Turntables


I am kicking the idea of trying out vinyl. It’s been a long time since I had a turntable and it took a lot of thought whether I can deal with what always seemed like the snap, crackle & pops of an album. Anyway, I’ve decided to take a plunge after all the buzz how awesome it is. Of course before I make any final decisions, I always turn to the Audiogon community for their expert thoughts, opinions and education. I’m also looking for suggestions for a nice affordable table with tone arm and cartridge. Being the fact this is new to me and I may hate it, I’m looking for suggestions on the best affordable set up I can do for a new or used in the price range of $1000/$1500. I’m sure I can get a better bang for the buck going used. I just don’t know anything about these animals. My system is older but I still enjoy it which consist of a Mark Levinson 23.5 amp, Proceed AVP 2+6 used for 2 channel audio, Audio Acoustics model 9 speakers, Ayre DAC for digital with Transparent Audio Ultra mm2 cables. Any input is greatly appreciated!
128x128luvrockin
@loverockinobvoiuly you will get many opinions, and none are wrong as it is all personal preference.

i used to run a modest pro-next debut with a Sumiko blue point EVO3.  That unit sounded amazing, absolutely loved it.  In total I think it is about $800 these days by purchasing them together up front.  I used that for almost 10years, as 90% of the quality comes from needle setup and quality of that stylist. Last year I broke the tip off and needed to get it sent in.  While waiting I was drawn to another table. And due to lead time I went for it, $5k later I’m very happy (Xtension Evolution with blackbird) but the difference between $800 and $5k was not worth it. To be honest if you set the $1200 stylist next to the $450 they look identical, my dealer stated the specs are nearly identical. For reference the rest of my system is McIntosh preamp/amp (600watt/channel) with B&W 802D2’s.  The reason I state this is that the system sounds amazing, and the difference was minimal between the 2 tables.

again I highly recommend the Sumiko blue point EVO3 and a modest table such as the pro-ject debut.  
Technics, Rega ....all good choices. I second the posts mentioning to purchase new with a pro installed cartridge. Since the clicks/pops etc are a worry for you, at the very least consider investing in a VPI 16.5 record cleaning machine and Audio Intelligent fluids by Osage Audio Products; http://www.audiointelligent.com/ You'll have clean, quiet vinyl and enjoy the format much more. 
With your setup, seeing you’ve spent $1800(?) on speaker cable, I’d strongly recommend stepping up to Clear Audio turntable at $2200. More than you want to spend but that’s the minimum for your setup.

I wouldn’t go into a MC cartridge, unless it’s a high output one that you can play through a regular phono stage.
@luvrockin 
Here's a modded 1200 that is a great step towards 1200g performance well fitting your budget. Read theartofsound Techiepedia for many enthusiastic comments about why this would make lots of sense for you both now and as you can invest a bit more later.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9a00b-technics-sl-1200mkii-turntable-with-kab-upgrades-turntabl...
Cheers,
Spencer