Turntable wanted - Midlands area

[scottnotsteve]

Hello, I'm looking to get into vinyl and am after a turntable, happy to collect from the midlands area within reason.

Please let me know if anybody has anything available.

Thank you

[paulsherwin]

What do you mean by 'turntable'? Are you looking for a hifi deck to connect to a hifi system, or a 70s 'unit audio' stereo system, or a 60s portable record player, or a big radiogram?

[scottnotsteve]

Hi Paul,

I've been looking at ones similar to a Goldring Lenco GL75/78 or a Pioneer PL-12D. I will most likely link it up to external speakers so no need for built-in speakers. Something a level above the new 'plastic-fantastic' record players like the Crossley Cruiser et al.

Thank you.

[Station X]

Originally Posted by scottnotsteve

Hi Paul,

I've been looking at ones similar to a Goldring Lenco GL75/78 or a Pioneer PL-12D. I will most likely link it up to external speakers so no need for built-in speakers.

Thank you.

You won't be able to link either of those directly to passive speakers. You'll need an amplifier.

A music centre or record player might suit your purpose better.

[Radio Wrangler]

The PL12D goes for rather raised prices these days. A lot of people remember having one in the 70's and now that they've had the idea of listening to their LPs again, it's the first thing they think of, so demand is focused on them and their prices on the usual auction sites have taken off. Consider comparable turntables from the other Japanese makers, or other Pioneer models and you'll get a better bargain. Amusingly, better models seem to sell for less!

There are many possibilities, it's maybe a better approach to see what's available in your area (turntables are a bit too fragile to trust to couriers or the post, so local is best) If you choose a model and then target that, you'll spend more time and money.

The same goes with amplifiers. You'll want something from the right period because most recent ones lack the dedicated inputs for magnetic cartridges and need to be used with an adaptor box. Again, there are many many suitable models.

If you're lucky, someone on the forum in the Staffs area may offer something, if not, look around your area and post what you see to get advice on the 'grab it quickly' to 'avoid like the plague' scale.

If there's something offered too distant for an easy collection, try posting an FCS (forum courier service) request. It's an ad-hoc friendly arrangement where mambers travelling around the country will move stuff for others. The handling is much more sympathetic than commercial services.

David

[paulsherwin]

Good advice from David.

Keep an eye on eBay for record decks close to you for sale collection only and you may find a bargain. Any of the 70s and 80s Japanese decks sold specifically for hifi use is likely to give good results. There is no real point in trying to find one of the models favoured by the 'golden ears' brigade unless you are really serious and have a suitable system to use it with.

[scottnotsteve]

Thank you for your replies David and Paul, will keep an eye out.

[Hoveradio]

There's a Goldring Lenco GL75 in the Radiophile auction this coming Sunday.Very near to you at Gnosall.
John.

[scottnotsteve]

Cracking find John, will definitely be there. Thank you.

[Mark_RR]

You’ve not indicated a budget, nor any necessity for vintage equipment, so I would look at buying new. You can buy an Audio Technica ATLP120XUSB for £199 from Richer Sounds and then claim £25 back from the manufacturer. This comes with the excellent ATVM95E cartridge and a built in RIAA phono stage so you can connect it directly to your amp.

If you are serious about vinyl and intend to buy it new, then you need to protect your investment as it is pretty expensive and easy to damage with a worn stylus, misaligned cartridge or dodgy arm bearings. Something like the AT will help keep the vinyl in good condition.

[paulsherwin]

The Pro-Ject decks sold in Richer Sounds are also good buys if you want to buy new.