I just thought I would pose a question and I am sure I will get a lot of opinions and experience. What would be the best turntable someone could get in the $200 dollar range + or - $50. I should also say that that means in the used market!

I look forward to some good reading...!:music:

I think the best choice for used in that range is a Thorens TD-160. I paid that for my -165, but the -160 is the better table...by a little. I have a history with the -165 which made it my first choice. They are very similar; besides, I like the weight-string anti-skate on the -165. So that is my completely, hand-over-heart, totally unbiased opinion. :)

It is a table that can be tweaked up very inexpensively to give you a good taste of high-end vinyl sound at an economical price, IMO. There's a wealth of information about how to set them up, how to tweak 'em, adjust 'em, all that stuff:

http://www.theanalogdept.com/thorens_dept_.htm

that rega you got looks pretty nice, is this for you or someone else? :)

Well, this question comes up frequently, and there's never a clear cut answer.

There are so many variables involved, much of which is personal preference -- in aesthetics, drive, tonearm theory, new vs. vintage, matchup with existing components, etc.

Maybe you should start by stating what you *aren't* looking for in a turntable, and what your current system is, so we can narrow it down a bit? And address the following questions, if you can. If you don't understand the question, we'll happily explain...

Vintage or recent?
Belt, Direct or Idler drive?
Do you have a bunch of 78's?
Straight, J or S shaped arm?
Adjustable pitch or not?
Fully manual, semi auto, or auto?
Changer or single play?
Casual listener or serious audiophile?

Generally speaking, I'd say you're looking to buy a quality used table from the late 70s/early 80s. There is a sleeper TT thread here that's a good place to start.

I'm no expert, but there are some models that get a lot of hype and go for really high prices while other very good ones will be right in your price range. These are TTs that would be selling for $700+ if they were on the market today if you account for inflation and the smaller production runs.

Best bet would be to buy from someone services them and re-sells, but that's probably pushing your budget. Definitely look for someone who seems to know what they're talking about, and if you're buying online be sure they know how to properly ship a TT.

It seems like $200 is the black hole of budgets for turntables (new). With a little more or even less the choices are pretty clear. But $200 seems to be this weird point where there isn't much to choose from. So you either need to change your budget, or start looking for used. Which can get you a great table with a little patience and a little leg work.
The only new table around $200 I'd even sorta recommend is the Denon DF300. You can find it on ebay for around $240-$260 at times.

**edit: I meant to say amazon, not ebay.

Kenwood KD-500 with a Mayware Formula IV.

Actually, the list of choices Sansui Louie posted will do a lot to narrow the list and point you in the right direction. Without some choices on your part, there list is very long.

It seems like $200 is the black hole of budgets for turntables (new). With a little more or even less the choices are pretty clear. But $200 seems to be this weird point where there isn't much to choose from. So you either need to change your budget, or start looking for used. Which can get you a great table with a little patience and a little leg work.
The only new table around $200 I'd even sorta recommend is the Denon DF300. You can find it on ebay for around $240-$260 at times.

Agree on the Denon. You might have to go the used route, and even used you might have a hard time finding a good TT for $200-$250. If you are going the used route search for a Revolver Rebel, this is a highly acclaimed TT from the 80's, not very well known by many. It is very similar to a Rega P1 or P2, but it has a split plinth and is sonically better. They come out to the used market every now and then, at around $150-$250.

If you want one of the fighting horses in the industry (Rega P1/PJ Debut III/MH MMF-2.2) you need a budget between $310 and $395.

It seems like $200 is the black hole of budgets for turntables (new). With a little more or even less the choices are pretty clear. But $200 seems to be this weird point where there isn't much to choose from. So you either need to change your budget, or start looking for used. Which can get you a great table with a little patience and a little leg work.
The only new table around $200 I'd even sorta recommend is the Denon DF300. You can find it on ebay for around $240-$260 at times.

I agree with Musichal that TD 160 is a GREAT use of your two Franklins! I got a TD 160 last fall on eBay for $200 BIN, which seems to be in the middle of the range.

Couldn't be happier with it.

:nutz:Get your self a CROSLEY ALL IN ONE !

See the problem is you could say find a real nice Technics SL1700MKII for 200 on ebay but then again you could walk into a thrift store and find the very same table for sa 25 so is it a 200 table or a 25 dollar table? same table different price. My point it these tables have so much flucuation in prices it's kind of hard to nail down a price on the used market. But i will say this if you do find a 1700MKII in great shape for 25 grab it as though your life depended on it lol. Cause you'd be getting one heck of a bargin now with the popularity of turntables.

I have 2 Kyocera Pl-601. Very similar in design and specs of the Harman Kardon TC-65,45,55's of the mid-80's. Very nice suspended tables. Paid $125 (excellent condition) for the first and $30(fair condition) for the second. Both are in service daily.

Perhaps not the "best" for $200, but Marantz 6100 can be had for less, likely closer to $100. I got mine in good condition with Grado Green cartridge for $150.
Works very well. It is a simple belt drive table which can be nicely improved with a better cartridge. If you are patient (not like me) perhaps you can get a 6300 for $200.

You can get a lot of good turntables for $200.00.

My friend bought a brand new Technics turntable, I think he said it was around $200.00, but I could be remembering wrong, maybe $100.00, around there)
And he's very happy about it.

But you can get a lot of good used, vintage turntables for a much better price too.

I bought my Sanyo TP-1010 turntable for $100.00 a few years ago, and it's 28 years old, but it works great, especially for a cheaper unit.

lol but my friend trashes my turntable because it's so old lol. he's still trying to get me to buy a new turntable, even though my Sanyo is basically just like a Technics, only without the image.

Sansui Direct Drive tables are a good choice, and the higher up the model number the better table you get! For 200 you might be able to get a 636 which is a great table. AR XA's are another good choice.