Phono Pre-amp for Analog Newbie

A lot of great recommendations above...

After a year and a half of the "merry-go-round" I've finally settled on the following and feel no need to upgrade anything at this point...

Cartridge: Dynavector 20xL

Phono-Stage: Dynavector P-75 (operating in Dynavector's "PE" Mode with the 20xL this is pure magic...)

RCM: VPI 16.5 (I've run the Nitty Gritty's and this wipes the floor with them...)

Other: AIVS Record Cleaning Fluids and Disc Doctor Brushes; Last Stylus Cleaner and a bottle of Stylast

Prepare yourself to question all that money you've spent on digital gear and software over the past two decades...

The VPI Scout is a good choice but it's arm has no antiskating and is in serious need of damping. Music Fidelity makes a decent phono stage for around $400. Gotta get a good record cleaning machine like a lot of people have said. VPI 16.5 Also check out Last products. Especially the record preservative and Stylast. Good Luck!!
Chris

OK, I ended up with a McIntosh C2200, Clearaudio Solution with RB300 tonearm, BenzMicro Glider H2 cartridge. Still not all hooked up.

One way to approach the cartridge thing when starting out (like what I'm doing right now) is to find a basic good cartridge that every one can agree is the best bang for the buck, and go from there. In my case, I'm starting out with the Denon DL-103, not expensive at all, and there is quite a bit of positive reviews on the net about it. I figure the sky is the limit for cartridges, so start at the begining and work your way up in the cartridge department. I did the same thing with the phono pre, I went with a Graham Slee. I'm still waiting for my rig to be assembled, so don't ask me how they sound. For the step up I have a pair of Peerless 4722.

Dynavector P75 at 595 is an excellent phono stage that accepts both low and high output cartridges. It also has switches to adjust the unit for the specifications of different cartridges; good value for 595.

The Decware phono stage is about 1500 when equipped for both low/high output cartridges. It is an excellent unit, tubed, and you can order it and send it back within 30 days for a refund if you do not like it. Wonderful unit.

From here it starts getting quite expensive.