Here are 10 vintage turntables that may be of interest to the music lover who likes Mid-Century design.
Thorens TD-124: This turntable, released in the 1950s, is known for its high-quality sound and reliable performance. It features a suspended chassis and a belt-driven motor, which helps to reduce vibrations and improve sound quality. If you want a new, updated version of this turntable then you can get one here.
Lenco L-75: This turntable, released in the 1970s, is known for its simplicity and reliability. It features a belt-driven motor and a heavy, die-cast aluminum platter, which helps to reduce vibrations and improve sound quality.
Dual 1219: This turntable, released in the 1960s, is known for its versatility and high-quality sound. It features a belt-driven motor and a heavy, die-cast aluminum platter, which helps to reduce vibrations and improve sound quality.
Rega Planar 2: This turntable, released in the 1970s, is known for its high-quality sound and simple design. It features a belt-driven motor and a lightweight, acrylic platter, which helps to reduce vibrations and improve sound quality.
Pioneer PL-12D: This turntable, released in the 1970s, is known for its reliability and versatility. It features a belt-driven motor and a heavy, die-cast aluminum platter, which helps to reduce vibrations and improve sound quality.
Marantz Model 6300: Features classic styling elements typical of Marantz from this era, including the Marantz font, mixed wood and metal finishing. While it’s beautiful deck, you’re paying for the aesthetics more than for features. You can find better turntables for less in today’s market.
Denon DP-1300M: The Denon DP-1300M, released in Japan in 2003, is a high quality direct-drive turntable. Amongst Japan-savvy audiophiles. Denon’s long legacy of phenomenal turntables, this DP-1300M is a fantastic modern product. It features a quartz phase lock servo motor with rotation feedback control via an innovative optical system.
Linn LP-12: These are classically designed and can cost nearly as much as a car.
Thorens TD-125: A classic belt-drive turntable and was the successor of the TD-124. The TD-160 is a similar looking table.
Yamaha YP-511: A direct drive turntable by Yamaha that was released in the mid 70s. The YP-701 / YP-700 are options as well.
There are new turntables that have the wood styling. Check out these by Audio-Technica, Fluance, House of Marley, and Teac. (If you like the look of the Thorens above then Crutchfield has a Teac model that is relatively close looking.)