Best turntable setup for 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.

Don't buy any gear off eBay, its too risky. A month ago I purchased a Dynaco ST-70 on eBay from an individual that regularly sells modified ST-70s here on Agon. He described in great detail in the ad that the unit was in totally excellent condition. It came with switches broken (no parts in box), wiring that was not correctly soldered or not soldered at all, and a quad of new EL34's of different brands. I guess he puts his bad units on eBay so he can hide behind the eBay curtain and he refuses to answer emails. Haven't received it back from the repair shop yet.

01-23-10: Jetter
Don't buy any gear off eBay, its too risky.

You have to do your homework, that's for certain.

I purchased a beautiful Thorens table on E-Bay. It included the original box, accessories and manual. It arrived in perfect condition. So, it's possible to successfully buy turntables on E-Bay, but due diligence is required.