Which budget turntable will provide me the best service?

Psychicanimal has it about nailed. Technics quart locked direct drive turntables are a good bargin. The SL-1800 MK II is a cosmetically more pleasing SL-1200 MK II, the latter really was intended for DJs. They made it so essentially by making the speed control a slider instead of a rotated dial button. The SL-1700 is the same table as the 1800 but with the auto lift off at the end of the record, and the 1600 is a fully automatic version. While I've not heard any of the 1600 or 1700 tabels, I've owned two 1800 Mk IIs for nearly 20 years. They are not far from the performance of my current table, an Oracle Premier IV, limited edition with SME 345 arm. The frequency extremes are superior on the Oracle, and some trackability because of the superior arm. Still, vibration resistance is excellent with the Technics tables -- another reason for DJ's love for them.

If I were you, I'd by a used Technics table, upgrade the cable, and dump as much money as possible into a MC cartridge.

At last, an enlightened soul!

The electronics technician at work changed the cables for Phoenix Gold, I bought a Sumiko HS-MMT headshell with silver Litz wires and a JA Michell record clamp. The TT sits on a marble cutting board I got at a moving sale for $15. It is supported on four adjustable brass cones with brass bases. I am using a Grado Prestige Blue as an interim cartridge ($50) and the sound is clear and detailed. No feedback. My speakers are 92dB efficient JMlab Tantal 509s powered by a Proton 50W Dual Mono beast via a Biotronics preamp w/outboard transformer and a Tice A/V Solo. Decent, to say the least...Santa Claus should bring me an Ortofon MC.

My first TT was a 1700 (I was in high school). It's so rugged my parent's house got burglarized and when the alarm sounded off the SOBs ran with the TT and tried to throw it over the fence. The stylus and dust cover were busted but the TT kept on going...

Bookner, try getting the tonearm fluid damper from www.kabusa.com/ Also, Kevin is coming soon with an outboard transformer!

The turntable I'm currently using, a Miida 70's era model 3115 (Ac drive direct drive table) just sold for 27 bucks on Ebay a week or so ago. When it comes to turntables, don't forget ebay!!! People get rid of top dollar tables from yesteryear (and which are still very good ya know) all the time because they are just cleaning out attics and garages and assume the record players are just old useless relics

pcanis

well, if its sound youre after, go for a belt drive manual tt with a medium mass arm. the regas and music halls are great bargains and some actually come with cartridges all set up and ready to play.
if you just want to hear the records and want a durable player, the dd technics tables will serve you well.
the more refined sound you can garner from the belt drive audiophile TTs will be more rewarding of your efforts than the more rugged and easy to use dd models.
dollar for dollar, better sound with the audiophile oreinted belt drive tables.
......regards.......tr