turntable recommendations for a vinyl newbie...

Get something GOOD used that you can resale if you find you do not like it. I'd suggest a fully loaded VPI Scoutmaster or Super Scoutmaster (or something even gooder!)as they go for about 1/2 of their new price on the used market. Resale it for the same or there-about if you do not enjoy it. You have some great gear to try it alongside. I'd also recommend buying used LP's to start. IMO most sound quieter than the audiophile pressings that cost 15X more. I realize my suggestion is not in your $1000 price range, but from the other replies here I'm sure you realize that a grand ain't gonna' cut it in your rig. HTH!

I really appreciate the thoughtful responses.

I supposed what I'm trying to do right now, is see if this (vinyl) is something I want to pursue... It sounds like only 1K may not give me a honest evaluation?

My initial budget estimate is not set -- my thought process is; it has taken me alot of $$$ to settle on a digital set up that did not sound digital - dare, I say analogue - inother words, not bright or edgy / relaxed, natural in tonal character, attack and decay, and so on... But, sense vinyl is already analogue than maybe the investment would be comparatively less -- anyway, obviously an inexperienced thought process.

So back to the topic - my Atma-Sphere MP3 now has the phono stage in it and I have someone who will teach me how to set up the table. I do have several records, saved from my youth and a few more that has come my way over the years - not "audiophile" records but good examples none the less. All in all, I have around 30. Not anywhere near the thousands of CDs I have, but I figure it would be nice to pick up some of the older Jazz and Big Band stuff I like that has never been issued on CD - which is where my true interest stems from. I am unwilling to reproduce my CD collection in vinyl, I'm simply too deep in (same goes for the computer audio stuff).

Lenco 75..... watch for them on the gon they are suppose to be a great bang for the $$$, try to get one that Jean Nantais has re done.. just a thought