Yet another "I need a new turntable" thread!

I've acquired too much cool vinyl, and I'm ready to upgrade, but I'm not going to spend more than $400---I'm just not gonna do it. I'd ideally like to spend between $275-$350. I do want something nicer than what I already have.

What am I upgrading from? The only turntables I've ever owned; a
Technics direct-drive (20+ years old) on which the speed tends to drift too often
and is now at the moment retired, and was succeeded by a similar aged
Technics belt-drive that I rescued from the thrift store and put a new
belt on. The speed on the belt-drive model tends to drift as well. It gets me by though.

The usual suspects among turntables in that price range are my target;

Pro-Ject Debut II (cheapest of the three by a hair)
Music Hall MMF-2.1
Goldring GR-1 (the most expensive of the three)

I've looked through some past threads. What else should I consider, and any comments on the above choices?

Thanks,
Dan

 

Dan,

the Project Debut 2 has been replaced by a Debut 3, which comes with a much better tonearm. The new arm should work well with better cartridges than the arm on the Debut 2.

 

I'm not at all impressed with the build and material quality of the MMF-2.1 that I have...I've seen better built cheaper turntables.

 

If you're willing to buy used you can get a MMF-5 for around $350. They turn up on Audiogon on occasion. That's what I did and I'm very pleased.

 

Okay, that's why I saw a couple of places with both at similar prices. I couldn't figure out what the difference was at first.

There's a Pro-ject 1.2 on eBay for $200 as well.

 

New or used? Direct-drive or belt?

If you're interested in used, find a Denon DP-62L, a solid, rock-steady manual direct-drive (with tonearm lift) which can be had for $400 (sometimes more, but they're that reliable)! I had one for 17 years that never gave me a single problem, and sounded sweet with a Sumiko Blue Point high-output MC cartridge. Definately a step up from what you've used thus far IMO!

 

Considering the tables I've owned in the past (a cheap Technics with a P-Mount cart and a couple Duals that always had speed issues), the MMF-2.1 is the best I've ever owned. I replaced the stock cart with a Shure M97xE and I'm very, very happy. The only thing missing for me is an easier way to adjust VTA.

Rudy, what other tables in this price range would you pick over the MMF-2.1?

 

You might be able to get a used Rega P2 or P3 for under $400. I am very pleased with my P3, as are a number of forum members.

 

As always I'd get a used Rega 3
infinately upgrade and well built.

and they DO run at the correct speed!

Tim