Best turntable setup for under $300

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.

Take a good look at this B&O turntable here on Audiogon, these are VERY nice turntables!

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1267726385&/Bang---Olufen-B-O-3400-near-mi

-RW-

get a cherry AR manual and SHURE V15 hard to beat
I just picked both up for $70