Analog newby question

As a newby, I would keep it simple at first. Assuming your preamp does not have a built in phono stage, you will need one. It won't work without one. Good "inexpensive" ones are make by Rotel (RQ970 MM & MC) and by Creek (OBH8 for MM and OBH9 for MC) all around $200 new. You can also get a decent turntable/arm combination from makers like Music Hall. The Music Hall MMF-2.1 comes with a Goldring Elan moving magnet "MM" cartridge, all for $300. So for $500 you are in business brand new. These are all recommended by Stereophile if that matters to you. Once you decide you like or dislike records you can move up or sell out and you without breaking the bank.

If you want to buy on-line AudioAdvisor.com sells the Creek and Music Hall. Check the demo section first for deals.

"I don't think I've ever owned a record... "

Why do you want records? That's the first question that needs to be answered.

If you want a toy, or just to start out for the hell of it, I'd recommend a used Music Hall MMF 2.1, a Grado Prestige Blue cartridge and the Radio Shack battery phono preamp (no joke here, search the posts in www.audioasylum.com).

If you want to collect and search for good vinyl, then read my analog posts. I recently purchased the Monolithic Sound phono stage and I wouldn't trade it for anything under $1200. My TT? Go find out what I've got....pretty controversial. Pretty sturdy, musical and revealling, too.

Sugarbrie has some good suggestions. Other things you might want to look into : I had a Rega planar 3 / Rb300 / super bias MM cartridge while I was in the UK and enjoyed its smooth but detailed sound. A used Rega could be resold for its purchase price if necessary. I have also read of people tweaking the RB300 arm and getting it to perform very well, though I have no personal experience with such teaks.

Also consider getting a Hunt EDA record brush to remove the dust before each playing to improve the sound and maintain the records. If you would like to start buying used vinyl (which is kind of fun since it is cheap and plentiful) then perhaps also budget for a record cleaning machine such as the nitty gritty or even the KAV cleaner which uses your existing vacuum cleaner (I can find the URL if you're interested).

Have fun !

KAB record cleaner from KAB Electroacoustics: www.kabusa.com/

Be warned: Kevin is a self appointed evangelist of the turntable I own and will eventually convince you (for your own good). I have become an evangelist, too(no glass, no particle board in my TT).