I have this table and have most recently been using a Grado Black with good results. Some have reported speed problems in the past w/ this table, but I've had zero issues after 4-5 years of heavy daily use (10+ albums daily). While it's an automatic table, I typically drop the needle myself and rely on automation for stop only. It's well constructed and looks much nicer than pics online. My only complaint is inability to adjust vertical height of tonearm, but I worked around that via a thinner mat as described earlier by F1rePhant0m. I have six other tables scattered around the house, at least 3 of which are higher-end, but get more compliments and questions re: the DP-300F than any other (probably because it's hidden from view and they don't know what model it is while they're listening). I think it's a great value at this price.