Bang for the Buck

Turntable is brand new Technics SL1200GR and the cartridge is vintage AT-ML150 OCC or Stanton 881s mkII / Pickering XSV3000 just to name a few. Read why Stanton and AT-ML series are so good.

P.S. some vintage Direct Drive like Denon DP-80 can be better and cheaper than new Technics GR

 Check out the Marantz TT 15. Nice table made by Clearaudio , comes with a good cart. all set up. Upscale Audioor Music Direct should have it.
https://upscaleaudio.com/products/marantz-tt-15-acrylic-turntable

For simple "bang for the buck" systems, check out Steve Guttenberg's Audiophiliac videos on YouTube.  

Tonearm is more important than cartridge. I use Trans-Fi Terminator air bearing tonearms, which I consider the best deal in high end ($1000), competing with any tonearm costing less than a new car.

*S*  OMG, a tangential fan....

Thanks, Terry....^5's,  "The only way to play..."  ;)