I'd also like to put in a good word for KAB.  He makes great stuff 
and is terrific to deal with.  It's slightly out of your range, but 
it's worth it.

Jim

At 04:00 PM 7/8/2008, you wrote:
>Hi Paul:
>
>If you can go slightly but not much higher, I _highly_ recommend the 
>KAB-modified Technics 1200:
>http://www.kabusa.com/m1200.htm
>
>Kevin (KAB) is the man! He does great work and you call up you get 
>him and deal with him directly. If you can stretch the wallet, get 
>the fluid damping.
>
>The nice thing about one of these tables is that it does all three 
>speeds well, you have a standard headshell and it's very easy to 
>align a cartridge with the included alignment tool, and the speed 
>accuracy is legendary. Plus, with your 78's, there's a 
>pitch-varience that I think covers most of the odd "78"-ish speeds.
>
>One man's opinions, etc. I have one of these tables and like it very much.
>
>-- Tom Fine
>
>----- Original Message ----- From: "Mahern, Paul Cantwell" 
><[log in to unmask]>
>To: <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2008 4:52 PM
>Subject: [ARSCLIST] Turntable
>
>
>Hello Everyone,
>
>I am looking for a new turntable for home use. Does anyone have 
>recommendations? I can spend about $500.00 - needs to play at 78 rpm.
>
>Thanks - Paul Mahern