**There is nothing available, new, for less than around $500.00 that is
worth bothering with. JB Hi Fi specialise is selling utter rubbish.
Which leaves with, IMO, the best value for money, quality second hand
stuff. Obviously, that presents it's own risks, but turntables are
generally operated under a very low stress environment and most can be
expected to last many decades.
Personally, the two brands I like most are Denon (Japan) and Dual
(Germany). Dual is difficult, as the company no longer exists and there
are aspect of some models that can make repair impossible. For instance:
The original Dual 505 was a fine turntable, but fitted with a
diabolically bad headshell. However, the Dual 505-2, 3, 4 addressed that
problem quite effectively. The 505 was a belt drive unit and drive belts
are easily available, but the speed control belt is not. Dual also made
a number of direct drive units and they are generally pretty decent. I
would caution again the much older, rim drive Duals, as the idler can be
very difficult to find. Motors are easy to rebuild. That said, the
mechanisms are complicated (they're full auto) and are of such an age
that a full strip down and re-lube will be required. OTOH, the 505 (and
others in that range) are semi-auto and far simpler to sort out.
Denon make all direct drive units. I like them. A lot. I presently have
11 of the suckers. I buy them in from Japan, tart them up a bit and
re-sell. The downside is that they need a 230VAC - 110VAC step-down
transformer (about $35.00) to work in Oz. The motors in Denons are works
of art. Smooth as butter and they last forever. They come in manual,
semi-auto and full auto. Because they're mechanisms are simpler than
most, even their full auto models are a good buy.
Technics are another, very popular, option. IMO, they are generally a
bit over-priced, compared to Denon, due to their popularity with the
disco people. Still, they are quite decent for the most part. Beware:
Technics have built some real shit in their low end models.
Rega is a fascinating Pommy success story. Fully manual, but excellent
performers, built fairly cheaply. Tone arms are a one piece, magnesium
casting. Genius. Counterweight is solid tantalum. Available new and used
(the Rega Plannar 3 has been around for 40 years).
Anyway, feel free to give me a call to discuss your needs (bus hours
please). 02 9589 1001
I am always happy to talk the hind leg off a mule about audio.
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