I agree with Smholl. I started out with a Basis 1400 TT, with a RB 300 tone arm. Used, that cost me around $1,000.
There are a couple for sale here on Audiogon for less than that, (although they don't come with a Basis clamp, which I recommend highly that you get.)
As far as cartridges, I started out with a Benz Micro Glider 2 cartridge, which while good, I would not necessarily recommend. (But for someone else, this just might be the ticket.) My taste in cartridges changed after awhile, and I found that prefer both a more musical cartridge, (the Glider was kind of analytical for my tastes), and I like deeper, darker backgrounds than the Glider provided.) I eventually went to a Koetsu Black, (great mid-range, but the treble and bass are a bit rolled off), then to a Koetsu Rosewood Signature, (the treble is more extended, but the bass was still a bit loose), and then to a Shelter 90X, (which has incredible bass, a well extended treble, but with only decent black backgrounds.)
I eventually ended up with the Dynavector XV-1S, which is the cartridge I have determined is the best for me - i.e. I have quit looking for any other cartridge! (It has great bass response, a very well extended and refined treble response, and a lovely mid-range. It images and soundstages incredibly well, and it has the deep, dark backgrounds that I demand. So, since you decided to check out a Dynavector cartridge, and while I have not heard their less expensive cartridges, based upon my research, I think that is a good choice.
Good Luck in your search!
PS Don't forget to buy a vacuum Record Cleaning Machine for drying your just cleaned records. (Even a cheap Nitty Gritty or Record Doctor works fine). I still use my old manual NG 1.0, and it does a great job.
As far as cleaning brushes and fluids, the Disk Doctor brushes, (or MoFi brushes) are very good, and I like the MoFi Super Vinyl Record Cleaner.
There are a couple for sale here on Audiogon for less than that, (although they don't come with a Basis clamp, which I recommend highly that you get.)
As far as cartridges, I started out with a Benz Micro Glider 2 cartridge, which while good, I would not necessarily recommend. (But for someone else, this just might be the ticket.) My taste in cartridges changed after awhile, and I found that prefer both a more musical cartridge, (the Glider was kind of analytical for my tastes), and I like deeper, darker backgrounds than the Glider provided.) I eventually went to a Koetsu Black, (great mid-range, but the treble and bass are a bit rolled off), then to a Koetsu Rosewood Signature, (the treble is more extended, but the bass was still a bit loose), and then to a Shelter 90X, (which has incredible bass, a well extended treble, but with only decent black backgrounds.)
I eventually ended up with the Dynavector XV-1S, which is the cartridge I have determined is the best for me - i.e. I have quit looking for any other cartridge! (It has great bass response, a very well extended and refined treble response, and a lovely mid-range. It images and soundstages incredibly well, and it has the deep, dark backgrounds that I demand. So, since you decided to check out a Dynavector cartridge, and while I have not heard their less expensive cartridges, based upon my research, I think that is a good choice.
Good Luck in your search!
PS Don't forget to buy a vacuum Record Cleaning Machine for drying your just cleaned records. (Even a cheap Nitty Gritty or Record Doctor works fine). I still use my old manual NG 1.0, and it does a great job.
As far as cleaning brushes and fluids, the Disk Doctor brushes, (or MoFi brushes) are very good, and I like the MoFi Super Vinyl Record Cleaner.