first time vinyl

IMO given your stated budget and the need for a phono pre I would start low (but not cheap) by buying used and working your way up as your ear dictates. If you don't have one, a good record cleaning system is a must. I have the VPI 16.5 a good solid system if you don't mind something less than full auto. Those things said you can't go wrong with a Rega setup as some have already said. However if you have to have a pre-amp also then looking at a Music Hall or Project table/carridge deal will cut some cost. As far as phono pre-amps I had an NAD pp-2 very good entry level that you can get new for not too much same for the Cambridge Audio 640p. Used I like the Acurus p10. They seem to still be very popular despite their age as every time one comes up on Audiogon or Ebay it is gone quickly. On the tube side I have heard and read good things about the Jolida phono pre-amp which can be upgraded with new tubes and other upgrades if you chose.

There's nothing at Beoworld.com

Oops, sorry.
http://www.beoworld.org

Charly,
Your start up budget is fine for new or used vinyl play back components.
However you say your ready to step into analogue play back after reading all the hype.
I don't know what you read about it, all I can say for many us that have been listening too and collecting vinyl for decades, the thrill of it has never waned at least not for me.

Before you dive in be aware of the potential cost of building any meaningful Lp collection from scratch not to mention the time and effort that is required for good vinyl play back, it's not plug in and play.

If you have not listened to recorded music on vinyl my suggestion off the bat is hear it first.
Be it a local audio store or a friendly local Audiogon member if that's possible, start a thread and ask.

If you like what you hear, then move on it.

A Couple of year's ago my niece showed a strong interest towards music on vinyl.
Her father found a used Rega 3 turntable with the Rega 300 tonearm including a few boxes of Lps, all for a asking price of $250.00.
All was clean and in very good condition.
Check your local Buy and Sell paper or equivalent.

I donated a re-capped vintage vacuum tube receiver with built in phono stage, including some Lps of her choice, early Beatles.

Her interest is still going strong and having a used record store close by is a tremendous bonus for her.

Who know's, she could very well be a contributing member here on Audiogon including other on line audio sites some day.

Used or new?
For new, rega P3 may fit your budget.
For used, P5/P7 may fall into the price range.
As somebody said, Thorens 14x/16x would be a good choice to start with at under $400. I am still yet to notice a significant difference between my TD145MKii with Grado Gold and Clearaudio bluemotion with classics cartridge.
Now, Clearaudio emotion can be purchased at $999.99 with cartridge at elusivedisc dot com, probably a best choice at under $1000.

I just got back into vinyl - literally today - and purchased the Clearaudio Emotion package that Ihcho mentioned above from Elusivedisc ; had to get a phono preamp as well as my integrated doesn't have one - picked up a Clearaudio Smart Phono - Have to say WOW! Listening to a 30 year old album - John Williams Close Encounters - wonderful soundstage, dymanics, clarity, etc. Plus , and I am not affliated with Elusive other than now as a customer -patient and expert service