[rehabitat]

The motor is significantly upgraded from the Planar 3 to the P3.  Apparently the P3 motor is quieter and because it is rigidly mounted, does not have the speed/pitch variation of the older motor.  I have not heard the P3, but I can hear the pitch variation in my Planar 3 on some music.  Still, it's a reliable deck.  The only maintenance I've done is to replace the belt and the unit is about 25 years old.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Didn't they change the motor from AC to DC? I think you can buy a kit from Rega to upgrade the motor, if you want. You can also buy a box that strictly regulates the AC signal to make the AC motors run more precisely.

 

[calipilot227]

Vintage is a good way to go. I'm currently using a Technics SL-QD33 (direct drive, 1983 model). It usually sells for around $200 on eBay. I found it at a flea market for $15 

. Look around on Craigslist, some people are just looking to dump their old turntables and don't know/care how much they're worth.

 

[mohinder]

Like the others, I recommend a Rega Planar 2 or P3.  Do you also need a cartridge and phono preamp?