Audio-Technica LPW40WN

Audio-Technica is rightfully respected for their excellent direct-drive turntables, but we also love their belt-driven 'tables, like the fully manual LPW40WN. It features good build quality in a budget 'table — there's a vibration-resistant die-cast aluminum platter with rubber mat, and the straight carbon-fiber tonearm has a nice AT-VM95E moving magnet cartridge pre-mounted.

There's also a built-in phono preamp and RCA cable for easy integration with most home audio systems, so you can start enjoying your records right away. The elegant simulated walnut veneer is the eye-catching "icing on the cake."