Best turntable setup for under $300

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

Rega P2/Planar 2 (only with the RB250 arm not the older s-shaped one)USED. Often comes up around your price, sometimes with a decent cartridge that has enough life left to get you started. The older Planar 2 is a little nicer looking (and has the same thickness of plinth as the Planar 3 of that era)with the walnut surround, but the newer P2's may have the 'motor upgrade', ie fixed to the plinth instead of suspended on a belt.

Why? They're as close to 'hifi' sound as it gets in the entry level arena. Their main weakness is isolation and there are a ton of tweaks and platforms and stand options to eliminate most of the problem easily and cheaply. They are totally uncomplicated, mostly just plug and play.

And, it is probable you'll acquire 'the bug'. While there are a lot of similar and clone tables out there that may sound as good or similar, the Rega has the name and is an easy resale, if you buy right you wont lose when you go to upgrade.

Do some research in forums and reviews, go out and listen to one. It's a no-brainer really.

Thorens 145/150/160/166 with Grado Gold (or any cartridge at around $150~200) would be a good start at under $300.