She always wore black and reminded me of the wicked witch from OZ. "Buy my records, my little precious. I'll see that you get what you deserve. Oh, is that your little dog? I'll see that he gets what he deserves too. Ahh Haaa Haaa Haaa."

As Uncle Ben once said....
"With disturbing avatars comes great disturbing stories."

Then he said, "Peter, you look hungry. How about some instant rice?

What's really strange is that he started saying this in 1967!

I'm interested in an entry-level audiophile type setup (oxymoron, no?). Is there anything decent out there for $300-$400?

Also, are stereo tube amps recommended for vinyl playback?

I'm interested in an entry-level audiophile type setup (oxymoron, no?). Is there anything decent out there for $300-$400?

Also, are stereo tube amps recommended for vinyl playback?

I think you could have some fun in that price range. ProJect might have something and there is always used. I got my turntable for free when my friend moved houses.

Does your amp have a built in phono stage?

Some people would enjoy having a tune phono amp and a tube amp for their turn table. But that is only one way to enjoy records. There are lots. Have fun.

IMHO the best entry level options are the following:

U-Turn Audio Orbit Basic Turntable $179
http://uturnaudio.com/store

This was a Crowdfunded project that just launched and is getting some very good press. For the price, and the fact that it is American made, I think it's a bargain.

For me the next step would be a Rega RP1 ($445 complete with cartridge), although I have friends with some entry level Project models that are pretty good too.

Wow. That uturn player looks so cool.

Yeah, I may have to get one at that price. Thanks for the heads-up, Andrew.