Best direct-drive turntable/cartridge combo for around $200?

Posted by kompulsive (A) on December 25, 2008 at 20:56:39

I am looking for the best sub-$200 direct-drive turntable money can buy. I am going to be using the table for listening to records and sampling. I will not be DJing with this turntable or scratching in any fashion. Something with sturdy construction and a solid feel is very important to me. I've seen a lot of tables that are made of out of cheap plastic and definitely don't feel right. Iâ€™m not interested in one of the â€œLP-to-Digital Recording System with USBâ€ tables either; most, if not all of these tables, seem to be junk. The three models I am considering so far are the followingâ€¦

Gemini TT-02 MKII
Stanton T60
Numark TT1650
Audio-Technica AT-PL120

I am not very familiar with the reputations of any of the three companies, as this will be my first turntable purchase aside from a pair of a Technics 1200s and I donâ€™t need a 1200 for this particular application. I believe that most of these tables have similar features. From what I've read so far, I'm really leaning toward the Audio-Technia. It really sounds like it is a solid piece of equipment. Another option is to look for a used table from the 80's or so. A lot of people are telling me to do this. The problem with that is that I don't know what models I should be looking for.

One more thing, a cartridge. I am trying to stay in the $40-$50 range. I am considering the Grado Black and the Shure M97xE. Leaning towards the Shure here.

Any comments about the companies or particular turntables/cartridges in question would be a great help. Please feel free to enlighten me about other brands that may be in my price range.

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Topic - Best direct-drive turntable/cartridge combo for around $200? - kompulsive 20:56:39 12/25/08 (1)

Of those four, the AT is your only real choice. - powermatic 09:17:15 01/17/09 (0)

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