Inexpensive Turntable Recommendations

[dolynick]

My father has decided that he would like to be able to listen to his aged record collection at his new place. I picked up a well reviewed, inexpensive Fosi phono pre-amp for him (as his AVR does not have a phono input) but when we hooked up his turntable, we discovered it was not well. It's a very old, inexpensive basic Kenwood so it was not really surprising. He would like to replace it with something more functional.

I have never gotten into vinyl myself and don't know a whole lot about the ins and outs of players, etc. So I'm looking for some recommendations for an inexpensive player for him.

So far, what I'm looking at are:

Fluance RT81 ($349 CAD)
Audio Technica AT-LP70X ($229 CAD)

Looking for thoughts concerning one over the other. Or other recommendations entirely.

He doesn't need anything terribly fancy. Something in the $200-$400 CAD range that sounds good, is easy to operate and generally trouble free is the goal.

 

[Mikado463]

The Fluance tables have generally been well received. I'm assuming his eyesight and motor skills are up to par ?

 

[dolynick]

The Fluance tables have generally been well received. I'm assuming his eyesight and motor skills are up to par ?

Yes, but I wouldn't say he has a deft touch.

Something with an automatic play/start to move the arm into position wouldn't be a bad idea. It's unclear if the Fluance will do that or not. It does have an autostop feature though, which I like.

Edit: Checking the RT81 manual, it does not have auto start.

 

[Mikado463]

Yes, but I wouldn't say he has a deft touch.

Something with an automatic play/start to move the arm into position wouldn't be a bad idea. It's unclear if the Fluance will do that or not. It does have an autostop feature though, which I like.

Edit: Checking the RT81 manual, it does not have auto start.

a cueing lever will for sure be a must ! I'd say in the $$ range you're looking at the Fluance would be the top choice,
the Pro-Ject T-1 might be another option