ANALOG HELP

Buy new at a local audio shop. That way, you know what you are buying isn't broken, and you have someone to turn to for help and support.

I kept my Rega p3 for 2 months. If I went through the 'vintage street' going for Empire, Thorens I believe I could've kept it a-bit longer.
If you find used Michell Technodeck(entry-level for Michell line) do not hesitate 'cause I would've loved it still.
Other suggestions for VPI entry level ones are also great. Rega table only dissapointed my analogue desire IMHO.

So what is a entry level vpi?

VPI HW-19 jr but you get the best bang for the buck with the mark IV. Nice thing about the HW-19 is there easy to work on if you are handy, downside is its out of production, upside there are parts available and the manufacturer is a nice guy, very helpful.

i would keep you TT cheap and simple live with it for 2 years then look and upgrade

here are a few things on the 'gon.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1311383458&/Rega-Planar-3-Turntable

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1310056785&/Technics-SL-1200-MK2

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1309632224&/REGA-P2

the good TT's that are nicely priced go fast. I dont know these people selling these but they're not bad prices.

TAKE YOUR TIME

Rega 1 is without a question the analog buy of the year. The Marantz T15 is a nice table also. If you have $3800 sitting around get a VPI Classic and a Dynavector 20 Cart-and live happily ever after