Turntable Kits?

[tdogzthmn]

Are there any good turntable kits out there that users can recommend?

Would Bottlehead consider offering their own DIY TT as a kit? 

[Chris65]

I guess by asking this question, you're relatively new to vinyl?
There are some kits out there, but IMHO a kit is not worth it, & since there are so few to be seen, I think manufacturers have realised that as well.
The main cost in turntables is the components - plinth, motor, bearing, platter, arm, etc. Putting those together is a minimal cost.

There are some good budget turntables from the likes of Pro-Ject, Rega, U-Turn Audio that will sound better than the average 'consumer' plastic affair you will see in big electronics stores these days. (guess it's a good sign though, that at least they HAVE turntables)

Also, there are fine vintage turntables to be had, some for not much money. And there is a lot of business in aftermarket parts for many models, which ends being somewhat like a kit anyway when you start replacing parts.

Hope that helps.

[Hank Murrow]

Well, DIY.com has one here:  http://www.diyhifisupply.com/opcart/index.php?route=product/category&path=177

Cheers, Hank

[tdogzthmn]

Thanks for the responses.

The only kit I was able to find what the one you posted Hank, but it didn't appeal to me.  I had thought there would be more kits available for purchase.  It doesn't seem overly difficult since there are many DIY build threads on various Vinyl forums.

I'm very happy with my current turnable, but I like the idea of assembling one myself.

[Paul Birkeland]

If you're interested in the DIY type work with a turntable, it might be worth considering refurbishing an idler.  Though it's not strictly kit construction, these tend to be very rewarding projects that aren't insanely difficult.

-PB

(PS - if you come across one, don't buy a BIX!)

[Wanderer]

Back in the late 1980s I purchased a used AR AX and added some of George Merrill's upgrade parts. Replaced the stock tonearm with a SME IIIs.

http://vinylnirvana.com/merrill-turntables-mods/

Merrill does not have his modifications available anymore but Vinyl Nirvana doe have some upgrade parts for sale. I have purchase some odds and ends (new belt, upgrade pulley) from Dave Archambault at Vinyl Nirvana and he has been fine to deal with.   

http://vinylnirvana.com/ar-replacement-upgrade-parts/

He also has parts for some Thorens belt drives and looks like he is developing more upgrades for the Thorens 150.

Also there are AR upgrade parts from Sound of the Wood - I have no experience with purchasing from them.   

http://www.soundofthewoodaudio.com/ar-mods

So a DIY possiblity is getting a decent used belt drive, Thorens or AR, and modernizing/tweaking it.

Still use my upgraded AR and have been very happy with it.     

[Bill Epstein]

Have you tried Diyaudio.com?

I see tonearms all the time, not so much on tables but there are projects.

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/analogue-source/

[krandle37]

You can also consider Lenco Heaven (LH).  Its principal focus is rebuilding Lenco idler-drive turntables.  However, there are sections on other turntable projects.  I am a member of LH and rebuilt from a Lenco 55.  If you are comfortable working with wood and have tools, it is not overly complex.  However, the results are very satisfying.  The important aspect of the build is mass (the more massive the energy sink, the better).

[richie60]

You can also consider Lenco Heaven (LH).  Its principal focus is rebuilding Lenco idler-drive turntables.  However, there are sections on other turntable projects.  I am a member of LH and rebuilt from a Lenco 55.  If you are comfortable working with wood and have tools, it is not overly complex.  However, the results are very satisfying.  The important aspect of the build is mass (the more massive the energy sink, the better).

+1 for Lencoheaven.

I was going to suggest having a go at a PTP, just find an old l75 or 78 for parts and you're away.

[Bonzo]

+1 for Lencoheaven.

I was going to suggest having a go at a PTP, just find an old l75 or 78 for parts and you're away.

+2! You can't go wrong with a simple idle turntable like Lenco, and if you dig deep enought I think you can still find some bargains out there!

[rockdoc]

PTP Lenco is my choice after a lifetime of VPI, Linn, Merrlil, Garrard 301, 401, Thorens TD-124, I couldn't be happier. And the folks on Lencoheaven are great. Built up an L-78 on a PTP plate, and it beat them all.

[Doc B.]

This thread is like a daffodil. Every spring it comes back to life, then wilts. Chris was pretty right on three years ago when he said that all the cost is in making the parts. The labor to assemble will be minimal. Thus a kit will cost about the same as a finished turntable of the same quality. Refurbing an older table is a cool idea, but I imagine the vinyl surge has created a vacuum of used tables.

[JamieMcC]

I saw an interesting piece on troelsgravesen website where he built himself a maglev TT using parts sourced from ebay.

http://www.troelsgravesen.dk/maglev.htm

[Sugar Man]

Here is a great DIY tonearm project from Audiomods:  http://www.audiomods.co.uk/armkits.html

[Sugar Man]

Another DIY option is coming soon from Groovetracer - their own custom Delrin plinth that is compatible with most of their products and Rega's.

http://www.groovetracer.com/news_groove_tracer.htm