Look for a 70's direct drive or belt driven Japanese turntable. Entry to mid-level Technics, Onkyo, Kenwood, Pioneer etc.
Avoid units that do not have a counterweight or anti-skate setting. Also, standard cartridge mount decks tend to be better than P-mount, though P-mount is easier to set up.
Some units that I have owned that worked well and sounded nice are Technics SL20, Onkyo CP1020f, Pioneer PL-115, and Technics SL3300.
I was able to find all of these for under $50 each, and all they needed was some cleanup, new belt if required, and a new cartridge.
The 70's Japanese tables are extremely reliable and will outperform most entry-level modern decks under $300.
Avoid units that do not have a counterweight or anti-skate setting. Also, standard cartridge mount decks tend to be better than P-mount, though P-mount is easier to set up.
Some units that I have owned that worked well and sounded nice are Technics SL20, Onkyo CP1020f, Pioneer PL-115, and Technics SL3300.
I was able to find all of these for under $50 each, and all they needed was some cleanup, new belt if required, and a new cartridge.
The 70's Japanese tables are extremely reliable and will outperform most entry-level modern decks under $300.