Direct Drive TT Options

[bigfish786]

If I were to buy a new TT in the new year, what options do i have, both used and new?

i've pretty much decided to stick with direct drive- it just works for me. unlike my poor rotel TT. i've pulled it apart a few too many times, and lost the use of 45rpm. not a big deal, but i'm keen to go a step further, and buy something a bit better if possible. no set budget as i really don't know whats out there. but don't really want to blow more than a grand, less would be better.

any ideas as always will be welcome.

Lee.

 

[Al ears]

Whilst there is nothing wrong with sticking to direct drive you are not going to find a lot 'new', at least not for your budget, and not 'decent'. Most manufacturers going down the belt-drive route.

Your best bet would be to go to one of the reputable updaters of turntables such as the Technics SL-1200 and buy a modified example from them. Some even come up on that well-known auction site at times.

 

[drummerman]

Yes, a 1200 would be the obvious choice.

You could try and source an SP-10 in it's MK1 or 2/3 incarnations. They come with external power supplies and are built to broadcast standard. - A good example re-plinted should be within your budget. Tonearm extra and cost depends on model.

Third option would be to get a SL-10 or 7. The 10 is more popular, the 7 reputedly better. They are linear trackers and are ueber engineered though not quite in the way an SP-10 is.

Fourth, a SL-6 may be all you need/want. It measures almost the same as the 10 and 7 and is just a little bit more light weight. Looks good, sounds very good.

Cartridge choice is a little bit more limited for the linear trackers but very good ones from the main names are available as are after market shibata/gyger etc tipped ones.

Finally and I would love to add one to my collection is a Garrard 401, an idler drive. You will need to completely refurbish an original (or buy it that way, there are a few specialists). Imo a stunning piece of engineering and there are some lovely looking examples around. A turntable for life? Probably. You again should be able to get a refurbished unit within your budget but probably without tone arm. Second hand prices just increase all the time.

Hope this helps

regards

 

[ifor]

SL-QL1 and SL-DL1 are also worthy of consideration. More so than the SL-6 I believe.

 

[drummerman]

SL-QL1 and SL-DL1 are also worthy of consideration. More so than the SL-6 I believe.

... but the SL6 looks/feels lovely and the direct track access is pure genius ... well, at least was back then.

The SL-QL1 looks a bit like the unwanted love child of a 1200 and SL-7

regards

 

[Al ears]

It does a bit doesn't it. I had to Google them as never seen one 'in the flesh'.

Whatever though I would certainly advise the OP to consider any of those listed so far but be very careful on where he buys from, could end up with a whole load of grief.

As a finsal note I'd say if your going direct drive look out for 'quartz-locked' in the description to.

Also agree that the lovely SL6/10's have very limited cartridge choice, as has already been mentioned, and this fact alone has kept me away from them.

 

[ifor]

I've recently bought an SL-7 and two SL-DL1s. There are all working OK. The mist expensive was £50 off eBay.

 

[bigfish786]

thanks for all the responses so far, most of which seem overwhelmingly in favour of a technics deck of some description. I shall keep my eyes open, and do a little research, and see what sort of thing i can find.

 

[iMark]

Dual made some very good Direct Drive TT's in the late 70's and early 80's. I'm pretty sure there's a few of them knocking about somewhere. Look for model numbers like the 701, 704 and 721.

I found this one on Ebay and that seems to quite reasonable. This 714 is not as refined as the other ones but not a bad TT at all.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dual-CS-714Q-Quartz-Locked-PLL-Direct-Drive-Semi-Automatic-Turntable-/261652866073?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Turntables&hash=item3cebb9e419