Please help picking my next turntable
So I’m upgrading from a super basic entry-level player (Exibel BXLP-45). Just moved to a new country and I’m building a proper setup for long-term listening at home.
I’m kinda stuck because every model I look at has people loving it hating it at the same time 😅
What I care about:
-solid sound quality (main priority)
-built-in phono preamp
-anti-skate + adjustable counterweight
-upgrade potential (cart/needle later on)
-AUTO-STOP is actually important for me (I don’t always stay in the room)
-Bluetooth is nice but not a dealbreaker
Right now I’m looking at:
Argon Audio TT MK2
Audio-Technica AT-LP120X
Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II
But I keep seeing mixed opinions like “Argon is cheap plastic”, “AT is too DJ-ish”, “Pro-Ject has QC issues”, etc… and I’m kinda lost.
So yeah, what would you actually pick for my use case?
And is auto-stop something I should just give up on if I want better sound / upgrade path?
Would really appreciate real-world experience 🙏