Looking for recommendations on a new record player

[DoublesGuy]

Hey everyone.

 

I'm finally going to ditch my audio technica LP60 for something better. My budget is 500 CAD before taxes. So far, I've been looking at the Pioneer PLX 500, but i'm open to other suggestions if people have them. I'm looking for the best I can get within my budget. Ideally, I'd like to get something new so I have a warranty.

 

My only hard requirements are:

 

A built in phono amp, ideally with a switch to bypass (I don't have room to add a phono preamp to the chain right now, but may be able to in the future)

Easy switching between speeds (all rega turntables require to remove the platter to do this correct? If so, this rules them out)

Better sound quality than my LP60

Adjustable counter weight (one of the big reasons I'm upgrading is concern that the LP60 is damaging records. The platter doesn't appear to be spinning level, and plus they have a reputation for exerting more pressure on your records, I've heard)

USB output (I want to make some crappy vaporwave remixes)

Dust cover

 

Any recommendations are appreciated. Thank you.

[shenanigans]

I think this would fit all your requirements, but with that budget you have a lot of options. https://www.turntablelab.com/collections/turntables/products/denon-dp-300f-turntable-ortofon-2m-red-upgrade

 

Edit: without the cartridge upgrade https://www.turntablelab.com/products/denon-dp-300f-fully-automatic-turntable

 

Edit again: no usb.

Edited March 6, 2018 by shenanigans

[DoublesGuy]

2 minutes ago, shenanigans said:

I think this would fit all your requirements, but with that budget you have a lot of options. https://www.turntablelab.com/collections/turntables/products/denon-dp-300f-turntable-ortofon-2m-red-upgrade

 

Edit: without the cartridge upgrade https://www.turntablelab.com/products/denon-dp-300f-fully-automatic-turntable

No USB, but this is a strong contender anyways. Thanks for sharing!