Wayne Parham Messages: 18778 Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)
I like Technics direct-drive turntables too. And are also very nice turntables from Rega and VPI. Each of those manufacturers offer moderately-priced high-quality turntables.
There are a ton of low-fi tables with ceramic cartridges and low-quality tone arms and mechanisms. They're the "plastic and a prayer" devices you are talking about. I won't list any of those here.
And there are also plenty or turntables that cost as much as luxury automobiles. I won't list those here either.