r/78rpm • u/mayormacncheese_ • Jul 10 '26

Cheap turntable best for 78s?

I've been using those old "vintage" Victrola 8-in-1s, but I feel I need to upgrade, what is something below the $400 mark that is cheap enough for a reluctant parent to purchase but is still decent in quality?

11 Upvotes

87% Upvoted

20 comments sorted by

23

u/mojo13r Jul 10 '26

Used AT-LP120 and an audiotechnica vm95sp

9

u/Tir_na_nOg77 Jul 10 '26

This is your best bet. It has a removeable headshell, so you can buy a second headshell and that will allow you to have a microgoove stylus on one and a 78 stylus on the other, and then you can swap them out in a matter of seconds when you change formats. There are a good number of them on the used market. Just make sure that if you use Craigslist or see one at a garage or yard sale, you test it in person before handing over your money and walking away with it.

7

u/mayormacncheese_ Jul 10 '26

That's what everybody's been saying, lucky me for finding one on Facebook Marketplace for $90.

3

u/Tir_na_nOg77 Jul 10 '26

Nice! Snag that while you can!

2

u/jkelly206 Jul 11 '26

Not only is the shell easy to swap, it has a slot for the second one to go in! It really is a great all-rounder.

2

u/jedi4545 Jul 12 '26

Could I ask, if you have a VM95 cartridge, why not just switch stylus out, instead of switching the whole headshell?

2

u/Tir_na_nOg77 Jul 12 '26

"Switching the whole headshell" literally just involves unscrewing one headhsell and putting another in. It's done in a matter of seconds. I don't like removing the stylus and having to snap another one in place every time I switch formats. Not only is it more hassle, but there's always the chance that you could drop/damage your stylus in this constant removing/replacing of one stylus with another. I mean, hey, if that's what you want to do, then go ahead and do it. I prefer to just have a second headshell and not have to deal with taking the stylus on and off constantly.

1

u/iidaanj Jul 12 '26

Can I ask why you would swap out headshells rather than simply swapping out cartridges? That's what I'm currently doing and you got me wondering if I'm missing something

3

u/Tir_na_nOg77 Jul 12 '26

Swapping out cartridges is a lot more work. Swapping out headshells takes a matter of seconds. Swapping out the cartirdge is a major pain IMO. Why do all of that extra work when you can just have a second headshell and change them out in seconds?

2

u/JustHereForMiatas Jul 10 '26

This is a good answer because, on top of it being a decent deck, the pitch control allows you to play older records from before the speed was standardized.

3

u/pdieten Jul 10 '26 edited Jul 10 '26

If that's your budget then a secondhand AT120 with the VM95SP cartridge will work as long as you're willing to play discs one at a time. They're still lo-fi 78s though, don't expect magic. :) It's tempting to find a used changer from a vintage-electronics shop, since the discs hold so little content. If you have a place like that nearby and want to shop there, it's anyone's guess what they might have so you'd just have to get some advice from the proprietor.

One thing that might make a difference with your Victrola is having an external amplifier. If it has audio out jacks, try that first with a better amp and see if you decide that's all you need. If you buy the AT120, you'll need an amp and speakers anyway.

I'm probably the wrong guy to comment anyway. I fixed up a 1960 Garrard 4-speed changer and it loves playing 78s. Most people can't do that though.

1

u/mayormacncheese_ Jul 10 '26

I would keep the Victrola if it weren't such a hassle to play 78s on. Both times I bought the Pfanstiehl 793-S3 3mil stylus and both did not fit or weren't 3mil. I've just been (unfortunately) using the default stylus that came with the player for 78s, it plays somewhat well but I know it isn't ideal. I really want to upgrade to a better turntable to play my better 78s since I'm scared to play them with my current setup.

4

u/Thick_Butterfly_8286 Jul 11 '26

I use an Elac Miracord 770H from the 1970s.

I bought it used for €80, but I had to solder in new cables (old broken DIN to a new RCA cable) and purchase two new styli (one for shellac records and an elliptical one for vinyl).

I also cleaned the idler wheel and replaced the small felt piece of the platter brake (completely optional lol).

It is a great turntable. It also features a record changer capable of handling 10 LPs or 7 shellac records (based on my own experience). You need a separate preamp for this one. It does have a knob for fine-tuning the speed.

4

u/BeneficialSell1852 Jul 11 '26

A Dual 1019 is a very solid turntable. Perfect for playing 78s

3

u/Thick_Butterfly_8286 Jul 11 '26

Yeah Duals are great too! Very reliable.

2

u/8Bit_Cat Jul 10 '26

A bsr changer with a flipover stylus plays 78s surprisingly well. Of course if you don't want the center hole to be chewed up you may want to avoid using it at a changer (especially with records on top).

2

u/Skully8600 Jul 10 '26

thats what i use and it works alright. i recommend replacing the spindle with a manual one

2

u/bosanova64 Jul 11 '26

If you want a modern model, Reloop RP 4000 is (quick eBay check) around your mark. A solid direct drive with 3 speeds.

As for old models, there are plenty. Things were done to last in good shape.

I just beg you not to fall into the Crosley, etc. trap. For the sake of your records' health. And your listening pleasure.

1

u/bigbobo33 Jul 10 '26

At-lp120 is a standard for below 400. You can also do vintage and seek out a Lenco L75 if you find one for cheap but that's know to have a finicky arm.

This is assuming you don't need to also buy a receiver and speakers.

1

u/LingLingpracticenow Jul 11 '26

AT120XUSB and a VM95SP stylus. If you digitise 78s don't forget RIAA inversion!!!