Although the best and most expensive tt's available today are superior to anything available 25 or more years ago, I would argue that at the low- and even the mid-price level you can get better quality reproduction for less money with a vintage turntable. Many of the modern "lower end" (if you think $2500 is low end) belt drives are nothing but me-too products. If you don't want to DIY, then buy a restored and upgraded product you can just plug in and use; you'll still pay less. Dual, Garrard, Lenco, Thorens, Technics, Kenwood, Sony, etc, direct drives and idler drives come to mind. Just my $.02.
