Turntable recommendation

Nothing wrong with dipping your toes into vinyl, and seeing where it goes.  You can build a nice collection a little at time.  

There are solid choices in the $500 range.  Much of the quality boils down the cartridge and the phono stage.  I've been running a modest AT-LP120X (modified) with a couple of good carts for 3 years, and have been totally happy.  Several of the AT tables come with the AT-VM95E cartridge, which is a nice entry level cart, plus it has a great upgrade path with the ML and SH needles.

The Fluance RT85 offers a decent table with a good Ortofon 2M Blue cart.

Then again, you might want an automatic TT,

https://www.turntablelab.com/collections/automatic-turntables-turntables-with-automatic-operation/products/pioneer-pl-30-k-automatic-turntable

Ditto

tony 1954

It may take some time but you could also try to find gear from Craigslist or Facebook marketplace. I put together a second system but with vintage gear.

Another vote for the AT 120. Have it in my man cave system. Out of the box it just works exactly as advertised. The cart is just fine. All for under $400. Sure it’s not as refined as getting into the 2 to 3k range, but that’s not the point here I think. Also vote for the Rega P1 and entry NAD, (pretty much siblings anyway).  IMO one can’t go wrong with either the AT or the Rega.

Beware, it’s easy to start here then in no time spend close to 5k on a nice TT, cart, and phon preamp. Not to mention untold amounts on LP’s.