If you are looking for ease of use and less headache than a vintage rig, buy something current - like a Music Hall, Rega or Sumiko. Lurk on Audiogon for a few weeks, and see what you find. Music Hall MMF 2.1, Rega 3, various Sumiko models (overlap with Music Hall in plinth manufacturer and tonearm)... all all well within your pricerange, and usually with a respectable entry-level cartridge.
Personally, I'm using a MMF 2.1 (~$250) and a Shure M97xE (MM) cartridge (~$95 with user-replaceable tip ~$50), and a Parasound P/PH100 phono stage (~$90). The phono stage in particular used to cost much more, but the retail price went to $120 at some point, so the used price makes it a superb bargain. Overall, this is a very nice entry-level setup.
I'd love to fly with angels, but my priorities lie in other places. This setup gives a great vinyl experience, and a taste of what lies beyond.
PS - the Michell record clamp that I just added made a palpable difference in this setup, I would put it in the "keep your eyes peeled for a good deal" category (< $40 shipped) and jump all over it when you see one - it really tightens up the sound and articulates the bass to a very noticeable degree.
Personally, I'm using a MMF 2.1 (~$250) and a Shure M97xE (MM) cartridge (~$95 with user-replaceable tip ~$50), and a Parasound P/PH100 phono stage (~$90). The phono stage in particular used to cost much more, but the retail price went to $120 at some point, so the used price makes it a superb bargain. Overall, this is a very nice entry-level setup.
I'd love to fly with angels, but my priorities lie in other places. This setup gives a great vinyl experience, and a taste of what lies beyond.
PS - the Michell record clamp that I just added made a palpable difference in this setup, I would put it in the "keep your eyes peeled for a good deal" category (< $40 shipped) and jump all over it when you see one - it really tightens up the sound and articulates the bass to a very noticeable degree.
