Cheap Turntable

Don't buy on E-bay. Other than perhaps very large speakers there is nothing that can get broken in transit easier than a turntable. It is one of the few items that I would suggest buying locally. On this site, some sellers know to double box and pack correctly, some do not. On E-bay the chances of getting a correctly packed and shipped table are slim. In Europe, you can probably source a used Rega P3 with a cartridge for your budget. It seems much better than the shipping crap shoot. Think globally, buy locally.

Of course it makes sense to buy a turntable on ebay if you go collect it in person.

The Pro-ject 'tables have a good reputation. Some of the 80's belt drives (Ariston, Systemdek) are available cheap used. The Technics SL1200 direct drive offers great speed stability and can be fitted with a Rega arm.

Check out the "Building high end 'tables at Home Despot" thread for inspiration using an old Lenco and if you are comfortable doing tweaks yourself think about an old Thorens TD150/160/125.

rega 3 used , systemdek xii used, old benjamin mirachord, dual

I second the vote for a new Technics SL1200 as you can buy one for just over 400 new. A new Denon DP500M is also an excellent choice; 529 new online.

You can always remove the stock arm and install another arm on the Techics, too; somebody makes a replacement armboard for such a switch.

For a bit more money a slightly used Rega P5 or P25 is an excellent choice.

Do not buy EBAY; I weakened and bought what was advertised as a "mint" kenwood KD500 in its original box. The idiot packed the dustcover incorrectly and it arrived in pieces; this is not rocket science.

HI Again:

I'v been offered a Clearaudio Emotion with tonearm Satisfy and cartridge Aurum Classics.

It is quite new, about 1 year old.

What do you think?

Thank you