I'm not a supporter of starting young listeners with mediocre
equipment, as they are usually able to learn how to use their
gear properly. They will also get more pleasure with decent
gear they can grow with. Treat them with respect, as young
adults, and most will respond responsibly. So, that's my bias.
It would be nice if there were a good quality, inexpensive
automatic or semi-automatic TT, but when you are working with
a limited budget you're talking about a manual version, and
probably used. Many manual TT's today do have a tonearm lift
device which is helpful for young users.
A good place to start looking for entry-level TT's would be
those made by Pro-Ject, Music Hall, Rega, Roksan, and Audio
Technica. Pair any of these TT's with a decent moving magnet
cartridge, such as the lowend Grados, Ortofon, or Shure, which
have models for under $100.
You could start looking for used TT's at US Audio Mart, but
you may have better luck with small used audio stores. There
is a good used audio dealer in Seattle -- Hawthorne Stereo --
that has been in business since the late 1940's and is very
reputable. I'm sure there are other similar stores around the
US, and other A-gon members can probably give you some names.
equipment, as they are usually able to learn how to use their
gear properly. They will also get more pleasure with decent
gear they can grow with. Treat them with respect, as young
adults, and most will respond responsibly. So, that's my bias.
It would be nice if there were a good quality, inexpensive
automatic or semi-automatic TT, but when you are working with
a limited budget you're talking about a manual version, and
probably used. Many manual TT's today do have a tonearm lift
device which is helpful for young users.
A good place to start looking for entry-level TT's would be
those made by Pro-Ject, Music Hall, Rega, Roksan, and Audio
Technica. Pair any of these TT's with a decent moving magnet
cartridge, such as the lowend Grados, Ortofon, or Shure, which
have models for under $100.
You could start looking for used TT's at US Audio Mart, but
you may have better luck with small used audio stores. There
is a good used audio dealer in Seattle -- Hawthorne Stereo --
that has been in business since the late 1940's and is very
reputable. I'm sure there are other similar stores around the
US, and other A-gon members can probably give you some names.