VPI Classic of some kind or a Gyrodec are the options I’ve seen the least straight up objection. I’ve had bad experiences trying to ship TTs so I’d rather get one I’m not too fussed to upgrade from for a while but the demo process doesn’t seem as easy as it is with DACs. The SAM stuff looks interesting from a decor standpoint but I’ve seen very little written about them.
Yeah, turntables and arms and cartridges are the opposite of plug and play. I've not really explored VPI, b/c I don't like the wobbliness of the uni-pivot arms (they do make gimbled arms), and how comfortable I feel cuing an arm has become surprisingly important to me. (Have ruined a few records by accidentally bouncing the cart across the LP.)
For many people, I'd say Technics 1200GR or 1200G are pretty foolproof options and will ship just fine. The weakness on the GR is the arm. It's just okay.
SAM stuff does look interesting, but you're rolling the dice there, I think. Just not much out there about them. When it comes to turntables, I tend to prefer proven expertise.
Used VPI Classic pop up around 2k (sometimes less). Great value for a robust table. The rabbit hole starts with cartridges, arms, preamps, etc. And then DD vs idler vs belt. But VPI classics are well built, supported, and have robust original packaging. Technics also a decent recommendation for more plug and play.
Thank you all for the reassurance and options! I’ve never heard of the Polytable but that looks like an interesting TT. The Garrard 301 build owned by another member here local to me is a beautiful table that would double as decor, but they do seem a little fussier than I want to deal with right now.
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