Can never go wrong with a Technics in good shape. The amount of headaches you avoid having a swappable headshell, adjustable VTA, and the most reliable speed you could ask for is worth every penny. Only thing that sucks with the older models is the attached RCA.
I have a very nice Technics SL-D2 that I got for free. also my pioneer single play bought in hong kong 1966. I also am a broadcast engineer so got to keep the old gates, etc tables going. a tip. clean the rubber parts with alcohol.
Sad to not see the Technics SL 1800 on the list. Still my one and only turntable after 45 or so years. Brushless motor with the platter used as half the motor in the 70's??? The inner business part is very well suspended from the outer case/feet.
The 1219 is the direct predecessor of the 1229. It is about 97 % identical to the 1229. Especially if you compare the latest 1219 to the very first 1229.
I've owned 1009(f?) A TANK. Needed full restoration, contacted well known Dr. Dual, (way more money than I could afford). I only own the drop 45 rpm spindle I bought on Ebay. It's one of those things where with head tossed to side, I heave a sigh.....
Love my $58.00 1219 with a Shure V15-III cartridge. Cleaned the old hard grease out and lubed with quality fishing reel grease and viola it's like new. I've had it now 5 years and it's going strong.
The 1219 was the predecessor to the 1229, made from 1969-1971. It came in two iterations. In the v1 version, the cuing lever does not work in multi-play mode. The 1219 is the same as the 1229, minus the built-in strobe. Many of the parts are interchangeable. The 1229 also came in a 1229Q version... Q for quadraphonic. The only real difference was updated tonearm wires to support the high frequency pilot signal needed to decode quad playback.
You can't beat any of these Duals: 1009, 1019, 1219, 1229 (all idler drive). I also like the 701, a direct drive model. I have a copy of each of the aforementioned units.
Duals were my favorite. Before them I had a BSR and a Sanyo. My last was a Pioneer linear, but it only lasted 4-5 years before the motorized arm stopped working.
My Dual 701 turntable is great but I have also a Dual 1219, Linn Sondek LP-12 I visited the factory as a dealer in 1983 and all my turntables work great. I have hundreds of LP's in great shape. Working at a stereo store was great.
I'm using a DUAL 704 Electronic Direct Drive, with a Nagaoka JT322 cart with a Shibata Naked diamond stylus. In total it cost me less then €500 and I love it! I have a custom made acrylic dust cover on it as well, looks so good. I did go from vinyl to CD during the 90's, but now I use both as they both have their strong and weak points. The thing about vinyl is that it takes more time and effort to properly use it (starts with cleaning any new record), which in turn makes you really take time to sit down and listen to the music.
I sold most of the tables you reviewed when I worked for a couple of shops in Harvard square from 72-75. Thorens and Technics were the top picks for people with money. The AR was a best-seller because of price/performance.
You might also wish to try the Rega planar 2 and 3. These are very simple, just a motor, a glass platter and a VERY good tone arm. Made in England and sound great.
Currently using a Planar 2 from 1978 with cherry wood framing with a Nagaoka MP-110 cart and can confirm! It's not nearly as detailed sounding as my Marantz 6170 but it sounds way more powerful and "musical". And the motor is practically indestructible! I'm never going to stop using my Rega! :D
Bisarre choice that you put Rega on line 2, they have dominated the turntable market and won more awards than any other company PLUS they are one of the simplest to work on.
Had a Dual 1228 - 1229 without the changer mechanism maybe? Upgraded to a Pioneer PL-570, which I loved for many reasons and had for many years. Not on your list...complicated electronics maybe?
Excellent - Thank you! Your list has some of mine on it too. The AR, Dual 1229 and Empire. Add add two others have mentioned. Garrard 301 and 401 and one you'll hate for its service complexity but when restored, a great unit; Yamaha PX-2 linear. The Technics SP-15 and 25 are great as well but they are starting to have capacitor and solder joint issues, eek!
A few comments about Thorens: Thorens is pronounced Torens with af hard "T". Thorens was Swiss made, not German. These days it has become German, but that was after their bankruptcy in the late 90´s. Creating a list of vintage turntables with simplicity as the most important feature, seems a bit strange to me. I would rather look for clever inventions than simple creations, which Technics and AR represented so well.
Some great turntables here, I also have a Thorens TD 160 mk1, can I also mention some of my other excellent turntables that you didn't feature such as the Kenwood KD990, and the Garrard 401, both of these are brilliant.
Realistic Lab-400. Much mystery behind who produced it but it's a rock soild performer. Just installed an Ortifon Blue cartridge and it's a great TT. ❤
I’ve owned many high end and vintage turntables and my FAVORITE one was always the AR XA due to it’s SIMPLICITY and tone arms that would virtually float down towards the vinyl.
I just got a very old but in great condition Rek O Kut T12 with a Shure 232 arm. It has that low idler noise floor but this beast is so dynamic and forceful in its music presentation. I'm amazed.
suprised you have not mentioned the Yamaha YP-D71, a classic turntable that does show up here and there (though the price has spiked significantly in recent years).
very interesting video. I am currently using the last model AR turntable, "The AR Turntable" with a Linn Basik tonearm on an aluminum arm board.I believe with some minor mods this TT rivals anything under $2000, and a few over tnat amount.
I’ve had a Marantz 6300 since new in 1977, it is like new and with a good cartridge it hasn’t let me down. Friends are always recommending tables in the thousands, maybe I’ll buy one if the Marantz dies. Great videos, thanks.
I appreciate your connection with turntables and that "connection" to vinyl. Its something I was blessed to grow up with and it sounds better with the right turntable and amp/speakers. I have a Fluance RT83 with upgraded plate and Ortofon Blue cartridge. Staying with heritage and media that has so much historic meaning in history is so much more than many in our electronically advanced society will truly enjoy. Thanks for sharing!
Picked up a Hitachi PS-48 a year ago for a fair price on looks for my spare listening room. Love this TT so much I actually got rid of my Rega.... Love the sound and appearance of vintage....just recently upgraded to a Grado Opus Cartridge and could not be happier 👍
I have had both belt drive and DD tables, and have been critically listening to records for 55 years. I still hav eexcellent hearing, dispite being a musician ( Earplugs LOL). I was given a Sony PS-FL7II Direct Drive linear tracking table and, after replacing drive and transport belts , was blown away. I dont see you saying much about linear tracking, and they dont seem to have as much cred as standard designs. I'm curious as to why. They are complicated mechanically, but do a better job of tracking the groove than any other type. Paired with my 80s AT 166LCU cartridge upgraded nude diamond stylus it compares to CD quality. Biggest difference is the LT table does not distort the inner grooves like conventional tables do. I'll never be happy with conventional tables again.
Currently my favorite turntable to use is my Realistic Elac Miracord 46. It's fully automatic (I tend to like semi-automatic in other TTs) and it's an idler wheel (I was previously a direct drive guy). I bought it at Goodwill for $5 and pulled it out of a bin piece by piece. I had to get a skate and spindle for it. Someone must have cleaned and regreased it because it ran perfectly when I got it, except one of the metal pieces underneath was bent and the start up wasn't working right. I bent the piece back into shape to match the piece next to it and it ran perfectly after that. It's fun to use. The tone arm is short and lifts at an awkward looking angle, but lands perfectly every time. Push the button and walk away. It's a great machine.
Automatics are the only turntables I have ever owned, the start, play, shutoff is the only way to go. Got my first Dual 1218 in 1970 now at 71 years old I don’t want to fuss with a non automatic turntable.
I acquired a Dual 1219 from one of my clients for free. $200 in service later and the thing is working like the day it was manufactured. Now I don't wake up to my stylus repeatedly plowing into the label on my record anymore!
Another really well done video! And I appreciate you keeping it local. In the words of Harry Callahan - “A man’ got to know his limitations”. About 20 years ago my old Denon died so I replaced it with a new Rega P2. What do you think of those?
I Luv The Rock! Have one stored in closet. Got it used. Have others in small collection including couple of newer models back in boxes. These newer machines don't have feel and sound of their 70's predecessor's. Currently playing Kenwood 3070. Not great, but pretty darn nice.
i have a Technics SLQ2000...1983 P-mount..20 bucks from Goodwill....had a ADC PSX 20....upgraded to an original PSX 30.....love the sound....afraid to replace it and lose" that sound"....that table would get laughed at in some forums....but IDC....It shows what Technics was all about......great , affordable and everlasting sound.... was the ADC cart put in by someone or did Panasonic include them?...
Cool! I have an SL-110 with an SME arm and Shure V15 type III pickup. I bought it in 1970's after I got my B&W DM2A's at their Worthing shop. My dad was friend's with John Bowers and Roy Wilkins and worked for B&W for a short time.
Good Grief! I found this list pretty amazing. My path too has followed simplicity, design, and manual operation. But, with all the turntables available during these years, I have only had a relative few, but what a list, as least as evidenced by what is covered here. 1964, my first real turntable, ARxa, about $64.00. 1968, Pioneer PL-41, purchased at a PX in Viet Nam and shipped home. 1974, Technics SL1200, initial production model - the first arm, simple single switch for 33/center off/45, lift, speed adjustment controls, fair trade pricing back then, $279.98 I think. 1984, I traded in the SL1200, getting in some fashion what I paid for it ten years earlier - they were still very popular with DJ's - this was mainly a direct drive and torque issue - fast startup onver belts. Took home Harman Kardon T-60, about $475.00 list back then. Then soon after, around 1985 I got out of vinyl when CDs hit, and didn't have a turntable again until 2017. I bought a Haman Kardon T-40 and then added a T-60, both from ebay. Though not 60's-70's, I'll add here that both of these turntables follow the same path - simple and relatively 'clean' design and function.
I love my pioneer pl 707, was lucky to find it for $100 that was pristine in condition. It goes with my pioneer stack, But I currently have it hooked to the fisher 500c.
I have the first Gen, Technics SL1200, they are a bit rare but findable, things I like is the Cue Dampening, Sturdy build, strong player, I use an Ortofon 2m Blue and Nagoaka MP-200 currently rotated. Your video showed the more popular SL-1200 MK2, which came out in like 78 while the First gen was closer to the SL-1100, 1972-1977ish.
Yeah, I had one of those for a few years. A good table. I gave t to a friend who now uses the same cart as you, Ortofon blue. ...or perhaps red. A very good table, but too noisy for me.
Like many I grabbed my first good stereo while in the military. Too immature to hold on to anything but I loved my sl 1200 and 9090. LOL. I even packed 4 Sansui 2000 ?? on the aircraft carrier. Some shipmates thought I was a little wacky. Good memories so thanks.
@@skylabsaudio my personal bias is towards Garrard 301 too as it is my first turntable 💛 a cherry red one. It is most important to me after my family 😭🤣
My first table was a BSR. 1980 bought a used Duals 1216. I still have it and love it. Since then two 1215S, two 1216, 1218, 1225, 1226, 1229, and two 506 Duals. Love them all
Luckily for me, I think my first turntable will be my forever turntable. I purchased my mint condition Yamaha YP-701, with an ADC QLM30 Mk-III cartridge, 15 years ago for about $250CAD ($190USD). I've recently replaced the stylus (same cartridge). For me, I don't anything more than this turntable/cartridge combination. Although, I am interested in trying other cartridges. To me, this turntable is a piece of art. It proudly sits on top of my stereo cabinet. It is a statement piece that sounds as good as it looks.
Yeah those early ARS are awesome the song fantastic and you can pound out in with a hammer they don't care so much for technology that is bad some Modern stuff is terrible I love turntables have over 100 yeah I'm old thanks for doing this keeps me inspired well
I want to ask you a quick probably stupid question....to me I know what i think but I am curious how you feel about it. Do you personally feel there is any advantage to an S curve tone arm over a strait tone arm? Whether it be in tracking or reproduction of sound? Thanks!
I've had my TD166 mk2 Thorens for 39 years. It's in good shape (its outlived 2 CD players), including the original dust cover. The only negative is that you're choice of cartridges is limited because of the head shell.
I started out in around 1973 with AR XB 1a , kept it for years and have it stored now in the original box and foam with the books. Next I went a bit sky high with Linn LP12 Ittok Karma. Then to Sota Star Saphire 2 . Still have that and love it . Two Turntables years ago really did me in though . Nakamichi Dragon and also Thorens Prestige. They are some piece of work there for their day . Just saying how I feel about Turntables.
The seventies and eighties as well were the golden age of the turntable...0ften.Fully mechanical, using iddler ,belt or direct drive motor...some of them for professionnal purposes were fitted with injected aluminium plinth and 12"" tone arm.like hilighted by the following machines: Emt 927,930... ( the best ever)thorens TD124, Garrard 301,401, Sl 1200 technics, For domestic purposes AR ,Thorens TD 125/150/160 as well uk Linn sondek,Ariston Rd 11,...for people having experienced the listening session using the number of MM or MC cartridge, available at this time remain amazing remember .! Currently,a lenco L75 represents the best opportunity to get a vintage turntable alway available ,easy to maitain in good working condition at a low cost....( little spares easy to find on the web)
I think so, too, raymond; the nineteen seventies, and 1980s were the golden age of the turntable that developed, evolved further, and was still affordable for a very good turntable that had precision, quality, and was engineered well. Besides the 1970s, the nineteen eighties were a golden age of music, and musical recording; but that's mainly my opinion.
Good company. I like vintage gear. I never had anything really high end, but had three on the list. AR, Pioneer and Technics. I passed on the Technics to a friend who loved vinyl. I am content with DD Sony. Automatic suits me better personally. I have been digitizing some pristine albums to hi res files, modern world. I found the choice of cartridge to be as important as any other aspect, nice to rotate for different subtitles. Cheers
In my opinion it is the cartridge and the ability of the turntable to consistently maintain it's turning speed without needing to constantly adjust it that are the two main things I look for in a TT. A good direct drive over belt drive is next. After that I can live with most other different designs.
Great post! I was a QA tech at the Dual U.S. main distribution location in Mount Vernon, N.Y. back in the late 70's. One of the main features on their turntables was how accurately you could balance the tone arm. At audio shows we would mount the turntable upside down on a rack and play a record. The tone arms were so finely balanced that there was minimal wear on your vinyl. Beautifully engineered.
My Dual 1218 still works. I purchased it in 1974. When a wrapped record wouldn't play on other tables, the Dual was there to show that it could be played.
I grew up with a Dual 1229 and was so sad when it bit the dust in 1985! I also loved that it muted during the automatic cycle and the noises that the unit itself made while it cycled! Peace.
Great Video. Just getting into vintage gear. I only have newer hifi. I just checked the shelf. I've got a dual 1218 and a thorens 147 jubilee. They are not on your list, but same manufacturers. so much to learn! keep the videos coming, please :)
I love your unbiased opinions on components.. The only turntable I've owned was the one I bought when I was in high school, which was a technics sl220 belt driven and best audio Technica cartridge I could afford... couldn't afford the direct drive model... But I never had any complaints with the sl220, it did everything it was supposed to do and thought the speed controller was a real plus with the Technics players.. When the belt drive got old and broke, I used a comparable sized rubber band and it worked...lol
Cool video and the turntables you feature are good choices. The only thing I'd criticize is your section on the Technics SL 1100 and SL 1200. You're correct on the SL 1100 coming out in the early 70's (1971) and SL 1200 (1972), but the problem is, it seems you are featuring a later model (Mk 2 ? 1979) Which would be a better choice than the original model of the SL 1200. Technics has a cool page, their "Heritage" page. It gives info and dates on the SP 10, SL 1100 and different versions of the SL 1200. So besides the dates being a little off on the Technics section, cool video. 1👍
The Thorens is VERY quiet. As in the background noise from the motor and bearing. I used to spend hours mucking around with it and I've had it so quiet that it couldn't be heard playing blank passages of an album with the volume turned up more than double the setting that I listen to music at what for me is high volume. This is loud enough to be heard out on the street. And at double this volume the turntable was silent. This is absolutely the key to high definition playback. But plonked on a shelf and used as is, this is still a very good table. Mine's simply plonked at the moment and I use it every day. Here in Melbourne, Australia I see Thorens TD160 and 165 come up for sale with Empire MM carts. There must have been a dealer back then who sold these tables with these carts. This is how mine came (second hand 16 years ago)and it's a fantastic combo. I've tried other tables, sometimes for a year or more but when I swap back to the 165/Empire it sounds better. The Empire cart is very clear and tonally a little light on mid-bass. Opposite to the classic Stanton carts. I need this tonal voicing as my speakers are bass heavy transmission line.
One advantage of the Dual Turntables most people don't realize is that they don't need to be level to have accurate tracking and anti-skate settings. The spring adjusted tracking weight allows the turntable to be set at ANY angle, even UPSIDE DOWN and as long as the record stays on the platter, the turntable will track and play properly.
I have several Dual's and none of them have "spring adjusted tracking weight" I have never heard of "spring adjusted tracking weight" There are servo controlled tracking arms and linear arms but not on Dual's. Perhaps you could explain?
I love my Dual 1245. I bought it in 1974. It t is fully automatic as it is a record changer although I haven't used the changer in years. It still works. As long as I have the manual I can repair it. As far a the antiskate I can tilt it but why would I want to?
@@Dsoul51 Let me explain my understanding of anti-skating. Anti-skate has nothing to do with tilt, at least in the Dual 1200 series. Anti-skate is a small force put onto the tonearm to push it towards the outside edge of the platter. This is to counteract the natural force on the tonearm to pull in towards the center. This is caused by the friction of the stylus in the groove. As the record spins, it "pulls" the stylus towards the inner side of the record groove, causing more pressure on that side of the groove. This extra pressure can audibly affect the volume, balance and tone of the musical signal. If you have a way to protect or easily remove your stylus, you can test this skating effect by placing the protected cartridge on a smooth low friction surface on the platter. As the platter spins, the tonearm will be pulled in towards the center spindle, rather quickly. This is the force that anti-skating is designed to counteract.
@@ivansbacon I've replied twice to your question, but the reply has been deleted (I suppose, since it is no longer on this site). Regardless, the Dual 1200 series tracking force IS set by a spring. If you click on my name, you can message me for answers to your question.
@@philatwood2086 Seams to be a confusion caused by your terminology. Yes of coarse the "anti-skate dial does tension a spring(s) counteracting lateral or inertial tracking force (skate) inherent in the spinning record. Your use of the wording "tracking weight" implies VTF Vertical Track Force as weight changes the VTF. You reinforced that confusion by claiming you could turn the table upside down and the tone would stay on the record and play it fine. That is absolutely false. There is no spring forcing the tone arm down onto the record. It is gravity, a fulcrum/gimbal and a weight to counteract gravity that sets the tracking force. I have completely removed the arm on my 1219 and replaced it, there is no spring at all in the gimbal or attached to it that would impart any force to keep the arm down on the record. I have work stand that allows me turn my deck completely upside down. There is indeed a spring in the anti-skate mechanism, in fact there are two springs. Also, although the deck does have anti vibration springs under it, that does not mean that the plinth does not have to be level. If it is out of level then gravity will cause the stylus to not contact both sides of the groove with the same pressure. Anti skate adjustments are NOT there to compensate for gravitational effects on an out of level turntable. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turntable_anti-skating The necessity of anti skate is debatable in some circles, Pun intended.
Yes they are. I don't think they are that picky with amplifier pairing. I've used a Sansui AU20,000, Accuphase e202, and a McIntosh 2105 all 3 sounded great to me!
Cool video, I live in Europe so some of the models like the AR and Empire turntables are very exotic here. Other than that, the list is pretty compatible to what it would be over here. My personal favorite is the Dual 1019, also build like a tank and very quirky. I love the looks and feel. It almost looks steam punk. The Dual 1229 is a very good one. Dual also made a few very good direct drives, the 701, 721 and 704 (a half automatic 721). And Technics, well, what can you say: No DJ ever got fired for buying a Technics SL1200. BTW, talking about DJ, before the days of the SL1200, many DJs used the Lenco L75, an other idler wheel TT. It is possibly not as good sounding as a Dual 1229 but it has a very strong following here in Europe. And easy to find here, but also with propriety head shell.
Yep lots of mods for the AR. That's how George Merrill started out back in the 70's, and then took everything he learned to create the Merrill Heirloom in the 80's. He didn't make a bunch of them so really hard to find one. I've never seen one for sale. They are heavy as all get out. According to George mine is one of the last ones according to the SN. Still has the original belt. His digital speed control would be the only upgrade but I'll let my ears decide when its time to add it. he also told me no need to buy his current GEM Dandy unless for the digital speed control. (But his Merrill -Williams R.E.A.L., that's a whole new league) Loved my Dual in the 70's with Dynaco speakers (and amps some of which I still have), Technics in the 80's with Advents. I have had the Heirloom since 98, it sat in storage with a dealer before I bought it. Sold the K-horns I modified, just kind of looking for new speakers. Kevin has my VAC Avatar tube amp right now to give it a checkup after 22 years. It has always worked fine but I am close to Sarasota for a couple weeks (so no shipping woes!!) but after that long not a bad idea to check it. A college roommate in the mid 70's introduced and schooled me in classical music with a Thorens. It's a great time to go vintage or modern these days.
I am in Omaha. Next time I get to Des Moines I will try and stop by. I currently own a Garrard DD-75 and a Kenwood KD-2055. Both are decent considering I paid next to nothing for them.
I am still using the family Philips 312 turntable from 1979. Only issue it ever had was a fractured rca connector. Replaced the cables and sounds better than new.
My sears solid state 1974 non belt auto tone arm with working 8 track still spins perfectly and I can still get diamond flip needle stylus. I love stacking 45s watching the drop.
Interested on your opinions on Sherwood? I recently inherited my grandfather's S-7310. Beautiful condition, everything is in working conditions and to me sounds wonderful. You'll be seeing me after the holidays. Looking to do some general maintenance to the power supply and any other cost effective things you're team would suggest. Planning on picking up a set of vintage speakers that pair beautifully with the receiver. Looking forward to your suggestions when I'm able to do some A & B testing at your shop. Can't wait to see grandpa's face! Great channel by the way!
The arm and head-shell were the weak points of the AR turntables. That’s why I eventually sold mine. I was in my early 20s at that time and it was a great second turntable which replaced and inexpensive Garrard turntable. Several more turntables followed and now I’m 76 and I am not interested in new equipment as I am extremely happy with every piece of gear that I’ve got right now.
If I had crystal ball I…. I enjoyed owning this combination: Sansui 6000, Dual 1219, Akai reel to reel and JBL Athenas. I just thought that it was good stuff. All purchased overseas. WHAT A DEAL!!
Very nice review. There are a few points that might be helpful for buyers to consider regarding the Thorens turntables. The TP16 tonearm internally uses push connectors within the arm that attach to the back side of the receiver plug for the head shell. The push-on connectors used on the internal tone arm wires are very thin metal and over time often become loose, causing intermittent dropout of the signal. The solution is tedious and involves removing the plug from the tone arm, tightening the connectors and reinserting them. The better solution is completely rewiring the tone arm which provides a big reliability improvement and has some sonic benefits. I personally replaced my arm with a Jelco arm and never looked back. Regarding the Empire tables, the motor is a high speed motor compared to the low speed synchronous motors used on the Thorens and AR tables. For the tables I've worked on the rumble from the Empire table measures much higher when compared to the lower speed motors and can be audible. That said the Empire tables are very cool looking and well made. Again, nice review.
The Dual 1219 and 1229 were nearly identical, the main difference being the 1229 had a built in strobe. The 1219 was introduced in 1969, and either model will give the same level of performance. Many were sold, and their still fairly easy to find on the used market. The connection issue with the sled is solved by thorough cleaning of the circuit board traces on the contact plate in the arm head. Remove the corrossion on the silver plated traces and treat with deoxit. Use only the cartridge sleds with spring loaded pins, and you won't have any more problems. These tables perform wonderfully when restored, which is an absolute must. You could easily track them at the cartridges lowest setting; e.g., well under 1 gram, the friction was that low. The speed was solid and the rumble was quite low for an idler drive. As for the AR, can't say I was ever a fan. It was cheap to buy and it showed. Can't tell you how many motors failed and how many arms needed replacing because the wires were ripped out. The arm was nowhere near as good a performer as a Dual arm. The sleeve horizontal bearing had relatively high friction,and the damped vertical pivots were problematic. AR recommended disabling it on high compliance cartridges. People used to buy these with Shure V15's, and you could see considerable sideways cantilever deflection, due to the horizontal arm friction. But good old Consumer Reports put it on the map, and the legend continues to this day.
Great video sir, and yes currently have 2 sl 1200s and I once owned the pioneer pl41 about 11 yrs ago and they are ginormous, but I loved it except it ran a bit fast I didn’t know how to address that at the time, it if I ever came across another I d grab it!
I've had turntables made by Dual, Denon, Technics, Pioneer and JVC, and the one that's been sitting in my main system for years now is a Sony PS X500, one of their BioTracer line. It's as close to a "set it and forget it" deck as I've ever used.
I own an AR XB which a building super gave to me. Even has the original box, accessories and paperwork which has a purchase date of December 20, 1975 I also have some Dual turntables.
Mind the correct pronounciation of THORENS. It does not sound like "the thick thief thinks". You have to say "torens turntable". Thorens turntables are a Swiss desgn, made in Switserland and in Western-Germany. Thorens was a part of Hermes business machines. My Thorens TD 160 is over 50 years old and is doing well.
I got my Technics SL-1600 in the late 70s. Only problem, being a smoker, is I had to clean and relube the speed adjustment pots a couple years ago. They got twitchy, jumpy during adjustment.
