Clueless Analog Newbie, Looking to Buy

Srwooten-- I have yet to look into that table, though I've seen it listed on a few sites. Appreciate the recommendation, I'll plan on checking it out.

Riley-- Yes, and that was two years ago; things do change over time. Thanks for the constructive comment though, appreciate it.

I'm a 21 year old college student looking to listen to vinyl for the first time. Many current bands are releasing vinyl with material that isn't available for download or on CD. I saw this as an opportunity to add some excitement to my music collection, unaware of the general expenses.

I really like my bookshelf speakers (triangle's have a nice warmth to them) and have heard that vinyl offers a similar feeling. The more researching I do, the more obvious it becomes that these quality low-end tables are still a bit pricey for me.

Despite the elitist attitudes in many of the previous comments, I think I'll continue to shop around for something within my price range. It's all for the love and enjoyment of music (something that seems to fall under the radar among many audiophiles)--- not for the fancy cartridges or other gizmos.

A big thank you to everyone who has suggestion different brands or directions which I may better direct my attention. All the best-

Some folks missed that incredibly important day of kindergarten where the teacher presented the idea that “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Johnbrown is so high up on his pedestal that this sort of rationality does not compute. My over exaggeration of “knowing nothing” has lead to his dictating of what I’m “ready for.” I hadn’t realized that I needed Johnbrown’s permission... Next time I’ll be sure to double check. After all, I’m sure he knows what I’ve been doing for the past 18 months, and thus— only he may decide what sort of responses are necessary.

Anyway, thanks again to the kind folks who have helped. To the others-- how about not opening the thread or not responding? I know internet-quarreling is tempting, but let’s try and refrain. All the best--

I've got about 500 CDs and no vinyl. I’m not looking to run out and buy 100s of LPs; I’m sure I’ll slowly acquire them just as I have my CDs.

I’m not looking for miracles, just another means to enjoy my music. My father is an audiophile (a member here, but he has insisted I not mention his name... as to not tarnish his reputation) who claims buying one of these cheaper tables isn’t really worth the investment. I realize it won’t be top notch, but I’m perfectly alright with that.

Thanks again to everyone; I’m searching the classifieds here, amazon, and eBay. I’ll let you know how it works out!

Just wanted to update--
Got myself the Audio Techinica PL120. It took me about a half hour to setup and I spent the rest of the evening listening to records. I can't even begin to express how happy I am with it. The warmth of the vocals and acoustic guitar is so remarkable! Even dad, the once nay-sayer, had kind words to say about the table.

The counter weight seems to be the most confusing piece. As mentioned, this is my first time using a turntable and this piece seems to be the most difficult to get a hang of.

Anyway, thanks for the help! Joining the ranks of vinyl enthusiasts,
knot