Turntable: Technics 1500C or 1200GR or Pro-ject Debut Pro

[lmlmlm]

I have been piling up on LP's for a while, but never actually played any of them yet. All vinyls are still in their plastic wraps.

Meanwhile, I've been preparing for the gear acquisition and looking at the models mentioned in the subject :

• 1500C seems the easiest to play with, with the pickup and phono included. however not sure about the sound quality versus the others listed, also seeing this video showing platter wobble gave me second thoughts . However I am still hopelessly attracted to the minimal design of the 1500C and that it needs less wires and objects to deal with.
• 1210GR is the "cool" option, but gets more expensive with adding a separate pickup (possibly blue ortofon) and a separate phono
• now, the Pro-ject Debut Pro really got me thinking after watching Darko's video comparing Pro-ject Debut Pro with the 1210GR, concluding the Debut sound quality and usability is better in many ways versus the 1210GR. Yes, I would still buy a separate phono for the Pro-ject, but it comes with a good pickup included and ultimately adds up to less dollars than the 1210GR setup.
• also have been looking at the more expensive Pro-ject X2

Ultimately, my aim is for the best possible sound quality out of these, so the questions are :

• Should I worry about the Pro-jects being belt driven ? Does the belt need any special maintenance ? Not sure why some people seem to avoid belt drives.
• Should the Pro-ject Phono Box be sufficient for the Pro-ject Debut Pro or X2 ?
• Is the wobble shown in the 1500C video a concern ? Is that normal ? Should I return a 1500C if it wobbles like that ?

thanks

 

[abacus]

Type of drive is irrelevant (All types have their pros and cons) so just go to a dealer and try them out with the cartridge you like, and see which you prefer. (No one other than you can make this decision)

As to the video of the 1500 it does seem iffy if new, but if it has had heavy use than bearings do wear out. (You would need a video filmed from above to see what the centre of the platter is doing to be sure of what is going on)

Bill

 

[doifeellucky]

I’ve just inherited a 40 year old Rega Planar 3. It was serviced about three years ago, but still going strong.

 

[daytona600]

Direct Drive , Belt Drive , Idler Drive all have followers
Technics 1200g & SL10r/SL1000r are the only models made in Japan
Debut range well over 1million have been shipped in 30years & you can upgrade

Pro-Ject Debut Upgrade Program Review | AVForums

 

[bigfish786]

If I were getting a project tt, I would go for the 2experience acrylic.
The one with the project 9cc tonearm and clear acrylic plinth.
Add to that a Nagaoka MP110 cart and I’d be happy with that.

 

[nopiano]

1. Belt drive is worry free and will last years.
2. Yes, but there’s always better.
3. No, no and yes. If you like the 1500C get one. But get a better cartridge than the 2M Red. Either upgrade to the Blue, or get an Audio Technica.

 

[rainsoothe]

1. Belt drive is worry free and will last years.
2. Yes, but there’s always better.
3. No, no and yes. If you like the 1500C get one. But get a better cartridge than the 2M Red. Either upgrade to the Blue, or get an Audio Technica.

Or Nagaoka or Goldring

 

[Al ears]

Or Nagaoka or Goldring

second the Goldring, the Nagaoka range no longer the bargains that they used to be.
It is quite refreshing to see that the 1210GR doesn't come prefitted with a cartridge

 

[manicm]

Very odd. They announced it nearly 6 months ago, yet no word of the entry level Technics SL-100C.

 

[Al ears]

Very odd. They announced it nearly 6 months ago, yet no word of the entry level Technics SL-100C.

when you say no word presumably you mean reviews, because it is available

 

[nopiano]

Or Nagaoka or Goldring

Yes, as a 1006 owner I could have mentioned Goldring too. I tend to think Japanese cartridge with Japanese turntable, which is a bit silly!

 

[manicm]

when you say no word presumably you mean reviews, because it is available

Nope, not even seeing it advertised. Can you send me a link?

 

[manicm]

I see Amazon UK is selling the 100C

 

[Gray]

X Error post X

 

[Al ears]

I see Amazon UK is selling the 100C

It is not really entry level as it's £800

 

[Al ears]

Nope, not even seeing it advertised. Can you send me a link?

Google is your friend.....

 

[Gray]

It is not really entry level as it's £800

Certainly not for a TT.
But if you want a Technics.....

 

[Al ears]

Certainly not for a TT.
But if you want a Technics.....

Exactly..... Second hand SL1200 anyone?

 

[lmlmlm]

I looked at some SH 1200's and contacted the sellers, local ads. But I don't know anything about TT's and don't like buying SH when I have no idea what the pitfalls are. I heard some DJ's are modifying their TT's and then run them like crazy on gigs, then they sell them as SH.

Yes, also some local shops already have the 100C available.

 

[manicm]

Google is your friend.....

Aamzon UK apart, I couldn’t find a single UK retailer on Google.

 

[nopiano]

I see Amazon UK is selling the 100C

I’d forgotten what it was for - is it the auto-lift function?

 

[lmlmlm]

What do you guys think this person means, in the Amazon review below ? Does the volume have anything to do with the actual turntable ?

This Technics SL-100C Direct Drive turntable System works very well ....

Important Note: If you don't hear anything, you should try turning up the volume.

For example, I never use my radio at its maximum because it makes too much noise and it can disturb the neighbours. With this turntable I have to turn the volume up to maximum just to be able to enjoy the music.

Apart from the volume issue, this is 5 stars.

• Source: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Technics-SL-100C-Direct-Turntable-System-Black/dp/B094R84292

 

[Gray]

Does the volume have anything to do with the actual turntable ?

No.
Don't worry about that.

 

[Al ears]

Aamzon UK apart, I couldn’t find a single UK retailer on Google.

it's odd because when I looked a couple of days ago there were others. They have since disappeared

 

[Gray]

What do you guys think this person means?

I had to read his full 'review'.
He said 'the feet are flexible to help with uneven tables'
Then he points out that it's got 2 speeds and that the slowest one 'makes any song seem like slow music'.

His review is worse than useless (often the way with Amazon reviews).