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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
elliottbnewcombjr
7,705 posts
 

This delivered is slightly over budget

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/188288331219?mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=d4f20118-3cd1-11f1-871b-393532383530

 

kymanor1
126 posts
 

Vpi

lardawg
58 posts
 

VPI HW-19's are available in that price range 

jagodby128
12 posts
 

Technics just recently introduced the SL-50C. It’s available on Crutchfield for $799.00. I think that’s the way I would go. I own a SL1200 MK II which I bought new at Guitar Center in the early 1990s and I own a Linn LP 12. While the Linn set up is the standout turntable the SL 1200 is the workhorse. I use it twice as much simply because it is a DD and affords greater ease of use vs a belt drive. 

panzrwagn's avatar
panzrwagn
692 posts
 

Audio Technica makes the shockingly good AT LP-7X belt drive for $999. A very no- nonsense design, it features a longer than average 9.7" arm with upgraded bearings,  easily adjustable arm height (missing in most turntables 2-3【[】⁰X or more the cost), decent feet , a heavy delrin platter, and an overall weight of 17lbs. By far, the most impressive under $1000 turntable I've seen.

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