can anyone recomend a good player for a good price

[richteer]

Originally Posted by DougMac

Forgive me if I'm wrong, but your post seems to imply that the Technics decks were designed for DJing. Actually, they were designed as high quality home decks with sound quality a very high priority. Their ruggedness and reliability became legend and that's what attracted the DJ's to select them for their use. It's as if they've been sullied by their association with the DJ's.

I've been into high-end audio since the late 1980s, and I don't recall the Technics decks ever having a reputation for great sound quality in the audiophile sense. In fact, I don't recall the Technics decks being on audiophile radars, period. I used to work part time in a hifi store and Technics was one of the brands we carried. We rarely sold their TTs, and their amps at the time were pitiful too.

To the OP, if you're deligent you can find some nice turntables on your local CL or even at thrifts. Avoid purchasing from ebay because most sellers don't know how to pack a TT properly. Avoid Audiogon unless you really know what you're doing because most of the turntables I've seen there are overpriced. If you do buy a used turntable, immediately replace the stylus. I would never play my records with an unknown stylus. It may be chipped or worn and will ruin your records.

I agree with your advice about replacing the stylus, and echo your caution about buying a used TT online. I've not looked at Audiogon much, but I get the impression that most people there have a fair idea of what stuff is worth.

The Audio Technica photo preamp is well regarded and can be had for around $50: http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merc...egory_Code=C2D

Audio Technica used to (and perhaps still do) make fairly decent cartridges, but I'm not familiar with their phono stage. That said, I'm not sure how good a $50 phono stage would be.