Budget Turntable suggestions

Second the AT bundle...I was not impressed with the Rega P1...at least not for $400...the older P2 with glass platter is significantly better...Note: the built in phono preamp with the AT bundle is subpar for critical listening...passable for DJ use

Stringreen: Now that you've had your eye-roll and dismissal moment in the sun, care to be helpful here to this fellow Audiogon member who asked a pefectly legitimate question? Elitism and snarkiness are simply unproductive and frankly, who has the time and bandwidth for such cynicism anymore?

C'mon, surely you have a couple of helpful suggestions...

Mine would be to find a good used Technics 1200 series table and install at least a $50 to $100 AT or similar cart. This will likely run about $700-$800 (I know, out of budget) but the advantage is a solid performing start to vinyl.

I agree with Stevecham

How significant is direct drive vs belt in this price range? There are a few other options vs the AT bundled in that price at LP gear and they are all belt driven, is this a real advantage or not?

Project Debut Carbon, $399- at Music Direct.
Table, carbon fiber arm and Ortofon 2M Red cartridge.

It's a very nice balanced setup that sounds better than it has any right to.