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Hello...I just signed up again after being off the list for quite a few months, so if I'm dredging up a recent thread please fell free to give me a link that I can check it out on the web archives, or however that works. I'm in need of a new TT, and I would like to be able to do some amateur sound restoration/preservation. Mostly it is working with my own collection and that of various pals and associates, and by and large it would be records made in the last 30 years or so, often garage/punk type stuff that was at times poorly recorded and cheaply pressed. I do have other interests, including a small personal collection of 78's so I'm looking for something that gives me the most options for the future. And my budget tops out at about $500. At first I was looking for a nice Technics 1200, but I found a Denon Model, the DP DJ151. It plays 33/45/78, is direct drive and has a digital line out that can be jacked directly into a PC, CDR, etc. This possibility sounds intriguing, but I would be curious as to how it sounds. It has the proper phono EQ to compensate for newer equipment that doesn't have a Phono pre standard, or you can run out of the analog set into an amp that does. Anyone familiar with sound and workability of this? I'm also considering several of the models that Esoteric sound has. I've never bought from them, but have heard only positive things. I like that they have more speeds and an even wider range of RPMs with the pitch controls. Has anyone owned or used any of the models that have under $500 (RA-6, Rondine Jr, Rek o Kut Seti, Ramses II and Vintage models) and have any advice or opinions in choosing one? I don't expect I will need to deal with 16" transcription discs or exceptionally rare/high end 78's. Much of what I would devote large amounts of time would be 45's, with the occasional LP, some of which are in less than mint shape. Due to the rarity of such things I would like to be able to get the best possible sound off the grooves before I start working on them with PC cleanup tools. At this point I'm leaning towards one of the Esoteric Models, unless someone gives me another model to consider or the Denon turns out to be highly recommended. I'd also like info about the best cartridge's I can get for this type of thing. Up to now I have always used Shure and Stanton cartridges, but often with the DJ/Warhorse needles like the Stanton D6800s. Should I stick with these brands and switch to a different type of needle? Should I have one needle that I use only for transfers and a 2nd (of the same or different model) to use for everyday listening so I don't run them down? If anyone has already wrestled thru these questions lately please give me your thoughts, and if there is a thread in the archives point me to it and I'll check that out. Thanks. Randy Lancelot