Quote Originally Posted by tin ear
Hey, Craig; back at ya from Austin.

Glad yer here; I'm just getting back into vinyl after about 15 years out of it. I only have a stack about 2 feet long, but I'm working on that. Stack grew about 3" this month.

Your input will be valuable, I'm sure.

I'm a newb here, but -- Welcome.

-Jon
Would like to give you some advise,
Do you want automatic play, or Auto return, or, Manual,
Direct drive or belt,
Old classic or new??

Most new stuff is terrific, a little pricey though,
The cartridge is very important, MM or MC inputs on your pre or amp? by that I mean phono inputs a lot of new gear can't play LP's with out a phono preamp hooked up,
I'd start with a nice midrange Grado, AT, Shure, MM cart after you decide what 'table you want,
And i'm not kidding hear(sorry) If you find a Thorens from the 60's or, early 70's in your price range buy it!! Yes there are Duals, Marantz's,AR's,Pioneer's, that are very nice rigs,

I would buy locally if possible on the vintage stuff, you live in a school haven, should be some cool stuff on craiglist.com or the school papers, etc...
And, when you find your rig, ask how to set it up properly, very important!!
My SME is very sensitive to set up but after 30years it's not so bad to change carts. and get it right.
Let me know if you want more info on Q's I asked ya or, help on anything else

Peace Craig