@jeffvegas I returned to vinyl in the ’90’s. I pulled out a Dual TT which I still had from the 80’s. That was my start again. later a MMF-7, then a VPI ScoutMaster, the ScoutMaster with the better arm & silver cabling before I finally got my Teres. I liked the ScoutMaster & could easily live with the upper end VPI’s. They are good TT. So, yes, the SM is a very good place to start. And don’t forget the importance of the phono preamp. I have the JLTi which has enough stability to run the LOMC cart without loading, which is preferable. BTW, every step up the chain made an improvement
That said, there is a ritual with vinyl. You need to clean them and keep them cleaned. You handle them w/o touching the grooves...EVER!!. They return to the sleeve immediately. The stylus is to be kept clean. Keep track of the hours of play is a good idea also so you can replace the stylus when needed. The cover art was considered very important back in the day. Plus you can read liner notes. Gotta have outter sleeves & inner sleeves if you buy used. I probably missed something. Bottom line, you must love the rituals of vinyl or you won’t like vinyl for long. It’s work and expense. Digital is easy. Vinyl is work and dare I say, a love affair. If you develop the love affair, there is no limit to how good the equipment can be.
That said, there is a ritual with vinyl. You need to clean them and keep them cleaned. You handle them w/o touching the grooves...EVER!!. They return to the sleeve immediately. The stylus is to be kept clean. Keep track of the hours of play is a good idea also so you can replace the stylus when needed. The cover art was considered very important back in the day. Plus you can read liner notes. Gotta have outter sleeves & inner sleeves if you buy used. I probably missed something. Bottom line, you must love the rituals of vinyl or you won’t like vinyl for long. It’s work and expense. Digital is easy. Vinyl is work and dare I say, a love affair. If you develop the love affair, there is no limit to how good the equipment can be.