First turntable?

[malcesine]

Going to delve into the world of analogue as a wee experiment.

Any recommendations for used turntable around £2-300 ish?

Not worried about cosmetics, good sound quality the only factor and looking at used kit for better value.

I have a nice Vincent hybrid amp and Quad ESL63 speakers but amp has no phono stage, so need that too - at hopefully not too much additional cost.

 

[Iceman 16]

If you dont mind s/hand I would look at Rega’s entry level from P1 to P3 and phono stage from Pro-Ject like the Tube box ds.

 

[audio_PHIL_e]

If you dont mind s/hand I would look at Rega’s entry level from P1 to P3 and phono stage from Pro-Ject like the Tube box ds.

Pro-Ject turntables get a good writeup likewise their phono stages.

 

[Rockchild]

Keep things simple for the first time. 
 

The link has extra money off with a built in phonostage and if you fancy a dedicated one then a Rega Phono all for £300

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Teac-TN-350-2-Speed-Analog-Turntable-with-USB-Digital-Output-/402340354898?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292

If you go for a Rega used, it might cost you more to get it right but don’t disagree with the above posters 

 

[Rockchild]

Even better

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audio-Technica-AT-LP5X-Turntable-3-Speed-USB-Output-Phono-AT-VM95E-Cartridge-/233375953191?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292

Money off again 

 

[DomT]

Even better

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audio-Technica-AT-LP5X-Turntable-3-Speed-USB-Output-Phono-AT-VM95E-Cartridge-/233375953191?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292

Money off again 

Exactly what I was to recommend if on a budget.  I did a thread several months ago about a ReLoop t/t I heard in a record shop and was impressed.  Its going to sound 'ok'.  But on your budget even going secondhand is tricky.  If you had more money then a vintage deck of some sort becomes viable.

 

[malcesine]

thanks for recommendations, could find another £100 in budget for something nice

 

[vinyl4ever]

Going to delve into the world of analogue as a wee experiment.
Any recommendations for used turntable around £2-300 ish?
Not worried about cosmetics and defo looking at used for better value.
I have a nice Vincent hybrid amp and Quad ESL63 speakers but amp has no phono stage, so need that too - at hopefully not too much additional cost.

If you like vintage.... this looks good value
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SONY-PS-X6-DD-TURNTABLE-SH-145-HEADSHELL-SPARE-HEADSHELL-2-CARTIDGES-LINN-K5-/274577922344?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292

Stewart

 

[savvypaul]

Vintage - a well cared for Lenco. And you can do loads with it, later. 

 

[greybeard]

Vintage again, Pioneer PL12D

Superbly built for what was a budget deck in its day. Japanese engineering and mass production at its best.

 

[Nopiano]

I find it well nigh impossible to recommend a particular used turntable, because so much depends on the condition and on unknowns, for example, if the stylus is worn.  That alone could add £50 straight away (a bit like buying a used car needing new tyres - an immediate extra cost).  
That said, Regas are plentiful and easy to set up, with spares and modifications if you need them.  However, for a first time purchaser I’d also prefer to suggest brand new because what might be obvious to an experienced user in a secondhand deck might pass you by entirely - and then it’s money wasted.  
A used Rega Fono of any generation is a great used buy as a phono step up.  I’ve owned two and they’re hard to beat for the £.  

 

[Faithless]

Rega P3 with a half decent budget cartridge and a cheap Project phono amp should get you started. If you can stretch a little more, a Systemdek 2X would do the job as well. Good luck.

 

[manicatel]

2nd hand for £300 or so, you’ll get a wide choice of decent turntables which would retail at twice that price when new.
Rega P3 would be an obvious choice, as well as quite a few alternatives.

The possible downside is that you would need to understand the history of the item & be comfortable with checking the stylus condition, bearing wear,  set-up etc etc.  Plenty of helpful people on here & other forums to chip in with support in that regard if needed.

If you wanted to play it safe & buy new, you’d get a warranty, no potential hidden issues, no dodgy eBay troubles etc.

Something such as a ProJect Debut carbon for £280, add £60 or so for a project or nad phono stage. Peace of mind as you’ll get a warranty & it’s easily good enough to dip your toe into the world of vinyl to see if it works for you.

I think turntables are a bit like sports cars. Buying 2nd hand can be an excellent way into owning something quite exciting but there are pitfalls to be wary of. If you’re clued up on potential issues, you can grab a bargain & a whole load of fun.

If you’re not technically inclined, sometimes it’s better to play it safe & buy new.

 

[awkwardbydesign]

Vintage - a well cared for Lenco. And you can do loads with it, later. 

Oh dear, don't go there!  https://www.lencoheaven.net/forum/index.php?topic=36020.0

:rofl:

 

[Lurch]

@malcesine I have an RD80SL with Linn Basic plus (LVX) here doing nothing. Happy to post, £150 Inc p&p. Then it's just a cart (AT vm95E) and phono.

 

[Colinjg]

Thousands of folk start with a Rega 3.  They are/were not wrong.

 

[awkwardbydesign]

@malcesine I have an RD80SL with Linn Basic plus (LVX) here doing nothing. Happy to post, £150 Inc p&p. Then it's just a cart (AT vm95E) and phono.

Bite his hand off, quick!  Seriously.

 

[malcesine]

Bite his hand off, quick!  Seriously.

@Lurch PM incoming
How much would a decent cart cost for this one?

 

[Don RJ]

40 quid for an Audio Technica VM95E, with future option of a better stylus that fits the cartridge body. Either microline  or shibata.