Buying a good 'vintage' record player?

[panmanthe2nd]

Hi all,

I'm want to buy a good quality record player, and a few people have told me to consider buying a vintage one from somewhere like eBay, as I'll be able to get a better quality player for less money.

The problem is that I have no idea what to buy.

I want one with very good sound quality, however the most I can afford is £250, and I'm hoping to send considerably less then that.

 

[soundguruman]

The best record player is straight line linear tracking. This has the minimal tracking error, compared to all other phonographs.
Of course, you must also use a very high quality cartridge, such as Shure. A cheap cartridge will have poor results and high distortion.
http/www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?5653-Linear-tracking-Turntables!

 

[panmanthe2nd]

Thanks!

 

[americanaudiophile]

For your budget you should be able to find a used Rega, Systemdek, or Linn turntable. In a used turntable simpler means better. Linear tracking is excellent but is complicated and buying a used one in your price range will be difficult unless it is a lower priced one made in the 80s and will probably be unfixable if it works at all. Try to leave some money aside for a new cartridge.

 

[thee_prisoner]

For your budget you should be able to find a used Rega, Systemdek, or Linn turntable. In a used turntable simpler means better. Linear tracking is excellent but is complicated and buying a used one in your price range will be difficult unless it is a lower priced one made in the 80s and will probably be unfixable if it works at all. Try to leave some money aside for a new cartridge.

Besides the ones you mentioned, I like Thorens also.