Tips for buying...

[plastic penguin]

... a Technics 1210.

There could be a chance I might look at replacing the Pro-ject. Not now, later in the summer.

What are the 'dos' and 'don'ts' about looking for these older direct drive turntables. And before anyone starts quarking how I should know. I don't: The Pro-ject is only TT I've had since the Garrrads.

Any useful advice welcome.

 

[Deleted member 108165]

... a Technics 1210.

There could be a chance I might look at replacing the Pro-ject. Not now, later in the summer.

What are the 'dos' and 'don'ts' about looking for these older direct drive turntables. And before anyone starts quarking how I should know. I don't: The Pro-ject is only TT I've had since the Garrrads.

Any useful advice welcome.

Easy, just buy this one PP:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Technics-SL-1210-MK2-1200-Boxed-Turntable-1-Year-Warranty-DJ-Deck-/261926007885?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3cfc01b44d

Which Pro-Ject tt do you currently have?

 

[plastic penguin]

@Doug: Xpression 1 with a pimped up cart.

@Chebby: Tut tut.

I like the build quality, style and from what I've read about the SL-1210 the sound isn't too shabby.

 

[chebby]

Buy the one that didn't once have a club dancer doing a hand stand on the platter whilst it was turning

[Edit] Actually, no, take that back. Make that a mandatory requirement for ALL turntable demos! (That'd get the b#ggers in to buy more gear.)

 

[plastic penguin]

[Edit] Actually, no, take that back. Make that a mandatory requirement for ALL turntable demos! (That'd get the b#ggers in to buy more gear.)

It's the break dancers that bother me; think of all the hair gel and mousse clinging to the platter.

Okay, advice on a SL-1210 without hair products clogging up the mechanism. *blum3*

Is it best to look for an original model or one that's been upgraded? Are there any age-related foibles to the direct drive gubbins?

 

[MajorFubar]

Buy the one that didn't once have a club dancer doing a hand stand on the platter whilst it was turning

[Edit] Actually, no, take that back. Make that a mandatory requirement for ALL turntable demos! (That'd get the b#ggers in to buy more gear.)

...but if she's part of the selling price at least be good enough to post the link so I can look.

 

[Al ears]

... a Technics 1210.

There could be a chance I might look at replacing the Pro-ject. Not now, later in the summer.

What are the 'dos' and 'don'ts' about looking for these older direct drive turntables. And before anyone starts quarking how I should know. I don't: The Pro-ject is only TT I've had since the Garrrads.

Any useful advice welcome.

If it comes with a fitted lid then there's a fair chance it isn't an ex DJ deck. They are solid. However plenty to choose from, but the most recent you can get.

 

[Deleted member 108165]

@Doug: Xpression 1 with a pimped up cart.

@Chebby: Tut tut.

I like the build quality, style and from what I've read about the SL-1210 the sound isn't too shabby.

I've got the Pioneer clone of the Technics and it is probably as close to the Technics performance and SQ as can be. My Pioneer replaced a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon and I had the chance to compare side by side with an Ortofon 2M Bronze fitted - the Pioneer won... just. Your Xpression is further up the price range so the move to a Technics could be a retrograde step. However, I like my direct drive immensely and have no plans to replace it yet. I just fit the best cart I can afford and listen to music, currently running an Ortofon 2M Black and will be trialing a Nagaoka MP300 very soon.

 

[plastic penguin]

Cheers Al and Doug.

Whether it is better than the Pro-ject or not I might just take a punt.

 

[Deleted member 108165]

No worries PP *i-m_so_happy*

The Technics is very mod'able and the engineering is first class. If you can't find a decent SL for the right price and your not interested in modding then the Pioneer PLX1000 is probably a good second choice. What drew my attention to these direct drives was: start/stop - almost instant; 33/45 rpm at the press of a button; adjustable VTA; removeable headshell (makes cartridge fitting soo easy); adjustable feet. A very handsome and heavy beast. Mine is positioned about one foot away from my RH speaker and absolutely no problems with vibration.

 

[plastic penguin]

I certainly wouldn't spend nearly a grand on one. A well known dealer is selling this. At the right price, though, could be a very tempting prospect.

But the build quality and looks does appeal.

 

[bigfish786]

Please take time to check out the marantz tt15s1. Built by clearaudio for marantz.

I shopped around and got one for less than a grand.

An absolutely cracking turntable.

 

[Deleted member 108165]

Please take time to check out the marantz tt15s1. Built by clearaudio for marantz.

I shopped around and got one for less than a grand.

An absolutely cracking turntable.

Simply adore your tt bigfish *man_in_love*. If I'm ever in the market for another tt the Marantz has my name on it.

 

[plastic penguin]

Please take time to check out the marantz tt15s1. Built by clearaudio for marantz.

I shopped around and got one for less than a grand.

An absolutely cracking turntable.

Why would I consider a ClearAudio TT badged as a Marantz when I can buy the real Mccoy for around the same price?

Seen pictures of the Marntz TT and it looks like... erm a ClearAudio deck.

 

[bigfish786]

The marantz is that it is an alternative offering extremely good value for money.

they currently retail in the UK around £1500.00 they come with a very good cart included, look fantastic, and sound Devine.

reviewers compare it to an £1800+ Clearaudio turntable, as it is made of thicker acrylic, with again a more substantial acrylic platter. And large upgraded feet.

all in all, a fantastic turntable for the money. Made better by the fact you can shop around in Europe and import one from the Netherlands for well under a grand.

I think for anyone looking to spend around a grand on a turntable "package" it is well worth consideration.

Im very happy with mine, as you can probably tell.

 

[plastic penguin]

The marantz is that it is an alternative offering extremely good value for money.

they currently retail in the UK around £1500.00 they come with a very good cart included, look fantastic, and sound Devine.

reviewers compare it to an £1800+ Clearaudio turntable, as it is made of thicker acrylic, with again a more substantial acrylic platter. And large upgraded feet.

all in all, a fantastic turntable for the money. Made better by the fact you can shop around in Europe and import one from the Netherlands for well under a grand.

I think for anyone looking to spend around a grand on a turntable "package" it is well worth consideration.

Im very happy with mine, as you can probably tell.

Have you compared it to a Concept? I could read all jargon on the Marantz site or elsewhere and it means nothing until you compare like with like.

I like Marantz gear but as the only Marantz item on this TT seems to be the badge, I've got no-way of telling.

In addition, the chances of me finding one at sub-£1000 could mean a long wait.

 

[bigfish786]

All this comparison stuff, you could literally go on for millennia comparing one attribute to another on this or that system, but components are going to sound different in everyone's setups. None of us will have exactly the same acoustics in our rooms. So, I tend to buy the products I want, based on research, reviews, esthetics, etc. and value for money is always a big factor in that too.

i don't think the marantz badge on the front of my turntable will effect the sound one bit, when all is said and done, it is a clearaudio product, tonearm, cart, turntable and platter. And that's good enough for me.

 

[plastic penguin]

All this comparison stuff, you could literally go on for millennia comparing one attribute to another on this or that system, but components are going to sound different in everyone's setups. None of us will have exactly the same acoustics in our rooms. So, I tend to buy the products I want, based on research, reviews, esthetics, etc. and value for money is always a big factor in that too.

i don't think the marantz badge on the front of my turntable will effect the sound one bit, when all is said and done, it is a clearaudio product, tonearm, cart, turntable and platter. And that's good enough for me.

Fair enough, but you did say they were reviewed against £1800 TT, which brings into Gyro territory. The Gyro is a thing of beauty, and all accounts sound as good as they look. By contrast the ClearAudio (regardless of badge) look really nice but not a patch on the Gyro - should be in the Tate gallery.

Anyway, still fancy a Technics, which can be picked up for around £300-£400, good'uns.

 

[bigfish786]

But compared to, like for like clearaudio parts/upgrades, and most reviewers put it in the £1800+ price bracket.

I have listened to a friends gyro se, and agree there is something quite special about the michell. But for the money, the marantz holds its own.

 

[Al ears]

Keep looking. If your mind is set on a direct drive then go for it. Whilst the Michell has the eengineering qualities the Marantz is , ultimately a rebadged Clearaudio.

Not necessarily a bad thing but you can only tweak a Technics so far.

Ultimately the choice is yours, go with your gut feeling or you'll regret it later.

 

[chebby]

By contrast the ClearAudio (regardless of badge) look really nice but not a patch on the Gyro - should be in the Tate gallery.

Britain, Modern, St. Ives or Liverpool?

Maybe the Barbara Hepworth garden.

 

[stevebrock]

All this comparison stuff, you could literally go on for millennia comparing one attribute to another on this or that system, but components are going to sound different in everyone's setups. None of us will have exactly the same acoustics in our rooms. So, I tend to buy the products I want, based on research, reviews, esthetics, etc. and value for money is always a big factor in that too.

i don't think the marantz badge on the front of my turntable will effect the sound one bit, when all is said and done, it is a clearaudio product, tonearm, cart, turntable and platter. And that's good enough for me.

Fair enough, but you did say they were reviewed against £1800 TT, which brings into Gyro territory. The Gyro is a thing of beauty, and all accounts sound as good as they look. By contrast the ClearAudio (regardless of badge) look really nice but not a patch on the Gyro - should be in the Tate gallery.

Anyway, still fancy a Technics, which can be picked up for around £300-£400, good'uns.

A gyro in £1800 territoy will have a Tecnoarm - very nice TT its when you stick an SME IV on it your start shitting ya pants

 

[Al ears]

All this comparison stuff, you could literally go on for millennia comparing one attribute to another on this or that system, but components are going to sound different in everyone's setups. None of us will have exactly the same acoustics in our rooms. So, I tend to buy the products I want, based on research, reviews, esthetics, etc. and value for money is always a big factor in that too.

i don't think the marantz badge on the front of my turntable will effect the sound one bit, when all is said and done, it is a clearaudio product, tonearm, cart, turntable and platter. And that's good enough for me.

Fair enough, but you did say they were reviewed against £1800 TT, which brings into Gyro territory. The Gyro is a thing of beauty, and all accounts sound as good as they look. By contrast the ClearAudio (regardless of badge) look really nice but not a patch on the Gyro - should be in the Tate gallery.

Anyway, still fancy a Technics, which can be picked up for around £300-£400, good'uns.

A gyro in £1800 territoy will have a Tecnoarm - very nice TT its when you stick an SME IV on it your start shitting ya pants

Agreed. But it's going cosT you.

 

[plastic penguin]

No. Tying your boot laces to the undercarriage of Jumbo jet would make you s###e your pants, not upgrading a turntable arm.

I like the look of a 1210 and the build quality. Having a DD TT doesn't bother me in the slightest. Nor is upgrading my bag. If I want a better sounding deck I'll buy the appropriate TT.

 

[Deleted member 108165]

Anyway, still fancy a Technics, which can be picked up for around £300-£400, good'uns.

Just a suggestion PP - B stock Pioneer here for £413:

https://www.decks.co.uk/products/clearance-decks/pioneer/plx-1000-b-stock?gclid=CJiBkpi018YCFZCWtAodUHEOSQ#.VaNRDPlVhBc

Of course no matter what direct drive you purchase you'll have to factor in a cartridge too.