Turntable prices. Is my mind going?

These discussions  always amuse me. Funny how some people are turned off by a more expensive  piece  of equipment  than they can afford or want to spend and yet they have  spend what others think as retarded sums on things others would spend money on. Most of it is based on personal  choices  how you spend your money. If a person  spends more than the quoted 69 dollars for a turntable so what? Another might buy a package  of cigarettes  for 20 dollars or a 12 pack of beer for 35 dollars other people might find that spending silly. (Canadian  prices  on the smokes and beer). What purpose  does money spent on a holiday have? So someone wants

to sit around in the sun a do nothing  so others can serve them and that makes them feel wealthy  instead of working to be that way?  The conclusion  that wealthy  people are lazy and stupid is the opinion  of those that truly  are those things. Many people post on here to brag and feel good about themselves  and if there system  was truly  as good as they caim why don't the listen to it more offen instead on being keyboard warriors? Many people get offended  by the components  others have because  they have chosen  audio as there hobby and yet that is not there hobby there hobby is a rooster swinging  competition! They take great offense  when someone  else has a longer rooster. 

Just do what many people do and research gear in your particular budget, get a TT with good performance/reviews if audition is not practical, buy the best cartridge you can. Also research proper set up if not familiar with that. Use it till you know it well, then decide to keep or trade up. If a phono amp needs to be part of your system, used is the way to go imo.

If you can afford a $300,000 turntable good luck now you need a $125,000 cart.Whatever....but I hope you have $100,000 cables or at least $25,000...

If you can afford it then buy,buy,buy....

In 2006, I had already owned a highly modified SME IV ($1100 in 1989) and wanted to upgrade from my VPI 19-4 (bought in 1982/all upgrades after).  So, I purchased a VPI TNT (upgraded platter).  It REQUIRED a Townshend Sesimic SInk due to terrible vibration problems.  I've gone through about a dozen cartridges in 35 years.  Three friends and I own Dynavectors on very different TTs.  I went with a $1100 20X2L in a high end system (now VS VR9 SE Mk2, Poseidon Pre/DAC, etc).  It isn't just the TT and arm, it's matching it with the cartridge, then the phono stage (MM or MC).  I have fantastic analog sound despite it not being SOTA.  With 28,500 LPs (7,000 78s now played on the 19-4), I need a cartridge that plays most if not all of my LPs quietly (so many purchased used) and beautifully.  

Sure, my SOTA TT would be a full blown Kronos or Ars Machincae (or Conti last Basis).  I don't have to have them to greatly enjoy records.   

Start at high quality, used TTs that have flooded the market.  I like the SME arm because it is less sensitive to VTA after setup, durable and usable in a wide range of cartridges.  The simple VPI like Scouts are a great table with their own arm.  For $3K, this including my cartridge, high output is wonderful sounding.