Best turntable setup for under $300

Rega P2/Planar 2 (only with the RB250 arm not the older s-shaped one)USED. Often comes up around your price, sometimes with a decent cartridge that has enough life left to get you started. The older Planar 2 is a little nicer looking (and has the same thickness of plinth as the Planar 3 of that era)with the walnut surround, but the newer P2's may have the 'motor upgrade', ie fixed to the plinth instead of suspended on a belt.

Why? They're as close to 'hifi' sound as it gets in the entry level arena. Their main weakness is isolation and there are a ton of tweaks and platforms and stand options to eliminate most of the problem easily and cheaply. They are totally uncomplicated, mostly just plug and play.

And, it is probable you'll acquire 'the bug'. While there are a lot of similar and clone tables out there that may sound as good or similar, the Rega has the name and is an easy resale, if you buy right you wont lose when you go to upgrade.

Do some research in forums and reviews, go out and listen to one. It's a no-brainer really.

Thorens 145/150/160/166 with Grado Gold (or any cartridge at around $150~200) would be a good start at under $300.

Take a good look at this B&O turntable here on Audiogon, these are VERY nice turntables!

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1267726385&/Bang---Olufen-B-O-3400-near-mi

-RW-

get a cherry AR manual and SHURE V15 hard to beat
I just picked both up for $70

I am in agreemet with those who recommend a vintage classic table like an AR or Thorens. If you buy one that has been reconditioned, then you will be able to use it, enjoy it, and learn about analog. When you are ready to upgrade, you will likely be able to sell the table for close to what you paid.

Try hard to buy a table with its original box, packaging, accessories and manual. They're out there.

If you buy a new production table, you will definitely take a financial hit when it comes time to resell, and the new production tables in the $300 range are not in the same league as the vintage tables that were made when vinyl was King and all there was (except magnetic tape).

IMO.