Not much talk about Yamaha turntables.


I've been wanting to jump into the analog world for years, but for a lack of experience and/or knowledge about the equipment, I haven't. There's plenty of talk here about the big names in analog and I was surprised the other day browsing around somewhere that Yamaha has turntables.  Are these any good?  What do they compare to in terms of other more well-known analog names?  I'm not asking about their $8,000 models.  I will never be able to afford that.  I'm asking more about their sub $1k models.  

Thanks!
shtinkydog
I know the OP is talking about "new" Yamaha TT but a lot of the conversation is about the vintage Yamaha TT from back in their "Glory" years.
I have a Yamaha linear tracker, the PX-3 that is an outstanding performer after a little maintenance work.
It included features such as a coreless motor that Technics finally turned to when designing the new series of SL-1200 TT, only took 35 years to catch up.
Micro Seiki did a lot of the component building on the older TOTL Yamaha TT as well. Micro wasn't known for being a leader in electronics but they could build mechanical components like tonearms and such better than most.
BillWojo
Alrighty then.  I'm gonna shoot for the Pioneer.  Now for the cartridge.  I see here that the Grado Prestige Black and the Nagaoka MP110 were recommended for this TT.  Can anyone describe the differences in these two or recommend another cartridge(s)?
Why stuck on Yamaha turntables? They are not what come to my mind when I think of a turntable. Why not, if you are set on direct drive, a pioneer or the technics? Pioneer plx1000 can be had for 699 or 599 on sale. The technics (forget the model#) can be had for 999. Also I'd be looking at some used but cared for denon direct drives from the late 80's. Now if you go belt drive, there Is a plethora of great models, some of which can be had for under a grand....pro-ject makes a nice table, as does clearaudio, and of course the rega tables....in fact there are so many really nice turntables for not a ton of money that I'm not certain I understand your delay in getting into analog/vinyl.....