Yeah, right, it could get even worse - like this: http://www.elta.de/english/artikel.a...&Artikel1=2950

Still, for < US$ 100, I'd rather suggest Squeek to look into something like that: http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...769617009&rd=1

Greetings from Hannover!

Manfred / lini

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Trouble with buying from eBay sellers is that 99% don't know how to properly pack a turntable. I used to have a URL on that, but don't remember it. It can be a complicated procedure to pack a turntable correctly for shipping, and even if properly packed they're easily damaged.

I got my Thorens TD-160 free from an eBay seller after it didn't sell (sort of made friends with the guy), but he insisted on professional packing (~$75 incl. shipping). In retrospect, I'm very glad he did that -- it was worth every penny. Probably not necessary with a table like the one you mention above, but at least some real precautions should be taken... tonearm secured, platter removed and taped to the bottom, dust cover packed separately, etc.

Here's a nice Dual CS505 on ebay (it appears to be mint). It's worth a good $75 to $100. I sold a boatload of these back in the 80’s. It works well with the cartridges that you are likely to put on it. For a phono stage I'd pick up an early to mid 80's receiver to use. Up until about 86 most receivers came with phono stages that would smoke an inexpensive Rat Shack now.

Unless you want to be a DJ stick with a belt drive table (more musical). Rule of thumb: The heavier it is the better built it is.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...769294068&rd=1

Dam the more I look at that 505 the more tempted I become.

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Don't be so sure... the Rat runs on battery power, and that means low noise. But an early to mid 80's receiver (or even late 70's) would be a fine idea too. I'm using a 1979 Technics solid state preamplifier with both MM and MC capability, and subsonic filter (which I never use, but would come in handy with speakers) -- some other cool features too. Picked it up on eBay for around $40.

Thanks for all the help so far! As it stands I am still table-less. I'm watching a few on eBay but would rather find one locally.

Maybe I can help. I have several used turntables. Three Thorens (two 166 MkII and a TD125 MkII), a Revolver Rebel and a bunch of cartridges. The Thorens are probably outside your price range but the Revolver might work out as an inexpensive starter. You will also need a phono pre-amp. Send me a PM if interested.