Can I get into vinyl/turntable for $500?

what you listed would be fine, or a used table, but buying used you take your chances.

The Rega has more snob appeal but I think the MMF is more bang for the buck.

You would definitely need a phono preamp with that rig. I personally like the Cambridge 640P for around $100 used.

 

As far as TTs go, the Music Hall is a pretty good option. I bought a 2.2LE (Ferrari Red!) as my grand re-entry into phono. I quickly upgraded (now have a Technics SL1200 and a Rega P3/24), but the Music Hall was no slouch. Haven't tried any of the truly entry level Regas.

 

Good luck!

Just curious, why get into vinyl? Do you have a record collection you want to digitize to get into something like iTunes? The reason I'm asking is that you may not be able to  discern "better" when comparing vinyl to CD. I have a huge vinyl collection which I've been digitizing over the last year. I've got to tell ya, I can't say that vinyl sounds better, and with vinyl's snap, crackle, and pops, plus, inconvenience, it's no wonder why folks were eager for CD when it came out.

 

My player, a Sony PS-4750, fitted with a Shure V15VMR, is awesome; and, I doubt, I could  appreciate anything that's out there today any better. This 32 year old TT was made at a time TT's, in general, were at their pinnacle of perfection. So, as others have alluded, look into something from the late 70's to early 80's. Any of these is likely to be all you'd need,  for less than you'd pay for anything comparable today.. Fit the table with a Shure 97E; and, I think you'll be satisfied.

I just got into vinyl and finally have my rig set up took me about 2 months.

The major cost is the turntable and cartridge. I'd would recommended stalking craigslist and buy locally. I took a chance and purchased my TT over ebay, it came pretty banged up and missing the cartridge. Seller never responded to my emails.

You can probably score a decent vintage turntable and cart for under $300, I've heard stories of people picking up nice late 70's Japanese direct drive units for pocket change. The phono pre-amp you can get new from http://www.phonopreamps.com/ for around $70 or else go used.

So far my rig is a Sony PS-X7 TT from the early 80's
Ortofon 2M red cart
Vintage Marantz 2265B receiver circa late 1970's (I've always wanted one and it's has a pretty nice sounding phono amp)
Swan M1.2 bookshelf speakers (awesome deal over audiogon)
Small Linux computer running SqueezeSlave connected via USB to a DIY AMB Gamma2 for streaming FLAC's.

I'm still undecided about vinyl. It is a bit of a pain cleaning used records and new records can be pricey.

The first new record I bought was a new copy of Depeche Mode's Violator, and I have to say it sounds incredible as does my near mint copy of Steely Dan's Aja. My thrift store and other used LP's vary, some sound good while some are noisey. I don't mind the occasional snap, crackle and pop over speakers but they are distracting over headphones.

Sounds like you're really having fun  with it all.

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/86920

 

Pro-ject Phono Box 2 or the one with usb output are under $200 list.

 

Can later add Pro-ject Speedbox as further upgrade.

 

Slightly lower model with built in phono amp and usb output:  http://gcaudio.com/cgi-bin/store/showProduct.cgi?id=485

 

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/audio/2010/12/review-pro-ject-rm-13-turntable

 

 

 

:)