USB Rega or new needle/preamp

[ZMU817]

[EDIT: Pro-ject, not Rega!]

so, going into College-fi, I'm going to be wanting a good turntable setup. Right now I have an audiotechnica turntable with the stock needle; i'm away from it right now so I can't give exact model numbers, but I recall that it cost $200. I'm using the pre-amp that's built into my Sony surround sound receiver going into a pair of 90s-era Klipsch bookshelf (I believe they are KS.5). it sounds okay. Between some of my well-kept up Beatles and Pink Floyd from 30 years ago and new Flaming Lips re-issues, its good enough that I enjoy listening to it over the digital out from my PC. More dynamic, more musical etc.

However, I want to ditch the Sony receiver.

Is the best use of my money going to be the Pro-Ject Debut III table? My PC has a AV710 chaintech that I'm planning on feeding into a Teragan's Red desktop amp to the Klipsch.

Or will I be better off spending the money on a new needle (perhaps in the $100 range, shure or grado... whats the Rega's stock needle on par with?) and a $200ish pre amp (maybe PRO-JECT).

Thanks...

[gz76]

Do Rega do a USB TT? I don't recall seeing one.

[ZMU817]

I could have sworn I saw one in some hi-fi mag laying around. googling now. thought it would have been more popular.

[ZMU817]

It's the Debut III

EDIT: well I feel like a dope. it's a Pro-ject TT.