This is what the typical consumer group considers the 5 best turntables


top 5 turntables
the commentary is priceless

http://m.bestreviews.com/5-best-turntables

The way too expensive turntable is the bargin budget around here
128x128audiotomb
These are so far below our radar that I am unfamiliar with all of them except the Pro-Ject, which I have heard of but never researched.
What would expect from the general public. Most people think  Bose is the top of the line in Audio.
It's called the "real world".  That's a place where people spend sensible amounts of money on music equipment.  Perfectionist don't understand.

The Audio-Technica is an updated Technics 1200.

This is truly indicative of the modern consumer.  Most important criteria...

It has to work (at least for awhile).  It must be cheap.  It can't be too heavy so I can throw it away when it breaks. And be able to buy it using a $700 smart phone in one hand and a $5 cup of Starbucks in the other.

And how much did you say you're giving me BestReviews to participate in this survey?


Yes, they don't understand.  Seems the people think I am crazy, driving an Aston Martin.  I tell them I am a James Bond wannabe, they then understanding.