Don't forget the budget for the cartridge. I own a Rega planar 3 and I like it. I've never heard a project table.
There are also Rega made tables by NAD, Goldring, and Moth that might be available for less.
But a great, great starter table would be a rega p2 (or used P3) with an audio-technica at95e cartridge. For a more expensive cartridge try a denon dl-110.
If you get the P2 you'll need a stylus force guage, such as that from sure (I'd recommend also getting one of these even if you get a P3, or other table that has stylus force built into the tonearm).
And a record brush, such as audioquest, or decca.
And a simple wet-cleaner, such as disc-doctor (this makes a huge difference .. don't underestimate the effects of a cleaning, even if you do it in the kitchen sink).
There are also Rega made tables by NAD, Goldring, and Moth that might be available for less.
But a great, great starter table would be a rega p2 (or used P3) with an audio-technica at95e cartridge. For a more expensive cartridge try a denon dl-110.
If you get the P2 you'll need a stylus force guage, such as that from sure (I'd recommend also getting one of these even if you get a P3, or other table that has stylus force built into the tonearm).
And a record brush, such as audioquest, or decca.
And a simple wet-cleaner, such as disc-doctor (this makes a huge difference .. don't underestimate the effects of a cleaning, even if you do it in the kitchen sink).