Recommended first turntable?

All of your info is helpful; I appreciate it! What do you think of Grado cartridges? My preamp has an MM input (but not MC) so I was leaning towards Grado. As far as the argument of "elitist audiophiles" vs. "regular guys", I don't much care at the moment! As a college kid, I don't have $1000 to spend and I know for sure that a $250 set-up won't be so bad that I disregard vinyl forever. I'm not going to wait five years just to hear the records I've inherited! Regardless, thanks for everyone's input, it's all welcome.

Winegasman...Great post. Also, maybe one of the most honest. Although, if Ledhed2222 could possibly increase is budget by $80,000 or so maybe the neighbor lady or the guy six blocks away could come running over and ask if he had changed cables or some other nonsense.

I like Rich's (Winegasman) answer. Bought an older Mint cond. Pioneer Direct Drive PL-670 for around $40 and replaced the stock conical cart. w/a Audio Technica AT-311 EP cart. for $40 new and it's so easy to use and sounds just fine. (I do not miss the $600+ new retail TT had previously.) Also, Project makes a nice entry-level TT as well. (Comes w/a fine Sumiko cart. I believe.) Do look into the Pioneer. Good luck! Bill

If you do get an older (and/or cheaper) table make sure it is set up properly before you use it, or sooner or later it will damage your records. You also need to learn enough about it that you can keep it set up. (On a low budget, an experienced technician my not be affordable.)

Similarly, if a record is very dirty it is better not to play it until you have cleaned it, or some of the dirt may be ground deeper into the groove.

With those two warnings heeded, you should be able to get nice music for relatively little money.

One way to integrate some of the above sugestions is to consider waiting and saving up a bit more so you can stretch upwards on your budget. You'll be happier in the long run.

One advantage to the Rega is that set up couldn't be simpler. If you're technically minded and willing to do a bit of research, that might not be an issue. Even the bottom of their line, the new P1, is $350 with cartridge and you won't be likely to find one used quite yet since they are so new. A used P2 will be about the same price.

The above suggestions are good ones. Are you thinking $250 just for the table? What will you be using for a phono stage? The Grados are warm and full. The cheaper ones have a bit of tizz on the very top. You might do better depending on your taste and the table/arm.