Hi Tim,
As for decent MM cartridges:
Goldring 1042 and Shure V15 (check revision #) are classic, current-production MM cartridges for $250-$350. For an excellent "value" cartridge, I love my Shure M97xE. That cartridge costs about $90 and replacement stylus runs about $50. For the price, you can start out with a decent cartridge, and later use it as a backup if you decide to buy a better cartridge. For the price, you just about can't lose.
http://www.shure.com/m97xe.html
As for starting out with a new table, I have the Music Hall MMF2.1 and it's a nice table for the money, but beware the tonearm (bearings, mass, counterweight) isn't designed for MC carts - the MMF 1.0 wouldn't be either. These two tables won't exactly grow with you. I think the 5.0 is fine for MC carts, but I am not positive. As far as your concern about long-term purchases, this sort of thing speaks to "Yes" - buy a little more table now than you think you need, and you'll be happier you did later on.
I would start with Rives' suggestions. Some Rega owners may also be able to name some good Rega tables that might be in your price range. I haven't played with one, so you'd have to get an owner's perspective.
Lots of fun,
As for decent MM cartridges:
Goldring 1042 and Shure V15 (check revision #) are classic, current-production MM cartridges for $250-$350. For an excellent "value" cartridge, I love my Shure M97xE. That cartridge costs about $90 and replacement stylus runs about $50. For the price, you can start out with a decent cartridge, and later use it as a backup if you decide to buy a better cartridge. For the price, you just about can't lose.
http://www.shure.com/m97xe.html
As for starting out with a new table, I have the Music Hall MMF2.1 and it's a nice table for the money, but beware the tonearm (bearings, mass, counterweight) isn't designed for MC carts - the MMF 1.0 wouldn't be either. These two tables won't exactly grow with you. I think the 5.0 is fine for MC carts, but I am not positive. As far as your concern about long-term purchases, this sort of thing speaks to "Yes" - buy a little more table now than you think you need, and you'll be happier you did later on.
I would start with Rives' suggestions. Some Rega owners may also be able to name some good Rega tables that might be in your price range. I haven't played with one, so you'd have to get an owner's perspective.
Lots of fun,