[RecklessFable]

 
They have two different listings for what appears to be the same turntable.  Two questions:
1) Are they the same?
2) Is this a good one to get at the ~$200 pricepoint?
 
I'm buying this for the in-laws to use on old Vinyl.  Sadly, they aren't anything-philes, but I can't bring myself to buy them some $50 POS, so I'm trying to find something I'd buy for myself on a budget...
 
 
http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-PL120-Professional-Direct-Drive-Turntable/dp/B00012EYNG/ref=sr_1_16?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1304427202&sr=1-16
 
http://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATLP120-Professional-Turntable-USB/dp/B002S1CJ2Q/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
 
 

 

[sk3383]

Check out the entry level Pro-Ject & Music Hall turntables. They are great value, slightly above your budget possibly but well worth it.
 
Also, check Audiogon, just did a quick search and found a bunch in your budget.
 
Check out this gem. Rega RB250 Tone Arm alone is worth quite a bit.
 
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1307929357&/Rotel-RP-900-Turntable
 

 

[Uncle Erik]

I'd also look for a used one at Audiogon. There are a lot of excellent values out there and most inexpensive new ones aren't terribly good. I'd save up a little more or sell of some unused gear to buy a quality turntable.