GIRL NEWBIE

You might have good luck with an older reciever or integrated amp as it may also have a phono section. Many of the newer ones don't have a phono amp and then you would need to buy one seperately. Also, there are many nice two way speakers to be found used. Without making specific recommendations you might try looking at adds in your budget where the seller is also an active member of audiogon and ask specific recommendations. Even though you will see a lot of very high dollar items here it does not take a ton of money to really enjoy your music and records. I would be happy to send you a set of nice speaker cables that my dealer gave me until my nicer ones arrived. Send me an e-mail and I can get them your way. They are simple but good guage, sound very nice and that would save you some money. And help me clear out my parts bin.