Beernut, I started out with a Project Debut and was very pleased with it. For a starting out table it's perfectly fine, ready to go out of the box, and easily upgraded. It wasn't long and I put a new cart on it, and then the acrylic platter. While it's not the table I've got $3 grand in now, it was a nice start. Nothing majorly wrong with it, and maybe as well as you can do at your price point. If you are trying out vinyl, no need in getting too deep before you know if you're going to stick with it. And easy to get back out. But for me, it rekindled my love of vinyl, and got me on my way. I gave it to my son-in-law and now he's vinyl crazy and has moved up to a $1600 outfit. I previously had a 25 year old Denon, and the Project actually sounded better.
Affordable Turntable Options
Hey all. First, I know the term affordable is relative. I'm considering getting back into vinyl and rather than resurrect my dusty Marantz 6270 I thought about starting anew. I'd like to keep the cost under $500.00 w/cartridge. The U-Turn models interest me and they have added some new models with solid wood plinths that look awesome. Any suggestions based on the above? I see some prices for "vintage" tables are through the roof and always of dubious history...