GIRL NEWBIE

Glad to have you here. I would encourage you if you are new to this that some exposure to different kinds of equipment is most important. I'd be less concerned with the distinction between new and used at this point as price seldom equates to the musical pleasure that will be important to you, at least until you become neurotic like the rest of us. Bear in mind there are some classic combinations out there (NAD/PSB and Blue Circle/Reyanud to name just two) if you need both amp and speakers for your source. And if the turntable is old you will need a cartridge and someone knowledgable to tune it up. Also listen with your heart and your ears and don't cheat either one when making decisions. Probably goes for life too.

You might have good luck with an older reciever or integrated amp as it may also have a phono section. Many of the newer ones don't have a phono amp and then you would need to buy one seperately. Also, there are many nice two way speakers to be found used. Without making specific recommendations you might try looking at adds in your budget where the seller is also an active member of audiogon and ask specific recommendations. Even though you will see a lot of very high dollar items here it does not take a ton of money to really enjoy your music and records. I would be happy to send you a set of nice speaker cables that my dealer gave me until my nicer ones arrived. Send me an e-mail and I can get them your way. They are simple but good guage, sound very nice and that would save you some money. And help me clear out my parts bin.

I would suggest the Outlaw RR2150 receiver listed here for $500 delivered (no relation to me) but that would only leave you $50 for speakers. Maybe someone more familiar with budget gear could chime in.

I am no audiophile but do live and love good music including playing the old Vinyl LP's.I am an expert on bargains and believe anyone can find something within their budget with enough research.
The advice about newer receivers is correct because you have to have a seperate preamp for your turntable and you loose some qualty especially compared to a Vintage or New Tube Amplifier.So, back to business how can I help:
The older receivers from Pioneer,Morantz,Fisher,Mcintosh, etc., are available for a reasonable price and while not as qualty as some, do sound great and are affordable.
As for Speakers I think I would rather have a mediocre amp and great speakers than vice-versa.
So again,Pioneer,JBL.Klipsch,Advent,Jenson,CerwinVega,Boston Accoustics and the list can go on and on as they are all good choices.
Now for the purchase, many online stores have vintage audio for sale at reasonable prices and you know what you are getting so just do a google search for vintage audio and read thru the ads then go to ebay and craigslist and compare or even garage sales, flea markets, and local sales papers.
just a quick search here brought up :Tannoy Speakers $300.00 I am sure these are nice sounding, Tannoy is a very good brand

http://buy.audiogon.com/cgia/cls.pl?spkrfull&1203149160

and this receiver:A Marantz for $165

http://buy.audiogon.com/cgia/cls.pl?miscrcvr&1203354923

I am not a party to either sale, just trying to help
Cheers and enjoy your records when you get your system setup and playing