If one is getting started out and isn't quite sure, then the 'low-end' route may be the only practical option for some. Often times, used units will need some varying degrees of 'tune-up' (and occasionally, they can't be fixed, but can be quite rewarding when a good working one is found 'on the cheap'). Other than the fact that it I think the axle would be too large. Ive found a cheap (100) RST Deuce fork on eBay (1.5').that seems like it would be pretty much a bolt-on deal. Get a headset adapter and find a cheap 1 1/8' suspension fork. On the used end, it can be a variety of turntables in the lower price range, with varying levels of quality (from an inexpensive Aiwa as mentioned at the start of this thread, to a well built classic such as an Elac Miracord or any belt drive Japanese turntable from the 70s or 80s). Here are a couple options Ive come up with so far : Get a headset adapter and use a 1 1/8' rigid fork. That being the case, I'd have to guess the 'minimum acceptable' low end is a turntable that can at least play the records without serious mistracking/skipping, play reasonably at the correct speed and not sound horrible (no excess 'wow' or 'flutter', as I've heard in some of those 'all in one' retro setups). I was thinking this thread was perhaps about the minimum acceptable for 'low end', either 'as new' or 'used price range'.