$299.99 | Denon DP-300F Fully Automatic Analog Turntable & Vinyl Record Player at Amazon

rutgersftw

Jun 29, 2026 01:07 PM

510 Posts

Joined Jul 2011

rutgersftwJun 29, 2026 01:07 PM

510 Posts

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank rutgersftw

I know in the current marketplace this is an OK price, but if you're looking to invest in a turntable and build a record collection, there are better starting points for similar money.

The best option is, of course, a maintained vintage turntable. Technics, JVC, Pioneer, etc made millions of the things in the 1970s and 80s, and you can find good to great ones on your local Craigslist or Marketplace all day for less than this Denon. Budget for a replacement cartridge or stylus, a new belt if belt drive, and you're good to go.

If you'd still like to go new, the Audio Technica AT-LP120 is frequently on sale for around this price and is a much better buy. Saving up a little more gets you into the realm of the entry-level Technics models which will outlive all of us.

You might be saying those turntables are like 100-400 more than this, what gives? Well the average new record you're going to buy is going to be $30 or so. The cost of 5-10 records for a turntable you won't need to replace in a year or two is worth it.

If you really want an automatic turntable, fine, this isn't the worst thing in the world. You can do better for the same money, that's all.

3

2

240SXFAN

Jun 29, 2026 01:40 PM

1,193 Posts

Joined Jun 2008

240SXFANJun 29, 2026 01:40 PM

1,193 Posts

Quote from rutgersftw

:

I know in the current marketplace this is an OK price, but if you're looking to invest in a turntable and build a record collection, there are better starting points for similar money.The best option is, of course, a maintained vintage turntable. Technics, JVC, Pioneer, etc made millions of the things in the 1970s and 80s, and you can find good to great ones on your local Craigslist or Marketplace all day for less than this Denon. Budget for a replacement cartridge or stylus, a new belt if belt drive, and you're good to go.If you'd still like to go new, the Audio Technica AT-LP120 is frequently on sale for around this price and is a much better buy. Saving up a little more gets you into the realm of the entry-level Technics models which will outlive all of us.You might be saying those turntables are like 100-400 more than this, what gives? Well the average new record you're going to buy is going to be $30 or so. The cost of 5-10 records for a turntable you won't need to replace in a year or two is worth it. If you really want an automatic turntable, fine, this isn't the worst thing in the world. You can do better for the same money, that's all.

Buy a used vintage model as said in the previous comment. They are more robustly built than anything today. Technics from the 80s is phenomenal. Not so much the Technics today.

deelseaker

Pro

Jun 29, 2026 02:00 PM

10,162 Posts

Joined Nov 2011

deelseaker

Pro

Jun 29, 2026 02:00 PM

10,162 Posts

Turntable prices this year appear to be $100 more than they were last year. Similarly, Turntable "deals" are the same $100 more across the board. If you need one, you need one. But keep in mind that the manufacturers are literally price gouging you. No amount of sanctions, tariffs or oil price increases can justify such price hikes.

These are legacy devices which have been in production for literally decades. Yes, same exact models or with very little changes. No R&D costs, no breakthrough improvements. Why is it $100 more today than a year ago? Scratchhead

4

Jaime1975

Jun 29, 2026 04:01 PM

61 Posts

Joined Apr 2019

Jaime1975Jun 29, 2026 04:01 PM

61 Posts

This or the Sony PS-LX3BT I just picked up that I haven't opened yet?

I don't really know anything about record players lol

jwkoda

Jun 29, 2026 06:37 PM

405 Posts

Joined Sep 2005

jwkodaJun 29, 2026 06:37 PM

405 Posts

The Fluance RT81 is just a few dollars more and is far superior to this unit.

rutgersftw

Jun 30, 2026 01:07 AM

510 Posts

Joined Jul 2011

rutgersftwJun 30, 2026 01:07 AM

510 Posts

Quote from jwkoda

:

The Fluance RT81 is just a few dollars more and is far superior to this unit.

Turntables are the sort of thing you buy for decades. They are inherently simple machines - spin the disc, track the groove, repeat. Yet sometimes things go wrong.

Fluance has shown themselves unwilling to offer service on their turntables after the warranty is over. Instead, they offer a credit on a replacement turntable. I'd take the Denon, in this case. It's an old design and Denon is an old company.

rutgersftw

Jun 30, 2026 01:08 AM

510 Posts

Joined Jul 2011

rutgersftwJun 30, 2026 01:08 AM

510 Posts

Quote from Jaime1975

:

This or the Sony PS-LX3BT I just picked up that I haven't opened yet?

I don't really know anything about record players lol

Both are inexpensive automatic turntables, but the Denon is a bit more versatile and has more upgrade paths down the line. That said, if you're just starting a collection and don't want to overthink things, don't overthink things. Buy records, have fun.

MellowDolphin410

Jun 30, 2026 04:43 AM

56 Posts

Joined Dec 2021

MellowDolphin410Jun 30, 2026 04:43 AM

56 Posts

Check used. I picked up a Dual 1219 fully serviced for $300. Iconic piece of craftsmanship.

IndigoManatee4695

Jun 30, 2026 05:13 AM

791 Posts

Joined Feb 2023

IndigoManatee4695Jun 30, 2026 05:13 AM

791 Posts

Quote from rutgersftw

:

I know in the current marketplace this is an OK price, but if you're looking to invest in a turntable and build a record collection, there are better starting points for similar money.The best option is, of course, a maintained vintage turntable. Technics, JVC, Pioneer, etc made millions of the things in the 1970s and 80s, and you can find good to great ones on your local Craigslist or Marketplace all day for less than this Denon. Budget for a replacement cartridge or stylus, a new belt if belt drive, and you're good to go.If you'd still like to go new, the Audio Technica AT-LP120 is frequently on sale for around this price and is a much better buy. Saving up a little more gets you into the realm of the entry-level Technics models which will outlive all of us.You might be saying those turntables are like 100-400 more than this, what gives? Well the average new record you're going to buy is going to be $30 or so. The cost of 5-10 records for a turntable you won't need to replace in a year or two is worth it. If you really want an automatic turntable, fine, this isn't the worst thing in the world. You can do better for the same money, that's all.

I have the Sony PS-LX410 turntable from the 80s with a Customized Linear Contact Quad Stylus for audio and want to know what's my next step up for better sound in a turntable I've maxed this one out pretty much. This is my first turntable and is my weakest link in chain. what would you recommend

Last edited by IndigoManatee4695 June 29, 2026 at 10:15 PM.

$299.99 | Denon DP-300F Fully Automatic Analog Turntable & Vinyl Record Player at Amazon

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