He doesn't want "direct drive" because it's what kids use to make DJ music. But that's mostly what I'm seeing. His purpose is to listen to 1x 78 vinyl his dad recorded in like the 1930s or something on a 78. I suggested he digitize it to send to family and he seems interested in that as well.

So ideally I'm looking for information in regards to direct drive vs belt drive to help an older man that's not tech savvy listen to a vinyl 1 time. He doesn't like buying "crap" and wants top of the line for this one time use product. I know.. I know.. I was born in the era of cassettes-CD (1985) and my knowledge of this tech is limited. Please help.

We've looked at Audio-Technica and Technics brand but I'm not sure all that matters as long as it does what he wants and is expensive so he feels like he's getting more. So ideally nothing that's going to resemble some "hipster dj mixer" and something more old school looking. That can still POSSIBLY digitize this one audio recording of his late father that he could then send to his family. TY VM

For a budget I pointed out a 50$ one on amazon and he said it's probably crap and then started at the 300$ price range. By the time I was gettin ready to leave he was at a 600$ player.