Record wear

I agree with what Tarsando said. You can definitely get into vinyl, have a lot of fun, and get a lot of emotionally involving, good sound and music without spending a fortune on the LPs themselves.

I just got into LP playback again 2-1/2 mos. ago and some of my favorite, as-new LPs are from the 99-cent bins at used record stores and thrift shops. For the cost of an mp3 single song download, I come away with one or two albums.

If you want to start really cheap, you could get an entry-level Technics belt drive turntable with P-mount tonearm. Even though it wouldn't be the most sophisticated rig, P-mount arms are factory-set to track at 1.25g, which is very light, and P-mount arms are straight, low-mass designs (though I doubt that the pivot bearings are much to write home about). An example is the Technics SLBD20D as described here: http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Technics-SLBD20D-Automatic-Turntable/dp/B00005T3Y8

Another alternative would be to start at a little over $400 for a Technics SL1200 Mk2. It's a 'way cleaner machine with a lot of upgrade potential should you decide to keep it, and a very high resale value should you decide to sell it. Its tonearm also have very low bearing friction and should be easy on the LPs.

A third alternative would be to check garage sales and Craigslist and the like. I got a Yamaha garage sale turntable very much like the Technics SLBD20D for $2 and that's what got me hooked. 2 weeks later I bought a Technics SL1210 M5G and play it an average 2 hrs a day.

IMHO, dirt and dust are the biggest problem (static electricity makes many Vinyl albums a magnet for dust) followed by natural degradtion of the plastic. My limited experience was that the more cleaning I did the worse it eventually sounded (faster it degraded) and that the stylus of any decent mid range TT NEVER did any damage (except if you bumped it or someone jumped on the floor next to the TT)...just my two cents.

Good suggestion above- hit the Goodwills and buy only music you like, but make sure it's in good shape. Hit the used record stores as well. Don't buy dirty, scratched LPs. As stated above- don't use stylus cleaner (liquid).
As to turntables: used Music Hall, Rega are a good entry level.
Don't forget to buy a carbon brush from Music Direct.
Good Luck and enjoy!

I think anyone considering swimming in the analog waters needs to ponder their reasons for doing so, vinyl isn't for everyone. Unlike some, I have never felt analog was vastly superior to well done digital. Vinyl is clearly superior in some ways, but inferior in others. Vinyl is a pain in the rump to store, clean, and acquire IMO. The quality of new releases is quite variable. I've been so aggravated by warped, noisy and dirty new releases. To me, the best reason to put up with analog is access to new music that is never going to be digitally released or access to releases you'd never pay the price of a cd for. I've been poking through the .99 cent racks at a record store and taken many a chance on a release I'd never pay $10-16 for and have been turned on to a lot of good new music as a result. I take good care of my vinyl and wear isn't an audible factor in my experience. As to component recommendations, what's your budge forecast? BTW, you've got a very nice system and a beautiful room.

Hi,50 bucks a pop is alot of money for an lp.I go to flea markets,estate sales,used record stores.Records run 10cents to 5bucks,stores higher.Most stores will take trades of cds for credit or cash.Sites like DELMARK/JAZZMART have great deals, also try MOSIAC records.There prices on new jazz lps and some blues are great.Don't know what inexpensive means to ya,$350 will get you a nice new table,used 50 and up.GOOD LUCK,KP