I have no idea what I'm doing...

I've read some articles from around the internets, but with all the record collectors here, I figured I should check with you guys

What should I be looking for, and what should I stay away from?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

What's your budget?

Probably around $200 max.

Technics direct drive turntables. I use an old SL-D3 Technics direct drive. I've been listening to vinyl on it for over a decade (and it was at least twice that old when I bought it) and it's been worry free. A good Technics direct drive will last you many, many years, if not the rest of your life. I'd suggest avoiding any turntable with a belt driven motor and a proprietary cartridge - not that there's not good belt driven tables out there, certainly there are, but direct drive is my personal recommendation for reliability and durability. You're generally better off buying a good, used turntable rather than a new one of lesser manufacture, too. Careful, record collecting is a slippery slope!

Cool, thanks PaulieVinyl!

This.
Though, older model turntables usually won't have built-in preamps (for the better) so you'll have to pick one up. Doing a quick search I came across http://amzn.to/SaPG3Q which is relatively cheap and should help you stay on budget, I can't attest to its quality but it seems to have gotten good reviews.

if you wanna do yourself something good, safe some more cash....until you will have around 800 bucks (or 2nd hand, a lil cheaper) and buy a Technics SL-1210 MK2. over decades "THE" best turntable ever. undestoryable !!

Oli, I promise, I searched first

Thanks everyone!

I think there are two directions you could go. 1 - Buy something used and cheap...$40 at Goodwill? 2 - Save up a bit more cash and buy something nice for ~$500. I wouldn't buy a new table for $200...that seems to be a price range where the extra money (over the Goodwill table) isn't really getting you much...for $200 I'd rather get a $40 table and $160 worth of records! But if I were in the market I'd get something in the $500-$600 range.
Heck - here's a new Rega for what seems like a good price. I haven't researched tables in a while, but I'd assume this would be a pretty nice one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dl ... rid=229466

Oh man, I just went through that thread and Daimyo suggested the very table that I just linked to! It's a sign!

Oli is the best search function there is for Skullbrain. Seriously, how hard is it to find posts on here

I second the call for a mid-to-low price used table - if you buy quality it will last and save you more in the end, and still allow you to upgrade. Unless you are going to go really high end, most of the other stuff won't pay off any for what you need.

I have one of these
https://www.google.com/shopping/product ... CHIQ5Q0wAQ

They are awesome. They can be played alone or hooked up to your stereo. Not sure of the longevity of it is tho. I have had some technique 1210's for years and they are pretty much indestructible. I had one that was in a roll over accident and broke the magnet inside. and it still works great.

Might ask any uncle or aunts if they have a setup in the basement or attic.

I'm just thinking it might take time to find a good setup for $200. Speakers, receiver and a table can add up quick.

$200 is going to be tough unless you're ok buying used equipment. Do you already have a receiver & speakers?

This is a clone of the Technics SL-1200 for around $300. (My Technics was $600 new-and I got it right before they vanished from store shelves)

People swear they're a decent budget substitution. It may be cheaper elsewhere. I happen to work here, so it was the quickest link I could find without googling. haha.

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/ca ... CH+RESULTS

I actually bought one of those Audio Technicas today on Amazon ($215 or so, the cheapest I could find them online) as a Christmas gift. They are apparently a great deal for the money, although the cartridge that comes with it isn't supposed to be so great. I'm eager to check it out when it shows up. I have a Rega RP1 which I love, but that's definitely a bit higher than your budget if purchased new. Something used but awesome (Technics, Thorens, Marantz, Dual, even some of the bigger name companies made great turntables back in the day) is probably the way to go. Search Criagslist, then Google some of the stuff you find. Pretty much every turntable ever has been asked about on some audiophile forum and the pros and cons debated at length/to death.

The Audio-Technica clone is just fine, but you have to upgrade to a better cartridge.

I'd recommend a Pro-ject Debut III. Simple but effective conception (but a little over your $200 budget). You might want to upgrade the cartridge later-on, which I've done after one year for another brand (Jelco).

I already have speakers and a receiver, I just need the turntable

This gives me a nice start as far as models to check out new, or hunt down used.

Now I just have to find and buy the damn thing

Thanks everyone!

Since we're on the topic - anybody know of any higher quality ($500ish) tables that have an automatic-return on the tone arm? I've only seen this feature on consumer-level tables, but it would be nice to have it on a nicer table.

I've got the Pro-Ject III and love it. The sound is great - though switching speeds from 33 1/2 to 45 is a pain without the stand-alone box update which I haven't yet bought. If you're not in a rush, keep checking ebay and wait for a lightly used one to come up. You might be able to snag one for around $200.00.

I have the Debut Carbon and I was going to say that I actually enjoy switching the speeds. Pro-ject makes some seriously great turntables.

I don't mind switching the speeds manually either, what annoys me are records that do not specify their speed anywhere and have to listen a few seconds to realize it was not meant at that speed...

I don't know how the switching speed box works though, as there is no connection on the table apart from the 2 cinch plugs and the power supply. Maybe it lowers the tension ?

I'm not sure either. I haven't even considered it because the box for the Debut Carbon is $600. I couldn't fathom paying more for a speed changer than I did for my turntable.

Thanks again for all the advice, everyone.

I was able to secure this Technics SL-D3 within my budget