Just a quick note:
You may have just entered the hobby. You did not know it before, but just discovered that vinyl sounds pretty good and is fun to collect.
Allow me to 'gift' you some experience. You may be tempted to look at expensive entry level tables like the Rega RP-1 in AudioAdvisor.com and similar. I suggest you don't. These tables sounds pretty good, but there are many better choices used for less. The Rega RP-1 I have cost me $600 with the "performance package" - which adds a wool mat, a different-colored belt and a nicer cartridge from Rega. It is not worth it.
1. The table will not accept alternative cartridges easily, and the arm is not adjustable. So you are somewhat stuck with Rega or Ortofon cartridges or you have to do some customizing with shims, etc.
2. The cueing is goofy. This is known but no one seems to complain loud enough. The arm slides out on drop down.
3. Changing speeds is inconvenient. Like taking out the platter and changing the rubber band's position inconvenient. Rega brags about the simplicity of the table. I would agree if it simply cost a lot less.
4. Adjusting the tracking force is a pain - the counterweight is just held by friction, no thread or alternative mechanism to inch it in or out.
5. No head shell. Yes, this makes the arm very stiff which is good, but still, if you are a geek and want to change cartridges often, you will live to dislike this "feature"
6. It is totally manual - no auto nothing
7. The build quality is ridiculously cheap (because Rega claims all the money went into the arm andthe motor, which may well be true, but after a few times raising and lowering that cheaply-hinged dust cover you will regret it)
So there you have it, my advice to avoid the Rega RP-1 and similar entry-level "audiophile" turntables. Look for any number of used tables with a good rep (you can do a search here and elsewhere). For $500-600 your options include a wide range of nice tables on epay and Craigslist.
Thanks for reading, enjoy the music!
OBG
