I like the addition of the ground wire

But if not, then the AT-LP3 (also comes in black – search for it) is a solid addition to AudioTechnica’s line of turntables, and you could do far worse for the money than get this one.

However, once all the pieces come together, this is a very nice addition to my home sound system

but I gave it the benefit of the doubt as it betters its direct competitor, the Denon 300F, but it falls short against its sibling, the Audio-Technica LP120.

However, this isn't a huge deal aside from cosmetics because you can easily put another cartridge on the headshell, it just won't look as good as it would with the headshell designed for that cartridge.