This is for the young and old alike. If you are looking into turntables things have changed alot over the years. If you are buying something to play your old iron butterfly a belt driven will work just fine. Look for a turntable that has a tone arm that you can replace the cartridge on. For those beginer D.J.'s or their parents a belt drive turntable is NOT the way to go. Look for a direct turntable. The direct drive has no belt to slip off,  to warp, or even burn. This will be able to handle the stresses of "back cueing":, and "scratching". also look for a tone arm that you can replace the cartridge once again. A turntable that is a direct drive will last longer under the DJ stresses, and lkely won't need to be upgraded or replaced unlessthe turntable takes excessive abuse, or a spefic brand or style is perfered.