Analog Noob: I have a few questions

Take Newbee's advise.Vinyl takes dedication.If you are unsure about setup and have no source for Lp's stay with digital.
Could you explain what is meant by "their cheapest setup is $3000"

Dawgcatching, I'm not sure if I can add much, but regarding the supremacy of analog to digital at $1200 price range, that is an unquestionably foolish statement made by someone with more ego than sensibility or experience. In fact I'd guess that most folks, with a little system guidance, could get far better sound out of a 1200 CDP than any comparably priced analogue system. And, I would argue, that until you are talking about 'systems' that are in the many thousands of dollars that they remain on the same level assuming care has been taken in creating system synergy. At some point, I think a great analogue system will rule. They both have inherrent warts so, for the most part its really apples to oranges in any event.

I think you really have to deal with the software issue before you decide whether or not to go forward. What music do you want to hear/explore. Where do you expect to find it. How much effort are you willing to make to find it. You get the idea.

FWIW, about 10 years ago, after I finally got immerged in jazz I decided to get some LP's. Well after about a year of rooting thru all of the used bins I could find, I picked up about 10 records in good or better condition, and enuf marajuna seeds to plant 100 acres. :-) No leaves though, damm it!

I'm not trying to turn you off of vinyl, there is good stuff, it is a good format, but it is a hobby, time consuming, and if you are not careful a mony pit as well.

Good luck though.........

I would recommend a new KAB Technics with at least some of the mods (outboard power supply, arm fluid damper) and one of the plug-and-play KAB cartridges (eg Trackmaster). Along with a used Bellari phono stage, you would have a setup that can compete with a lot more expensive rigs. Also requires no set up skills and should have good resale value. Can be upgraded later with a better phonostage or cartridge if desired. I recently upgraded to an Eastern Electric phono pre and Denon l03R cart, but was very happy with the Bellari and Trackmaster combo. FWIW, the KAB Technics replaced a Music Hall MMF5 and Nottingham Spacedeck in my system.

dawgcatching
my $300 music hall (new with cartridge) was more musical than my $6500 cd player. not saying it was better, but more enjoyable. start cheap, buy some cheap used lp's, clean them, play 'em. decide. if your liking it, move up the line. my home theater set-up had a phono stage. not the best, but enough to make me see the light. don't let any snob tell you you have to spend tons of cash to "get it", you don't. as with ALL systems more "better" cost, but it's all relative.
Vinyl Rules!

For that budget, I'd recommend a KAB Technics SL-1200MK5SE ($535.00), a Audio-Technica 440MLa Cartridge ($199.00), some Disc Doctor supplies (around $100) and a KAB EV-1 Cleaner ($159.00).

And just incase you missed this piece of advice from Newbee, "...unless you are already up to speed on set up, or have a good handy friend, buy from a dealer who can AND WILL help you with set up issues. It is a time consuming process and a lot of them reserve their set up time for customers who have bought expensive rigs and/or have bought their high end stuff thru them."

Buy from KAB and have Kevin check everything out for you and set it up. This is the single most important factor for your first table. Anyone who tells you anything different probably has something they want to sell you.