New use for old 'hi fi' ?

Hudpod25

I actually posted 'Post number 11' before 'Post 10' because the way it reads at the moment is confusing. Sorry.

Stuart

googler

Again, it boils down to how much you want to spend, and what you want from it.

A replacement cartridge on a hand-me-down BSR will play the records, certainly - but I'd much rather get something like a budget Pro-ject or Rega deck straight off the shelf, as the results are bound to be more satisfying. However, this is where your budget comes into the picture.

You need to ensure your Arcam amp has a suitable phono input, otherwise you'll need a separate phono stage to connect up any turntable.

Hudpod25

googler wrote: »

Again, it boils down to how much you want to spend, and what you want from it.

A replacement cartridge on a hand-me-down BSR will play the records, certainly - but I'd much rather get something like a budget Pro-ject or Rega deck straight off the shelf, as the results are bound to be more satisfying. However, this is where your budget comes into the picture.

You need to ensure your Arcam amp has a suitable phono input, otherwise you'll need a separate phono stage to connect up any turntable.

Thanks for the advice - I have been looking at a Pro-ject discussion forum and I am thinking about the way to go.

Stuart

fwor

I personally would not buy new if I were looking to get a turntable today. They are sold as "audiophile" items these days, and are priced accordingly.

The entry-level Pro-ject and similar products will be very basic compared with what would have been very good quality in the 1980's. If you avoid the big names like Rega and Thorens, you will find some real top-quality bargains on Ebay from lesser-known good makes such as Dual.

googler

fwor wrote: »

I personally would not buy new if I were looking to get a turntable today. They are sold as "audiophile" items these days, and are priced accordingly.

The entry-level Pro-ject and similar products will be very basic compared with what would have been very good quality in the 1980's. If you avoid the big names like Rega and Thorens, you will find some real top-quality bargains on Ebay from lesser-known good makes such as Dual.

I've had turntables by BSR, Garrard, Dual, Pioneer, Rega, Roksan and Linn at various times in my household, and I'm afraid the only expression that comes to mind when considering the Dual is "Plasticky Cr*p". Not a well-engineered piece of kit at all.

fwor

googler wrote: »

I've had turntables by BSR, Garrard, Dual, Pioneer, Rega, Roksan and Linn at various times in my household, and I'm afraid the only expression that comes to mind when considering the Dual is "Plasticky Cr*p". Not a well-engineered piece of kit at all.

I owned a Dual for quite a few years - it was heavy, well-built, and I don't recall it having a significant amount of plastic on it. They made quite a few models (in Germany) so I don't know which model you are referring to when you refer to "the Dual".

It was, however, just an example. My point is that a midrange turntable from the 1980s will be better built and better value than an entry-level one bought new today.

googler

CS506 rings a bell, but can't guarantee .... hang on -

this looks like it. The 'plinth' was the cheapest, flimsiest plastic imaginable, the platter was a thin metal affair of no real substance, and the less said of the pickup arm the better, I'm afraid.

I didn't buy it, my Dad did. I upgraded him to a Rega 3 at the first opportunity.