Recommend a turntable!


I’m not a turntable newbie as I bought my first turntable in the 70’s and now I have a very nicely specified Linn LP12 and a Thorens TD 124 that was beautifully overhauled in 2025. So why am I asking? I’ve put together a 2nd system far more modest than my main system, and there’s no turntable in the 2nd system. 
So what am I looking for? I’ve never owned a direct drive turntable, so I’m thinking- direct drive it is. I specifically do not want anything with a built in phono stage. And in keeping with the modest nature of my 2nd system, this has to be a lower cost turntable but it has to be something good. Is there anything in the $1000 range? 

zavato

This one is overpriced, a nice one just sold for $650. I got one and set it up for a friend, we both think it is a cut above, as well as so easy to use.

https://reverb.com/item/94401061-mitsubishi-lt20-linear-tracking-turntable-in-excellent-condition-serviced-1980-s

 

If it appeals to you, and not in a hurry, just go to hifishark.com, search mitsubishi direct drive turntable, sort by first seen, new first,

LT30; LT20, ... other models, some black or gray, some wood grain, but a skin, not veneer, still they look nice,

Linear tracking, removable headshell, any 1/2" mount cartridge. 

Also Linear Tracking, and Programmable, I had one in my second system, used it for awhile in my main system, loaned it to 3 audiophile friends, we all agreed, it plays and sounds terrific. I gave it to my son, glad I did, but I miss it.

P mount cartridge, easy to change, no alignment or anti-skate needed, and they make P mount cartridges with advanced stylus shapes, I got one with Shibata.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/127817598043?mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=6f442ad6-3c0d-11f1-9483-313330333831

Piling in on the PLX-1000 love. I also saw Herb’s review when it came out, and took the plunge. Since then I added the KAB fluid damper (necessary imho) and Hana SH Mk 2 cart (overboard but wth) and couldn’t be happier. You can’t go wrong at your price point. 

I think people here can say Yay or Nay to the 3000 spinner. Add an arm of your choice, enlarge the existing hole, or spin the armboard 180 degrees for a new hole. (verify that)

Like my JVC TT81, it's 100v, you use a transformer for your voltage, many of us do that, no problem.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/406869346850?mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=e823734a-3c43-11f1-922a-313330333831