https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Stereo-Cassette-Boombox-CFDS70BLK/dp/B01DUF3UVC/ref=mp_s_a_1_16?keywords=cassette+player&link_code=qs&qid=1667666680&sourceid=Mozilla-search&sr=8-16

Any inexpensive cassette recorder on amazon right now is going to be the same experience (with the exception maybe of the sony i am about to link). Also, any portable that records is not going to have nearly the same quality as a larger deck.

So keeping that in mind, you could try one of two options. If I were in your shoes, I would first try:

sony boombox

secondly, and least preferred of the two:

b-1000

neither will blow you away with quality, but as for new and not completely horrible cassette player/recorders, those are it.

This is very sad . . .but the truth.

If you're on a budget, get this on amazon https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Stereo-Cassette-Boombox-CFDS70BLK/dp/B01DUF3UVC/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1TA2IQEFPMV8B&keywords=sony+boombox&qid=1681642253&sprefix=sony+boom%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-3&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc

It's cheap, but still can produce a better sound quality (edit: record your cassette for a mixtape) than most of awful Chinese brands you can find online. (but do save some money for a vintage cassette deck!)

Use .FLAC/m4a format + VLC on your computer. (VLC - so you can do some manual treatment/adjustment for the output)

Probably this

Best to avoid cheap suitcases and all in ones. You have the budget for a better turntable with better playback and better speakers for good sound.

The AT-LP60X $105 adds a diamond tip stylus on an MM moving magnet cartridge connected to an RIAA phono preamp for better sound over the cheap suitcases and all in ones with cheap ceramic cartridges and cheap built in speakers.

Plus better $79 to $159 powered speakers with audio cable input for the turntable plus Bluetooth for streaming digital music:

Compact 4" mid bass driver speakers for a small room or a desktop setup:

• Bestian SR4 $85 has analog, digital optical and USB inputs.
• Edifier R1280DBs $159 $127 has 2 analog inputs, a digital optical input plus a subwoofer output.

Larger 5.25" mid bass driver speakers for a small to medium size room:

• Saiyin DS6801S $79 has analog and digital optical inputs plus a subwoofer output.
• Better 5.25" Neumi BSP5 $159 has analog and digital optical inputs.

Or what is a nearby town or zip code I can search for used speaker options? Reply here or chat.

Then later connect a CD or DVD/CD player you can often find at a thrift shop for under $25 and possibly a cassette deck too. Or even this $39 CD + Cassette player or $69 Sony that both have a headphone jack 3.5mm output to connect to the powered speakers with a 3.5mm to RCA cable. If you need more inputs for the powered speakers connect a $15 RCA switch.

Audio Guides, Speaker Placement, Accessories and Vinyl Care