gofar99 Messages: 1949 Registered: May 2010 Location: Southern Arizona
Illuminati (5th Degree)
Hi, You might consider something like a Pro-ject Debut III (about $350 retail- perhaps a little less if you dicker with the dealer). I have one as my back up and right out out the box they are rather good. Got a good write up in Stereophile about a year ago and they tend to be rather picky. Get the plain black one and save about $50. The standard cartridge is OK and if you get the urge you can upgrade it just by replacing the needle. User replaceable needles is a plus. I damaged my main cartridge (bent the needle )and it was $250 to get it fixed. Rega makes a model that is just a bit more than the P_J and is quite good. Stay away from any new ones that are below about $250-275. Most in that price range are not worth taking out of the box