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best sub $1K TT for 45 rpm

My friend is looking to replace his TT which recently crapped out. He has been looking at used and new Rega P3's but is turned off by the exercise required to change speeds. He plays 45's about 25% of the time, so would like more convenient speed switch. Any recommendations for a deck that plays both 33 1/3 and 45 rpm disks re3asonably well, with painless speed switching, for under or near $1K new or used including arm and cartridge? I realize this is at the toe of the vinyl mountain price wise, but the P3 would have fit the bill for now and been a significant upgrade from what he had been using.

This friend recently gave me an unopened heavy vinyl pressing of Dark Side of the Moon, so I am feeling motivated to help. Any advice very much appreciated.
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viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
Technics SL-1200 MK2 or MK5 would fill the bill exactly. Some, but not I, prefer it to the P3, as well. You also have an upgrade path with the enhancements offered by KAB acoustics.
soulbrass
246 posts
 
Agree w/ the above recommendation - I am one who prefers the Technics to the P3.

Good sound
Less expensive than the P3
Easy setup/re-setup (experimentation w/ VTA, VTF)
Easy use (start/stop, 33 or 45 w/ a quick push of a button)
Easy cartridge swapping (removeable headshell)
Upgradeable (KAB)
Bullet-proof

..what's not to like?
soulbrass
246 posts
 
...forgot one...

Dead-on speed accurate.

Good luck!
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knownothing OP
1,298 posts
 
Any belt drives fit this bill?
johnnyb53
3,490 posts
 
01-08-10: Soulbrass
Agree w/ the above recommendation - I am one who prefers the Technics to the
P3.
You're not the only one. With a few low-cost tweaks
to the SL12x0 to tame vibration and resonances, it approaches or equals the P3
in the midband resolution and handily beats it in timbre, frequency extension,
pace, pitch accuracy, transients, and bass slam.

Anyway, back to the OP's questions: The Technics SL12x0 series has the
smoothest way to switch speeds anywhere near that price range. The controls
are very smooth and expensive-feeling.
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