[Wharf Rat]

Let me see if I can remember some of the things we used to worry about.

You need a nice heavy, non-resonant surface to put it on or the vibrations will feedback to the needle.

You want to invest a few bucks in something to clean the vinyl each time before you play it.

You want a turntable that has a manual lever or an automatic lift to put the needle on the record. Most folks don't have steady enough hands to place the needle with their fingers. (or, maybe that was an effect of what used to go with playing records.)

I'm not gonna talk brands because they've probably changed. I used to use a B&O.