Which budget turntable will provide me the best service?

I'll tell you what there are some Amazing bargins out there. I just got an old (mid 1970's) Miracord 750 with a Grado cartridge for $95. It's in great shape and everything works. It sounds wonderfull! Yeah, there is some rumble but get the music going and the music gets going. I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of a Thorens TD-160. I picked up a new Stanton 681EE cartridge to go with it for a song. Heard this combo in 1978 and was jolted by the sweep of the music.

My point is there is some GREAT stuff out there for less (sometimes MUCH less)than a couple of hundred bucks that will serve your new collection well.

Good Luck!!

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

I'd take a look at the Thorens TD-203. It has a tonearm usually found on much more expensive tables. Originally $999, but can now be had for about $579 via Rutherford Audio.