Best turntable setup for under $300


Dipping my toes in the vinyl world with a relatively limited budget. Any good suggestions on something that won't break a grad student bank?

I'm not ready for a true audiophile setup, just want something that sounds good and won't destroy my records. My knowledge of analog is very limited at the present time...\

Many thanks AG members!
rch34
Technics SL 1300, 1400,1500,1600,1700,1800 all great tables. Mk2's look nicer. All can be had within budget and sound great
$109 shipped! SOLD !!! You can listen safely for less. Enjoy your LP's and save your money for a mid level entry table in the future. Dam !!!!
I've just recently received the Sony LX300USB for a gift and am going to use it to transfer some of my LP's to Cd's. The stock needle isn't the best so if your going to do any transfering I'd suggest going to LP gear .com and getting a better one. For the money this player is great starter player and can transfer your stull to digital if you want to.
With all said !!! Your after the best for the least that offers saftey with what you have to play. Take it from experience !!!!! Buy the LX and let it be done with. Save for a better rig up the raod! Forget about getting another needle or even a low line Rega player! Too much rhedoric from people that ignore your principles put up front! Email me off the board ............. I'll help you with what you desire Rch34. It's a hobby not a job! Get the LX300 and be happy! Too many years of experience ,willing to help a novice new starter to the hobby! Bill
With all due respect, I must disagree with those who have advised the OP to go out and buy a new Sony PS-LX300USB. I have heard this TT in an average "dorm room" setup, and I must say that I thought it sounded pretty bad. Admittedly the cartridge was probably the worst part of the rig, but I think that the kid can do much better for less.

For example, I recently bought a Project/One TT on eBay for my nephew. Basically a house branded (anyone remember the old Pacific Stereo?) Pioneer PL-12 for $35. It actually came with a working Shure cartridge but I popped a new belt and an AT95E from LP Gear on it and it sounds very good. Total investement = $104.00 Would have been $55 if I had kept the original cartridge, which still had life in it. Much better than the Sony LX300 IMHO.

There are lots of other good deals out there, including old Technics, Sony and other 70s/80s DD decks. Look on your local craigslist - sometimes they are free damned nearly so.