it.

[@brendonlepage5576]

Yes! Me too with my TD-160 since I got it in the '80s. Still on its original belt and it's perfect 😄

[@jeffm1896]

Another great informative video. How about doing one on good vintage bookshelf speakers? Just an idea.....

[@mikecampbell5856]

In 1975 I bought an AR turntable from my friend. It belonged to a friend of his family that owned a radio station. I needed it to complete my first system. Sadly, I could only listen to it when I was home on leave. D'oh! I packed my turntable away over 20 years ago and haven't used one since.

[@JackT_Music_on_Vinyl]

I'd get out that AR XA and see what condition it's in. If you don't want it, make someone else happy by selling it!😊

[@soundonly2]

I'd packed my entire system including AR ES-1 in 2002 and unpacked them all in 2023. I needed some troubleshooting (out of oil etc.) but now I'm happy with them. So, why don't you unpack them? With turntable is better than no turntable, I think.

[@markfx12]

My con for the 1200 is the VTA adjustment ring can seize up and a buyer does not even think about seeing if it is loose. This happened to me and I can't get it to budge. Fortunately, it is adjusted in the center position and I simply swap turntable mats to compensate.

[@skylabsaudio]

You're right, that was actually on our list, but it got cut for time. You are spot on though.

[@peterstudley1804]

Give it the hairdryer, medium heat with a narrow nozzle to get the heat where its needed, this method always worked for me , I now have a technics sl 1200g and that hasn't seized, maybe modern grease is better, ps don't forget to remove your headshell and clip the tone arm in its housing. I hope this works for you 😊.

[@garycanuel3102]

does it have a locking device a little tab perhaps

[@edwardgonczy3170]

Great video. I have had a Linn Sondek LP12 for 30 years. Way overpriced. I bought it from a friend for a very reasonable price and have done upgrades on the side when I could afford them. It sounds great and I convert almost everyone who hears my system that vinyl is still a viable option. It's the Linn that does the trick but for how much? Too late to turn back now.

[@viderethevaccinatorfromhol7536]

Definitely one of the best

[@trevorbrooks5250]

Agreed. I have had mine since 1980. Listened to The Wall as a demo at the hifi store. Blown away by it.

[@memyselfmyvinyl894]

I recently got an SL-1200 MKII. Only have about 6 hours with it but I love it. I bought it because it is a tank and well built. It's reputation as just one of the most solid turntables and availability made it an easy choice. Im looking at getting another one to pair with it so I can get a mixer and keep the music playing.

[@-elijahriggs-]

Love my PL 550. It's a tank. The only plastic is the anti skate mech, which is why I have a second one I got for 25 bucks just in case. I paid 550, but after having to buy hinges, lateral weight, MP 110, I'm in around a grand. *After watching the rest of the video, it's the PL 550 for the win. Like the 1200 it's a tank, but it's not hideous.

[@albertcalderon3421]

Saludos, geniales tus videos, te faltó Garrard 301 y Linn 12, por lo demás totalmente de acuerdo, tus apreciaciones y comentarios son muy valorados, sigue adelante, abrazos desde Bogotá, Colombia. ..

[@fireartist3818]

I noticed ringing from the AR XA platter so I bought those fat rubber bands from the stationary store, just stretch them around the rim(about 5 rubber bands) no more problem.

[@mguess]

Thanks for another entertaining video. I'm glad to see that my vote (AR-XA) made the cut.

[@joshjuanfifarek7382]

I have 1 Pioneer PL 550 and 2 PL 530s that just need a bit of TLC and was considering of just selling as is. Do you recommend that I get them all tip top first or let the next owner get the job? And you are absolutely correct about the vinyl wrapping on this series

[@RedSinter]

😂 The Audiophilac, Steve Guttenberg, bought one of the Newest Editions of the 1200 Technics for his system and has nothing but praise for it's music fidelity. Thanks Again Kevin...I'm still a lover of the two Sansui Units you discussed not long ago.

[@cvee2614]

Still have my DC servo direct drive JVC JL-a40 from 1978. Still works with amazingly low W&F. Long since retired the Shure V15 type III cart, now armed with a Nagaoka MP 150 I’d put it up against any of the TT’s on your list.

[@mymixture965]

I got the after marked head shell for my Thorens TD160, I recommend it not only for the possibility to top mount the cartridges, it also sounds better.

[@marcelobragaserafim3071]

Very good this list of manual turntables! I would just add three other options to it: a variation of the SL (1500), the Pioneer PL 12 R and the Thorens 125. Hug Marcelo

[@Mash77777]

Little Fwend makes a tonearm lifter for the SL-1200, but it is not cheap. They call it the Disco Model.

[@bkoestring]

I think I was the first one to call out the 1200. Glad to know I wasn't wrong. I wish I had one.

[@robertliskey420]

Love this! My first high-end purchase ( and in 1972 it was high end) 400.00$ The mfg. slogan was "a silent giant...that will probably forever" an Empire 598mk2 and yes it still runs perfect! couple belts and light bulbs. The other favorit I bought 30 years ago from a audiophile who fell for the direct drive no good, a Teshnics sp10-mk2 wit a fantastic rosewood base magnapan arm for 500

[@markgamba4495]

have a PL707 Pioneer fully automatic I'm looking for a switch that contols the up/down tone arm otherwise everything is gold

[@kowaltoboggan]

Have been fully satisfied with my Lenco L75. The thing is bullet proof and very easy to change speeds from 16 rpm to 78 for vinyl from all ages.

[@MarkMiller-i8q]

The bottom mounting head shell in my TD166 mk2 has the same problem. I couldn't get an Ortofon bronze because of it. Therefore. I've been sticking to the Sumiko blue point #2, a high output moving coil.

[@AndyLudwig-mv8dj]

My favorite turntables over the years are both Garrards (301 & 401) and the Townshend Rock.

[@bunkie2100]

I bought an AR XA back in 1973 for $67. I sold it and bought a TD160 which was stolen in a smash and grab from the electronics shop where I worked. We found it abandoned out back of the shop. It had been unceremoniously dropped by the thief, likely to make his getaway. I picked it up, cleaned off the dirt, gave it a once over service and put it back into service. Delicate? Mine certainly wasn’t. It made way for a Rabco ST-4 which my roommate derisively described as the “Ronco Bottle Cutter”, a rather apt description given its linear tonearm design.

[@lenric58]

Another great video thanks! I have a Thorens TD 165 circa 1976. I haven’t used it in years. It needs a new dust cover and belt. And as you said the setup is important. But it just looks beautiful.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Nice rundown, one question. Were your predictions kept in a mayonnaise jar on Funk and Wagnalls' porch? Thanks for the video.

[@gregpostlmayr672]

love it, my first turntable in the 70's was the AR, i now have Thorens 125 mkii, and the SL-1200 mkii, and can't part with either. i'm a home audio guy and absolutely love the form factor and operation of 1200. i like the braking feature when you stop, and love the torque, so nice when your using your vinyl cleaning brush as it doesn't slow down. ps. the Audio-Technica AT6006R tone arm raiser works with the 1200. i managed to find the perfect spot, it is super close to the platter, but not rubbing! looks like a couple sheets of paper max close.... and really like having it.

[@reggindog3436]

I had two of the tts on the list, the AR and the Technics. The AR I sadly got rid of cause I was young and it was not cool. The 1200, that had a lot of miles on it, but the arm lift started to fail and the motor was starting to wonk out. The one nice thing about the AR is no shortage of motors and not much more to go wrong,

[@chrisgrotluschen112]

I just got a Thorens td 145 and love it

[@LeRoySL-q5q]

TECHNICS SL-2000 is my favorite daily workhorse. Always dependable and it performs great with my ATVM95ML and SH carts. I use a Shure M-477 for my styrene 45's. It's been amazing for 48 years.

[@chrislj2890]

Although I really enjoyed my AR turntable back fifty years ago I wouldn't want to use it now. And I would love to have a Tehnics 1200 series but I must have auto stop/lift these days. Falling asleep is always a possibility when you get older, lol.

[@redline2115]

Just get a tone arm lifter! Great upgrade.

[@chrislj2890]

@@redline2115 Well they can't be fitted to all turntables unfortunately. By the way, I actually did get the Technics SL-1200GR2, lol.

[@jcoffman9518]

Nice list, I was pleasantly surprised to see my PL-550 make the list due to the relative rarity. Shocked that the LP12 didn't make it.

[@-elijahriggs-]

One vote for PL 550 from me. Love my baby.

[@daninnj8580]

1. The Garrard 401 (sorry 301 grease fans). Just perhaps the finest table ever made that a normal human can afford. 2. Thorens 124 - yes, it''s a finicky setup and most will agree the standard SME 3009 arm swap makes it even better. I've restored dozens of these - the spring loaded substage IS a bit tricky - but the table is a gem. Strangely, I've never seen a bent spindle like you mention on the TD-160 (3) The Linn Sondek LP12 - another incredible table which - like the Thorens - loves the SME 3009 arm - and are almost always modified.

[@jomadsincebu]

I have an original planar 3. Got it off of a publication audio trader before the internet became public. The seller tried to upgrade the Tone arm cable, but failed. When I got it back to Japan I got a different style connector and a tech at a guitar shop hooked me up. I had been using a Micro Seki DX1000 with 2 Tone arms and the p3 was so much better I gave the Micro Seki away. I moved East of Mt. Fuji and damn. That’s only 50Hz. I rigged the pully with reinforced tape to get it to run at 60hz. I upgraded the sub platter a couple of years ago and got really good tone arm iner cables. I use 3 cartridges. Rega Exact. The model just below the Exact (short term memory is lacking) and the Nagaoka 110 just like yours. I will readjust the over hang to match yours and see. Thanks for letting me go on and on.

[@kevinhickman50]

I got my TD-160 in 1973 from Stereo Town on University across from Drake. I loved it and my brother still has it and uses it regularly.

[@claudekeppenne5345]

Magnifique vidéo ! Je suis un passionné de la Hi-Fi depuis 1968 de Belgique. Je suis ravi de vos propositions (je ne connaissais pas tous les modèles) . Vous êtes vraiment La référence dans ce domaine ! j'adore ! continuez avec toutes les pièces vintages ! Merci à vous.

[@Crmsnraider]

Coolio, Ive been waiting to see whats been voted for in this video, wanting to see the manuals.

[@npcarey]

Enjoyed your review of the AR XA. More than that I appreciated your list showing the AR XB, as that is my turntable, which I purchased new in 1974 when I was in the service. I run it with a vintage Scott 382B Receiver and EPI 100 (rebuilt) speakers. It's truly a nostalgic setup for me.

[@hallieboy]

I bought mine in 1975, and never understood all the hate the tone arm gets.

[@lifeandhobbies4413]

Why I cant find any reviews on Pioneer PL-1250? Can you do some reviews? Thanks and God bless you...

[@Trojan0304]

Not getting up to turn off my TT. Only have Pioneer518 semiautomatic & Technics 1600mk2 automatic

[@djrobinhamilton]

Technics 1200 is legend and as a Pro Dj for over 30 plus years is the ultimate machine. I bought a used pair years ago in th e80's in road cases for $800 from a fellow dj locally. Had a few minor issues like one pop up light not working and some hum in the other due to cables which I had replaced. Sold them years later for triple the price.

[@boogiewoogie9770]

I'm lucky enough to have found a mint all original PL-550 in black for £50 a few years ago. It's rock solid on speed accuracy thanks to it's quartz lock. The tonearm is great and it's built like a tank. The black issues don't seem to have the cheap vinyl wrap so no problems with peeling at all. They are somewhat rarer than the usual (rare) models as only issues in Japan and some parts of Europe.

[@stephenhall3515]

I was in my 20s during the real hi-fi snob period in England and was never taken in by the Linn so stayed with my Pioneers then a Thorens TD 160 "for best". In fact I sold the TD 160 only about 8 years ago to a young man whom I knew would treasure it. But, by my 30s I had decided to build an archive, mainly using Studer/Revox tape machines, Quad electrostatics and amps. A dedicated turntable was needed for the project and some staff at Quad and NAIM had suggested direct drive so I acquired the Technics SP/L 10, fitted an SME 3009 arm and generally used Shure cartridges for least wear and the truthfulness of the V15 series. That was sold when I moved countries (to Ireland) and I had found that the SL-1200 sounded the same but was less prone to floor vibration than the 10. The SL-1200 is really the very best.

[@careystuart]

A Thorens TD 125 with an SME 3009 mk.2 tone arm is just about vinyl nirvana (pardon the pun). Thanx for your videos. I wish I could visit your shop!!! I love vintage audio stuff!! P.S. the real Vinyl Nirvana is Thorens heaven, Dave D. is the Thorens guru.

[@jimmydelux]

I'd like to add the Pioneer PL-12D. If your list was longer it would fit. They're rock solid. I have more than one. With Minimal maintenance it'll out live all of us. They keep perfect speed with a thakker belt, only need lubrication as far as maintenance is concerned. They sound way better than they have the right too. Thanks for the video.

[@johnwilder4648]

Love my Pioneer PL-41. Simple and love the plinth…

[@xlrider1565]

Your thoughts about the Technics SL-D2 Turntable?

[@jt-hn6ur]

I have a Thorens TD125 MKii a SME arm with a Shure V15 lll and I think it sounds better then my friends 1200 every time. Just brings more life into the music.

[@Russellsvinylcafe]

No doubt about that

[@davidbartochowski7832]

Love the videos. Maybe you can do a series on the histories of different hifi companies. Their founding, break throughs if they are still in business. You are one of the best You Tubers with practical experience and knowledge. Keep the videos coming

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, David

[@PoleCat-x5o]

Kevin, been watching a lot of your videos and others on turntables. I recently put my Pioneer PL-115D back to use after servicing it. Had it since new in '76 though it had a 36 year slumber in storage. Someday I will replace its cartridge and I have a question, maybe you could do a video on this. Back in the day, I was told I could not mount a Sure V-15 Type III cartridge on my Pioneer because of its S-shaped tonearm, that a cartridge like that requires a straight, low mass tonearm because the stylus is too delicate, too "compliant." I've never heard this addressed in any videos on the subject. Is this true and what is the theory or rule about stylus/cartridge and tonearm compatibility or "matching"?

[@guyb7005]

Excellent list!! I Started with a Dual CS-515 in the 80's.... wonder where any of the Dual models fit in this list of upper range models?

[@johnsummerhill8323]

They are midfi turntables. The 1229 was their best.

[@NielsCG]

What's your opinion on a Kenwood KD-650??

[@blackwaterdogs4256]

One full manual `table that I like, the Pioneer P. Good tonearmL-71, is pretty simple DD deck, reliable, and heavy (24-ish lbs.). Good tonearm, combined with a decent cart gives very nice playback.

[@jameswieler3295]

are the Rega P1 and P2 also customizable or does that feature start with the P3, thanks awesome channel!

[@DavidDeLeon]

My favorite technique replica is the audio technical lp140

[@paulpavlou9294]

I had a AR XA in the 1970’s and early 1980’s. I regretted selling this table until a few years ago when I purchased a Goldring Lenco GL75, I modified this and put Syrinx PU-3 Arm a double platter, upgraded spindle bearing and then added dampening with a few more tweaks. I’m no longer lament the AR that I once had and loved. The Goldring Lenco 75 is a great turntable worthy of any top table list, new or vintage along with maybe the likes of the Garrard 301 & 401.

[@user-zx8de8op9l]

As an owner of a 1200 I can say it is a great turntable. Not the best looking, but it is heavy, and in a good way. One problem is that the RCA cables are hardwired like pretty much all turntables were back in the day

[@alm5693]

I've bought a Goldring turntable in ~2000 with a cheap plynth and platter but it came with a very nice Rega tonearm that is similar to an RB 220. Would that Rega tonearm be a good match for an AR XA with a good drive system and suspension? I've been wanting to get rid of the Goldring but I haven't because of the tonearm.

[@jrockthecasbah]

I was gifted a nice DD manual tt from Sansui. What is your recommended budget cartridge for classic rock and all around listening? I also have a Dual 601 so I would be using the same type of cartridge if it’s a good match? Is the AT95e still recommended? Thanks all.

[@michaelscottcutler3627]

It would be interesting to see a review on some of the high quality, obscure or rare decks. The 1966 Sony TTS 3000, audiophile grade turntable, for instance. Or some Thorens decks.

[@stepheneson4107]

My recollection of the AR was that the suspension was highly "springy". If you lived in a place with a jouncy floor you could make the tonearm jump across the record. Am I mistaken in that memory?

[@jasfrt6384]

Sounds like the suspension wasn't set up correctly

[@kana4114]

Enjoyed this video. As a “returning audiophile” I’m learning many technical things and appreciate your analysis. Q. What affordable replacement cartridge would you recommend for a Yamaha P-550? Thank you!

[@saintandre9]

What do you think of the Sonab 85s ?

[@furyofbongos]

I could literally smash my knuckles down on my Acoustic Research XA turntable and it not only wouldn't skip, you wouldn't hear any thump thru the speakers. That suspension alone is why I treasured my AR turntables for many years.

[@ripvanwinkle9648]

During the period when Technics stopped making the 1200 and the prices spiked, I managed to score a near-mint condition MK-V with the cover and a new cartridge for $600 -- on of all places, Amazon. What an amazing beast of a turntable. It's sitting right here in my audio rack even now.