Im plowing through the Wilco discography this evening

Just stop after Sky Blue Sky

No.

So who’s got what for a $600 range turntable?

I’ve been eying the U-Turn Orbit.

Star Wars is great fun, and Schmilco is genuinely one of the best records they've ever made

I love my U-Turn. I cant remember exactly what I paid but I went with the walnut and Ortofon red and definitely didn't pay $600. I had a Pro Ject Debut Carbon before that and it was a hunk of shit by comparison.

I will admit I have never given either of those enough repeat listens to really lean into a take like I have on The Whole Love. Maybe after I finish Tweedys book I will give them another go.

That’s weird, I’ve had the exact opposite experience. My U-Turn was poorly made crap that failed within a year, replaced it with a Pro-Ject that has worked beautifully for over 4 now. In fact yours is the first bad experience I’ve heard about with Pro-Ject. Ya never know I guess.

My Pro-Ject with a cartridge upgrade & acrylic platter upgrade was just over 600, all-in.

I also love my beautiful blue Orbit. Haven't had any problems with it in the two years I've had it. can't remember what I paid but I know it was $300 or less.

I’m doing the custom built: solid walnut w/ satin finish, acrylic platter, Grado black 1 cartridge, cue arm, and the built in pre amp.

I’m looking to replace my receiver (Harmon Kardon 3470, it’s actually my fathers).

Although I’ve had it for years, it my be in my best interest to keep it and not bother with the pre amp which might save me about $60-$70.

I configured a similar table. I got tired of dealing with the issues old relievers eventually all have. Built in preamp is the way to go in 2018.

That’s what I was thinking. I figured if I’m going all in on a player I might as well get a built in and save me the hassle of picking it a receiver that has a phono out.

Finding powered speakers to get the job done will be important too. I have audioengine A5s, but I didn't feel they were enough on their own and had to get audioengine's sub to add a little more punch.

wait, you vinyl heads are recommending active speakers? I thought y'all were passive or bust?

It's almost 2019. It's just too much of an annoyance to bother with vintage junk and needless components.

I've never been a vinyl head, so I don't really know what I'm talking about. It strikes me as odd though, because active monitors are generally frowned upon in the studio world. I just assumed that all your Marantz boners would deflate for active speakers because they're not pure enough or something.

I just like interacting with vinyl as my preferred way to consume music. I don't really have opinions on what makes it sound the best as long as it's not some shitty mp3.

Oh, and you were right about Schmilco.