Trying to get in to vinyl, turntable suggestions?


Hello All,

After hearing some great analog setups I've got the itch. My Integra dtc 9.8 does have a phono input, but I plan to get a phono stage down the road, that I could connect to my Anthem Pre 2l SE.

In the meantime, any suggestions to get me started...I'm looking for a good turntable that could benefit down the road from upgrades as I get more money.

I'm hoping to spend less than 500 for the TT, and then willing to purchase a cartridge seperately if I have to.

I've read good things about thorens and the nad 533. What about the technics sl-1200? I'm looking to buy used for now.

I listen to a lot of Dave Matthews Band, Pink Floyd, some Paul Simon..Jack Johnson..

Any thoughts?
I've linked my system below hopefully did it right..

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vevol&1240167743&view
burnsy1
Johnnyb53, if my posts offended you in some way, I am truly sorry for that - I thought I made it pretty clear about when I was joking. If you disagree with what I posted about the sonic characteristics of these tables, why don't you try posting your reasons instead of attacking me personally by calling me a bigot? I fail to see how that contributes to either your argument or discussion on this forum in general, and am frankly very surprised your post was allowed. Let's just agree to disagree. If you can't have a civil discussion, then I have nothing more to say to you.
So its been a while...I'd hoped to have a TT by now but my home AC breaking delayed things a bit. I have an oppourtunity to check out a used music hall mmf 5 today.

Anything in particular I should pay close attention to when looking at this model?
Well I ended up getting the music hall mmf5 used. I'm really happy with it so far..anxious to get a phono stage now so I can put it though my Anthem pre 2l. Thanks everyone for your suggestions.
Stay Away from ebay: Depending on where you live, you can get vinyl, in good shape, for a Buck in used record/book stores. In NYC I found a place on W.72 where I have been loading up for 50 Cents per! ( I even found a Shaded Dog of Rubenstein playing Chopin for $1.....)

Good luck.
I have had some very good luck buying LP's on ebay. Checking out the seller is important. Only bad deal was a zappa album and the guy refunded my money.