Reasonable Price on Sony TTS-3000?

[Bill in AZ]

I am looking to get back into LP playback after some 20 years of digital source.

A relative has a Sony TTS-3000 turntable with a SME arm (don't know which arm), with a Denon MC cartridge, a Denon transformer, and another cartridge as well. This TT has sat idle for several years. He is offering to sell it to me and he is using ebay references for value where currently thare are a couple incomplete TTS3000 for $300 and $800, and a SME arm for $1200. He takes good care of his gear. I could see this adding up to $2500, but have no idea what it will actually sell for.

From the little I have read this is a good vintage table and arm.

On the other hand I was concidering the Rega P3-24 table with a Ellys2 cartridge that I can get brand new for $1095 properly setup with a warranty. Or I could upgrade to a Dynavector 10x5 for $1350 total.

I reall do not want to break this $1k price barrier, but would the Sony TTS-3000 / SME combination be comparable to the new Rega P3-24, or better, or problem prone?

I am thinking of offering him $1100 for his TT complete, what do you think it is really worth to a guy like me who is looking for something to spin record on again?

[duficity]

Tell him I will sell you a Sony TTS3000 with tonearm for $600. I'll add a Denon MC cartridge for $250. And i will be doing fine on that deal. Oh, and the Sony sounds better than a rega, IMHO. I have 3 of them, and have sold my regas.

[Alec124c41]

BTW there are a number of different SME tone-arms. A 3009 is not the same as a V-5.

Cheers,
Alec

[pogo]

dufcity's got it right. It is a really fine TT. I bought one on ebay last winter for $399 with a Sony PUA-237 tonearm. Two headshells, a Sony VRII. Denon 103, and a record weight. After you give him dufcity's message, ask him to show you where he saw it go for that on eBay. To Alec's point, there are lots of different SME tonearms, however my experience is that there aren't any that would swing this deal for me -- and I do love the TT.

edit: I had to come back and make full disclosure -- for those who don't know me, I'm kind of cheap. The $399 was the most I've ever paid for a TT, and I thought it was a hell of a deal. The citations from eBay are Buy It Now prices for current listings -- not necessarily the same thing as what they'll sell for at all. Someone has modified the one in the $300 listing (not necessarily bad, but unknown). The $800 is local pickup only -- good luck with that one. Neither has a base, dustcover, or tonearm (I guess that's what the meaning of "incomplete" is -- mine had the original base and dustcover. The seller had it listed with a starting bid of $399 and free shipping in an auction. I bid $399 and it was mine -- I really didn't believe I'd win it.

[Bill in AZ]

Thank You for the advice and price guidelines. I now feel better about offering less money! I have not seen that specific turntable in over 20 years myself and do not remember anything about the tonearm (straight or "S" shaped??).

I think I will offer $900 if he throws in all three headshells and two cartridges and the Denon MC transformer. If he wants more then I will feel better buying a new Rega and move on.

[majick47]

The Rega is a fly weight in comparison to the Sony 3000/SME 3009.

[duficity]

I built an Oak and plywood heavy plinth for one TTS3000 and a Delrin plinth for another. both sound better than stock, and much better than any Rega I have heard.

[Bill in AZ]

Regarding the TTS-3000 I have been concidering. It is fitted wit a SME tonearm, but which version I do not know. It has the original wood base and dust cover. The seller will let it go for $900 with one Stanton cartridge, or for $1000 will include two Stanton carts, a Denon MC cart, and the matching Denon stepup transformer. All cartridges are in SME headshells. If I am in I will get the whole works to have the Denon cartridge.

I tried to post a couple photos in the Gallery, but could not view them, so no pictures right now.

Bottom line is this: $1,000 is a lot of coin for me when I currently only have about 20 favorite LP's that I saved from "the good old days". But I have a gnawing feeling that if I were to buy Cheap new turntable that I would soon regret it. Also I am a bit worried about having it shipped from Michigan to my home in Arizona.

Can you advise me as to this being wise investment into vinyl?

[bubba45]

I'd vote for getting the TTS3000, SME arm, 3 carts + Headshells & the SUT. Seems like a lot of quality gear for $1,000.

[pogo]

My take. Something sounds wonky. The guy is saying that he'll add two SME headshells and a Stanton Cartridge and a Denon MC Cartridge and a Denon Transformer for $100? Doesn't make sense to me. If all is as it seems I would agree with Bubba that on it's face it sounds like a heck of deal, but I can't help being a little skeptical and cynical. Tell him the deal is $900 for the whole kit. I'd say less, but you've already offered that much. You really ought to ask which models of tonearm and cartridges you're talking about. It really makes a difference. The TT itself with base and cover and no tonearm is maybe worth $300 to $400. The extra $500 to $600 is a function of what the other stuff really is (model and condition). All that said, I really want you to have this thing. I love it, and it has become my primary 33 spinner since it came to the house -- with the Denon Dl103 in the Sony tonearm it really is sweet sounding. I haven't forgotten that this is a relative (not the best idea to do business with, but that's a different issue) If you think you can trust him and he has answers that make sense, then go for it. (He may not actually realize what the value of those individual parts are, or he may just want to treat a relative well.) Good luck.

Regarding the TTS-3000 I have been concidering. It is fitted wit a SME tonearm, but which version I do not know. It has the original wood base and dust cover. The seller will let it go for $900 with one Stanton cartridge, or for $1000 will include two Stanton carts, a Denon MC cart, and the matching Denon stepup transformer. All cartridges are in SME headshells. If I am in I will get the whole works to have the Denon cartridge.

I tried to post a couple photos in the Gallery, but could not view them, so no pictures right now.

Bottom line is this: $1,000 is a lot of coin for me when I currently only have about 20 favorite LP's that I saved from "the good old days". But I have a gnawing feeling that if I were to buy Cheap new turntable that I would soon regret it. Also I am a bit worried about having it shipped from Michigan to my home in Arizona.

Can you advise me as to this being wise investment into vinyl?

[Bill in AZ]

Pogo,
He knows exactly what he has and will sell it to me if I keep it all together (not part it out on e-bay or some such scheme). He is my Brother-in-law and owns a recording studio in Ann Arbor, MI. I trust him completely in this, but I just wanted confirmation that this vintage TT (and SME 3009 arm) are still worthy todday as I have been out of vinyl for some 20 years myself. The deal is still on and he is searching for packing materials. I insisted he insure the thing for the full amount in case UPS turns it into junk.

I am now looking for a good but price effective phono stage not over $500 or $600 max. A local hi-fi shop will let me try a couple they have once they feel I am serious.

[bubba45]

This is quite a good guide for packing TT's if your B-I-L needs a few tips.

http://reviews.ebay.com/How-to-Pack-a-T ... 0002161041

I think you got a good deal with all that thrown in.

[duficity]

The PS Audio GCPH is an excellent phono preamp at your price range, includes a volume, phase and mono control, all accessible through the remote. Multiple gain and loading options and balanced output option. I use one, and it is highly recommended at its price. You can use it as a preamp for a vinyl only system, running directly to your amp.

[Bill in AZ]

duficity, I will check out that preamp at least online and look for reviews (but I never know if the reviwer has my tastes, thus hard to trust a review).