I would go for higher spec turntable into a 552/300 combo.
Do you want that his 9 years old child makes some trampoline ?
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We have the same system 
I think those are two good options, unless you want to spend more. I have an original 1980ās Rega Planar 3 that I had upgraded with a Neo PS and Exact cart, so itās close to a current Rega 6 - this is pretty good with the 552/300. I then happened upon a lovely vintage LP12 that Iāve upgraded to around the Seleck spec, for a cost a little above a new Majik. The higher spec LP12 is quite a bit better than the old Rega.
So I think, the Rega Planar 6 or LP12 Majik are probably the minimum spec to go with a 552/300. Beyond that, the rabbit hole gets deep.
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No the LP12 sounds better with the Linn Solid Base than the LinnTrampolin 
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Youāre probably right, Iāve mentioned a not too expensive turntable given the age (9 years old!) of the kids involved 
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As I wrote above, I got the P3 (with the Neo psu) and the P6 at the same time with the same cell, an ND5. On my system, the P6 is, by far, better everywhere and even more so with the ND7 that I bought quickly. I think itās the plinth Tan Cast 8 that makes the biggest difference, and there the P3 wonāt be able to have itā¦
For me, REGA is the best choice, P6 or P8 if we like aesthetics.
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Yeah, but itās sad for the boy. He would not be able to jump.
Many thanks all for the excellent advice.
Next stop is a dealer visit with the family, then will see what happens there
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My Linn (mainly LP12) dealer would/did get pretty nervous with kids around
The Rega dealer less so, but stillā¦Have a good time and do keep us posted!
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A possible benefit of going for a Denon or Technics is they have a removable headshell.
You could use a high quality cartridge and the kids us a cheaper more robust cartridge.
Swapping the headshell takes a few seconds, raising and lowering the tonearm could take as long as 10 seconds on the Denon. Probably the same with the Technics.
Ensuring the headshell/cartridge weigh the same wouldnāt be difficult.
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For non Hi Fi people using a system, I would want an automatic record deck. Sound quality will take aback seat with a 9 year old, for a while.
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Thanks Nigel - whats the best option for automatic? Something like a Technics: SL-1210GEG?
Technics 1200 series arenāt automatic but direct drive - arm is raised/ lowered with a cueing lever.
The Sl100C and 1500C (which are cheaper versions of the 1200) are the same TT (bar the in-built phonostage on the 1500) and both feature automatic tonearm raise at the end of the record. From experience it can be a bit hit or miss however.
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Whilst I love the idea of buying a turntable for the family to use I would start with something low level. The novelty might wear off after a few months as children move on to other interests (the world is full of distractions these days). If the children continue to show interest then you could buy them starter systems later which they can upgrade over time.
I was allowed to use my parents Beogram as a special treat before getting my first cheap starter system, starting my life long hifi journey.
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Thereās also another solution, a turntable higher than an 9 years old boy. He wonāt be able to reach the arm.
Transrotor Metropolis
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@frenchrooster a 9 year old boy will definitely climb that, no question.
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Probably with jam on their hands. Quite a few nooks and crannies to store toy dinosaurs and Nerf pellets as well.
A removable headshell deck suggested by @Fatcat might make sense to allow use of a āsacrificialā cartridge.
There are robust cartridges around as well, Iād guess DJ centric ones would sound great on the Technics, loads by Ortofon around in DJ supplies shops.
Thereās also the SoundSmith Irox Blue and Irox Ultimate, āunbreakableā cartridges that might be worth a look, this from their website:
Soundsmith introduces two levels of performance in āunbreakableā designs. A perfect solution for heavy duty use, parties, institutions, and anywhere there is a potential handling issue or danger of misuse.
Enter the IROX series. High and Ultra-high performance from a low mass moving iron design that will make you a believer.
Theyāre pretty expensive, and I havenāt read any reviews.
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I think that actually makes coffee as well 
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If you want a great sounding deck thatās pretty much foolproof to operate then itās hard to beat the classic Technics SL-7 and SL-10. Fully automatic operation too. They are very reliable, although the tangential arm can sometimes āstickā with age and lack of use, requiring careful lubrication. T4P cartridges are still available to buy new as well, although for best replay the Technics EPS-P205 MM or EPS-P310 MC carts are the way to go - you can even sometimes get NOS ones still if you look in the right places. Otherwise older AT P mounts can often take current styli. They are old decks now but surprisingly capable. I have had a number through my hands over the years (and still have some) that are all still working well and sounding great. A shame that nothing like it is still made today. I would guess that an SL-10 made today would be a Ā£3-5k deckā¦
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I have had hifi in reach of kids since they were born. Zero accidents. Both my turntables are on very low locations easily with reach of even a 2 year old.
They know the hifi is off limits. They are 10 and 8 now. Not a single problem.
But I probably wouldnāt invite disaster with an expensive MC cartridge either.
Just buy whatever is appropriate for the amount of playing youāll do and donāt worry about the kids. If they are going to use it too, Iād suggest just teaching them. They could have an innocent accident. But so could you after a glass of wine.
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