All in all, I think conventional cartridges are better--you can adjust them, and the mounting seems far more rigid than p mount. Then, there aren't as many P mount cartridges to choose from. However, it seems to me that a GOOD p mount cartridge, mounted on a GOOD turntable could offer decent sound.
If simplicity is what you're after, you might look at buying a turntable with a premounted conventional cartridge. (Music Hall, NAD 533, or a used turntable in good condition.) You'd get simplicity now, with the ability to upgrade to a much better cartridge later.
If simplicity is what you're after, you might look at buying a turntable with a premounted conventional cartridge. (Music Hall, NAD 533, or a used turntable in good condition.) You'd get simplicity now, with the ability to upgrade to a much better cartridge later.