What are some tips for selecting a good turntable?

Answer 1

A direct-drive turntable is better than a belt-drive turntable. A heavy platter is better than a light platter. An integrated tone arm is better than an add-on tone arm. A tone arm with an adjustable balance weight is better than one without. A tone arm with an adjustable anti-skate control is better than one without. A turntable with an adjustable speed control (+/- 10% or so) is better than one without, but this item is not necessary unless you want to correct a speed flaw in the original recording so that you can play along with it. If you are buying a turntable with a pickup cartridge & stylus, try to get a name brand cartridge like Shure.