Part 1: Iconic turntables (which one makes it to our listening room?) 

Just great Harley and thank you. I look forward to the rest of this series. After owning several decks from the 1970's (yes we are probably the same age), and then a long absence from LP's and perhaps music in general, I recently put together a system thinking I would go all digital. It started just fine and enjoyable. When I was then presented with the opportunity to purchase a turntable, a Nottingham Analogue 294 Space. I find it remarkable for it's philosophy of design and execution. Both aspects being focused on simplicity. Of course the game of getting the digital side up to level with the analogue side begin immediately after, A new streamer directly hard wired to a modem, a new (and expensive) DAC from Bulgaria, of course new interconnects, and I have to say it has not yet been able to catch up. Although I have a theory about why, I'm simply not knowledgeable enough to explain to present it here. But i do know what I hear and I'm astonished by the sound of analogue. As if I never heard music before.

It's a pleasure to visit your civilized corner of the Internet.

Since my born language is Spanish, my pleasure is to understand every word you say. Clear pronunciation and right speaking speed! I have a Technics SL 2000.

As always, I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and knowledge.

I love the range of turntables you introduced here from the simple AR-XA and P3, the entry level PL-12D and Garrard 301, the slightly higher end LP-12 and Brinkman to finally some very beautiful and more complicated turntables. Excellent list and great description of the history of turntables.

Well done. We all expected to see a massive turntable weighing more and costing more than our daily driver. I am hooked. Looking forward to part 2.

Thanks for an interesting video! I don't have a Thorens TD160 but I have a TD150 that I bought new in 1972 and has given me 50 years of continuous service. I recently refurbished it with a good polish and clean, new belt, acrylic arm board, new acrylic cover, new modified Rega arm and a re-veneer of the plinth. I have never considered replacing it with anything else and it will now outlive me. I'd say it was iconic 😀😍

Takes me back. I had a Goldring-Lenco in the '70s, followed by a Rega Planar 3 which is still in use today with a similar SME arm to the one you showed, complete with silicone trough, and a Denon DL103.

I am missing a Denon turntable. They had fantastic direct drive turntables with the Denon DL103 MC cartridge. This cartridge from 1964 is still in production! But thanks, it’s a great 😊 list!

I sold Regas from 83 to 2015 and was always impressed. I'm a member of an Australian Forum now and there is a creeping mendacity towards the cancelling of the brand on this Forum. Technics is the be all and end all. Glad to see someone in the business that appreciates Rega for what it is.

Looking forward to this series of presentations

Fantastic video and always very educational. Looking forward to parts 2 and 3!

Another wonderful and informative video, I am looking forward to the other episodes, thank you for taking the time to make them.

Thank you very much for this. I’m now going to my music room to listen to my Thorens TD 160 while I look forward to Part 2 of your three part series.

Harley, thank you for sharing your passion for music, music reproduction and your love for audio gear. Enjoyable video as always. Regards, Brian

I bought a second hand P3 about 4 years ago. Absolutely no regrets, and I don't see much need to upgrade it any time soon.

Lovely video, my father would have loved watching this. My parents had the Garrard 301 and we found it recently after moving from our family home. It was and still is in dire condition and not in working order. We kept it in case anyone would want it for parts as we couldn’t bear to throw it in the skip. They also had Quad speakers the size of my flat! I’m posting here in case the wonderful world of the internet would be interested. Spread the word if anyone would like more information it’s in storage in London gathering more dust, as are the speakers!. Thanks again for the video, very informative and delivered with such passion.

Fantastic show.Thanks all. So interesting and I was surprised rgat I'd heard of four of them! Your'e a great host Harley .Captivated me from start to finish.X

I am really glad you included the PL 12D .I have had one for years and I love it .

Another great episode. Thanks for taking the time to put these together.

Thanks for another great video. I have at home the Linn LP12 and the Michell Orbe and enjoy them both. I was born in 1972 so your observation of it being a significant year wasn’t lost on me!

The loudspeakers and the vinyl pickup are the most important pieces. Because changing sound from movement to electrics and back are the hard bits. The rest is from simple to trivial in comparison.

Very informative and well laid out! This is going to be one of those videos I'd forward to buddies looking to get deeper into learning about the turntable histories!

Lovely video, very much looking forward to parts 2 and 3!

Nice video. I like the very calm and relaxed mood. And a great walk down memory lane.. having owned Lenco L75, Pioneer pl12d, Thorens td160, and Technics sl 1300 - the automatic 1200. Thanks a lot 🙂

I came across this video yesterday, and I love your presentation I have since watched quite a few, you have a great way of explaining things, also I have a Rega RP6, so I was surprised when it was a Rega that came out on top. Looking forward to seeing parts 2 & 3

A used Planar 3 (1998) was/is my first turntable. I have a RB300 tonearm and an AT150Sa cartridge - It's amazing :)

Great upload. Many thanks for tracing back my memory lane.

My first turntable when I was a teenager was a Garrard - the SP25 Mk IV. Then as a student I also upgraded to the Pioneer PL12D/Shure M75EJ. After my student years, when I had more money, this was replaced with a Rega Planar 3/AR cartridge, followed by a Linn LP12/Linn Ittok/K9 setup. I now stream music from Qobuz via an Apple Mac mini and dream about going back to vinyl! C'est la vie : )

I have a vintage Linn Lp-12 and sounds wonderful, love it.

In my return to vinyl 14 years ago, I purchased an entry level Rega RP1 to see if the vinyl experience was worth it. Since them, I have modified this table with an aluminum sub-plater, acrylic platter and an RB330 arm. This simple setup will be a part of my system for many years to come.

Philips GA 212 from the 70s. Outstanding performance and value for its day.

I just love these talks, it brings sanity to my life.

I have a Technics SL-1100A which I bought in early 1974 which predates the SL-1200. The SL1100A was claimed to be the first “integrated” (with tonearm) direct drive turntable in the world. I still use it.

I bought a (new) Thorens 160 back in the 1970s and loved it . When I got back into vinyl a few years ago I was lucky enough to get a pristine Thorens 165 for a great price. I like this 165 better as it uses just gravity for stylus presure instead of a spring like in the 160.

Wow your story telling really took me into the scene , Thank you for taking the time and sharing part of your Audio Journey

I'm very happy you included the Garrard. We have had Garrard for many years. From a cheap basic in a Dansette player to my current player a Zero 100 which I bought new in 1973. I know the Zero has known issues. A true classic in terms of being unique but not the best of kind. I would love to hear you talk about cables a very touchy subject.

Very nice, the Lenco L75 gave me a big smile, as a student I had one and I was very proud of it 😊 it was sparkling beautiful an looked like it was double the price it costs. This was followed by a technics SL 150, which was a version with tone arm mounting plate of a SL 1500 direct drive. I had an SME 3009/ II Improved with fluid damper mounted on it. Then came a Transrotor AC which I bought with an SME 3009/ III arm but I changed this to my old version II for the better looks. I still use ist today and had to replace the belt last year, a real scandal…. It was running only 45 years ! 😎

Stumbled on by accident, and….. what a nostalgia trip. From my late teens the first “hi fi” I heard was my girlfriend uncle’s (301) which got me started. My very own starter was a TD-150, and then on. The LP12 (original) on the sideboard now in pristine condition but now ornamental (see below). Somewere along the way the LP12 was “borrowed” by my son, then Rega 3, Technics SL? (Parallel tracking) which I had till around 2009, when the LP12 was returned to me. Must be close on 1000 lps in our store room languishing, all classical save a few including Dark Side of the Moon. And then there was the rest of the varied other components from Quad 303, Stax headphones, Naim, ESL57, KEF “Daleks”(can’t remember the number), and even a pair of Leak mono valve amps refurbished by Leak themselves outside Leeds where we lived. Now……. A pair of Apple HomePods but all my listening is through Phonak P90 hearing aids 😥. The best? Naim, LP12 SME Ortofon MC, and magnificent stacked Quad ESL 57s 1975-1979. Look forward to your next instalment.

Brings back memories!! My pride and joy,lenco gl 75, with a shure cartridge!! Thanks

I have the AR XA turntable. It is an amazing record player, so simple and well executed. MOMA has one in their permanent collection. Compared to my Oracle/Alphason it is close in performance. Remarkably easy to use, dead accurate, silent wow & flutter and very dynamic- you must hear one! Remarkable…

That was really fun! Back in the 80's when I was setting up my system, I wanted a SOTA, but ended up with a P3 (with the straight one-piece tonearm, like in the second photo). Using a sorbothane mat for a little better isolation, clamp, a mid-range cartridge (dynavector) and rewiring the back end (because of cable corrosion), I have really been quite happy for a very long time now. A while back I switched to a McIntosh pre-amp, and I think I get all the reveal I need with my older ears! From the looks of it, the P-10 has improvements on all the best parts of the P3 formula.

My parents owned a Lenco l75. Was my first experience with a turntable. Later on bought 2 Technics SL 1200 mk2's. Because DJ. Now I own 4. 3 for the dj booth and one slightly modified for my hifi setup. In my hifi setup I only had and I only want Technics.

Fantastic, insightful viewing Harley. Most enjoyable.

Very nice presentation. I purchased a SL 1200MK2 in the mid 1980’s and used it continuously for 30 years then sold it fir more than I originally paid. A fine piece of engineering. But as my other kit was upgraded… it definitely was holding back the sound. I’m super happy with my new red P3 with Ortofon Bronze. Much more detail and separation.

A very enjoyable trip through turntable designs. I bought the AR XA turntable while stationed in Korea during my army service in 1969. I used it up until the late 70's when i replaced it with a Connoisseur BD2 and gave the AR to a friend. Peter Mitchell of the Boston Audio Society published and article on improving the XA and I may still have a copy of that somewhere. As I recall the arm on the later turntable was better but the suspension on the AR just worked better. i remember having a Thorens 316 that had a problem with a bouncy floor, I solved that by "floating" the Thorens on an 8" inner tube that was inflated with just a few PSI of air - i remember it taking some trial and error to find the center of mass so it was all level but it solved that floor bounce once and for all.

Nice presentation, always enjoy hearing about decks. I have a fairly high-end Linn Sondek that's evolved since I bought it back in '94, I love how it sounds. That said if I could have any deck it would be an SME model 60, that thing is a pure event in every aspect.

Supprised that no bang olufsen made it to the list. The brand seems so iconic even if I don’t think they sound good for their buck

I enjoyed this video so much! We are of an age. I think, and your recollections and reflections on early hi-fi were great - thank you!

I own a Technics 1200g and its smallest brother 1500c. Glad to see 1200 in your list, Harley. Nice and well documented video! 👌

Thanks for a great video once again, Harley! Always enjoyable and informative! I agree that each turntable merits their place on the list, but I'm missing 2: - the Ariston RD11, on wich the Linn Sondek LP12 was based (well...) - not a commercial success, but a great story.... - the Dual CS-505. Back in the 80s, they were hugely succesful, and, to me at least, they are a trough mark of the era...

Great and informative video. I bought a PL12D back in 1978 and apart from changing the cartridge, stylus and headshell within a few months, all I ever changed were styli, belts and acrylic lid. I serviced it regularly and finally sold it in 2018. I replaced it with a higher end modern turntable but I really miss that wonderful Pioneer.

A fantastic video, bring on part 2!

Nice job. My LP12 dates to 1984 but I've only owned it for 15 years. Looking forward to episodes 2 & 3.

An excellent video Harley. I grew up a few years after you and was lucky enough to have an LP12 for some years. I sold it to fund university! I never sold my LP's and stored them carefully until Covid led me to a new turntable. I chose a Michell Gyro, but the Rega P8 was also on my list. I was a hifi snob as well and Rega was sneered at, until you heard one objectively. There are a number of fine machines available now, but the huge oil rig dimension machines don't excite me at all.

Wonderful list of turntables, happy owner of a Rega P3, so glad you chose the P10, just a wonderful machine!

Wonderful talk. I purchased a Dual 1216 fitted with an Empire 1000 cartridge new in ‘76. Years later it fell into disrepair due to several moves. I had it restored recently and presented it to my daughter. It’s been in daily use ever since. Thank you.

Had my Rega P3 (with the straight RB300 tonearm) since 1986 and apart from replacing the band it's been brilliant. It's probably the one component that hasn't been upgraded or will be over time. Nice round up!

Glad to see the PL-12 make the list. About ten years ago I was looking for a good turntable and one day I found a PL-12 in the garbage near my home. All it needed was some TLC and now it's paired with a Pioneer SX-424 I bought for ten bucks in a thrift store, and both play absolutely great!

I had the AR Turntable for several years, and it was designed for a Shure V-15 Type III. I just got tired of a completely manual turntable. It didn't even have a cueing device. However, the performance was the best of any turntable I've ever owned.

Loved the episode. Very informative and enjoybale at the same time! Thanks.

Yes I was a student in the seventies and I bought a Pioneer PL12 D which I still use today. Great turntable and arm.

Excellent video. I am glad to see a couple of turntables I have owned. One of my biggest regret is selling my LP-12. However, I am back to vinyl with a VPI Scout. Looking forward to parts and 3. Well done!

Thank you. Looking forward to the next ones.

In 1977 I bought a barely used Sony 2251 with a Gen 2 SME 3009 and Grado Cartridge. Still play it to this day. Fantastic table/arm combo.

I'm glad you mentioned LENCO! I have 3. Great refurbished.

I currently own three of them: Linn, Technics, and Rega. Thanks Harley.

Great video. Really looking forward to the next two videos.

I have an Technics SL-15 since 1984 and an SL-1210GR since this year. Wonderful

I've got the Rega rp8, fantastic turntable! In skeleton mode, obviously. I particularly appreciate the setup simplicity, as well as the stellar performance

I picked up a Technics sl1700 mk2 semi automatic and ive paired it with an AT 150 SA cartridge and Vista phono stage and the marriage is simply awesome. This setup rivals my digital chain which costs 10x the price.

Brilliantly presented and researched piece, thanks Harley.❤😊

Hi Hartley. This is a very nice video. Wonderfull to hear the history of turntables. Gr André de vries.

Great guide to many of the iconic turntables of the last 60 years, Harley. My journey went from SP25 IV through Thorens TD160 / Hadcock Arm to Systemdek /SME III (the original Transcription model). The Thorens was great insofar as it was well engineered and with the Hadcock arm was consistently musical. The Systemdek was chosen for its quality engineering, suspension and SQ - it was never iconic (despite of or perhaps because of the love-it-or-loath-it Nextel finish), but I never felt tempted to change it in favour of the more hyped Linn LP12 - as much as I respect the latter. Happy days, when putting on a 12" slice of vinyl felt like an event! Looking forward to hearing more about the Rega in your listening room :)

I sometimes dream of owning a P10 so I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts about it. My wonderful P25 is really a dressed up P3 and I love it. And I always appreciated how you could play a Rega out of the box - no tinkering required!

I ought my Thorens Td 160C in the early 1970’s and I still have it and use it today. Just fantastic.

I have a Thorens TD 166 MK 2 I bought new back in the early 80's. Love it!

What a perceptive and thorough list! Through the decades, I've owned a Garrard, a Thorens, a direct drive Technics, an LP12 and a Gyrodec. My Gyrodec sounds wonderful. My friend had a Rega P3, it was a super record player, I'll be fascinated to learn about your P10 in. Part 2!

Look forward to next part. I'm curious to hear thoughts on P8 vs P10.

Saved my money in the 80's. Bought at TD160 from a dealer in Wimbledon (intimidating!) had my SME 3009 bolted on using various cartridges from shure. Ortofon. Happy times, but my grail turntable........ One day at a bus stop in Clapham Junction and was curious looking at some fantastic looking equipment in a hifi shop. I entered, and spoke to a fantastic guy called Alan. I then listened to a Townshend Rock turntable (I can't remember the arm) with a Decca London cartridge. Incatech class A amp (50 - 60 watts approximately) via Sir Galahad speakers....... Never heard anything like this before. The following day the Incatech, and Rock turntable had pride of place in my front room later adding a Hadcock SS 220 and a Music maker 2 cartridge. Nothing looked or sounded like it. I think it deserves an honorable mention!

Just discovered your Channel. Brilliant! I’m easily annoyed by much on RU-vid, but could listen to your commentary all day.

Fascinating! Thanks. I have a Dual 1009, from 1964. The first version, without a cueing lever. It sounds amazing, I find it is superior to many modern decks. The platter is very heavy indeed, and the arm is very light. And it is fully automatic of course. I rather think it will last forever!

rock and metal with garrard is heaven

Fascinating presentation thanks xxx

Love your presentation, articulation, style

I hope that in part 2 there will be discussion of record care/cleaning as that aspect of playing LPs etc to their full potential seems to be crucial. I have watched Michael Fremer's efforts in the fight against static & grime with various contraptions, and hope to see your recommendations. ps I wonder whether the old dust bug company is still going and can I buy shares?

Thank you for this stroll down memory lane and your effort putting this video together. My list would be similar to yours although I might have added the Pink Triangle as it also caused a lot of fuss as the first possible competitor to the Linn Sondek. I spent hours and hours in the 70s auditioning equipment at Graham's HiFi in London. This was an important sales technique that they had at the time: give a potential customer lots of listening time with no pressure to buy and they will come back to you. I always wanted an LP12 but couldn't afford one. (I ended up with a Rega Planar 2 as that was as much as I could spend at the time.) However, the demos of the LP12 were not lost on me. Even when switching to cheaper amps and speakers, the Linn system often sounded better.

Thank you for the video really enjoy your presentation.

Wonderful presentation. So much knowledge and an ear for good music I hope.

I knew that AR looked familiar. I had one in the mid to late 70s. I was living off campus with roommates. Someone they brought in liked it along with all my other gear. Never saw it again. I eventually replaced it with a B&O a few years later. It still works. Luckily, they left all my records. Some of those are irreplaceable.

What an excellent review of the important milestones of modern turntables. I was in Hi Fi retail in the late 60’s and early 70’s and it was the Garrard 301 and 401 and the space age Transcriptors that made a great impression on me, though I could never afford to own any of them. A superb presentation, thank you .

Excellent talk, thank you, had a fold down Garrard turntable with attached speakers back in the 60's wore many records out on that player. My best buy was a 1976 Marantz series 6100, wish I hadn't sold it. Today I turn vinyl on a Fluance which sits on a wooden plinth.

Nice video and nice turntables selection. Despite I prefer digital sources, because I believe you can get better quality with less investment, I always keep a turntable in my system, and 3 years ago I got a Garrard SP25 MK IV that belongs to my father in law, I repeared it, build a new plinth and I am enjoying it. Really excited about the following 2 videos in the serie.

Well done, thank you. I am not an outsider looking in. I drank the Kool-Aid a long time ago. I own some very expensive equipment (Wilson and McIntosh). Having said that, I really have a problem with the pricing of the Rega P10. The Rega P10 is listed at between 7 and 11 thousand dollars. With extras, you can go even higher. Sorry, but I don't see it.

Your videos are just so interesting and educational. It was great to see a few turntables I have direct experience with, namely the TD-160, PL-12D and the P3 which I purchased in 1981. I got rid of it when the motor started running in reverse and Rega wanted £200 to replace it. What a mistake that was. I loved your reveal, was fully expecting a great big heavy beast of a turntable and it turned out to be the P10. That made laugh. I have never heard this particular turntable but of course its known to be a great piece of engineering. Looking forward to part 2 of this series. Thanks for the journey, most enjoyable.

Every time I watch your wonderful videos I realize I need to get my act together and grow up. (Also, this was fantastic)

I had an P3 for many years (got it in 88/89), then I got an TD160 which was not really that much better. Then I finally got an TD320mkII, which blew the P3 away, I still think that the TD320 is one of the best record players for the price (in good condition). Between all 3 players I used the same components; MC30ii, MCA10 and an GramAmp 1 ... it just worked. I then sold everything which had to do with vinyl.

Being in the US Air Force while in Germany from 1969-1974, I had the opportunity to encounter every piece of high-end audio equipment you can imagine. This was possible due the Audio clubs on various military installations across Europe. The American G.I. had money and idle time to afford the best. All the manufacturers were represented at these clubs. I finally found the "Best Set-Up" at that time.....and this has evolved over the years...... 1. Turntable: AR XA (Perfection.....I had too many issues with all other turntables to date). 2. Cartridge: Shure V-15 Type 2 (Ranked #1 at the time....a flawless sound). 3. Amplifier: McIntosh (tube version). I currently settled with a DUAL "mech-less" 4-40w channel automotive radio that runs on pure flat/clean 12vdc. 4. Speakers: AR3a (I later designed, built, tested and used my own huge enclosure (3-way) with 15-in speakers which I found far superior). I still use this in my garage where it moves a lot of air. In the late 1990's, I designed/built my current use of four (4) satellite (2-way) surround speaker set-up with a separate dual voice coil 12-in woofer in a tuned-ported enclosure under the office desk. Sweet! 5. Headsets: Koss Pro 4A 6. Storage media: I've since transitioned from reel-to-reel to digital with no issues. 7. Musical collection: From Wagner to The Rippingtons, but no Country/Blue Grass. Have fun! Regards, "E.V." Norat II, USGovt DOT/FAA(Ret.)

Thank you for yet another insightful and informative video! I am wondering what is your opinion on heavyweight models like Kronos Sparta or Kuzma XL Air turntables? Looking forward to pt. 2 of this fantastic series.

Thanks. One of the best Hifi-Videos I ever saw.