Do you have any suggestions?

Pro-Ject Debut III (Sumiko), MMF-2.1, Rega P1, the direct drive Technics SL-1200 mkII, and for auto operation, Thorens TD 158 are your options new in that price range, which is actually from $300-400. They represent the bottom of the line options from reputable companies. They all come with cartridges which you would do well to think of upgrading in the long run. Used might open the door to a few more but most probably from the same contenders. You can pay as little as $75 for an only adaquate phono stage, which would get you the Rolls VP-29. Raising your budget will get you noticable improvements at every step.

Good luck and enjoy!

Dealer disclaimer.

I have a Pro-ject RM-5 and like it a lot. Purchased it new from the Needle Doctor.

Try a used Thorens TD 160 or even a TD 150($200 - $250) and a Shure M97xe cartridge ($53 at Kennzo.com.)They come up all the time here and on e-bay. Great value and terrific sounding.

"Im afraid that these low end turntables are going to sound really tinny and cheap"

the issue is often not so much "tinny" as muddy, although id you're really lucky you can have both. ;-)

Hey Knot, You have no experience and limited budget so pursue used and resell at a slight or no loss if you do not like results, vinyl can sound pretty good on a tight budget but you cant buy miracles for that amount.