Turntable setup for 1k or so.

Rega P3 with a good cart

You can run the phono amp into one of the inputs on your receiver. Then you can connect your headphone amp to a record out/tape loop out on the receiver. That will let you switch between headphones and speakers.

As for a phono stage, there's a lot out there. I'd browse around Audiogon for a used one. You'll save a lot of money buying used. When an interesting one turns up, Google reviews of it. You'll find plenty of information.

My first phono stage was a NAD PP2. Nice little unit and it sounds good for the price. From there, I bought a used Conrad-Johnson PV2 for a little over $300. It's a preamp, as well. Great piece since it has a tubed phono stage and lets me connect two headphone amps to the tape loops. It also has an out for a power amp and can handle my SACD deck and FM tuner, too. Terrific piece, especially for the price.

Since, I've moved to a Fi Yph. Those cost a bit more, but I love the sound, build quality and truly unique form factor.

Also, I'll second the Rega recommendation. I had a great time with the Planar 3/RB300 I used to have.

A phono stage is a step up type amp that boosts the very small signal your cartridge outputs so your amp can use it. If you didn't have one of those, I'm pretty sure you could still play records but your amp volume would have to be turned way up and it likely still wouldn't get very loud. 

 

Depending on your cartridge, it could put out less than 1 microvolt or more than 5 microvolts which obviously isn't very much. 

 

Also, Music Hall makes some pretty decent turntables that start out reasonably priced.

 

 

Edited by roadcykler - 11/24/10 at 10:01pm

A step up would depend on the cart that you are using.

 

I have a Throens TD-160 that I picked up used for $160, with a Shure M97xE for $70, I was listen to vinyl for under $250.

 

I'm currently looking for a headphone amp that I will connect to this system.

 

As mentioned Rega, Pro-Ject and Music Hall make great entry level TT's.

 

James

Edited by james93 - 11/25/10 at 1:17pm

am in the same place as the OP is..got 1k and looking seriously into a vinyl setup. 

Trying to decide between a Linn LP12 with Origin live level 1 mods, Valhalla supply, ringmat mat, rega RB300 arm and ortofon OM-30 for about 900.

 

Or a thorens TD125 mk1 with custom rosewood plinth, Denon 103D (re-tipped by soundsmiths), Fidelity research FR-54 arm.

 

Going to mate it with a audiosector phono stage for the MC cartridges. Planning on an aikido or pearl for the MM.

 

Very much confused as to which turntable to buy thoiugh.

If it was me, I'd jump all over the Linn, especially with the mods and the tonearm which is a great one. The LP12 has been around for a long time because it's such a great turntable. When you add the upgrades that the one you're looking at has, it makes it a no-brainer for me.