Turntable recommendation

First of all, what are your plans as far as buying LP’s (please don't call them "vinyls". Records is fine ;-)? And what music do you like and listen to? If your disposable income limits your LP budget, and you are intending to buy only new LP’s, assembling a music library is going to take you quite a while. A lot of LP enthusiasts have been so for a long time, slowly building a library over the years. Are you young enough to start now?

As far as gear upon which to play LP’s, unless you stumble upon an amazing deal (a yard or estate sale) $379 ain’t gonna cut it. A good record cleaning machine (a virtual necessity for used LP’s) alone will cost you at least that much.

On the other hand, if you have a local source for cheap used LP’s (and the music you favour is available on them), you can get a quality "starter" record player for maybe $500. A used Rega or AR ES-1 would be good choices. Add A Schitt Mani phono amp and a Record Doctor cleaning machine, and you’re in business! As others said above, figure a grand to get started.

If you’ve never experienced the LP phenomenon, be forewarned: it is addicting. ;-)

I recommend this Audio Technica to get started

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120BK-USB-Direct-Drive-Professional-USB/dp/B00GA9COMM?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&smid=A14IIJ8CA334LK&th=1

NOTE: ALL phono signals are weak and non-equalized, they need to be both pre-amplified up to LINE level and EQualized via industry standard RIAA. (Bass gets boosted/highs get cut)

AT120 has a built in Phono EQ, to boost and convert non-equalized phono signal to LINE, so it can be connected to any LINE/AUX input,

IF you have a separate MM Phono Input (moving magnet cartridge type, most common) , you can turn the eq in the TT off.

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IF you really get into LPs, then you might want to upgrade: 1st a better cartridge, 2nd a 'better' TT

@elliottbnewcombjr +1! This AT turntable for $328 is a very good choice! I'd add the Schiit Mani ($160) and a Grado Prestige cartridge ($90). The Mani and Grado are considerably better than what comes with the AT. Regarding the advice about a record cleaning machine - you don't need one if all you play are brand new LPs. Those don't need cleaning! Stay away from secondhand LPs - surface quality varies widely depending upon prior usage. Just buy new ones.

It's so easy to get caught up on the looks alone of the TT. I can see the budget getting tweaked a bit just like my other gear. I had a firm $1000 budget for the whole system. A mark well missed.

One more thing - get a record weight to be placed atop an LP during play. This will couple the LP to the turntable mat quite effectively! Nothing fancy required. AT makes a good one.