Best turntable setup for under $300

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.

The Audio Technica AT PL120USB direct drive turntable with built-in (switchable) phono preamp and USB interface. $249 at the link. They're $369 and $399 elsewhere. Bought one for my 23-yr-old son for Christmas and it is surprisingly good. Comes with a heavy tracking DJ cartridge but I put on a Shure M97xE I had lying around and it's a very decent match with a smooth presentation but dynamic with excellent bass and rhythm & pace. The felt DJ slip mat isn't so useful for critical listening, but add a thicker mat and you'll be in business. It even has adjustable tonearm height.

Reasonably well built; weighs about 26 lbs. Tone Publications gave it a very favorable review considering the price and the tonearm is good enough to make good use of better cartridges such as the Ortofon 2M Blue and the Grado Platinum.

He's gets the additional benefit with the LX to transfer his vinyl to digital if he needs/wants to which for me would provide additional value. Most of the other recommended tables can not provide that benefit for $104. I know that the LX is not the best but for $104 plus you can transfer to digital as well as upgrade the needle if you want.....thats a get deal and provides additional fun for this hobby.....at least it would be me. Buying old turntables off ebay a bit to risky for me. Either way it's your decision.

Good luck