>>Maybe the arm is too much for the (cheap) turntable?
I agree, the Ortofon 309 is probably too much arm for that either of the decks you mentioned. I would look at a Thorens TD-124 (my personal preference), TD-121 (a budget 124) or maybe a TD-125 or TD-126 (not the Mk III).
The Garrard 301 or 401 would also be a great match. If you are on a budget and can ignore the fact that they are DD units, the Luxman PD-121 or any 3xx or 4xx decks sound excellent and can compete with much more expensive TTs. I have used a PD-441 with several Ortofon tonearms and found it to be a good combination.
I agree, the Ortofon 309 is probably too much arm for that either of the decks you mentioned. I would look at a Thorens TD-124 (my personal preference), TD-121 (a budget 124) or maybe a TD-125 or TD-126 (not the Mk III).
The Garrard 301 or 401 would also be a great match. If you are on a budget and can ignore the fact that they are DD units, the Luxman PD-121 or any 3xx or 4xx decks sound excellent and can compete with much more expensive TTs. I have used a PD-441 with several Ortofon tonearms and found it to be a good combination.