Best second hand Turntable for under 700dollars?

[Wahlstrom]

Hi! Want to upgrade my rega planar 1 to something a bit more "Hi-Fi" and upgradable.
Any thoughts regarding best models for 5-700 dollars?
Heard good things about Thorens TD 160/165, Sony PS 2250, Rega planar 3 and 6 but curious what you guys think!

I'm quite handy and have no problem doing maintenance and simple upgrades myself so it don't have to be "super easy, press and play, no maintenence ever needed".

Any suggestions or thoughts?

 

[Al ears]

Hi! Want to upgrade my rega planar 1 to something a bit more "Hi-Fi" and upgradable.
Any thoughts regarding best models for 5-700 dollars?
Heard good things about Thorens TD 160/165, Sony PS 2250, Rega planar 3 and 6 but curious what you guys think!

I'm quite handy and have no problem doing maintenance and simple upgrades myself so it don't have to be "super easy, press and play, no maintenence ever needed".

Any suggestions or thoughts?

Pretty much depends on what is available to you within your budget.
We have no idea where in the world you are unfortunately.
Much will also depend on what tonearm is fitted to the deck and what cartridge you intend to use.
Not an easy question to answer unfortunately.

 

[Wahlstrom]

Pretty much depends on what is available to you within your budget.
We have no idea where in the world you are unfortunately.
Much will also depend on what tonearm is fitted to the deck and what cartridge you intend to use.
Not an easy question to answer unfortunately.

Hi! I understand, here are two options available atm:

Sony PS-2250 750 dollars:​

Consisting of a TTS-2500 drive unit, factory-mounted in a TAC-2250 wooden plinth.
The tonearm is a model specifically manufactured for Sony by the highly regarded Japanese maker Grace.
Direct-drive AC servo motor with FG control (frequency generator).
Heavy cast aluminum platter.
Pitch control ±4%.
Stroboscope for speed control.
Cartridge: Goldring 10-10 (excellent condition).

Thoréns TD160BMk2, 700 dollars
SME 3009 SERIES 1 arm
grado gold pickup

Rega Planar 3, 450 dollars​

Without cartridge

--
I know it depends on a lot factors, those are the ones I'm trying to learn to identify. So if you have any tips on "red flags" och "green flags" etc when browsing second hand TT, please let me now!

And big thanks!

 

[Al ears]

Hi! I understand, here are two options available atm:

Sony PS-2250 750 dollars:​

Consisting of a TTS-2500 drive unit, factory-mounted in a TAC-2250 wooden plinth.
The tonearm is a model specifically manufactured for Sony by the highly regarded Japanese maker Grace.
Direct-drive AC servo motor with FG control (frequency generator).
Heavy cast aluminum platter.
Pitch control ±4%.
Stroboscope for speed control.
Cartridge: Goldring 10-10 (excellent condition).

Thoréns TD160BMk2, 700 dollars
SME 3009 SERIES 1 arm
grado gold pickup

Rega Planar 3, 450 dollars​

Without cartridge

--
I know it depends on a lot factors, those are the ones I'm trying to learn to identify. So if you have any tips on "red flags" och "green flags" etc when browsing second hand TT, please let me now!

And big thanks!

Both the Sony and Thorens look interesting buys, however with turntables this old ( both from 70's) condition is everything.
The newer Rega obviously has less to go wrong but isn't a vast step up from what you already have.
The issue with buying second-hand is you are rarely able to audition the kit in question but my money would be on the direct drive Sony, assuming it is in excellent working condition.
Bear in mind any old cartridges that are fitted will probably need replacing.

 

[Integralista]

Hi! Want to upgrade my rega planar 1 to something a bit more "Hi-Fi" and upgradable.
Any thoughts regarding best models for 5-700 dollars?
Heard good things about Thorens TD 160/165, Sony PS 2250, Rega planar 3 and 6 but curious what you guys think!

I'm quite handy and have no problem doing maintenance and simple upgrades myself so it don't have to be "super easy, press and play, no maintenence ever needed".

Any suggestions or thoughts?

Hi Vinylista!

You gave us a nice homework. Planar 1 is "cheapest" turntable from Rega but sound is terrific for something so cheap. This you will discover when you make some comparisons mainly with many older automatic etc. turntables like Dual, Pioneer, Lenco etc. But there are exceptions existing. One of rare exceptions is Thorens TD 160/165. This deck is truly awsome. It is a nice example of old "Made in Germany" engineering and high quality production. This deck is very good choice. You can consider also some Project Debut deck or as mentioned Rega Planar 3. Sonicaly there is quite a big jump between Rega Planar 1 and 3, than between Planar 3 and 6 again a big improvement. Pls. do not underestimate to consider proper matching cartridge and phono preamp for your improved vinyl spinner. We can give you some advice later, when needed by you. BR.

 

[Al ears]

Whilst the Thorens looks to be a good buy in my opinion the Sony is a better proposition.
Unless the Thorens can be actually examined that is as there are too many things on it that are liable to perish over time, belts and suspension for example.
The Grado Gold cartridge is also likely needing replacement as it could date to 2009

 

[Integralista]

Whilst the Thorens looks to be a good buy in my opinion the Sony is a better proposition.
Unless the Thorens can be actually examined that is as there are too many things on it that are liable to perish over time, belts and suspension for example.

Thorens is known for reliability and keeping stock of spareparts for decades for even old models, like Linn, Naim, Rega... is doing. And they have a strong community of fans and followers ready to help. Thorens is a cult in Germany. Now, they are returning with full speed, showing many news yearly. Old Sonny can be a keeper no doubt. Servising it, I am not so sure. In Asia or Japan it is different for sure.

 

[Al ears]

Thorens is known for reliability and keeping stock of spareparts for decades for even old models, like Linn, Naim, Rega... is doing. And they have a strong community of fans and followers ready to help. Thorens is a cult in Germany. Now, they are returning with full speed, showing many news yearly. Old Sonny can be a keeper no doubt. Servising it, I am not so sure. In Asia or Japan it is different for sure.

True, they do stock parts for it but is the OP willing to pay out more to buy these replacement parts, that will probably be needed.

 

[Integralista]

True, they do stock parts for it but is the OP willing to pay out more to buy these replacement parts, that will probably be needed.

Yes, here you are right. Also a reason I keep my Rega turntables for nearly 3 decades...They just work and play a good music. Rega = Keep playing and have fun.

 

[record_spot]

Depending on your flooring, the Thorens sprung chassis might become an issue when you walk across your room where the Sony or Rega won't.

One of the reasons I enjoy my Cambridge Alva ST so much is the deck is pretty much dead to external vibrations and the arm consequently doesn't skip.