Hi TB -
The LP60 is a bit of a plastic toy.
I have set up a few of my buddies' post college age kids with the Audio Technica LP120. It is sturdy, the built in preamp is decent and is not susceptible to hum, and the included cartridge is ok. The silver version is less expensive than the black version, but that is the only difference. If you want to swap out the cartridge, it is easy to do as it is a standard size head shell. You could do a lot worse even for yourself.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120-USB/112254577196
Lots of choices for powered speakers from Emotiva, and PSB, for starters.
https://emotiva.com/products/powered-monitors/speakers/airmotiv-4s
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_760ALPHPS1/PSB-Alpha-PS1.html
Rich
The LP60 is a bit of a plastic toy.
I have set up a few of my buddies' post college age kids with the Audio Technica LP120. It is sturdy, the built in preamp is decent and is not susceptible to hum, and the included cartridge is ok. The silver version is less expensive than the black version, but that is the only difference. If you want to swap out the cartridge, it is easy to do as it is a standard size head shell. You could do a lot worse even for yourself.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120-USB/112254577196
Lots of choices for powered speakers from Emotiva, and PSB, for starters.
https://emotiva.com/products/powered-monitors/speakers/airmotiv-4s
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_760ALPHPS1/PSB-Alpha-PS1.html
Rich