entry level turntable

Vintage tables often require a lot of TLC. I know, I own several. If you are just starting out, it is hard to go wrong with an entry level table from either Music Hall, Pro-ject or Rega. Personally I might lean towards the Pro-ject Debut because it comes with the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, which is an especially well-regarded entry-level cartridge.

If you don't have a local dealer you are working with, the folks at Needledoctor.com are terrific to work with.

So many of the entry-level turntables have moved up $100-200 in price in the last few years. The Project Debut Carbon seems to reset the price/performance point ($399) with a better tonearm and cartridge. It wasn't too long ago that a carbon fiber tonearm was considered pretty exotic. When you consider how ringy and resonant many tonearms are, that Debut Carbon makes for an excellent starting point.

You can do some economical upgrades during those first few years as well: replace the original stylus with the 2M Blue one, upgrade the platter, get a speed box to make the speed more stable and accurate. To me it's *the* starting point below $500.

Denon 47F with 103 cartridge should be your goal. Used it would be under $500. Of course, you need to pick up the unit, no shipping.

IMO youre way better off with the Rega or ProJect. IMO the ProJect Carbon sounds like it would be a great choice, but cant go wrong with either. In your price range, they will both be way better then vintage (again-in your price range).