YOUR Top 5 Manual Turntables

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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 .

[@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.

[@jimmydelux]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@buschtaxi75driver55]

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

[@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 👍

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Sotol811]

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

[@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.

[@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!😊

[@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.

[@-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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@adsph]

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

[@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.

[@triples4good]

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

[@Dian2Gig]

As a nightclub DJ in the 80’s I used Technics 1200’s and by far the best turntable ever. I just wish I would have bought one back then.

[@jntdad]

I am from the UK and early on I dreamed of owning a Transcriptors Hydraulic Reference Turntable which just looks like $10k even if the actual ability of the deck was not as mind bending as the futuristic looks. But a shortfall in performance was hardly ever noticed as virtually everyone was mesmerised by buy its looks (especially while playing). I have to say all 5 you list are very good - but in the same league you could have expanded the list to 25 or more. I went through an Ariston RD 11 and a Systemdek IIX but I have settled on and do not plan on moving away from a Michell Engineering Mycro (Gyrodecs smaller cousin) So in a way I realised my dream as Michell Engineering took over production of the Transcriptors Hydraulic Reference Turntable and all current Michell offerings are evolutions of the original. I have found something better and stronger than happiness - contentment. You cannot be truly happy all the time - but you can be content 🙂

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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 😄

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@kevincorr2985]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@johnvincent4048]

For what the Technics SL-1200 has done to the music industry one belongs in the Smithsonian.

[@redline2115]

…for good and bad. Wiki wiki wick!

[@timwilson3124]

Any Technics turntable actually. I.M.O.

[@BrianHaselden-ek7jv]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@ralex3697]

Denon 3000 NE DP Just a beautiful table for the money. Modern and gorgeous

[@gprojectnoob4779]

My favorite vintage TT is either my current TT , an Oracle Delphi mk2 or the Micro Seiki DDX1000. I remember walking in my dads shop in 1981 ish and seeing one on his bench for repair. It was like something out of a spaceship with the 3 arm setup. Always wanted one but got an Oracle instead.

[@jomadsincebu]

I found one in Shizuoka for ¥50,000. The feet were not in good condition, but i isolated them in other ways. Two tone arms. Definitely cool looking.

[@wayneessar7489]

My Oracle Mark 2 is still sweet, Sme mark 4 arm all 35 years old now, I think.

[@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!

[@mguess]

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

[@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.

[@Mash77777]

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

[@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

[@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,

[@AndyLudwig-mv8dj]

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

[@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.

[@redline2115]

Chipped up Rega P3 platter = stoned dude listening to Dark Side of the Moon for the 300th time then deciding to listen to his old Have a Nice Day 70’s top 40 45’s= smash!

[@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

[@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.

[@Crmsnraider]

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

[@Craft-oh7uv]

Rega Planner 3 🥇

[@wayneessar7489]

Planar.

[@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

[@rniamath]

"You have to give this TT the respect it deserves ....."

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@svbarr]

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

[@Victrola777]

I have owned most of these tables. I feel the weak spot on the TD-160 is the whole tonearm in general ! I absolutely loved my TD-124 with upgraded tonearm ! I really liked my Technics 1200 mk2's, BUT, I could never get them to sound as good as my Linns,, Regas, or Thorens tables ! I believe the new 1200's are very, very good. Better sounding than the older models, but also much more expensive. Once again, the tonearm is the weak spot of the older Technics. I really loved my Linns, but the LP12 is finiky to set up, and succeptable to footfalls. I really love my Linn Axis tables, and also Rega Planar 2's as two affordable, and upgradable options. The Linn Axis actually was the test bed for the Lingo power supply, and also the Tramplin base. The best sound always comes from a tonearm with a non removeable headshell. I have owned over 30 turntables in my lifetime. Lastly: matching cartridge to tonearm, to preamp is critical ! A turntable is a delicate musical instrument that needs to be tuned to achieve the best sound. What a table sits on is also very important !

[@jeffm1896]

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

[@spursmvp]

Love my AR XA. Upgrading the Tonearm and headshell.

[@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

[@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. ..

[@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.

[@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"?

[@tonyvtc3]

Hey bud you hit it on the head abut the 1200. I am getting back into vinyl and was a pro dj in my day and still dabbled in it as well. I posted that my new but used sl1200 arrived showing it off after much TLC needed guy said/posted ARE YOU A DJ? 😂!!! Yes i am showing him a few pictures of the past, but the SL1200MK2 is the best manual turntable on the planet for what it had done to the underground music industry and hip hop and Deejay community as a whole. Not to mention radio stations as well had them.

[@georgeanastasopoulos5865]

I misunderstood, and posted this topic too soon; and I edited it so that now it is not very long! My favourite manual-only turntable is a Rega, in my case a 1980s Planar 3 Turntable; and music from1980s is one of my favourites. I also restored, refurbished an early 1980s Rega Planar 3 Plinth whereby the previous owner drilled a large hole so that a Rega RB Tonearm cannot fit to the turntable! I could not find a Rega turntable from the UK that was an average of 115V, 60 Hz; I had to make a purchase from the USA. I'm in Canada. As a consequence it could be said that I also had to modify it; as a Rega Planar 3 manual turntable. I had to hunt a lot for a tonearm; bought a Linn Basik Plus Tonearm; whereby I also had to bend the Tonearm Stay (curved platform part) so that tonearm can be lifted at the End Of Play. I bought a new Audio Technica AT95E MM Cartridge (not the newer version that is VM). I lubricated the Main Bearing spindle with Rega synthetic bearing oil. I purchased, and installed a silicone drive belt, and silicone motor suspension belt. I eventually bought two very small screws for fastening of the motor underneath turntable; one of original screws was stripped. I bought a new Rega dust cover. I eventually re-soldered a new Capacitor, then a new Resistor; speed got slower, then went backward. I bought a, "SRM TECH PLATTER ISOLATING KIT FOR REGA TURNTABLES"; and so I had adjust the VTA further! Actually one of the main reasons for putting that circular isolation disc made of synthetic polymer was because after a couple of hours of use, a strange thing happened; the top of the Motor Pulley was rubbing up against the Glass Platter. For me, a logical solution was to raise the height of the platter very slightly by placing that SRM TECH isolation disc of 1mm on top of the Rega Sub-platter. For those who are not familiar there is a Sub-platter, of smaller diameter, that gets revolved by a Drive Belt. I installed a silicone version of the drive belt, from the Motor Drive Pulley underneath the main Platter. Then I added a Motor Thrust Bearing by SRM TECH, and installed it to the motor. Soon I'm going to install a, "SRM TECH MOTOR VIBRATION ABSORBER" to the underside of the motor. The older, original Technics 1200 had a bit of motor noise, vibration, and resonance from what I've heard. Belt Drives had less vibration from the motor up to late 1980s, and less resonance. I don't think it's such a big problem with changing the RPM speed of a record. For me, 80% of my record collection is 33.3 RPM, anyway. A friend has 33.3 RPM records of no less then 90 percent! My point: 45 RPM is not as popular. In fact, 78 RPM could be more popular than 45s.🔉🎵🎶

[@johnwilder4648]

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

[@billsmith5166]

I finally ended up with the Empire Troubador. I still have it, but I bet I haven't used it in 20 years. I like to look at it occasionally though. It was the epitome of turntables in my eyes as a kid and I'm glad I found one when they were super cheap. I've got to admit though that my all time favorite is a Transcriptor ever since I saw Clockwork Orange. I almost ran up to the screen.

[@ThresholdZhor]

I have own SL-1200 mk2, I change it for the Thorens TD-145 mk2 which sounds much better than the SL-1200 mk2, but the best of all is the Linn Sondek LP-12 wao, in terms of reliability no one beats the SL-1200 mk2 but it's sound is good, while TD is very good and the LP-12 is excellent, by this I mean I would never use a SL-1200 mk2 on my high end system

[@countdebleauchamp]

Ditto

[@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.

[@mitchmitchell9588]

Two thoughts on SL-1200s. First, anyone can use an SL-1200 in their home system. But the converse is not true: most DJs agree that the 1200GRs are terrible for spinning live sets. Second, for all the reasons we like vintage hi-fi, DJs love the 1200mk2 and mk5. Incredible build quality, solid feel, and super reliability. The new MK7, made in Malaysia, is nice but is just not as robust and trustworthy as the originals.

[@1957CRAZYDJ]

Here are some very good manual turntables missing here: Oracle Delphi, ClearAudio, VPI, Projecy, Linn Sondek LP12 and many more.

[@countdebleauchamp]

I had a Delphi.

[@darrenwendell1723]

Pioneer PL-1200 or Pioneer PL-1200A. Great 1972 direct drive turntable. Plenty of them out there.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

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

[@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.

[@QoraxAudio]

No, the 1200MKII is not made anymore. And the first picture does not show an MKII, since the MKII has no pitch reset button. The current 1200s are vastly different on the inside from their original predecessors. My favorite turntable is the SL-1200G, which is significantly better than an MKII. The 1200G is specifically designed for HiFi precision use, but comes at a higher price because of that. I've owned the MKII in the past, but I've owned a 1200G for about 5 years now. I did recently upgrade it with an SME V tonearm though to get even more performance out of it.

[@CheekyMonkey1776]

Excellent video!

[@Foxtrot1967]

Thorens TD-124 needs to be on the list