The 7 Greatest Hi-Fi Turntables Ever Built (And Why You've Never Heard of Half of Them)

Comments · 178

• RO

  @rogerthomas9017 · 3 months ago

  The turntable/arm system is only 1/3 of an analog source. You also need a cartridge and a phono preamp, either built into your preamp/amp/receiver or a separate component. And the table must be protected from external vibration on a proper support. Note that radio station cartridges needed to be long-lasting and very sturdy, not superb high quality transducers. So &nbsp;you need to follow up this review by addressing suitable cartridges, phono amps and support systems to properly match these recommended tables.<br>Note: My analog system is a Rega Planar 8, a Hana Umami Red cartridge, paired Sutherland Dos Locos phono preamps, sitting on a wall supported shelf with a Isoacoustics ZaZen base to absorb any final inherent vibration. Magnificent.

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• BU

  @busterb11702 · 2 months ago

  I would think that VPI deserves a mention.

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• LE

  @lesjones6745 · 2 months ago

  In the 1980s I inherited a Garrard 301 from my father, fitted with an SME arm. &nbsp;It performed beautfifully for many years. &nbsp;I eventually converted to CD and forgot it, but some time later, I thought to sell it to a company (Loricraft) which refurbished items like this. &nbsp;They bought it from me - and I now hope it is still providing good service.

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• LU

  @lucasartscrafts6023 · 2 months ago

  thanks a.i. i. a. ctually learned something from this

• GE

  @Gerard-m2j · 2 months ago

  I bought my Akai in 1980 and its still going today.

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• TE

  @TerryFowler-r5l · 2 days ago

  I have a marantz 6170 direct drive semi automatic that I purchased in 1980 and it still plays great. Listening to it now.no troubles ever no repairs either just works

• JO

  @JohnBailey-s3u · 2 months ago

  My Technics 1000R is a really nice piece of equipment, sounds good, looks good and should last for years. I&apos;ve owned a few turntables and listened to many and all different types can deliver satisfying results but mass, speed stability and isolation have to be there to really get the most from the tonearm/cartridge combination.

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• ST

  @stephenchen1420 · 2 months ago

  For the Goldmund Reference entry, I saw a few Kuzma decks in the picture.

• JO

  @JohnCurtisDownunder · 2 months ago

  Your comments about SME though, are absolutely correct. I have been using SME tonearms since about 1975 - I have an M2-9 on my current turntable, a Michell Gyro SE.

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• TI

  @timjump7344 · 2 months ago

  There&apos;s an SME 3009 or 3012 tone arm shown on almost all of the chosen decks. &nbsp;That&apos;s no accident! &nbsp;Oh and by the way, the Linn LP12 was heavily promoted in the UK HiFi press durning the 1980s and , therefore, was and still is well known to UK enthusiasts.

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• BL

  @blackwaterdogs4256 · 3 months ago

  As long as your `table holds the desired speed accurately, and does not generate any unwanted noise, you`re doing OK, regardless of brand, pedigree, etc. Cartridge is the next important thing in the chain of command, get a decent one, make sure it`s set up properly, and you`re good to go.

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• RI

  @richardvickrey4786 · 2 months ago

  OMG! &nbsp;I DID NOT KNOW that Nakamichi, the Deagon Masters as it were, ever produced a turntable. &nbsp;What these obsessive Japanese audio engineers accomplished is nothing short of astonishing. &nbsp;Now, I have my &quot;Holy Grail&quot; of turntables to pursue. &nbsp;Thanks for sharing. &nbsp;I am deeply impressed.

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