Ready to try vinyl

rega planar 3 and a dynavector 10x5 cartridge

First off, it's good to rely on others responses (actually...ignore everyone elses except mine...j/k) and to read reviews of the products they recommend, but if you're willing to take the plunge into vinyl then you should do yourself the favor of at least buying a few good quality records in good condition (doesn't have to be 180 gram vinyl but it doesn't hurt) and auditioning some tables yourself. Take advantage of places like audioadvisor.com that offer 30 refunds, that way you can get an idea of different tables in different price classes. I have a music hall MMF-7 which I love (you can get these used, but the price is still about 700, which you can find for new decks if you're enterprising) but will sell at some point to get a VPI Aries 2 (or Scoutmaster...recommendations anyone?). How much you should spend depends on how much you like listening to music, and how much money you're willing to fork over, which really only you can answer. I think the MMF-7 is a good bet because it's good enough that you can put off upgrading immediately, but still leaves room for you to throw your money away on other expensive tables later, which is really what it's all about, right? Actually, even if you're not thinking of becomming an addict, then this is a very satisfying turntable with great sound, and nice looks to boot. I'm sure other (and more knowledgable) members have different recs.

have fun.

Oops, my amps are Classe M 700....not 701.....I suppose everyone knew that but me!
Mimberman......Thanks for your advise. I did not know there were different kinds of vinyl (180 gram??). I do have about 100 old records that were given to me. I have never heard them. Probably not good to play on a new turntable. So, my next question....where do you buy vinyl records these days? I feel the beginnings of a new addiction rumbling from within. All of you enablers should be ashamed of yourselves!
But.....um....keep that advise coming!

Well, now you're really screwed. If you think the tables ar expensive, just wait till you start buying software. hopefully a lot of other people will pick up on this thread because while I know a thing or two, this site is awash with some truly knowledgable vinyl addicts who have all sorts of amazing tips (many of which you can find by looking through old discussion posts or reviews). If you're buying vinyl online (which is still second in my opinion to hunting it down in a store where you can listen to it...but not everyone has Academy Vinyl, god bless them) then there are a ton of sites (do a google search and see what happens. Two of the sites I use are:

Http://www.amusicdirect.com
http://www.acousticsounds.com

BTW, 180 gram obviously refers to the weight, and you get even heavier...tracks better, probably less succeptible to warping, etc. When you hold a 200 gram in your hands you realize how wimpy your old lps feel. Anywho, like I said I'm no expert, and this is all a starting point. If you're going to buy a turntable though you'll not want to be ruining your new cartridge by playing dirty, warped, staticky old records on it. My suggestion, buy a few titles you know well that you can pick up new or in very good condition, buy a table from a place that has a 30 day return policy, and see if you like the format first before comitting any serious money. Some people find it a hassle performing the vinyl ritual when they want to listen to music (and belive me, between all the wiping, dusting, cleaning, etc, it can be arduous) but this isn't for the instant gratification type anyways, since searching out the media can be a challenge alone.

What is going overboard?