Best turntable for easy setup and no maintenence?

A KAB modified Technics SL-1200mk5 with tonearm fluid damper and external power supply. Get the KAB/STANTON Trackmaster II integrated cartridge/headshell for easy (as in 'nothing to adjust') alignment. Buy the KAB/Technics pre-tweaked from Kevin at www.kabusa.com.

If you want to play 45 rpm records as well as 33s, you want to avoid some of the Regas, Music Hall's etc where you have to lift up the platter and move the rubber band (aka belt) to another pulley in order to change speed.

Check out Ed Kobesky's review of the SL-1200mkX ( http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/frr.pl?ranlg&1093010514&read&3&4& ) and Zaikesman's review of the tonearm damper ( http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/frr.pl?raccs&1033259530&read&3&4& )

Good luck!

- Harald

Rega. Rega.

Scheu Cello with rb250 arm for less than a grand landed from Germany. Uses same bearing as their much more expensive 80mm platter Premier model. Excellent motor and good cosmetics. this is not a kit as is the following table, though.

Bix turntable appears a good value, too.

or a rega p25

Got to agree with the Technics SL-1200 with KAB modded tonearm recommendation. Found a nice one used.
Easy to setup, but has refined features.
Am using a Dynavector 10x5 cartridge.
Added a Hagerman Cornet phono stage.
Have less than a grand into this total.
Sounds fantastic.
Yes I have heard Music Hall tables as well as Regas.
Have also heard a tweaked Teres.
The Technics does a great job and competes easily with the Music Halls and Regas.

Good luck. Get a decent phono stage and buy used.