Dennon Surround sound Receiver and used TTs advice!

[Suzy QE2]

Hi, I'm trying to set up a TT system as a surprise for my hubby, who had expressed an interest in Uturn TTs. I got reading and became obsessed with the idea of vintage, but I'm so confused about quality etc!
Currently on my local CL there is a Realistic Lab 400 and a 420 on CL, each for $40, waiting to hear about condition and stylus, and a technics SL D3 which is $100, unsure of cartridge - apparently replaced in 94 and barely used. So I'm torn between those options. Also today in Goodwill I found a Dennon AV surround receiver AVR 589, for $25. I didn't buy it yet. I couldn't see a phono input on the back. Will this work with a turntable or should I go for something better? I do not have speakers yet. Sorry for lack of knowledge, I've been researching like crazy but there are so many options!

 

[colohiker]

Welcome! I'm sure others will chime in on the turntables but the Denon doesn't have a turntable input. You could use an outboard preamp but that is an added expense. I would suggest trying to find a vintage receiver over the Denon.

 

[HyKlas]

Vintage stuff is finicky at best. It's like anything old, it takes some tinkering every now and again to keep it running. I would suggest something relatively new-ish in hopes of more enjoyment than frustration.

Let's start with a budget and go from there. We could recommend a million different options but none of it matters if we don't hit a target number.

The Technics would be a good start if in acceptable cosmetic and excellent functional condition. They're rather fool proof as these things go... But also keep in mind that if he likes the UTurn, he's probably after that look as well. I would not recommend the base UTurn, the MDF (pressed saw dust really) platter just screams cheap. Once you step up to the acrylic platter though, you're in Pro Ject Debut Carbon territory. This is a much nicer machine all around.

 

[Suzy QE2]

Thank you for the advice! I will stay away from the Denon. I guess the problem for me of buying vintage is that I'm not completely sure what's in good condition and what's not! I think I'd like to stick to $600-$700 for everything, which is why I was looking at vintage too! Is this totally unrealistic? Would you go for the U-turn Orbit plus? I really like the auto return function and the cue lever on older models, and the U-turn can be fitted with Q-up, or a cue lever, not both. How important is that? And is the U-turn comparable to ProJect Debut Carbon? Yes he does like that look. I like the vintage with the wood veneer base, I think we could be happy with either style.
As far as speakers, I liked the Audioengine A5+, but also the Kef Q300 - now these alone are $400....
Any chance these things go on sale on black Friday??