What turntable, $500 or less

Photodusty, how did it go?

Photodusty & Sbrownnw,
First, Photodusty, so you went with the 1.3 instead of the carbon? Howcome? I just read a few reviews of the 1.3 and they said they were having vibration problems in the tonearm because the mdf? Did you experience this? If I were to buy one of these, how should I hook it up to my pre amp? Which phono stage do you recommend? I don't know much about this, so forgive me. Also, do you recommend that denon catridge that you are using? I'd like to keep it around $500 for the whole set-up, or at least the initial set-up, where I could upgrade just the catridge later. Thanks again for your help with this!

Secondly, Sbrownnw, how much would you want for your setup?

Photodusty, well maybe I will go with the 1.3, and just upgrade to the denon catridge when I can. I don't want to skimp and save $200 if I can gain quite a bit better sound if I go with the 1.3 and denon catridge vs. the carbon and ortofon catridge. What phono pre amp do you recommend? Would you suggest a pro ject just to keep it all in the same family? If so, there looks like there is one for $199, and then a tube ond for $299. Im asking you because it seems likd you've done alot of research on this. Thanks!

Is the 1.3 s better turntable though? The carbon at $399 + $130 for the different platter brings the total to $530, which is $30 more than the 1.3. I like the looks of the carbon more and I like the idea of being able to upgrade as funds become available. I think I will want to use that denon catridge. I've heard good things about it. Also, which pro ject phono stage? The tube one or not? I like the idea of having a warmer sound, would the tubes be the way to go? Thanks again for everyones help on this. I feel totally lost about the whole turntable thing.