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While this turntable isn't cheap, it is affordable and, unlike most turntables, plays all 3 speeds (33, 45 and 78 rpm) and has a convenient auto-return feature (nice to have in the CD age). The unit is well packed and easy to set up, and works right out of the box without hassle. Get the model with the cherry veneer base; it gives the turntable an elegant, high-end look. Thorens made great manual turntables in the past that were affordable, but their current line of manual turntables are high-end, expensive units. This model, the TD240G, is based on a Dual turntable design and is an excellent compromise when a fully manual, high-end turntable isn't needed or is outside one's budget.
No turntable over $5,000 is automatic. This is because it just adds extra pieces to rattle the sound quality. The AT cartridge that is included is a good match for the turntable.Also, fully automatic is not so good as manual.
Otherwise you are better off with Music Hall. Even the top of the line Music Hall is only four stars. If you are going for good looks, this is their best turntable.
But you are talking a minimum of two thousand WITHOUT the phono cartridge. But manual does mean you do have to get up and take up the tone arm to start and stop.On the other hand, if you care enough about sound quality to bother with records, then the placing and resting of the tone arm is just part of the ritual. Thorens makes a good solid turntable, but you do not get the best sound for the money.
That loses one star.The other star is lost because Amazon does not sell any of the truly great sounding turntables now available.
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