where to start analog

You should begin here at Audiogon. For instance, there is a Well Tempered table and arm advertised for $750.00. That is a great table, very speed accurate and very quiet.

If you like the analog sound, you are off to a good start. If you are disappointed you can sell the Well Tempered for about what you paid and upgrade to something more expensive or go all digital.

Albert makes a very good suggestion above. The Well Tempered has a very good main bearing system, and that is the heart of any analog rig.

Alot depends on your budget. "Spending a fortune" means different things to different people. While many times you may get more, when you spend more, that is not always the case. There are high-value items out there in the analog world, and used is a good way to go, as long as it is kept in good shape and packed and shipped carefully when it is sent to you.

If you want to be more specific about the budget, we can be more specific about the units that may give good performance at your price point, either new or used.

Considering I need a used phono pre-amp as well I guess agood starting point would be $2,000 for all, pre, table arm etc..