At your price point, vintage is still the best bet. You can get a very good Technics or JVC DD for around $300. I just sold a Technics SL1401, it will outperform a Pro-ject Debut, U-turn, Rega p1 or the like in every way possible. Speed stability, build quality, isolation, features, bearing tolerances and yes sonics.
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...