I second Brooklyn’s recommendation. Technics 1200 (any model). I’ve personally had my 1200MK2’s for 9 years and I haven’t had to take them into the shop. (Hawthorne Stereo is an amazing Seattle stereo sales and repair shop that can get you set up with a great new or refurbished turntable/receiver/speaker set-up.)
audio technica makes a much more moderately priced direct drive turntable if you’re unable to find 1200s.
Let me get my partner. He loves his. And it is an amazing “starter” but “good quality” record player. I believe it is an audiotech $100 and he paired them with Bluetooth edifice speakers $150. The quality is lovely and it won’t run you 1200+
We have a Rega RP1 that's served us well for about 5 years. It hooks up to our Sonos system (with an additional doo-dad). It's simple enough for a non-audiophile like myself, but came highly recommended as a great starter turntable by someone who is super into it all.
I’ve always had great luck with Technics, but if you’re on a budget, look to Crowley or Panasonic, you won’t get all the cool features, but you will get tunes 😊 also make sure you are using the right speakers, and a receiver with an equalizer goes a long way.
Retro Record Player for 33/45/78 RPM Vinyl Records,Bluetooth Belt-Drive Turntable with Built-in Stereo Speakers,Brown Wood. I recently bought this one and really like it. I was trying to find one where the record would lie entirely on the record player. Cheaper options will have the record hanging off and that’s risks ruining the record.