Help needed - half decent 78rpm turntable recommendations?

[38911]

I've got a large box full of 78rpm Jazz records in the loft, which belonged to my late father and which I'd quite like to be able to play, for sentiments sake.

I've also got a load of my old (though much more recent than the aforementioned) 33 and 45s which I also fancy giving an ear to.

What turntable would the PH audiophiles recommend? I know I could get a £50 plastic fantastic off Amazon which has 33/45/78 speeds, but I was thinking of budgeting around £250 max and getting something reasonably decent - only problem is, all the ones I've seen in this range are 33/45 only.

I'd love to convert a SL1200 to 78, but can't justify that much. I also know that software can 'convert' 78's played at 45, but this wouldn't cut it - I need something that plays 78 'native'.

I would need to factor pre-amp in, but I have a Harmon Kardon PC amp and speakers that I could use (unless anyone has a better suggestion within the budget).

Any advice much appreciado.

[Monty Python]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rega-RP78-Turntable-Cool-G...

[TwigtheWonderkid]

Monty Python said:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rega-RP78-Turntable-Cool-G...

That only plays 78s, so not suitable.

I'd suggest the Audio Technica LP120. Although you will need to change the cartridge when playing 78s. But if you get 2 cartridges compete with 2 headshell, it's a 30 second job to unscrew 1 and swap to the other.

Also, you can digitise the records and store them on your computer, burn them to disc, USB stick or whatever.

Also, this turntable has a built in pre amp. Cost is circa £220.

Edited by TwigtheWonderkid on Sunday 17th January 21:26

[Monty Python]

TwigtheWonderkid said:

That only plays 78s, so not suitable.

I'd suggest the Audio Technica LP120. Although you will need to change the cartridge when playing 78s. But if you get 2 cartridges compete with 2 headshell, it's a 30 second job to unscrew 1 and swap to the other.

Also, you can digitise the records and store them on your computer, burn them to disc, USB stick or whatever.

Also, this turntable has a built in pre amp. Cost is circa £220.

Edited by TwigtheWonderkid on Sunday 17th January 21:26

I thought the OP already had a turntable for 33/45s and was looking for something specifically for 78s.

[TwigtheWonderkid]

38911 said:

I'd love to convert a SL1200 to 78,

OP, my recommendation of the Audio Technica LP120 is a copy of the SL1200.

It has a 33 and a 45 button, but pressing both together gives 78.

[battered]

Lenco GL75, or the same badged Goldring or Leak. Idler wheel, ugly but effective arm that can be upgraded (Linn geometry) and taken as far as you want. About £80-100.

[Watchman]

TwigtheWonderkid said:

It has a 33 and a 45 button, but pressing both together gives 78.

I'm 47yo. I've owned numerous turntables that can handle all sorts of speeds but I've only this minute realised that 33rpm and 45rpm added together makes 78rpm.

Light bulb moment.

[TwigtheWonderkid]

Watchman said:

TwigtheWonderkid said:

It has a 33 and a 45 button, but pressing both together gives 78.

I'm 47yo. I've owned numerous turntables that can handle all sorts of speeds but I've only this minute realised that 33rpm and 45rpm added together makes 78rpm.

Light bulb moment.

Yes, but although the maths works, pushing both speeds simultaneously on most turntables will not give you 78!

[GCH]

38911 said:

I'd love to convert a SL1200 to 78, but can't justify that much.

If you had the budget rather than converting one, you could just buy a mk4 (japan only model) which plays 78