oldson
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Post by oldson on May 11, 2018 18:38:48 GMT
guys, i am considering adding a deck to my desktop system which currently includes my marantz pm7003 amp, but i know very little about this format. dont really want to spend too much (£300 tops) so looking at budget unit. i dont think i will be needing a usb output as i think that would defeat the object. i believe my marantz amp has a phono stage built in (which will be ok for my speakers), but, if i want to listen through headphones i do not want to use the marantz's headphone out. so i'm assuming the deck of choice must have a built in phono stage?(so i can connect to my headphone amps) and, if so, can i still connect this to my amp's phono input? i will most likely have to add an rca switch box to connect to my headphone system, but that is not a problem.
what i would like is any advice on good quality deck, new or used?
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on May 11, 2018 19:23:04 GMT
Consider using the Marantz pre-amp and connect your headphone out to the tape rec. out.
There are plenty of affordable 2nd hand decks around. You probably only have to grease the spindle and change the needle and may be good to go. When going for a belt drive you may have to replace the belt.
When you are looking for something new look for 'Pro-ject' decks.
For second hand: Technics direct drive (would stay away from their belt drives) Thorens (belt drive) Dual (not too old ones)
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on May 12, 2018 10:18:41 GMT
Blimey, I just sold my old Thorens deck on and you could have had it for nothing Simon! My old LP’s have rubbed away to placemat status.
I was really silly years back and got rid of a Sondek for this cheaper Thorens and while it was pretty good, it wasn’t really as good as the old Sondek I think.
Project decks are currently being sold new I think. I saw some a couple of weeks ago, looking just like the old ones. They’re great little decks.
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oldson
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Post by oldson on May 12, 2018 17:12:13 GMT
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Javier
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Post by Javier on May 12, 2018 17:39:23 GMT
Rega used to make pretty decent entry level decks and arms. Heck even MM catridges!
Sent from my SM-G930F using proboards
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on May 12, 2018 17:41:40 GMT
Actually Simon, the Rega is very good as well. I think the newer ones had the platter loaded with more weight for less ‘wow’ effect. (Not flutter) so it’s possibly better than the original Regas. The Ortofon cartridge with the other one might be quite ‘toppy’. The reason I mention it is that I had a very good Ortofon at one time and it had a lot of top end and lacked low end grunt. That in itself wasn’t the problem though, it was end of side distortion problems. Because the treble was raised (and at the time, it was going through a Mission system with a Cyrus 2 and some Mission speakers) end of side distortion became almost painful with loud stuff. So if say, a Symphony was ending which is normally loud, it could be really gritty to listen to. That meant cartridge alignment was really crucial and ended up with me changing the arm in order to try and get proper alignment. In any case, the higher up I went with cartridges, the more obvious it became as well. I spent thousands on blasted cartridges. Mick used to make high end cartridges and I even used them myself and they really showed up any problems even more. Anyway, it might be an idea to hear the Ortofon just in case if you go for that one. Both options are really nice and good value. Next, it’ll be a record cleaning machine!!! Then cones to isolate the deck, then a new arm, then the search for a cartridge and then .......
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on May 12, 2018 17:45:28 GMT
Rega used to make pretty decent entry level decks and arms. Heck even MM catridges! Sent from my SM-G930F using proboards Legendary arms when they came out. I think I preferred the Rega cartridges to the Ortofon tbh as well.
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oldson
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Post by oldson on May 12, 2018 19:06:47 GMT
Actually Simon, the Rega is very good as well. I think the newer ones had the platter loaded with more weight for less ‘wow’ effect. (Not flutter) so it’s possibly better than the original Regas. The Ortofon cartridge with the other one might be quite ‘toppy’. The reason I mention it is that I had a very good Ortofon at one time and it had a lot of top end and lacked low end grunt. That in itself wasn’t the problem though, it was end of side distortion problems. Because the treble was raised (and at the time, it was going through a Mission system with a Cyrus 2 and some Mission speakers) end of side distortion became almost painful with loud stuff. So if say, a Symphony was ending which is normally loud, it could be really gritty to listen to. That meant cartridge alignment was really crucial and ended up with me changing the arm in order to try and get proper alignment. In any case, the higher up I went with cartridges, the more obvious it became as well. I spent thousands on blasted cartridges. Mick used to make high end cartridges and I even used them myself and they really showed up any problems even more. Anyway, it might be an idea to hear the Ortofon just in case if you go for that one. Both options are really nice and good value. Next, it’ll be a record cleaning machine!!! Then cones to isolate the deck, then a new arm, then the search for a cartridge and then ....... sounds like a potential minefield for me and also prone to future upgraditis i dont think demoing is worthwhile as it'll sound totally different in my setup.
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on May 12, 2018 20:16:19 GMT
if i buy a deck that has built in phono stage, am i still ok to plug into my amp's phono input ?? I don't think there are many turntables with a built-in phono stage. When they have they probably also have an ADC on board and USB out. Should you find one with a built-in or separate phono stage then this should be connected to a line input. Both Rega and Project are nice turntables. Would buy myself a nice second hand Thorens or Technics. Wait... still have these in my attick... need some work though.
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oldson
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Post by oldson on May 12, 2018 20:22:03 GMT
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on May 12, 2018 21:40:18 GMT
The SL-2000 is a classic. In this case expensive but when fully restored (suspension is probably replaced as well as the potmeters) then this is a great deck that should last 30 years or more. I thought the arm lift is not problematic with this one. Some models had the damping fluid run dry and the needle doesn't drop slowly in those.
The Q2 is a much later one. Also good but the SL2000 is 'nicer'.
Have owned the 1300 still have a 1510 mk2 but the suspension is broken (rubbers decayed and the subchassis/platter sags to the chassis now)
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oldson
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Post by oldson on May 13, 2018 16:26:26 GMT
that is the biggest problem, i guess, when buying used decks. the mechanics that you cannot see could be on their last legs. there is no mention of the suspension parts being overhauled. But i am tempted to make an offer on the 2000, though. trouble is with my eyesight getting worse now and unsteady hands, maybe an auto would be advisable
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oldson
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Post by oldson on May 14, 2018 19:11:26 GMT
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Crispy
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Post by Crispy on May 14, 2018 19:45:50 GMT
I used to have the Linn sondek years ago Simon, but on reflection the suspension system was always needing setting up which was a right pain. Have you though of buying a brand new deck? Thomman do a belt drive Reloop 2 in black - red or white that looks a nice deck? I dont know anything about them but they look a nice solid deck with no set up involved, plus you must be on a winner buying new? @ £250 + a Audio Technica Cartridge @ £29 it is cheap enough to take away the worries of buying second hand. Links: Just checked the links and noticed it comes with a ortofon cartridge so even cheaper @£250
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oldson
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Post by oldson on May 14, 2018 21:20:19 GMT
I used to have the Linn sondek years ago Simon, but on reflection the suspension system was always needing setting up which was a right pain. Have you though of buying a brand new deck? Thomman do a belt drive Reloop 2 in black - red or white that looks a nice deck? I dont know anything about them but they look a nice solid deck with no set up involved, plus you must be on a winner buying new? @ £250 + a Audio Technica Cartridge @ £29 it is cheap enough to take away the worries of buying second hand. Links: Just checked the links and noticed it comes with a ortofon cartridge so even cheaper @£250
hi mate, yes i have thought of buying new. my problem is sticking to the budget. also there is an awful lot of nearly new project and rega decks on ebay, which has me doubting their worth. if im honest i prefer the look of the vintage stuff (though of course the sound quality is most important.) from what ive learned the thorens td160 is very easily modded , which interests me as i do like to tweak things
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