Some older ones come close to the modern. I have a VPI rig, $6K worth, with all the tweaks. I also have some older TT's, various Sony and Denon. One Sony often comes close to the VPI, it is 800 biotracer with a grace ruby red, lateral tracking. For friends new to vinyl, I suggest the Denon 47F, which is fully audtomated and with the right cartridge, will sound great. The automated arm on the latter prevents user induced cartridge failure. No need to spend ten times as much.
