I agree with Newbee. The Rega P3 is a good table. It's a touch better than the bottom of the line entry level tables, but it's not outrageously expensive. Regas are also relatively easier tables to set up. So you can gently break yourself in to the viny world without too much hassle. By the way, once a table is set up, it doesn't really require too much continuing maintenance unless you change the cartridge or disassemble it to move it.
As far as the monster waiting to be tweaked and complemented, that applies to anything, not just turntables.
As far as the monster waiting to be tweaked and complemented, that applies to anything, not just turntables.