O2Audionoob

In this case I posted the TT1 from Audio Note because it has been widely regarded not just by me as one of the best turntables in the industry for the price. I grant you that price is quite high for a beginner turntable.

There are other fine turntables with a similar - sort of - design but Linn is also quite expensive - more expensive than than the Audio Note by about 50% and everyone I know who has actually bothered to audition both (and owners of the Linn LP 12 I might add) prefers the AN.

I am NOT suggesting the TT1 because as a first table I agree that's a lot of cash - what I am suggesting is a similar design on the used market - either a used TT1 or a used SystemDek IIX. Many turntables on the used market are problematic - - they're worn out or you can't get parts. A SystemDek has oodles of upgrade paths. Another great used turntable would Pink Triangle.

If you consider systemdek here are some of the recommended upgrades that Audio Note's boss recommends http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.mpl?...er+Qvortrup&r=

I am sorry that I recommend this brand a lot but remember people this is not really Audio Note - they bought the rights to Systemdek. Unlike most companies who make an amp and a cd player and nothing else and in a narrow price range bracket AN makes products across a huge price range and from cartridge to speakers. SO that is why I tend to post them a lot - plus I have an awful lot of experience with their gear owning a system from them. I also happen to think they're at or near the top of the field in each aspect of the system chain. I can't say that about another company as often the other company like Linn is much better at sources than they are at amplifiers or speakers for example. It therefore stands to reason that I would suggest A) what I know B) what I like.

AN didn't design this turntable - Peter Dunlop of Systemdek did - Audio Note merely turbo-charged it improved the motor, platter, arm, cart etc - well someone who buys a used Systemdek can do all of those things themselves in stages. I would recommend suspended Thorens tables but I have not owned one - thus, I would rather recommend what I own than what I can only merely speculate on.