04-22-14: Schubert
I believe Pro.ject has, allowing for inflation, made a decent TT more affordable than any time in Audio History.
I've heard the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon. At $399 it's crazy good.
I bought my first stereo in 1972. The Debut Carbon (with Ortofon 2M Red cartridge) at $399--adjusted for inflation--would have been $76.72 in 1972 money. Back then $76.72 would buy you a mid-pack Garrard with 10" aluminum platter, plastic base, and entry-level Grado cart. with conical stylus. If we'd have the Pro-ject Carbon by the mid-'80s, CD would never have overtaken LP.