Some advice would be helpful please. I dumped my turntable back in 1990 and have not thought about going back that way again until the weekend. We are shifting out of our house for major earthquake repairs and I came across 3 wine cartons full of my old LPs – all stuff that I still listen to (now on CD of course). It got me wondering if I should look out for a reasonable quality player. I can’t see me getting into vinyl in a big way again but having a good sound when I do play something is important. I see there is currently an Akai 306C on Trade Me for $580. Does anyone know anything about this model? Many thanks. Robert

Hi robertr - welcome.
Others will no doubt have thoughts but - the Akai looks tidy enough & is in the Sth Isld, but (i) cartridge type & condition not mentioned (ii) price I would have thought a bit high (although I have no knowledge of this model, but Akai were not known for their TTs), esp considering that there are a couple of always-in-demand Thorens TTs also on TrMe, one in particular with Shure V15III cartridge (unknown condition however). And a Thorens TD320 (well regarded, popular early 90s model) for $420 w recognised Ortofon brand cartridge, new stylus (in Akld).

Also another Akai 'professional' BT500 - would need a new cartridge (allow say $120-200) - in Lower Hutt (Cash Converters).
Cheers.

DarkLantern blog - darklanternforowen.wordpress.com

Thanks for your advice, Owen. I am reluctant to ship a turntable, which is one of the reasons I picked out the Akai - and it looks tidy. We are going to be out of the house for many months so there is no hurry to get something, though I will have my hi fi set up in my temporary office. Thanks again

Older secondhand turntables can offer great value for money but may require some maintenance.

If you want plug and play go for a Project. Some even have integrated phono amps (not sure if you need one or not).

You'll never get a bargain from Eric @vintageaudioworld but its better than buying from some random unknown ripoff merchant!

I'd suggest contacting Graham who restores/upgrades older TT's (he is a member of this forum)

That way you could purchase an older TT that has a clean bill of health by someone who knows what they are doing.

Frankly, that TT is $250 tops. I bought one for about $80 3 or 4 years ago and that was bloody good buying but... Akai have done some really nice DD... But this isn't one of them.

I think the advice to check in with Graham is very sound.

Good luck. Have fun.

graham +3 if you want a refurbished classic

akai don't make great tables

not a fan of those thorens with integrated armlifts.

as per cliff if you want new - hard to go past a project for plug 'n play.

Plus 4 on one of Grahams refurbs. Eric is a straight up guy but you are not going to get a bargain. I;m not even sure if its possible to dabble in vinyl at a minimal cost these days to be honest. You might find that it is going to lead down a very expensive path. I am constantly surprised by the rising prices of things like cartridges these days. Dynavector 10x5 was my go to recommendation when they were $500.00 ish but now they are up to $1k,
it's hard to see the value in them.
Also need to bear in mind that with an old DD if it goes wrong it might be either very expensive or near impossible to fix. Also the arm bearings are likely to be worn if it is a well used example.
Good luck in your search.

There's also quite a few v good, inexpensive Moving Magnet cartridges that will do the job quite nicely robertr .

DarkLantern blog - darklanternforowen.wordpress.com

Check out Rapallo they are now the authorised dealer for Funk Firm and for the money the blow rega and pro-ject away

Funk firm designers, are the legends behind the Pink Triange anniversary and PT TOO

www.rapalloav.co.nz

Manager & Product specialist at Rapallo AV & HI-FI

Hi Robert
I thought I had better follow up on the referrals the guys are giving me !!
If you are interested in a restored and slightly upgraded classic turntable ( my speciality) I have just scored off Trade me a quite tidy Thorens TD166 Mkii.
This is very well respected model in standard form that responds well to a few mods including additional sound deadening in the appropriate places. IMO a much better option than base model Regas or Projects.
This one even has an Ortofon VMS20E Mkii installed which is/was a good match for the medium/light arm.
Should be ready to go in about a month and be for sale around $500.
Cheers
Graham

Thank you all for your help. A terrific response and really appreciated. Graham I read about your projects on AudioEnz, where I was an anonymous watcher. Now that Owen has gone to such effort to start up this new forum I decided I had better become more active. Back to the turntable, Graham your offer sounds very generous to me and I am keen. One issue though, is shipping to Christchurch a problem with something a delicate as a turntable? Again, many thanks.

Feb 3, 2017 13:39:41 GMT 12 deano1974 said:

Check out Rapallo they are now the authorised dealer for Funk Firm and for the money the blow rega and pro-ject away

Funk firm designers, are the legends behind the Pink Triange anniversary and PT TOO

www.rapalloav.co  .nz

Do you work for rapallov as you seem to be be quite the spokesperson! 

But I wholeheartedly agree, based on my recent Funk Firm Achromat purchase and having a PT1 turntable.

Feb 3, 2017 15:41:20 GMT 12 robertr said:

Thank you all for your help. A terrific response and really appreciated. Graham I read about your projects on AudioEnz, where I was an anonymous watcher. Now that Owen has gone to such effort to start up this new forum I decided I had better become more active. Back to the turntable, Graham your offer sounds very generous to me and I am keen. One issue though, is shipping to Christchurch a problem with something a delicate as a turntable? Again, many thanks.

As long as the platter is removed, the arm secured, with counterweight removed, and the lid carefully packaged most turntables will travel well. Some even have transit screws. 

Also, remember most have traveled from overseas quite safely at some stage in their life to get to this offshore place called NZ! 

Restoration of the TD166 has begun, see DIY section.
Cheers
Graham

Another vote for Grahams work. The Thorens once he has turned it into a 160 special will cut the lunch of the Akai & for similar $

Thanks mate.
I trust the big bad Denon is still doing it's thing.
Cheers
Graham