Turntables as an art form

[Artsfols]

I'm looking for a turntable but with a bit of a skew on the requirements. I won't actually be using it a lot. I have a few albums and I play them mainly for nostalgic purposes. I've been looking at turntables online: Sony, Fluance, Rega, et cetera. At a $600 to $1200 CDN price point it seems like I'll get decent enough sound quality.
But I want something that looks really cool. I had a look at the offerings at our local Best Buy and, frankly, the build quality did not compare with what one sees in the manufacturers' photos. One brand was particularly poor - I don't think it's fair to name it based on a quick impression, but it looked like sloppy mactac pasted on particle board.
I know I can spend $3000 and get a work of functional art, but I don't want to spend THAT much.
So ... who makes the best looking turntable at my price point? Links and photos would be great.
I would also like a built-in phono preamp. Or a very small separate that I can stick on the back part of my stereo cabinet.
I'm not ignoring all practical considerations either. I want a good cartridge, a tone arm that isn't going to play the label if I'm not right there, and adjustable feet for levelling.
I'll be playing the turntable through a Denon X3700H, Totem Arro speakers, Totem sub.

 

[DanielT]

Here you can find inspiration regarding the looks:

Nice turntables. Attached picture is an absolute requirement.

Post a picture of a vinyl lathe that you think looks good.:D Performance information, optional. I am most interested in some nice pictures. How vinyl sounds is of secondary importance. For me anyway.:) Feel free to tell us about your youth's vinyl player. Take a trip down memory lane...

audiosciencereview.com

 

[MAB]

I would also like a built-in phono preamp. Or a very small separate that I can stick on the back part of my stereo cabinet.

I'll be playing the turntable through a Denon X3700H

Why do you need a turntable with a built-in phone preamp or a separate phono preamp? Your Denon already has a phono preamp built in.

But I want something that looks really cool.

Can you give some details? I ask because these look cool to me:

AT-LP3XBT

Audio-Technica’s LP3XBT turntable combines 60 years of high-fidelity design with the latest Bluetooth® technology, giving you cutting-edge features while drawing on decades of audio expe ...

www.audio-technica.com

Music Hall Classic Turntable

Experience the Music Hall Classic turntable: a complete 2-speed belt driven package with a precision-aligned MM cartridge, built-in phono preamp, and adjustable vibration-damping feet. Enjoy accurate speed control and seamless connection to your system. Order now for exceptional performance at...

musichallaudio.com

Debut PRO Turntable - Pro-Ject Audio USA

The Pro-Ject Debut PRO makes audiophile-grade listening accessible for any budget. We've upgraded every component from our Debut Carbon Evo turntable.

pro-jectusa.com

And I worry you may be looking for something that looks like this:

ANUBIS – TriangleArt

triangleart.net

 

[DanielT]

But I want something that looks really cool......... a work of functional art....

Cool looks and art what is that? Likes and tastes differ.

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Hilma af Klint

Edit:
I myself would not plug in a vintage, if it is now considered cool looks, record player without a vintage amplifier / receiver plus speakers that are in line with it. I would go for the complete package. But that's me.

Like this:

(not my stuff)

Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary speaker review & measurements by Erin's Audio Corner

No such problems with R3, Focal 906, Dali Rubicon 2, etc May be, but these are all speakers that don't even begin to have the appeal of the Linton, at least for people who like that sort of retro look.

audiosciencereview.com

The vintage craze.

 

[Artsfols]

Why do you need a turntable with a built-in phone preamp or a separate phono preamp? Your Denon already has a phono preamp built in.

Can you give some details? I ask because these look cool to me:

AT-LP3XBT

Audio-Technica’s LP3XBT turntable combines 60 years of high-fidelity design with the latest Bluetooth® technology, giving you cutting-edge features while drawing on decades of audio expe ...

www.audio-technica.com

Music Hall Classic Turntable

Experience the Music Hall Classic turntable: a complete 2-speed belt driven package with a precision-aligned MM cartridge, built-in phono preamp, and adjustable vibration-damping feet. Enjoy accurate speed control and seamless connection to your system. Order now for exceptional performance at...

musichallaudio.com

Debut PRO Turntable - Pro-Ject Audio USA

The Pro-Ject Debut PRO makes audiophile-grade listening accessible for any budget. We've upgraded every component from our Debut Carbon Evo turntable.

pro-jectusa.com

And I worry you may be looking for something that looks like this:

ANUBIS – TriangleArt

triangleart.net

Regarding the Triangle Art - I don't want something that looks like it will wake up and stab my eyes out in the middle of the night. LOL.

I can't use video output when I use the phono preamp in the Denon. I have a computer hooked up to my Denon and work on the big screen TV while listening to music. If I hook the turntable up to a line level input I'll be able to use the computer while listening to an album.

That's the first non-ugly Audio Technica I have seen. I don't need strobe lights and what all. At least I don't think I need it.

The problem with the photos is that I worry about fit and finish. What is the Music Hall made from? Just veneer or shellac on particle board? I don't want that.

 

[Doodski]

It's worth a look see to check out Canuck Audio Mart for turntables. There are many for sale.

Turntables Used and New Classifieds : Buy, Sell and Trade in Canada - Canuck Audio Mart

Used Turntables classifieds in Canada. . Buy, sell, and trade used, second hand, and new Turntables with other Canadians on Canada's largest hifi, stereo, and home theater classifieds site!

www.canuckaudiomart.com

 

[Artsfols]

Cool looks and art what is that? Likes and tastes differ.

Jean-Michel Basquiat
View attachment 254044

Hilma af Klint
View attachment 254045

View attachment 254046

Edit:
I myself would not plug in a vintage, if it is now considered cool looks, record player without a vintage amplifier / receiver plus speakers that are in line with it. I would go for the complete package. But that's me.

Like this:
View attachment 254050
(not my stuff)

Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary speaker review & measurements by Erin's Audio Corner

No such problems with R3, Focal 906, Dali Rubicon 2, etc May be, but these are all speakers that don't even begin to have the appeal of the Linton, at least for people who like that sort of retro look.

audiosciencereview.com

The vintage craze.

Of course, it's all relative. But people can tell me what they think, and it might or might not suit me. Decades ago, I had a B&O turntable - no, not the linear tracking one. I loved it, and the integrated cartridge and tonearm worked a treat. The turntable had one button. So minimalism appeals to me greatly. I found I could get that turntable again, reconditioned, but email'd the individual in Denmark and did not get a reply. Probably not a good idea anyway.

 

[DanielT]

.Decades ago, I had a B&O turntable - no, not the linear tracking one. I loved it, and the integrated cartridge and tonearm worked a treat.

If so, buy one? Or why not?

What model is it? Unusual?

 

[MAB]

Music Hall is walnut veneer over MDF.
The Project is lacquered MDF.
The Audio Technica is plastic (I think).

Of course, it's all relative. But people can tell me what they think, and it might or might not suit me. Decades ago, I had a B&O turntable - no, not the linear tracking one. I loved it, and the integrated cartridge and tonearm worked a treat. The turntable had one button. So minimalism appeals to me greatly. I found I could get that turntable again, reconditioned, but email'd the individual in Denmark and did not get a reply. Probably not a good idea anyway.

Yeah, to me this looks great:

Start and stop and speed selectors. But even this had rosewood veneer over MDF end caps. I replaced them with actual rosewood.

To my eye the Music Hall looks good at the local shop, and has a built-in phono preamp, will sound fine, and won't break the bank.

 

[Doodski]

Music Hall is walnut veneer over MDF.
The Project is lacquered MDF.
The Audio Technica is plastic (I think).


Yeah, to me this looks great:

Start and stop and speed selectors. But even this had rosewood veneer over MDF end caps. I replaced them with actual rosewood.

To my eye the Music Hall looks good at the local shop, and has a built-in phono preamp, will sound fine, and won't break the bank.

That's a phono installation and system for sure...lol. Extra cartridges, extra tonearms and a 2 arm table.... What's not to like?

 

[Artsfols]

If so, buy one? Or why not?

What model is it? Unusual?

I believe it was this Beogram 1500.

Beogram 1500 (Type 57xx) + MMC 20 S

Kose Trading specializes in selling vintage Bang & Olufsen products and spare parts. We offer the best customer service and international shipping.

kosetrading.com

Possibly the 1902. I distinctly remember the rectangular control in the lower control. Most B&O turntables have a round one. These turntables have scratches and dents so I am not sure. But I love the look. And the functionality. I remember a good friend of mine around that time had bought a Japanese stereo with a number of components and all kinds of lights and controls that were not needed. He so wanted me to tell him how impressed I was with his new stereo but I simply couldn't do it.

 

[Doodski]

I believe it was this Beogram 1500.

Beogram 1500 (Type 57xx) + MMC 20 S

Kose Trading specializes in selling vintage Bang & Olufsen products and spare parts. We offer the best customer service and international shipping.

kosetrading.com

Possibly the 1902. I distinctly remember the rectangular control in the lower control. Most B&O turntables have a round one. These turntables have scratches and dents so I am not sure. But I love the look. And the functionality. I remember a good friend of mine around that time had bought a Japanese stereo with a number of components and all kinds of lights and controls that were not needed. He so wanted me to tell him how impressed I was with his new stereo but I simply couldn't do it.

I see the allure of a fine linear tracker but the table is spartan.

 

[Artsfols]

Music Hall is walnut veneer over MDF.
The Project is lacquered MDF.
The Audio Technica is plastic (I think).


Yeah, to me this looks great:

Start and stop and speed selectors. But even this had rosewood veneer over MDF end caps. I replaced them with actual rosewood.

To my eye the Music Hall looks good at the local shop, and has a built-in phono preamp, will sound fine, and won't break the bank.

Thank you. This is exactly the kind of information I wanted to get on the thread.

 

[Artsfols]

I see the allure of a fine linear tracker but the table is spartan.
View attachment 254084

Yes, Spartan is what I like.

BTW, about the famous B&O linear tracker. B&O bought back a large number of old, used ones, reconditioned them and they are going for $15,000 each.

Beogram 4000c - Recreated limited edition | B&O

A classic. Reborn. Our iconic 1970 turntable Beogram 4000c, recreated for contemporary use in a limited edition.

www.bang-olufsen.com

 

[Doodski]

Yes, Spartan is what I like.

BTW, about the famous B&O linear tracker. B&O bought back a large number of old, used ones, reconditioned them and they are going for $15,000 each.

Beogram 4000c - Recreated limited edition | B&O

A classic. Reborn. Our iconic 1970 turntable Beogram 4000c, recreated for contemporary use in a limited edition.

www.bang-olufsen.com

If you like it elegant and simple then fly at it for sure.
$15K is big bucks for a table. Wowowow.
Have you looked at the Technics linear trackers?

 

[MAB]

That's a phono installation and system for sure...lol. Extra cartridges, extra tonearms and a 2 arm table.... What's not to like?

Thanks. I was shamelessly showing off!
I bought the table for a $125 in 1990. It needed a small amount of care to get back to good condition.
The dust cover was new old stock in the early days of eBay. It cost as much as the table.
Most of the cartridges and tonearms are from a dear old friend who was a rep for Sumiko in the '80s. I sold a good portion of his collection on eBay and Audiogon for him after he retired.
I like tinkering, so this table is fun.

 

[Doodski]

Thanks. I was shamelessly showing off!
I bought the table for a $125 in 1990. It needed a small amount of care to get back to good condition.
The dust cover was new old stock in the early days of eBay. It cost as much as the table.
Most of the cartridges and tonearms are from a dear old friend who was a rep for Sumiko in the '80s. I sold a good portion of his collection on eBay and Audiogon for him after he retired.
I like tinkering, so this table is fun.

Yes, I was looking and imagining what is entailed in swapping out a arm and realigning and calibrating everything. A labor of love I suppose.

 

[Artsfols]

If you like it elegant and simple then fly at it for sure.
$15K is big bucks for a table. Wowowow.
Have you looked at the Technics linear trackers?

Do you think it might be overkill for oh, 15 vinyl albums? At one time I had 7-800.

 

[Doodski]

Do you think it might be overkill for oh, 15 vinyl albums? At one time I had 7-800.

It depends. If me and I had deep pockets I would buy the B&O and admire it every time I used it and consider it as a topping on the stack of gear. If on a budget I would not even bother with buying a turntable.

 

[Chrispy]

I see the allure of a fine linear tracker but the table is spartan.
View attachment 254084

Been a while since I've seen one of these. Nice clean lines but still kinda looks like a cheap department store offering at the same time. TT as art or important aesthetically? No more than other audio gear, none of it particularly good looking except to the user