These videos are absolutely addictive. Kevin has such a phenomenal style. I love everything about them. And the whole "M.K." versus "Mark", hilarious and classic. :)

The right way is "mark," not MK. That said: I really appreciate your friendly (Who Gives a F$&k" attitude, so I want you to just keep saying it wrong to loosen up sone of the uptight folks out there. 🙂

Great show. Love looking at all the vintage gear. My favorite manual turntable is the Audio Technica AT-PL120. Nice looking turntable that is still working perfectly and has never had any service other than a new stylus.

Bought my Marantz 6300 in 76, still runs like a top and is in Mint condition…. Love using it to this day. Thanks for these videos…!

I have owned my SL-D2 for over 50 yrs and you're correct on the hinge tabs, still own all 3 cartridges I bought for it (AT-12E, XV-15/625E, V15-IIIG).

I had the SL-D2, for me a major upgrade from the BIC changer that came with the system package from CMC Stereo (BIC, Technics 15 watt receiver, Ultralinear 3 way speakers).

Great review Kevin,, am really enjoying these customer lists.. Have an awesome 4th...

@skylabsaudio

11 ай бұрын

Thanks, you too!

I love your channel and your videos, I hope to visit your store one of these days. I have been collecting records, record changers, turntables, and gear since I was a teenager in the 1970s. I spent years searching for my final turntable, the search was over when I purchased my Linn sondek lp12 whith the ITTOK LVII tonearm currently with an Audio-Technica OC9 II Moving coil cartridge. I of course realize there are turntables that rate higher than the lp12 but I have to say over the years I have probably had 20+ turntables go through my hands every one of them I tried and had my fun with but this turntable absolutely walked over all of the rest of them. I cannot imagine swapping it out and I've been using it for 15 years now! Thank you so much for considering my submission. Best regards, Dave

My old fully-manual turntable was a *Denon DP-755* I found at a thrift shop & it was wonderful! It was a quartz-locked direct drive beast with a single switch for power & speed selection, a dial for pitch that was wholly unnecessary & a downright lovely Grace tonearm - nothing else besides basic dropping/lifting & height/skating adjustments. I'd still be using it, actually, if I hadn't been gifted a new Audio-Technica that can also play 78's.

Speaking of the Golden Era of Vinyl and Turntables. One Golden memory was when I heard my first Direct to Disc album. For the day the audio was spectacular to say the least. Yes expensive but a collection I/we did start.

My favorite manual turntable is, the Pioneer PL-71, which I bought new and still own. I just finished watching this video and I find my other turntable (Pioneer PL-518) made it to the top of this list, I agree!

Your voice & manner of presentation is quite pleasant Kevin, in addition to the info you share.

Great segment sir, I definitely agree with you on those sl1700 Technics tables with that manual option, after having dealt with sl 1300s with that same lift issue, I do remember reading in the 1300 owner manual, the other main reason for that manual override is in the event of some of records particularly 45s that have a very short dead wax Or runout however it’s referred to, the record won’t return prematurely. Also fooled around with the optical auto shutdown system on a later version the Marantz 6350, you raise great point tho not end of the world, it can be a trip to adjust,but when functioning right it’s on point!

I picked up a Luxman a few years ago and was very happy with it I replaced the cartridge and stylus with a Ortofon 2m blue, sounds great 👍

Had the Pioneer PL-518 back in 1980-1981. Really liked that turntable! How about doing a top 5 reel to reel tape recorder picks?? 🤔

Still using my PL200, great condition. Another great video!

Hey Kevin, Love the videos; keep ‘em coming! My Top-five, fully manual turntables (I own, or have owned, all of these): Sansui SR-838 Sansui SR-636 Marantz TT-15S1 Rega Planar 3 Sansui SR-929 Pat

My favorite fully manual is my Thorens TD-160. It may be the cartridge I put on (a Grace F-9 that SoundSmith built for me) but I love it. It works perfectly, every time - and sounds great doing it. If I ever hit the lottery, it will be a Garrard 301 with a custom walnut plinth. Sigh.

i have two manual turntables that I really like. Sansui SR-838 and Pioneer PL-550. Both look great. Very slight favor to the Sansui SR-838 after much internal debate. This comment was also made in the community section of your KZread channel where you have a post where your also asking for our "vote for manual table..." My first time posting, not sure why there are two places for our manual favs? I enjoy your videos!

I use a Pioneer PL510A direct drive turntable that I bought in Japan in the mid 1970s , it still has its original spare headshell and cartridge but I use its second headshell with a Shure V15iiiG cartridge wirh stylus from JICO . Superb machine everything on works perfectly .

G' Day Kevin, When I was 16 in 1975 I bought the Marantz 6300, still runs mint & sonically is 2nd to none…. ,I now have 2, 6300's & a 2275 & 4400 Receiver, Had a 5030B & am looking 4 a 5030, Saul really built this equipment well

My favorite manual turntable is the Micro Seiki DDX-1000 with a Micro Seiki MA-505 Mk (pronounced "Mark" or "MK") III primary tonearm and a SAEC WE-308 secondary tonearm. I don't recall when I bought it (probably back in the '80s), but I use it daily. Like most turntables of that era, I had to replace the adjustable feet. I had a machinist make me three aluminum (not "aluminium") cones to replace the original rubber feet. I also really like the original Acoustic Research XA turntable. One of it's "cons" is the non-standard headshell it used on the tonearm. The Thorens TD-125 was also a pretty good table when fitted with a SME 3009 or Grace G-707 tonearm.

Favorite manual TT: AR XA -- if you love manual TTs and have never owned an AR XA you owe it to yourself to try one. Others that I own/love: Linn LP12, Thorens TD160, Technics SL1100/SL1200 Mk1/SL1200Mk2 SL1200Mk2 will be the overwhelming winner, and justifiably so. Love your attitude towards HiFi. Love the videos! ☮

I got a PL-518 in 1979 for $118 at Churchill Audio in Brooklyn. Set up was easier due to the overhang gauge supplied. The specs were above average for the period, W/F of 0.03% and rumble 73dB's. It also had a +/- 2% speed adjust and I think the platter weighed two pounds. It was considered by Pioneer to be a manual turntable as stated in their literature. Gotta say that strobe was mesmerizing. Man-o-Manischewitz it's a swell unit.

Fully Manual turntable Ariston RD80SL transcription turntable (remove the platter to adjust for 45 or 33) with a SME 3009 tone arm it has 3 adjustable feet 1 at the centre back 2 at the front I just love this deck.Its served me well for many a year, Made in Scotland 1970s just down the road from me. I'm very proud to own this deck, and there still affordable

Another really interesting episode. I like how you delve into the positives & negatives of each item. A couple of your critiques have helped me dodge a few bullets... thanks. Have you ever considered doing similar videos but with the viewer's least popular gear? IE. specific receivers, tt's, etc that seemed great initially but turned into money pits, unrepairable, etc. Not to dwell on the negative but it would be interesting if you perhaps had some positives to add. Hope that makes sense. Thanks again & great work.

@skylabsaudio

11 ай бұрын

Will look into that. Thanks

I had a Marantz 6100 and Philips GA 422 or 27 (wood plinth) the Philips was absolutely a great semi auto table. Rega RP3 matched with an Ortofon Blue is my pick for manual.

I’ve had my SL-1700 MK2 for a few years, bought it as a fixer upper, and I love it. It’s a bit temperamental at times, but I love the features and it sounds good. The quartz lock speed control,is rock steady. I tinker with other tt’s and no other TT I’ve tried has the speed control of the SL-1700 MK2. I’m a musician and have very good “pitch”, I can hear wow and flutter that perhaps other can’t. I also have and used an SL-Q2, kind of a light version of the 1700. Also very good.

favorite manual turntable is the Thorens TD 203, great tone arm and great looks sound is amazing, at least to me also the Thorens TD 145 from the 70s it was my dads and still works and sound amazing as well

My SL-D2 has been going strong since 1980. I always referred to it as a blue collar TT.... nothing fancy but gets the job done.

Great video👍 Damn....no love ever for my Hitachi PS-48😢😢 I know you do not do the rankings in the poll but bummed it did not make the list. Had a Rega Plannar 3 and got the Hitachi one used for a spare room.....loved it so much I ended up selling the Rega!!!! Vintage is the way to go in my book.....keep up the great work on the channel👍

Favorite manual tt? Empire Troubador 398. Amazing design. Solid construction. Unbeatable performance.

MK with a number is always Mark number. I guess only the older people have even heard of the AR Turntable, but it was $100 at a time when almost every was more expensive. It has spring loaded suspension and the arm was designed for a Shure V15 type II or III. It has a huge following even today, but most replace the tonearm with an SME model.

I like my Pioneer PL-514 belt drive semi auto. My SOTA Sapphire with Syrinx PU-3 tonearm with Project Pick It LOMC cartridge, TT from 1986 is my favourite go to manual turntable. Viewed from Australia.

I like my Thorens TD160. It’s my only TT but I’m so happy why change it.

I have a new Music Hall Classic with an Ortofon Blue cart. The arm lifts at the end but does not return, I was all in at $785.00, I love it! I also have a Pioneer PL 518 with an Ortofon red cart. on my other system. I bought it used for $150.00. There are some cosmetic issues, the dust cove is cracked in places and the vinyl covering has two small divots, otherwise it plays great!

Another get me some popcorn video😉👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Happy July 4th to you and your family!

@skylabsaudio

11 ай бұрын

Same to you!

Thorens TD 166 mkII. Bought new in 1984 and has run flawlessly since.

Favorite manual TT - Pioneer PL-550. I stripped mine and recovered it with real raw walnut veneer. The surprise sleeper in my collection is the Sansui SR-626. It's a very solid table that seems to fly under the radar. Great list Kevin! I totally agree about the PL-518. I picked one up a few months ago and wasn't expecting it to be such a pleasure to use, since it looks a little like a budget plastic table you might have found at Wards. I do still need to find some replacement feet.

@user-ji5jy1ll9j

11 ай бұрын

Wards! Love it!

@Mr.HotRod

10 ай бұрын

@@user-ji5jy1ll9j Monkey Wards. Had one for quite a while her in my new home town. It had just about everything even a pretty good auto repair dept. Manager had a pipe glued to his mouth every time I went there.

My vote is for the Technics SL 1200's - one of the most rugged around with a functional, simple design copied by multiple others - obviously targeted at the DJ with the massive torque at startup. I had a pair of Mark (not "M K") Twos - purchased in 1984 - still have them...(....in watching your video, I just realised I also had a Marantz 6300 before getting the twins..... )

Another great and fun video. Glad to see my SL-D2 made that list. I have one since new with no issues at all, even the dust cover is intact and feet as well. I use an Ortofon 2 Blue, Klipsch RP600 M and an SX 780. Waiting to connect it to a newly acquired Yamaha A 500 at a thrift shop and being serviced as we speak.

@bigaldallas

9 ай бұрын

sold my D2 mid 80's. regret it. now have D3 automatic. not as great sounding but the speakers i had with D2 were great. I may need better speakers

@BeaverPDX72

7 ай бұрын

Your comment caught my eye since I have my SL-D2 acquired only a couple years ago that I setup with an Ortofon Blue, as well. It's a great combination. When I bought the TT it had a Pickering V15 on it, which is ok.... but doesn't compare to the Ortofon. Listening to "Disraeli Gears" on it right now. Sweet.

@francescotenti193

7 ай бұрын

It is a great TT, built like a tank, with great specs, looks and sounds very good, at least to my ears. Almost 44 years of great service, hard to beat!@@BeaverPDX72

Great ranking video! My two favorites are the Thorens td145 mk2 and the Marantz 6300… Sorry for Pioneer… For the manual, Thorens td124 mk1 and 2 and td125 mk2! Greetings from Switzerland

Pioneer PL 512 fully manual.. Great budget turntable and my first .. Logic DM 101 my second ... Love these top 5 shootouts 👍 Kind regards from Turkey 👍🇹🇷

Great info, I bought a Marantz 6300 about a month ago at a garage sale for a ridiculously low price. It does need a little work but still in great cosmetic condition and can't wait until I get it done to use it. Thanks for the great video.

@reedhensley

8 ай бұрын

Are you the guy from reddit that bought one for a dollar?

@bquinn3191

8 ай бұрын

@@reedhensley no, I found one at a garage sale for $10

@reedhensley

8 ай бұрын

@@bquinn3191 lucky you

Before going separates in college, we had a Dual 1218. Going to separates - the Dynaco 400ST and the little Nakamichi 410 pre-amp (best sounding electronics I ever owned), I got the presumably "audiophile on the cheap" Connoisseur BD-1 kick-start, rubber band drive TT with a Grace 707 arm and cart. For the life of me, I could not isolate that table from walking, from anything. Upgraded to the much heavier, solidly built Luxman PD441 direct drive beast with Grace 707 Mk1 and F9E cartridge in '79 I think. I still have that tt.

Another great fun video Kevin! What sources would you recommend for decent replacement adjustable feet at a reasonable cost?

@skylabsaudio

11 ай бұрын

I'm working on that. Have been buying them on Amazon. Haven't found a favorite yet. Decent though

Thanks for your hard work and efforts. Nothing wrong with vintage as my second TT is a JVC QL-A200 and it’s lovely. I’ve not had it serviced since it was gifted to me a few years back. I would love to have a more modern version that returns at the end of the record. This has a P-mount cartridge so Im unsure if its upgradable.. any suggestions for a new auto return TT? Somehow I don’t get to watch your channel often enough but I will make a greater effort. Thanks

Sansui FR-1080. Purchased new in January 1979. Reconditioned in May 2015. All of the original packaging and documentation. Audio Technica dual magnet cartridge with nude elliptical stylus. Even have the Watts dust bug. The fluid bottle is evaporated though.

Great series! Favourite manual TT (best to last): Denon DP-80 (I know it won't make the list, but Denon RULES) Technics SL-1200, obvs (any of the "MARKS")😜

Thank you for nice video! Now I knew what turntable I should bye but I must fix a counverter to 220volt the current we have in Sweden 🇸🇪🇺🇲🇸🇪🙏

Thanks Kev, Great video as always and very interesting, even though my favorite Technics turntable didn't make the list, but that's okay, I don't think you saw my comment on your Sansui turntables video a couple weeks back.... Oh well, the people have spoken...

@skylabsaudio

11 ай бұрын

Sorry!

Agree the Pioneer pl518 is a beast and parts are easy to come by. The black x version does look better. Got mine matches with a Sony str 6055 and audio technica 120e/b cart 👌

Hey Kevin, thanks for another great video. Question: Do you know if there is a source for new replacement dust covers, and if not, do you think it's likely there ever will be?

@skylabsaudio

11 ай бұрын

Lots on new good quality dustcovers on ebay

SL 1200 Mk 2. Bought new and still loving it.

Best Manual TT in my opinion is the Pioneer PL-71. Mine´s had a hard life in both workinghours, and abuse from drunk people. 😅 -Still going Strong with no issues. Simple and stupid does the job every time! I love it! 😎 (I also have a Mag-Lev Audio, levitating TT, and would love to hear your opinion on those) Big Thanks from Sweden!

My fave manual drive turntable is my 1970 Ariston Audio RD II S. You have to take the platter off to change the 2 speeds.

Even though I am a vintage guy from the class of 75... I have a pro ject carbon, the cost was reasonable, but it looks expensive and works great, my number one choice for manual turntable

You mentioned that the RS 400 is similar to the 6100. I looked it up and the 400 is a DD. The 6100 is a belt drive. I have a 6100. Got it a few months ago for $125. I had to grab it at that price. It's definitely (mechanically) identical to the HH Scott PS-17. They don't share the same motor. But the Scott does share the same motor with the Marantz 6025. Anyway... cool video. Hope to see your shop one day.

Well, i have 2 PL 518, both working great, this is a real working horse.

👍 I have two favorite manuals: The Micro Seiki BL-51and the CEC Bd-6000 which in my opinion is underrated.

Technics sl1210mk2. Serving me well. I've had to squirt contact cleaner in the headshell socket once, but that's it. My old 70s and 80s lps and eps sound great on it.

Technics SL-1200. I bought mine in 1974 for, I think, $350. Still have the original box and documentation. Dust cover is in good shape with some light scratches. The material seemed to scratch just from wiping it with a soft cloth. Other than that it is in mint condition.

@mplsmark222

6 ай бұрын

Technics really made quality machines. I also really like their design, modern and functional. The SL-1200 has inspired millions of cheap copies, but they still make the original real deal after all these years. That is simply unheard of elsewhere in the audio manufacturing industry. I’ve always thought Duals looked “cheap” and antiquated, though I’m sure the are fine machines, at least the higher end ones.

@graeme1491

5 ай бұрын

The SL-1200 not semi auto

@mannie_f

5 ай бұрын

In the video and in the description he asks for votes for the favorite manual turntable.

@JN-kv8ym

4 ай бұрын

Got a Technics sld-2 for Christmas in 1980 and still running it. I upgraded the feet with a set of Audio Technica adjustable feet quickly after I got it. The feet kit came with a bubble level that still sits on table to this day along with my Discwasher stylus brush/mirror. One pro to the sld-2 you didn't touch on is the front mounted controls. You can shut off the table, which will auto return the tone arm without opening the dust cover, limiting the chance of skipping the record. Love the videos...keep it up!

@DanRockTV

Ай бұрын

Would you consider selling?

I have a Pioneer PL-518, with new feet and an Ortofon 2m bronze moving magnet cartridge. The turntable looks mint sounds amazing. Audiophile grade without the audiophile price.

Manual turntable: Thorens TD-160. Bought it new in 1976, still working with only minor service and belt replacements.

My Yamaha YP-D8 is great. I've had it since 1982

Technics SL 1200. I so much enjoyed the one I purchased around 1973 or 74. I wish I could find one that I could afford. Just getting back into the stereo set up. Just moved and waiting for my record collection to show up. Back in the day, Kenwood tuner (so, so) Pioneer amp, Revox R2R tape deck. The best speakers I had were Marantz, Technics 1200 turntable. I just can not recall the model numbers.

For the full automatic, I own the Kenwood KD5100, awesome turntable

I have an old sears rebranded audiotechnica, direct drive, linear tracking, auto stop. I think its from the 80s. I bought it used about 10 years ago. I'm actually very happy with the way it sounds and the cartridges are still affordable. At this point the table has sentimental value. I wonder if it damages my records though.

Surprised that my daily driver topped the list! I bought my PL-518 at a garage sale in 1991 and his performed perfectly ever since!

Favorite Manual Table: Thornes TD-125 Mk-II with SME 3009 Series II (improved) tonearm. I've owned it since 1973...re-built it in 2018 (incl electronics) and STILL use it as my primary table today. I say "Mark" not MK Glad to see the turntable that got me through college made the list...Pioneer PL-55. (I had the "55D" model though)

@careystuart

4 ай бұрын

You want to laugh your ass off? Check out the video "The Best Turtables of 2024". i have the same deck except I have the SME w/ the fixed head shell. They are magnificent tables and arms!!

I have to go with the table im currently using, which is the only manual rig I've ever owned. I nominate the Audio Technica ATLP120.

Luxman PD-272 👍 , Love your channel ! Looking forward to coming to your store some day ! 17:36

Many people re-veneer the Pioneer PL's, Reveneer + available iron on decals they can be made to look good cheaply. Hahahhah you just mentioned re-veenering as I was typing and listening! Us vintage nerds are on the same wavelength!!

Sl 1200 Mark 2, full manual vote. I was bidding on a 518 Pioneer 3 months ago but the price got too high and, it is ugly. The same seller had a JVC QL A7 I won for 160 shipped. An exceptional 26.4 lb semi auto.

I liked my Dual 731Q with adapter for 1/2 inch cartridges. I have since replaced it with a Linn LP12. But I'm still keeping it.

I have the Pioneer PL 516 X, and yes, I bought it customised the best TT I have ever had

Opinions...everybody has one. Do your thing, brother! Fun stuff.

I love my technics 1700mk2 and I liked way better then then my technics 1200 gr and my project x2. If the lift doesn’t work you can get a really chip o ring that’s how I fix mine years ago and still great. Also is really easy to fix. One other feature that I like about the 1700 mk2 is that is has a sensor on the tonearm that when the stylus touch the record it has a delay so you don’t hear the loud pop when you put the stylus on the record. So I recommend the 1700mk2 if you find one.

I pick up a Marantz 6300 back in the 90's from a thrift store for $30 complete and in good working condition

Best looking tt for my money is denon dp60l. Always wanted oue but still don't have one, oh well. I still love my pioneer pl516 with a decent cartridge. Thanks Kevin 15:34

Hi Kevin, where to start? Pioneer PL12D, perfect entry level TT; SL1200 in all its disguises after MK 1, no need to list the make nor what made it famous. BTW, I always said "MK 2"; Thorens TD 124, because belt and idler wheel.

Kevin, nice video. I believe that "MK" is not "M.K." but short for "Mark". Besides vintage Hi-Fi, I am also very much into collecting both current and vintage cameras. For example, Canon's 5D Mark II or 5D Mark III or 5D Mark IV are designations for the various iterations of the original 5D. And most of the cameras with these iterations are from Japan, same as most of the vintage Hi-Fi equipment. If a turntable has the designation of MK-2, and if this is the next improved version of the original model, then I'd have to say that "MK 2" means Mark 2. And regarding manual turntables, I'm going to thrown my hat in the ring for the Dual 510. Just a middle of the road turntable but a nice performer.

I had a 6100 and a technics 1300 I prefered the sound and look of the 6100 which i think is one of the nicest looking out there.

SOTA Sapphire SME IV tone arm Various carts - fave Lyra

Manual Vote: Technics SP-10 The 6100 is a noob pick for certain as are the PL's. No pitch control. Enjoy 34.3 rpm. Technics lid tabs can be saved with baking soda and super glue and a file, prior to polishing the cover. I have 23 turntables and neither is a Pioneer nor Marantz by design. 🤔

Pioneer PL 112D.. Technics 1200. Any of the versions. By far the best. Only added the pioneer is because i own both, lol

For manual turntables my vote goes for my Technics SL-1000 MK II, second vote would be my Micro Seiki DD-40! Thx😊

I have a 6300 I have owned for years and am astonished at the prices they are selling for now. Still, the 6300 is an excellent turntable and is probably one of the best looking turntables out there.

Wow another great list! I enjoy seeing all your personal Top 5 picks! I think my favorite manual would have to be a Bang & Olufsen Beogram TX2 or the Akai 4000DS. Keep up the great work It's awesome seeing and learning so much about vintage cassette decks!

@ceylonmooney

11 ай бұрын

where did u see his personal top 5 picks? can u post a link. im quite curious.

For me, the best manual TT is a Technics SL 1500, first generation. I have one in my set (my set: SL 1500; Marantz Model 1120; Deck Marantz 5010B; CARVER CD Player SD/A 360; Pioneer Turner TX-500A). For me is a perfect manual TT. Regards

My favorite manual turntables are pioneer pl-41dc and pioneer pl-61

Hard to beat a Technics Manual TT- did a full restoration on a SL-1500. Built like a tank! Regarding your Semi List- I didn’t see your video asking about our favorite? Anyway, I have a Yamaha YP-D6 and it it Killer!

This was fun!

Technics SL-1200 MK V. Unfortunately as I was stupdily getting out of vinyl I sold both this turntable and my SOTA Star. The first turntable I purchase upon regaining my senses was a Technics SL-1200 MK VII (now modified) and two SL-1200 GR's (both slightly modified now). No bells and whistles, just work and paired with the right cartridges (sorry Kevin no Grado's here) sound great. Maybe not the equal of my SOTA Star w/Alphason Titanium Tonearm with my Dynavector Diamond MC but very, very nice.

Hitachi HT-840 is my choice. In my profession as a sound engineer the best manual turntables was the EMT 927 and the Technics SP-10.

I say “mark 2” for the sl-1700mk2… but honestly, I don’t care. The only issue I had with mine in my 43 years of ownership was the tone arm return belt slipping. Easy to replace and still enjoying. Thanks! No vinyl was harmed when the belt went…

Like my two Dual 506. Semi-auto. You push arm to start and use cue to drop. At the end it lifts and shut off.

Pioneer PL12/2 for the manual player. It was cheap and did sound great. still available for little money

Pioneer PL-518: MDF or pressboard? My Dual CS-515 isn't pretty, but 40 years on, still doing great!

Pioneer 518 serves me from 1978, auto return is a must for me.