i have the rega rp1 turntable and i like it. costs $445. i also have the nad pp2i phono pre amp and i like that too. costs $130. emotiva sells a little integrated amp (mini-x a-100) that puts out 50 watts per channel. costs $175.20. don't have any experience with this amp but i have a bigger emotiva amp that i like that alot. that comes to a total of $750.20. good luck. 

Thanks hc sunshine! Your response suggests that I should look at putting the bulk of my dough into the turntable and pre amp.  I was a bit uncertain so this helps clarify.

I will keep an eye on these.  I've started to also look into used gear.  Perhaps I can stretch a few pennies that way, specifically in the amp and pre amp departments.

Any reccomendations on sites for used gear (in addition to eBay and audiogoN) are welcome.

Jason

entry level turntable. The Music Hall MMF-2.2 is also $450, has a better cartridge and adjustable vertical tracking angle.

Thanks jackfish.

I'm slowly weakening on my $1K limit.  At this point, I am looking at the following:

PSB Alpha B1 $300

NAD C 316 BEE $380

NAD PP3i $200 or Music Fidelity V-LPS II $190

Project Debut Carbon $400

So $1380, probably somewhere around $1500 by the time I buy cables and wire.  Stephan Mejias writes positively of the PSB Alpha B1, NAD 316 and PP3i.  The NAD would also allow me to play from my iPod.  As for the turntable, from what I read opinions abound.

I'm beginning to become a bit fatigued by the myriad commentaries/reviews on equipment with almost no hard data.  I feel as though every piece of equipment I look at has one review telling me that the equipment overperforms for its class, or is the best value in the price range, etc.  I suppose to a large degree so much of this is personal---how do one's ears hear the music?

I'm also a bit hesitant about spending $1.5K on all this equipment.  Of course, in the past I spent that much on computers and other 'toys', but this feels like a lot.  However, I used to love music and over the past 15 years that love has faded.  I really miss it from my life and I just can't get excited about a new iPod or downloading from iTunes or new CDs.  I spend all day in front of a computer; when I get home I want to be away from the computer and the internet.  (dear me, now I'm just rambling).  

Well, any additional thoughts are appreciated.  

If at all possible, at least try to listen to various loudspeakers before buying. They may be the most crucial component of an entry level system. I'd look to the Musical Fidelity V-LPS II over the NAD PP3i. I think you would enjoy a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon. It is a pretty good deal with the Ortofon 2M Red, and even though it does not have adjustable VTA, if you don't change cartridges that probably doesn't matter a whole lot. You can upgrade in the future just by putting an Ortofon 2M Blue stylus on it.

I'd also look at getting a Spin Clean system which can really get used vinyl into shape.