YOUR Top 5 Automatic Vintage Turntables

Skylabs Audio・2 minutes read

The Dual 1219 and 1229 were the top picks for vintage turntables due to popularity and availability on eBay, while older models were praised for build quality compared to modern turntables lacking fully automatic options.

Insights

  • The Dual 1219 and 1229 turntables were the top choices due to popular demand and detailed comparisons by Bill Newman, showcasing their availability and subtle differences on eBay.
  • The shift in turntable build quality post-1980, marked by the absence of integrated circuits in older models, highlights a preference for simplicity over automatic functions in modern turntables to avoid common issues, as indicated by research findings.

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Recent questions

  • What are some recommended vintage turntable models?

    The Dual 1219, 1229, Realistic Lab 400, Techniques SL 1300, and SL 1600 are popular vintage turntable models praised for their build quality, reliability, and pricing on eBay.

  • Why are older turntables preferred over newer models?

    Turntables older than 1980 are favored for their superior build quality compared to newer models, which often contain integrated circuits that make repairs more challenging.

  • What is the price range for vintage turntables on eBay?

    Vintage turntables like the Dual 1019, Realistic Lab 400, Techniques SL 1300, SL 1600, and Dual 1219/1229 typically range from $200 to $850 on eBay.

  • Are there any automatic vintage turntables recommended?

    The Pioneer PL 45D is a recommended vintage automatic turntable known for its simplicity and ease of maintenance compared to more complex models like the PL 570.

  • Why are fully automatic options lacking in modern turntables?

    Modern turntables prioritize simplicity over automatic functions prone to issues, leading to a scarcity of fully automatic options as manufacturers and consumers opt for reliability over complex features.

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Summary

00:00

Top Vintage Turntables: Dual, Realistic, Techniques, Pioneer

  • The Dual 1019, an idler Drive turntable, was chosen as the number five spot for its stacking capabilities and ability to play 78 RPM records, with prices ranging from $200 to $500 on eBay.
  • The Realistic Lab 400, a direct drive turntable from 1978, was a surprise inclusion at number four for its simplicity and economical pricing between $200 to $300 on eBay.
  • The Techniques SL 1300, a direct drive turntable from 1975-1978, was praised for its reliability and great motor, with 22 available on eBay ranging from $250 to $600.
  • The Techniques SL 1600, a direct drive turntable from 1977-1978, was noted for its exceptional build quality and 23 available on eBay ranging from $200 to $850.
  • The Dual 1219 and 1229 were the clear favorites, combining for the number one spot due to overwhelming votes, with Bill Newman explaining the minor differences between the two models and their availability on eBay.
  • The Pioneer PL 570, a rare and complex flagship turntable from 1977-1979, was mentioned as an honorable mention due to its intricate automatic functions and difficulty in finding servicing options.
  • The Pioneer PL 45D was recommended as a more manageable alternative for those seeking a vintage automatic Pioneer turntable, known for its simplicity and ease of maintenance compared to the PL 570.

15:26

Shift in Turntable Quality Post-1980: Repair Challenges

  • All turntables on the list are older than 1980, indicating a shift in build quality post-1980 due to integrated circuits, making newer turntables harder to repair.
  • Modern turntables lack fully automatic options, with only a few entry-level models available, as manufacturers and consumers prioritize simplicity over automatic functions prone to issues, as revealed through research on known problems with automatic features.
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