[ARSCLIST] Need Turntable advice for amateur archivist

[Sirnailhead JR Superfly <sirnailheadjr@xxxxxxxx>]

Hello...I just signed up again after being off the list for quite a few
months, so if I'm dredging up a recent thread please fell free to give me
a link that I can check it out on the web archives, or however that
works.

I'm in need of a new TT, and I would like to be able to do some amateur
sound restoration/preservation.  Mostly it is working with my own
collection and that of various pals and associates, and by and large it
would be records made in the last 30 years or so, often garage/punk type
stuff that was at times poorly recorded and cheaply pressed.  I do have
other interests, including a small personal collection of 78's so I'm
looking for something that gives me the most options for the future.  And
my budget tops out at about $500.

At first I was looking for a nice Technics 1200, but I found a Denon
Model, the DP DJ151.  It plays 33/45/78, is direct drive and has a
digital line out that can be jacked directly into a PC, CDR, etc.  This
possibility sounds intriguing, but I would be curious as to how it
sounds.  It has the proper phono EQ to compensate for newer equipment
that doesn't have a Phono pre standard, or you can run out of the analog
set into an amp that does.  Anyone familiar with sound and workability of
this?

I'm also considering several of the models that Esoteric sound has.  I've
never bought from them, but have heard only positive things.  I like that
they have more speeds and an even wider range of RPMs with the pitch
controls.  Has anyone owned or used any of the models that have under
$500 (RA-6, Rondine Jr, Rek o Kut Seti, Ramses II and Vintage models) and
have any advice or opinions in choosing one?  I don't expect I will need
to deal with 16" transcription discs or exceptionally rare/high end 78's.
 Much of what I would devote large amounts of time would be 45's, with
the occasional LP, some of which are in less than mint shape.  Due to the
rarity of such things I would like to be able to get the best possible
sound off the grooves before I start working on them with PC cleanup
tools.

At this point I'm leaning towards one of the Esoteric Models, unless
someone gives me another model to consider or the Denon turns out to be
highly recommended.  I'd also like info about the best cartridge's I can
get for this type of thing.  Up to now I have always used Shure and
Stanton cartridges, but often with the DJ/Warhorse needles like the
Stanton D6800s.  Should I stick with these brands and switch to a
different type of needle?  Should I have one needle that I use only for
transfers and a 2nd (of the same or different model) to use for everyday
listening so I don't run them down?  If anyone has already wrestled thru
these questions lately please give me your thoughts, and if there is a
thread in the archives point me to it and I'll check that out.  Thanks.
Randy Lancelot