My first Turntable... need some suggestions please

You might be able to find an older Rega P3 and couple it with a new Denon 103 cartridge for a total of about $500. Although I don't have experience with this particular combination, perhaps someone out there does and can comment. I used to have a P3 and liked it and alot of folks here feel that the 103 is an extremely good value. If the P3 and 103 are compatible, you might have great rig for little $$) Also, there are a ton of threads within Audiogon on choices in various price ranges, so you may want to search these for additional ideas.

For a good phono pre-amp on the cheap, there have been a number of positive comments about modifying two battery powered Rat Shack pre's, one for each channel. I don't know much about it but, again, search for the threads here on Audiogon.

Oh, BTW, I recall that there are a number of variations of the Denon 103, so be sure you know which one you need.

Regards
Jim

Good to hear that 103 is compatible with the P3, TWL. It might be a killer combination for the dough. To clarify, are you saying that the RB 300 has a bearing that can handle the 103 AND that the 103's compliance is a match for that arm??

BTW, TWL, saw your post on technical reasons that analog sounds better than digital- excellent.

Regards
Jim