analog newbie questions...

Building on Swampwalker's comments, most people today say "line stage" & "preamp" interchangably, but not some preamps also have the phono stage built in.

Also, you need to consider 2 types of cartridge, MM moving magnet, vs. MC moving coil. MM put out much larger signal than MC, and you need to make sure you get a cartridge that suits both the tonearm of the table and the phono stage.

If you consider vintage gear, any receiver or preamp from the 60s or 70s will have a phono stage built-in, most likely MM type. That will be cheapest way to dip your toe in the water.

A complete tangent, but PLEASE clean your LPs, or you won't get anywhere near the sound that LPs are capable of. Cheers,
Spencer

Okay, to clear things up, I plan on getting a Cambridge Audio 540p pre-amp, amd I looked it up and it DOES have a phono stage. So with that out of the way, I would want to get a an integrated amp (any suggestions???). Oh, and the Rega P1 already comes with the Ortofon OM5e MM cartridge. Would the pre I'm planning on getting be suitable for that cart?

Please provide your price range for both speakers and amp if you would like more specific help.

Generally speaking, the NAD amp/PSB speaker combo represents a good package from a value standpoint. I'd suggest looking for a used NAD C352 and PSB T45s.

Joe,If you're getting the Cambribge phono pre amp,I don't think you would go wrong getting a Cambridge integrated. The cartridge should be fine with the 540p.If there is a possible mismatch one of the analog guys here will probably let you know.Hopefully you can audition some of this equipment and see if you like the sound.

To start, the difference between the 540 and the 640 is huge. If you skimp here, there is no need to spend money further down the line because you will never realize the quality. Get the 640.
The Ortofon 5 is a decent starter. If you decide to upgrade, you only have to replace the stylus with the 10 or 15 if I'm correct.
Cambridge Integrateds or Music Halls are a great way to start.
Make sure you don't skimp on cables. You don't need to spend a bundle but don't buy garbage and don't buy from a big box store.
Finally, Do you really want to forgo a tuner? I'd rather have a receiver than no tuner at all? Look at Music Hall, Arcam, Cambridge and many more.
Have fun, borrow where you can, buy on Audiogon so you won't take a big beating when the upgrade bug hits you.