Recommendations for a modestly priced analog system


I have been listening to digital music only for a number of years. Now I am thinking of adding an analog system. I don't want to go nuts buying expensive components. I just want to get under the proverbial point of diminishing return. I have  Cary Audio 98P preamp, VAC phi 200 (planning) and Sound Lab ESL speakers. My budget from turntable to cartridge is $5-7K. I prefer buying used for the best bang for the buck. As I am getting older, I need a no fuss, durable and low maintenance system. Any recommendations?
128x128chungjh
Music hall 9.3 with the eroica lx, preferably the walnut version. A highly regarded turntable and a steal at $2600.....run it through a Tubed phono stage from tavish and then roll some nos tubes in...nice. 
Hello chungjh! I am running a VPI HW-19 MKIII with Jelco TK-950S (recently purchased, used to have 550S and 750) and Hana SL. As a gift to myself, I am looking at the Benz Micro Glider SM. (User kron sells it among other cartridges at a discount.) My phono stage is a C-J EF-1 with premium capacitor upgrades in a few places. I am quite pleased with my set-up which in Canadian dollars should be around 4.5 - 5K at present used prices. I believe that's very good price-performance wise. 

My suggestion would be a used, even vintage, turntable as long as it is sound mechanically and functionally. Some turntables, as long as they're taken care of are indestructible. The VPI HW-19 MKIV is a good contender I think, based on my experience of the MKIII. And of course you've got some other suggestions already.

But buy a new tonearm for peace of mind; unless you know the person you're buying from, it is a risk to just take people's words on precision mechanical instruments like tonearms. If you should buy a used tonearm, have someone take a look into the unit. Same with cartridges. 

And I agree that you'll have money to spare to get accessories, records and a good cleaning system. 

Happy hunting! 
We just purchased a Parasound Hilo Hint 6. It lists for about 3K but you might be able to get it for about $2500 or $2000. Has a built in pre-amp. Not too many bells and whistles. We do basic 2 channel analog.  My dealer who just closed sold it to me  for $2100.  Speakers you will need to listen but Kilpsch makes nice speakers under $1000 a pair.  If you can find an AR turntable used or contact Vinyl Nirvana he sells used vintage very fair price.  On CD players not sure who makes a good one that will not be a fortune or a receiver if you listen to FM. Be careful of used equipment as sometimes it does not work.  The guy below can provide some guidance and sells vintage too.
 WILLIAM THALMANN
MUSIC TECHNOLOGY, INC.
5418 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22151
703-764-7005 x106
HOURS: 11-6 Mon-Fri
bill@musictechnology.com

good luck

You can probably use a Soundsmith moving iron cartridge with your built in phono pre, I'm using one myself and find them fantastic.