Where to start with vinyl

Wrong... High output cartridges are much easier to deal with. Its really a tradeoff. Yes you might get very slightly more detail with a low output, because of the fewer windings on the coil, however rf, hum, noisy power, etc. can and usually does swamp that detail.

Make sure you've actually listened to some records on some system before you spend the bucks (ask where to "start" so I'm making a guess the whole thing is new to you--if not, just disregard this post).

I would go with one of the VPI turntables or the SME 20/2, which is what I have, assuming you could spring for the $11K. I would also recommend one of the SME or Graham arms--I have the Graham Phantom. And my experience with very low output MC cartridges is similar to that of the posters above. Anything below about 0.5 mV and a lot of problems can arise.

Rega TT from the P3 on up, Dynavector 17D3 cartridge, and Dynavector P-75 Mk. 2 phono preamp (will accommodate low or high output cartridges). To borrow from one of the other responders, this combo will be "more satisfying" than virtually any digital playback device. Good hunting!

Stringreen, you're so wrong it's pathetic. The better MC phono preamps are quite quiet and hum-free -- just as much so as a MM phono stage. So now folks can take advantage of all the extra detail and transient speed provided by today's better MC cartridges. If your experience is otherwise, you must have been using an inadequate/noisy phono preamp, or one with insufficient gain for the cartridge you were using. Or maybe you have a hum issue related to a grounding problem.

I see that you use the Benz Ebony high-output cartridge. Nice choice, but I bet you dollars to doughnuts that my low-output version sounds considerably better when loaded properly and hooked up to appropriate electronics.

Tarsando, if you ever want to hear a wonderful sounding vinyl playback system I can arrange that for only a small cover charge... But as I recall you are most content to play the ostrich.