How do you choose a turntable ?

hey OP

I know how you feel about auditioning for this component. as others have said above, there are so many brands around and others say audition it at audio stores

if I were you, I must have a working budget to get started. with that said go to online retailers such as Music Direct Or audio advice and look around. there are hundreds of web sites to visit BUT narrow it down to products that fits your budget, I did that and I ended up with VPI. my first one was a REGA and have tried others. NOTE, it is hard enough to return and assemble / disassemble these turntables and package it back. My advice here to check out local audio stores that you can listen to.

Its journey in finding the right table. But please remember, please do not forget about synergy. your chosen TT must match well with your current gear. My gear is of modest value and the VPI was a well match unit. An acquaintance who asked for some advice on TT once had a budget of 50K $$ for the TT alone, cause his gear is in the 100K $ range. so, synergy is important. the weakest link is where it will break.

good luck 

Reviews, features, price, company support and longevity, then purchased VPI Avenger Rim: long established company consistently seen in audio shows, support from owner MattW will outlive me, straightforward construction and operation, tuneful mass loaded bass, multiple tonearms.

However, if I decide on a second turntable like for my tube system, the Technics 1200/1300 is turnkey.

Also curious about the unique drive/musicality of a Garrard 301/401 which will require significant time and money to get to a high sonic level - I like panzerholz plinths 

All of a sudden I'm obsessed with turntables! Where do I start?

My only source of music is streamed through my Innuos Pulsar which is incredible - PRAT, incisive transients and attack, incredible imaging, body, air, detail etc. But what should a turntable sound like? I dislike bloat, saturation,  etch/distortion/brightness, weak and undefined detail etc.

I had the opportunity to demo a Technics SL-1200G and an Acoustic Solid Vintage Full Exclusive Turntable. The Technics sounded precise and musical.  The Acoustic Solid sounded muffled and lacked emotion.  I was told that the phono stage was subpar so maybe a proper demo is warranted. 

So if the Technics SL-1200G was good how much better is the Technics SL-1200GME (Anniversary Limited Edition)?

What will a good TT give me that digital doesn't?

Lots of good tables here but I would add this, and these comments tend to verify my attitude. There are an infinite great many combinations of turntables, tone arms, cartridges and phono prep amps that sound great. Both direct drive and belt drive can sound fantastic, both vintage and new tables also can sound fantastic, mass loading and suspension designs can both sound terrific. Even budget tables can sound tremendous. Bottom line, there are many, many roads to great analog sound. Finding that perfect magic one is really not the game. The real joy is getting something and start spinning records.