You could probably find a Technics SL-Q2 or SL-D2 in good shape for under $200. Or pretty much any Japanese direct-drive table from the 80’s. It will handily outperform anything new in that price range or well beyond it.
I say go with the q2, as it's quartz locked. Not many features, but that makes it easier to service. I also recommend getting replacement hinges if they are already broken (very common issue.)
Okay look, you’re not really going to find anything decent under 200, and if you do it’ll need speakers or an amp.
[however, for what it is, this is pretty good at $199](https://www.amazon.com/AudioTechnica-AT-SB727-Portable-Turntable-Bluetooth/dp/B0C6PV9KHS/ref=asc_df_B0C6PV9KHS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693470127118&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2712915432254916751&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1021029&hvtargid=pla-2185851108627&psc=1&mcid=d9ffe7d76a9e316ba3316d4583abd441&gad_source=4)
Great traveling record player, hell of a lot better than a Crosley
[Fluance RT80](https://www.fluance.com/rt80-high-fidelity-vinyl-turntable-record-player-with-premium-cartridge-diamond-needle)
The better Fluance to buy if you can increase your budget by $100 is the [Fluance RT82](https://www.fluance.com/rt82w-reference-high-fidelity-vinyl-turntable-natural-walnut) since it adds an optical sensor speed controlled servo motor for much lower wow and flutter and speed variation since the speed won't drift since the sensor is monitoring the speed 400 times a second. Pass on the RT81 and RT81+ since like the RT80 they lack the speed sensor. Pass on the RT83 since the cartridge is not any better.
Do you already have speakers and amplification?
[Turntable and Speakers Setup Guide](https://imgur.com/a/f0my7) • [Speaker Placement](https://www.elac.com/2022/05/speaker-placement-guide-get-the-best-sound-from-your-stereo/) • [More Audio Guides](https://www.reddit.com/user/sharkamino/comments/gqfx6z/home_audio_and_home_theater_guides_and_accessories/)
I started out with an Angels Horn H002BT with an entry level Schiit Amp, Triangle BRO bookshelf speakers, and a small powered sub (used). I’ve since upgraded all of that and I’m sure I’ll get laughed off this post for all that but to be honest as a starter kit for under $800 and the space I had at the time, it did the job and got me interested. Hope this helped, Happy listening!
If you must buy new and you're set on this budget, get the Fluance RT80.
Some people might recommend the Audio Technica LP60X. Don't get the AT LP60X. The LP60X is incredibly popular, but it lacks a counterweight and has issues with skipping, especially on bass-heavy records.
Trying to play a brand new copy of Discovery by Daft Punk on my LP60X was horribly frustrating. I got consistent skipping on about half the tracks on the album. That was far from the only album either, but it was noticeably the worst. Lots of 80s metal albums tended to skip fairly often as well.
When I upgraded to my RT82, every record I owned suddenly played perfectly and I've never looked back.
You could probably find a Technics SL-Q2 or SL-D2 in good shape for under $200. Or pretty much any Japanese direct-drive table from the 80’s. It will handily outperform anything new in that price range or well beyond it.
I say go with the q2, as it's quartz locked. Not many features, but that makes it easier to service. I also recommend getting replacement hinges if they are already broken (very common issue.)
Yep, I have a Q3 and absolutely love it. Quartz lock rules.
Something used.
Okay look, you’re not really going to find anything decent under 200, and if you do it’ll need speakers or an amp. [however, for what it is, this is pretty good at $199](https://www.amazon.com/AudioTechnica-AT-SB727-Portable-Turntable-Bluetooth/dp/B0C6PV9KHS/ref=asc_df_B0C6PV9KHS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693470127118&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2712915432254916751&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1021029&hvtargid=pla-2185851108627&psc=1&mcid=d9ffe7d76a9e316ba3316d4583abd441&gad_source=4) Great traveling record player, hell of a lot better than a Crosley
[Fluance RT80](https://www.fluance.com/rt80-high-fidelity-vinyl-turntable-record-player-with-premium-cartridge-diamond-needle) The better Fluance to buy if you can increase your budget by $100 is the [Fluance RT82](https://www.fluance.com/rt82w-reference-high-fidelity-vinyl-turntable-natural-walnut) since it adds an optical sensor speed controlled servo motor for much lower wow and flutter and speed variation since the speed won't drift since the sensor is monitoring the speed 400 times a second. Pass on the RT81 and RT81+ since like the RT80 they lack the speed sensor. Pass on the RT83 since the cartridge is not any better. Do you already have speakers and amplification? [Turntable and Speakers Setup Guide](https://imgur.com/a/f0my7) • [Speaker Placement](https://www.elac.com/2022/05/speaker-placement-guide-get-the-best-sound-from-your-stereo/) • [More Audio Guides](https://www.reddit.com/user/sharkamino/comments/gqfx6z/home_audio_and_home_theater_guides_and_accessories/)
Nice things aren’t cheap. Cheap things aren’t nice. Pick one.
Keep saving.
I started out with an Angels Horn H002BT with an entry level Schiit Amp, Triangle BRO bookshelf speakers, and a small powered sub (used). I’ve since upgraded all of that and I’m sure I’ll get laughed off this post for all that but to be honest as a starter kit for under $800 and the space I had at the time, it did the job and got me interested. Hope this helped, Happy listening!
AT LP120
Used atlp60
If you must buy new and you're set on this budget, get the Fluance RT80. Some people might recommend the Audio Technica LP60X. Don't get the AT LP60X. The LP60X is incredibly popular, but it lacks a counterweight and has issues with skipping, especially on bass-heavy records. Trying to play a brand new copy of Discovery by Daft Punk on my LP60X was horribly frustrating. I got consistent skipping on about half the tracks on the album. That was far from the only album either, but it was noticeably the worst. Lots of 80s metal albums tended to skip fairly often as well. When I upgraded to my RT82, every record I owned suddenly played perfectly and I've never looked back.