Decent budget turntable?

I've recently seen examples of the venerable, but still great, AR XA turntable in good condition being offered here on audiogon.com for around $150.00.

Add a decent, reasonably-priced MM cartridge like a Shure M97, Sumiko Pearl, Audio-Technica AT-95, et cetera, (check LP Gear for good catridge info!) plus a thorough set-up job, and you'll have a good basic --and I do mean basic-- suspended 'table for not more than $300.00.

A good phono pre amp is just as important as the TT and cartridge. Any budget should include a good one.

I acquired the vinyl habit about 1.5 years ago. My experience with vinyl is that either your in (fully committed there is a lot to learn) or you are out. That does not mean expensive but it does mean committed if you are going to experience its full capability. All the things that were said by earlier posters are true and I would add cleaning LP's, cartridge/arm matching,cartridge mounting, setting vta,vtf,rsa etc. Ultimately you have to enjoy the activity as well as the music. Having said that Rega TT with rega cartridge is probably the best way to try vinyl because Rega's do not require many of the adjustments that have been mentioned. Good luck.

Just purshase Music Hall MMF 5.1 in like new condition with Goldring 1012GX cartridge instaled. Any sugestions for budget phono preamp to use with.
Thanks for all inputs!