Front End Advice Sought

Yeah, let's not forget that as finicky as WE see the LP playback process, there was a time when everybody did it.

Still, I think a $1K Thorens single-play automatic or auto shutoff with factory-mounted and aligned cartridge would be the most no-hassle approach to decent quality. The Thorens TD240 is $975 with included cartridge. That leaves an outboard phono stage. The Cambridge Audio 540P is $99, but that's not too far over. Or there's the Audio Technica PEQ3 at $69.

Another approach would be a Technics SL1200 as a fully manual, but durable and ergonomic platform at $350-500, which would leave enough budget for a better cartridge and phono stage, such as an Ortofon 2M Blue ($199) and any number of $150-ish phono stages--Pro-Ject Phono Box, Rega Fono Mini, Cambridge Audio 640P, the NAD, Music Hall PA 1.2, etc., plus a pair of Audio Advisor's AudioQuest Blue Racer II interconnects between the phono stage and the receiver.

A used, but in good condition Denon 47F, with Denon 160 cartridge should do the trick. Of course, a pre-amp to match the 160, would also be needed and a used ProJect would be a good choice. Everything could cost $600. The best feature would be a fully automatic system that the 47F has, including the repeat feature. It does not get any easier then that. Being fully automatic, tons of money are saved in stylus replacements.

Thanks everyone so far. The woman that will be using this is in her late 70's, but still sharp. But as sharp as she is, it has to be simple to operate, as most of you have devined.

I'll be setting things up initially, and then let her rock and roll. Or at least roll.

A used Bang & Olufsen linear tracking table that uses the MC series cartridges. These are very aesthetic, ergonomic, and nicely built tables. If you're lucky and can find one, the Beogram 4500 even comes with a built in phono stage. New cartridge replacements are available from Soundsmith.

Doesn't require much in terms of set up. Insert the cartridge, set the VTF, and check the speed settings. Fully automatic operation for playback. If you find one with a serviceable cartridge you'll have more than enough left over for record/stylus cleaning accessories and a digital scale.

Knowing she's in her '70s, even though I'm a Technics SL12x0 fan, I say get an automatic, whether it's a good condition Denon DP47F or a new model Thorens. It'll take care of the stylus and the records, and she can focus on playing the music.