Second hand record turntable - Which one?

You’d be fortunate to find someone competent and honest enough to do all the testing that Bill recommends, and if this rare individual is in the audio business, the cost of those services is likely to double or more than double the base cost of the units you listed. So it’s good that the Rega is not a very old unit, and I say again, buy from a seller who will guarantee the condition. If there are gross problems, you’ll soon know.

Go for that Technics!

https://us.technics.com/products/direct-drive-turntable-system-sl-1500c-k

What features do you want? Things to look are include:

- How is 33/45 speed change implemented: button, move belt on external pulley, remove platter. Do you frequently listen to 33/45 or >98% 33 only?

- Is antiskate adjustable? Important if you want to use different cartridges.

- Can you adjust arm height/VTA? Also important if you want to explore different cartridges.

- Do the tables have height adjustable feet? Rega infamously does not, but there are aftermarket ones from TNG spinner. Not sure about the project. 

- Any design preferences? say color? If the TT does not spark joy, you won't use it. Been there, done that.

Re second hand risk, the fewer parts a TT has, the lower the risk. Simple designs tend to be sturdier. Re price, I would suggest to factor in a new stylus (or new cartridge) right away. Old stylus with new alignment (shipping, new set-up) is a bad recipe. With Ortofon red, you can upgrade with stylus only to Ortofon blue. As the red has a conical stylus, while blue has elliptical, that is a no-brainer upgrade, IMHO.

Any design preferences? say color? If the TT does not spark joy, you won't use it.

I can't stand the doctor's-office-white of the my Rega P3, it's a pain to look at. It never once stopped me from using it