Ebay seller, "vintage_audio_lab" sells a 2 box mm tube phono preamp for $400 shipped free. It is a Taiwanese product which I bought a while back and have been very impressed with. I agree that a used table, if well cared-for, gives the best value. You may consider making an offer on the JVC VL-8 currently on 'Gon. I own the dd version and it's a very nice table. I've no connection with the seller. Even with the needed $89 replacement stylus, you may get the whole tuna for $750-$800 leaving $200 or so for lps!
There are many other options, but don't overlook the relative importance of the phono stage in the mix. The "VALAB" stage, while limited to mm carts, is very, very high quality/performance for the price.
Just my 2 cents.
jb
There are many other options, but don't overlook the relative importance of the phono stage in the mix. The "VALAB" stage, while limited to mm carts, is very, very high quality/performance for the price.
Just my 2 cents.
jb