Dear Bebop86: IMHO I think that the subject it is necessary about " how much money.. " but a little more on know-how and not only know-how on what items but very important know-how on setup.
If you are totally new to analog then my advise is that you go for something where you can find support/advise about like Galibier TTs.
Other alternative is that you go for your self and try to find a Technics SP-10MK2 ( 600-700 dls. ), a tonearm: this one is very good with that TT: http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtnrm&1226021998&/Technics-EPA-500--epa-501h-ar
and a Sumiko Celebration MC cartridge or a Nagaoka MP-500 or B&O MMC2 MM cartridges. This kind of rig could beat your Redbook.
About the MBL phono stage IMHO is a decent one, not the best out there but it's ok and you already own it.
Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
If you are totally new to analog then my advise is that you go for something where you can find support/advise about like Galibier TTs.
Other alternative is that you go for your self and try to find a Technics SP-10MK2 ( 600-700 dls. ), a tonearm: this one is very good with that TT: http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtnrm&1226021998&/Technics-EPA-500--epa-501h-ar
and a Sumiko Celebration MC cartridge or a Nagaoka MP-500 or B&O MMC2 MM cartridges. This kind of rig could beat your Redbook.
About the MBL phono stage IMHO is a decent one, not the best out there but it's ok and you already own it.
Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.