Ok - I'm probably being lazy by not reading all the turntable forums, but I need some advice. Two months ago I fell into vintage gear when I found a Pioneer SX-950 on the curbside awaiting trash pickup (it is now sweetly driving a pair of Advent Classics). Heeding the advice of a good friend who told me I must get a turntable so he can listen to an old Deep Purple album (like I need to be told to spend more money on vintage gear), I throw out the question here: for $50 - $150, what would be a desirable turntable? I'd like something with walnut trim to match my Pioneer, and maybe something quirky for conversation value. I don't need to stick with the Pioneer brand - in fact, I wouldn't mind a new brand to diversify. I'm at the point now when I can distinguish good receivers and speakers at flea markets, thrifts, etc, but I am clueless about turntables. The way I look at it is this: the smarter I am, the better I can spend my money, so your help is appreciated. Thanks.

For that price, I would pick up an AR XA turntable and outfit it with a Shure m97XE cartridge.

Most of the XAs have solid walnut or walnut veneer that, when oiled, look fabulous. They are also very zen-like in their simplistic design. The arm, in particular, looks archaic, but people will drop their jaws in amazement when they hear the sounds one can produce.

Dave

My Dad just gave me his 30 year old AR, which I am pretty sure is the XB, but I can't find any model # anywhere. I am assuming it is the XB from the pic on vinylnirvana.
Any way of confirming the model for sure?

My Dad just gave me his 30 year old AR, which I am pretty sure is the XB, but I can't find any model # anywhere. I am assuming it is the XB from the pic on vinylnirvana.
Any way of confirming the model for sure?

The AR-XB is identical to the AR-XA, except the XB has a cueing lever.

The XB's arm is more of a J than the S shaped arm of the XA. And the XB I had had a woodgrain vinyl covered base. The cueing is handy, but the XB is uglier than the XA. And neither is conventionally beautiful, but the XA has an insoucient charm. The XB just plays records well.

For around $100 you can get a Thorens TD165 or TD150. They have a vinyl rosewood veneer on the base, but nevermind that, the sound and build quality are first class.
Here are a few examples:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3283&item=5781568731&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=48649&item=5781872730&rd=1
Here's one that probably just needs a belt:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=48649&item=5782358989&rd=1

I don't think you could go wrong with the suggestions above. I am not familiar with the AR's, but the Thorens 145,147,150,160,165 and 166 can all be found in your price range. Also a Dual 1229 or 701 would be nice, but they aren't as easy to work on as the others. Much more complicated if something goes wrong.

ANy of these properly set up with a good cartridge would get you a good start to enjoying vinyl.

All great suggestions, thanks. I am a little partial to the AR XA ... but that's just based on its appearance. At least now I have limited my search from the world to a handful of models. I did check the AK classifieds ... but it looks like AK folks are keeping their turntables for now. I'll keep an eye on ebay and look out for these in my travels.