Hi all, I am thinking of getting a good turntable. Bear in mind I am still a beginner! After some looking around, I found the below 3 options: TD 309 (TP 92 tonearm, AT-95 B) Price: 850€ New TD 125 (SME 3009 tonearm, no cart) Price: 700€ Used, not exactly sure about the condition, pictures look alright Michel Gyro (Tecnoarm, EPC-270C, HR power supply) Price: 1600€ Used, very good condition I would appreciate any input/ suggestion you have, and specifically your view on: The sound quality that these turntables can produce (assuming I upgrade the cartridges) The longevity and serviceability of the turntables Your overall opinion on what the best deal would be I realize that personal preference is key but auditioning anything at the moment isn’t an option - hence my request for assistance. Thanks a ton in advance!
I have been thinking about getting back into it. The more I think about it, the more I want to beyond of the new Technics Turntables for the same $$$ as a classic table. I had a Thorens 160 and a Rega 3 and they were both just OK. The Thorens had a terrible tonearm as did many of those early players. The Rega had a great tonearm but speed problems..... really leaning toward a SL1500c or 1210GR.
Of the three listed, I would get the Michell Gyro. However, the used price of it does approach the price of a new Technics 1200GR, which would be a safer choice, if you could get one in your area, and are not against direct drive. The SME 3009 arm is a dated design (while still good) and is geared more towards old-school high-compliance cartridges.
If the TD 309 is really new, that is a pretty amazing deal, the TP 92 tonearm by itself costs over 1000€ if bought separately, it's a very nice arm. The table has been discontinued for awhile now, so obviously old stock, but they were never big sellers. I think it was mostly due to the unconventional shape, because it has some quite advanced features, and garnered good critical acclaim in the early 2000s when introduced. There are some discussions around here, I know I've been in a couple of them. Anyway, that would be my choice of the three, but I have different priorities, so it may not be the best one for you
Gyrodec all the way. Amazing sound, totally reliable, beautiful to look at. The Technoarm is 1000 euros new, the HR psu another 6/700 Euros so do the sums. An amazing deal. Am I biased? Of course I am. Not a bad word to say about any other table, unless I have direct personal experience, so I will limit my comments to saying the Gyro all the way. If you are interested, don't delay. At that price it is a give away, almost tempted myself to have a second one. I was going to say as a spare, which is the buzz word of the moment, but a Gyro, is never a spare. If you have one, you use it, there to be played. Good luck whatever you do.
If the Gyrodec is genuinely in vgc, it’s a very good deal at €1600, with the Michell Technoarm, and the HR power supply. It’s a lovely deck, and will last a lifetime.
Thank you for your input A 1200GR (new, couldn't find any used in my area) was in my initial shortlist, but I "eliminated" against the Gyrodec because I find the latter to look much more interesting and felt like it was a better deal overall (as it is listed at 30-40% of retail). I also understand that Michell provides great support and I shouldn't have problems with any repairs that come up over the years. Does the 1200GR have any particular advantages over the gyro in your view (other than being new of course!)
I have a Td125 and it is excellent, but 2 things things to consider, which Sme3009 arm does it have? You really don't want the fixed headshell one as it will severely restrict your choice of cartridge. Do you want to learn turntable maintenance and repair? because if you don't at some point it will get very expensive.
Better speed stability, although it's questionable whether you could discern it between a well set up Gyro and a Technics DD; then it's about the better arm, aesthetics etc. Neither is a wrong answer though and you'd be very happy with either - which isn't helpful.
Michel Gyro (Tecnoarm, EPC-270C, HR power supply) Price: 1600€ Used, very good condition What is it to think about? For that price is a no brainer. By the way how old is GyroSE? (I presume its that model)
I believe it is the non-improved, removable headshell arm (had some trouble attaching pictures, I am new here!) See below 2 pictures (quite large, I couldn't find out how to upload a thumbnail or make it smaller, and the imgur link I tried before didn't work). Does the overall condition of the TT and arm look good? (not exactly sure what to look for) I would be very interested in learning how to maintain and repair the turntable, and I am generally quite good at tinkering What would be potential repairs that would be required (I am mostly thinking about the electronics, but you probably know much more)
Good point, not sure how old it is, asked the owner just now. The price is indeed quite low, but the seller has a couple of transactions with good reviews on the platform, so I don't think he is hiding anything - I should also be able to spot potential issues (speed, weird noises, etc.), but if you have any specifics to look out for, do share
Many things to check, the arm is the best one to have. There's a lot of specialist sites dealing with specific set up/ maintenance/ repairs. 1. Check the spindle is not bend. 2. The turntable needs to sit squarely in the frame, it needs to have a nice even bounce when you touch it. The springs are usually ok, but the rubber housing can be corroded. This one looks crooked. I'll try and find some links for you when I finish work
I reacted because of how insanely good price it is. Check the age, or get the serial number and send a question to Michell about the history of the deck. Really old ones I think uses papst motor instead of DC. If the motor is DC make him record the sound of it. Also if suspensions springs are old they need replacement. Same goes to belt. Nothing major, sets you back around €120-€130 for new suspension and another €30-40 for the belt. Order directly from Michell when it comes to belts as they had issues recently with QC. Besides that if the bearing is oiled in properly there’s not much to check. Tonearm I don’t have much experience with. I use SME 309 but if it’s a old one you can always check with Michell if it needs rewiring or servicing. Also check the history of the HR PSU. If it’s the old one or new one. Good luck
An original replacement belt, oil for the bearing and the OEM dustcover are included in the price (which makes it an even better price) If I am not mistaken, the HR PSU is only compatible with the DC motor, so I guess the motor is the DC version. I really like your suggestion about checking the serial number, more info cant hurt I wasn't aware that the PSU came in 2 versions, I will check that too Thanks!
I have seen HR PSU with different enclosures. Not sure if it was only enclosures that was different or inners as well. Wort checking out.
The Gyro is a fantastic combination for that price, I used to run exactly that combination, the Michell is extremely reliable and everything can be serviced or replaced at reasonable cost, as it has the HR I assume it's got the DC motor and is likely from the last twenty years. The arm is Michell's upgraded version of the Rega RB-250, (approved by Rega), it's an excellent sub £1000 arm, just be very careful fitting the cart as those Silver Litz cables are very fine and can lose the cartridge tags if you look at them the wrong way.
That’s the unimproved SME 3009 II and it looks good. Buy this turntable. It’s a great turntable for a starter. When you match it with a good cartridge you’ll find yourself deep in vinyl. IMHO Thorens TP309 or Gyro are not good turntables. Technics EPC270C is a good cartridge of the old times but I’m sure it’s reached the end of it’s good days. Additionally SME 3009 and TD-125 will worth more than €700 and can be sold easily in the future. As and alternative option consider getting Technics 1200 or 1500
I am biased, Thorens TD 125 with SME 3009 S2 in working order? That is a great table. It's also fun to tinker with, although some think that is a PIA. The website Vinyl Engine is full of Thorens' enthusiasts. They helped me with any question I had. Parts are getting more difficult to secure now, due to limited supply for a 50 plus year old table. But you can find them. You will end up with a fun, lively , engaging turntable, that looks cool. The fact that it has the removable headshell makes cartridge swapping easier as well. I don't know how it is underneath, and that is critical. If the motor is quiet, spindle is unbent, and the SME arm is functioning with out any hiccups, you got a good deal there. Plus with all the money you save, you can get a nice cart and be spinning in no time. However , if you do not enjoy tinkering with it, upgrading it, and improving the plinth, you may be better off with the Gyro. Nice problem to have.....Best of luck.
How did you came to that conclusion that Michell Gyrodec is not a good turntable? Made me laugh out loud
What didn’t you like and what was the setup? I’m just curious because I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone saying that Gyro is not a good turntable.
It is the Gyrodec SE, should have mentioned that in the title/ original post I guess Still great value though, as you pointed out. The TD 125 is also quite appealing to me and quite good value, so I am still quite torn - hopefully looking at them in person will help my decision!
