78 RPM turntable

This one! They list at $400 and are well-reviewed at that price. Plus, it has a +/- 20% speed adjustment, which could adjust for the wide variety of mastering speeds on old 78s. The detachable headshell makes it easy to switch between a 78 and an LP cartridge.

Plenty good for 78s and not bad for LPs either.

01-15-09: Oregon
simple- get a Lenco.

I don't think getting a Lenco and restoring it is simple. Neither is getting and restoring a Thorens TD124 or any number of other 30+ year-old rim drive alternatives.

Getting a current production Audio-Technica AT-PL120 for $219 new with warranty delivered to your door is simple. Plus it can play a 78 back at anything from 65 to 93.6 rpm. Did I mention that it has interchangeable headshells?

I'm sure a restored Lenco plays back 78s wonderfully, but finding, buying, and restoring one is not simple.

01-17-09: Casey33
I play my shellac (78s) on an old single ended tube record player.Previously owned by the local school systems audio visual dept.At $2 it was a bargain and really sounds pretty good.Self contained with a single speaker built in.

Good answer. Califone still makes 'em, available from Needle Doctor.

Of course, they're more than $2. There are also vendors online who sell used and refurbished ones in the $40-50 range.