Question:
what's a good turntable to buy?
can anyone recommend a good and affordable lp turntable?

Answer:
For listening or for scratching?
What is your budget?

Answer:
listening...$100-$300.....

Answer:
Check out the Goldring GR-1.

Answer:
Yes, and Pro-Ject 1 Xpression has got good reviews everywhere.
It's very affordable. Works well with a Goldring pick-up cartridge too.
Rega P3 is also very good for the price.
I have a Rega P9 with a Denon DL-304 cartridge. It's rather expensive, but really very good. I like it maybe more than cd.
rini

Answer:
Thorens - 150, 160 or 3xx series

Answer:
I've been thinking about replacing my old speed adjustable turntable. The question I have is what can I get that will handle slightly scratched records? Mine works but skips on almost every record. Maybe I should just replace the needle cartridge?

Answer:
Gandalfe,
I think it's best to replace the needle. Replacement "needles" are usually still available. Actually it's a part of the cartridge that is replaced.
They might not be sold in every electronic shop but there are specialist retailers. Also internet shops.
However, some LP record scratches can be really nasty. If deep enough they can be harmful for the cartridge needle.
I have some old favourite lp's that are unplayable or have tracks that are unplayable.
But often records are simply dirty. Cleaning a dirty lp record is a kind of an art form. Too complicated to be explained briefly.
To wash a lp is not a good idea. The vinyl material doesn't survive it. There are some stabilizers in the plastic that get spooled off making the record brittle and even more scratchy-sounding.
Better buy the music in cd form if available.
And keep the remaining playable records well protected. By the way, the cigarette smoke is bad for the lp's. And cd's too.
rini

Answer:
Technics Turntables
Hi,
I still listen to a lot of vinyl also. I have some great old jazz records that were my fathers, that I have not been able to find on CD. I wanted a good turntable, and I ordered a Technics SL 1200 through Musician's Friend. The Technics was over $400 with the cartridge, but it's a great turntable, and it sounds amazing! They had a few others, including a Stanton, that looked pretty nice for less money. You might take a look at their website , and request one of their catalogs.
Jim

Answer:
Yeah, Technics SL 1200. It's a very well known and popular semipro/pro turntable. A classic direct drive model. I would use it for my studio (homestudio actually), it's a very good turntable for playing Lp's when making digital copies of them (copying to cd), sampling, etc. Also very popular in dj's work.
A very good and dependable work-horse, but not necessary a hi-fi machine. A little bit expensive for just listening to old lp records. But a very good machine, as I said.
rini

Answer:
For turntables and needle cartridges
I have purchased replacement needles for my turntable for years from Jerry Raskin's Needle Doctor site. They are very helpful, check them out, I highly recommend their service and support.

They have many turntables to choose from as well. A few closeouts for under 200 bucks!

Answer:
thanks for the link!!!!!!!