Turntable / Record Player on New Receivers

You've got the basic idea. You need a phono preamp, but many basic turntables come with built-in phono preamps, You could also pick up a small phono preamp at www.phonopreamps.com for about $50.

In your price range, I'd consider the Audio-Technica AT120, but I'd think about upgrading to a cartridge with an elliptical stylus.

The Audio-Technica LP-60 is an incredible deal; only $149 at Needle Doctor.

It not only has a built-in phono preamp, but a USB output for transferring music direct to your computer.

One hell of a deal for a basic turntable!

Hardly. A poor table at a typical price.

Check this report out:

http://www.knowzy.com/computers/audio/digitize_your_lps/usb_record_player_turntable_comparison.htm

It says USB turntables but many also have line level analog outputs.

If you have a PC with a decent sound system you can even listen to some of them:

http://www.knowzy.com/computers/audio/digitize_your_lps/sample_audio_clips_from_usb_record_player_turntables.htm#LPSamplesChart

I have the project usb photo-box II and it works really well. I have a pro-ject debut III and speedbox as well so I just got it all together to be all matchy matchy

If you're on a tight budget, I'd suggest a Denon DP 300F. It's $260 from Amazon, has a built in preamp, and an OK, but not great cartridge. I wouldn't bother upgrading it - better to just sell it when when you get upgrade-itis and trade up to a better TT.

If you're willing to go past $300, but absolutely can't spend $400, I highly recommend the Project Debut III, which can be found on closeout for $300 if you look. It comes with a fine starter cartridge (OM 5E), sounds good out of the box, and has lots of upgrade potential. You need an external preamp, though. I use the Art DJ Pre II ($40). The Project phonobox MM ($100) is a little cleaner, but not critical if you're on a budget. I got very lucky with my purchase - my stylus was damaged and Crutchfield replaced it with a much better one (Sumiko Pearl), which would have cost me an extra $125 otherwise. The upgraded stylus is very worthwhile, but the stock OM 5E still sounds good and would have lasted me a while if it hadn't been damaged, so don't feel compelled to upgrade right away if you're happy with the sound.

If you do feel the sound from the Debut III + 5E is lacking and you absolutely must upgrade right away, you can upgrade to the 2M Red ($100) or Pearl ($125), but the better value is to return the Debut III and get a new Project Debut Carbon ($400), which comes with the Red preinstalled and has a better carbon fiber tonearm and other improvements for only $100 more. You still need a preamp, so the total cost is $450-500, but you'll be really happy with the result, and it has all the same upgrade potential as the Debut III.

The key is to make sure you're spending money in the right places. There's always better gear out there, usually for more money If you can stick to your budget, you're a stronger man than me.

EDIT: I should add that, like you, am very new to vinyl. My setup is based on the same constraints you have - similarly tight budget, not sure how deep you want to dive, etc., and I'm very happy with the results.

I also notice now that you want to FLAC your collection, which wasn't a concern for me. For that, you want a preamp with USB out, which will cost you a little more. The Art USB, for example, is $80 vs. $40 for the non-USB version. I wouldn't bother with a TT with build in USB, since most of them are low quality entry level units. /EDIT
Edited by JD NC - 8/15/12 at 6:35am

Really?

List 3 that have the same features at the same price.

I am listening to the "Beatles" on an old Yamaha YP-350 with a Grado Gold MM cartridge on an old Yamaha A-1000 integrated amp... It sounds fantastic! The TT, cartridge and phono preamp will all play a part in how good your system sounds. Any of them may be fine for you, I cannot speak for you, nor can anyone else on this site. You have to listen and make a decision yourself.

A lot of people would probably turn their noses up on the TT because of the Yamaha name. I have a Grado MM cartridge and it is just fine. I suspect that you aren't deceiving yourself - you are indeed getting good tunes for a reasonable price.

I only paid $60.00 for the TT and cartridge! It is a much better table than my Dual CS450 with an Ortofon cartridge. That may have more to do with the cartridge than anything. I am a pretty casual vinyl listener but I am very happy with my current rig!

I will not wax poetic about the benefits of vinyl, but spinning an LP is a physical, personal experience that is unmatched by using a CD or computer server. Playing LPs very much makes you part of the music experience!