Looking for not too expensive Turntable

If one was buying new, the Audio Technica LP-120 comes with a AT-95E cartridge. A friend of mine owns one and it seems very well built for the price (~$250 Amazon). I would also check out Music Direct, The Record Doctor, and Audio Advisor for alternatives.   

Dear Chakster,  I guess I was responding to your bald statement that "nothing" can beat the SP10 Mk2, presumably in its price range and in the category of vintage direct-drive types.  My remark was just meant in fun.  However, I agree that "below $250" is not the price range for either the DP80 or the SP10 mk2.  I've held on to my DP80, even though I do not use it regularly, just because the market value is so ridiculously low compared to its capabilities.  (I listen to the SP10 Mk3 and the Kenwood L07D most of the time.) I'd prefer to have the DP80 around just to look at, rather than to sell it for the too low price it could command.

I don’t know any other top class turntables with such a high torque like the SP-10mk2 (or mk3). In terms of usability this is the best, i wish all my DD could immediately start/stop like the SP-10mk2 or at lest like the Technics SP-20. But none of them (Luxman PD-444 or Victor TT-101) can compete with Technics torque. Never tried Denon, but i’m sure the platter is like Victor’s. I know they have another advantages and i know why the torque is not that high and the platter is not so heavy. But for usability the high torque is amazing feature, that’s why it was studio broadcast turntable, that’s why even lower technics are "disco" turbtables.

The visual part of the hi-end gear is important for me too, i prefer the classics, in terms of design those SP-10mkII, SP-20 are so nice (but not in the stock obsidian plinth, imo). 

  Yes as Mesch said there is a new Audio Technica table for $250.My brother bought one but I don't know if it's the same model # but it was $250. and it sounds surprisingly good with vintage AT155 cartridge and even has VTA adjustment. A very nice looking rig brand new.

Chakster

All the Denon DD have an electronic brake and they do brake rather quickly. Not a quick as the Technics MK2/3 that use a mechanical brake. The BIG Denon the DN308 originally have a mechanical brake in addition to the electronic one.  On my Rebuilds I do eliminate this as not stops with in a 1/4 revolution with the electronic one alone.

Good Listening

Peter