Turntable newbie in need for newbie help

Start reading hifi magazines. You can pick up something like the dual 505 listed today on audiogon for $50 or go for something like a new music hall for $200 or so.

I wouldn't spend much more than that if you aren't sure on what you want/like. Several things you must consider:
1-do you want 33rpm only or 45's also
2-do you want an automatic table or are you willing to move the arm by yourself
3-don't get a stacking table
4-The needle rides in the grooves of the album to pick up sound. It is plugged into the cartridge which then sends the signal through tiny wires to the pre-amp. A cheap cartridge can NOT be improved and must be replaced if you aren't happy with the detail and delicacy. Don't hesitate to spend 1/3 to 1/2 your budget on the cartridge/needle combination. Just like interconnects, you don't want to use a $20 cartridge with a $1000 table or vice versa.
5-Finally, does your pre-amp have phono input? If not, you will have to buy a phono pre-amp also. Sumiko and parasound make very inexpensive units. Make sure that your phono pre will work with your cartridge (either MC moving coil or MM moving magnet). Some will be switchable between both.

The Stylus (or needle) is the point which contacts the record grooves; this is attatched via a cantilever to the cartridge, which is screwed onto the tonearm and also connected via small wires. Basically, this is the system which picks up moving energy, tranduces it to electronic energy, and sends it off to your preamp to be amplified. It's akin to the laser and converter of a CD player.

There is a ludicrous amount of info here: http://www.vandenhul.com/artpap/artpap.htm

and here: http://www.turntablebasics.com/advice.html

I second the recommendation for an Acoustic Reasearch deck, the "AR Turntable." Look for the modern models made in the 80's, not the old X* models from the 60's which are fairly antiquated.

If you can find an AR with something other than the stock arm--like an SME, Linn, or Sumiko which were all common, that would be a big plus. The cartridge will depend on what tonearm you're using and also what your phono amp is capable of. We can help you with this when the time comes.

Good luck and welcome to vinyl :)

Try a Connoisseur(Sugden) BD2A. A nice turntable for under $100. Put a low priced Goldring cartridge on it, and enjoy.

First : thank you all for youre help.

Second : I took a look at what is available here on Audiogon and on ebay. There is not a lot for my budget (witch is -- i guess -- almost to be achaimed of...).

I saw (here) a Dual 522 and a dual 505 at prices I can afford. But I'm not shure about the type of construction (whole setup floating in a box)

"the AR TT" : would be my first choice -- over bdget though. I love the type of construction.

BD2/a : did not finf any.

I did see a Sansui 222 tt wich seemed nice for price I could really afford. Read some good comments.

Enough. To keep things short, I'd like to know what you think about the way Dual 522 and such are built and your impressions on Sansui 222 (other models not being intersting as I have read) and Lenco L85.