Driving myself crazy with TT purchase...

I should mention that I think the bottom of the springs have a washer that has a peak, and that peak is used to align the springs(the board in its cutout), I believe. It is best to read up on this, if you are interested.

My first "real" turntable was an Ariston 11e. Back then, I was reading about turntables in "Hi-Fi Answers". I used a Grace 707(mk11?) with an ADC XLM 3 cartridge. I got the best sound I've ever heard from a turntable with this setup. Unfortunately, it would only play for a few minutes(I think this was due to the fact that I was using a flat belt[mostly]. I also had dropped the motor, so it was more or less hanging from the top plate-that's why I am intrigued by Roxsan's implementation of a similiar system.). I think you have to use the round belt(they do sell them.). I also took the foam out of the springs, which was popular back then. It seemed like the belt pulled up the platter, so that it became a closed system(along with the arm). I was using a heavy Osawa mat. I was a poor student back then, and didn't have many alternatives that I knew about. I learned about what each parameter of the turntable, arm, and cartridge did. For instance, each of the three legs are audible-the same goes for the springs. I did combine the tweaking with a little bouncing of the platter. I believe you can hear one spring come out of one speaker, one out of the other, and the middle one goes to the middle of the soundfield. What I did learn was invaluable, and puts me in a good position today, compared to many other people-when it comes to many turntable, arm , and cartridge parameters. I guess that is how life is. What you learn seems to come in handy down the road. That, being said, with the computer, and it's access to a lot of information, you can probably do better, and you might not have time for all this. I didn't have a choice back then.

From what I understand, you are better off going for a MKII version of the Thorens TD-125, the MKI had some electrical component problems and is why they went to the MKII shortly after coming out with the MKI. Don't discount a TD-160, with some work they are fine sounding decks.

If it was me I would avoid problems and buy a NEW virgin Rega.

Yeah.Spend $1200 on Scout and you lose $$ when selling but Project 5 or 6 eries are nice for money.Forget Grace I have it on my old LP12 and would rather better arm (I also have a $550 VPI rig).Or MMF5 from Music Hall.Hook them up to a Denon DL103 and you are off and running.Older decks like you mentioned might have issues.I started with Rega and went from a P1 toa P3 really quick and liked upgrade but like the arm more than deck as motor was held in with chep adhesive foam.25 Rega or P9 that's another story.
Chazz

"Do/will any require constant tinkering?"

I'll add a 2nd or 3rd vote for a Rega. Pretty much "bulletproof", easy to set up, etc. And don't forget the cartridge--if you can pick/find a TT with a nice cartridge included, mounted, new or used, do that.....

Either buy new OR used.

New: Project or Rega. Plug & play

The ones you mentioned are used: the Thorens 125 is great!

Mind you, used TTs require maintenance, which may or may not tickle your fancy. But they can make super tunes (much better than the budget new ones, of course).

Yes Rega as well as Pro-ject are in the mix also. Further adding to my confusion....

I agree with uru975, I didn't see Rega listed in your thread. There are so many tweeks and upgrade available, that you can build a darned nice table a step at a time.
If you can find a used P3 or even a P25 in the price range you mention.

I would say try the Rega P1 it is under $500 for turntable, tonearm and cartridge. It will tell you all you need to learn about how crazy you really want to get in analogue. My first turntable was a dual 1219 that got lost along the way many years back. So went with a Sonographe SG3G, not a great table but adequate for my needs at the time with a Sumiko MMT tonearm and a shure V-15III cart.
Everybody begins somewhere.
First and foremost enjoy the music
Michael