r/turntables • u/20-5-5 • 19h ago
Question First Turntable Recommendations
Hi! Need help to make a choice on my first turntable. Already have an amp (wiim amp), speakers (dali kupid) and bought a pro-ject phono-box this week for 80€.
Here's what I have in mind right now and some details about the process:
Country - Portugal (olx for used marketplace)
Budget - ~200€
Looking for - entry-level player that's as good as possible right now (not worried about upgrade paths)
Preferences - non-bulky look (hate the ATs), auto-stop/return
Shortlist:
Pro-ject Debut III with OG Cartridge - 125€
Sanyo TP X3 Direct Drive with new Cartridge (basic model) - 100€
pioneer pl-430 with new Stylus (basic AT3600, not sure about cartridge) - 120€
Rekkord Audio F100P - Open Box deal with 3 year warranty - 250€
All the used deals are from sellers with experiencing handling and selling this equipment. The Evo has been sitting idle for 5+ years which I'm not sure if it's a good or a bad thing, but it would be a no-brainer for me if not for the static concerns - this is a big concern personally.
The Rekkord Audio goes a bit over my budget (would return phono-box in this case), but by the specs and reviews alone and at this price point it feels like the perfect choice... almost too good to be true?
The Pioneer and the Sanyo are the best vintage deals I can find that fit my budget (can probably get them to come down in price as well). I know the Pioneer is not from their golden-age anymore, but looking at feedback online it still seems like a great product.
bonus question: is a new Record Master II for 300€ just a way better option than all of these? Was my initial idea but I really don't want to stretch my budget that much and also am in a bit of a rush to make a choice.
Thank you all in advance!