Buying a record player / turntable

[MikeInManhattan]

http://www.brookstone.com/sl/product/6252-iconvert-usb-turntable.html

This little guy was 80 bucks. I love it. You can plug in a USB jumpdrive and play MP3s off that too (as well as convert vinyl to MP3). The MP3s are pretty condensed so a real audiophile will want something a little more high-end but if you're just looking to convert some of your 45s so you can listen on your iPod this is fine. Also has speakers so can listen without actually plugging into a receiver (a little tinny, though). Overall, it's a great gift. It's compact too so city-dwellers can have more space to entertain celebrities.

[JonFromMaplewood]

I think the best turntables are completely stripped down and do nothing but spin and allow the the needle to pick up the signal from the groove. Isolation is very important and not having the amp near the turntable motor is a good idea. Also, if your turntable has a built in pre-amp you are stuck with that pre-amp and you have no choice in upgrading or tweaking that stage in the signal.

This was very helpful.  Thank you, Jason.

[Lothar_Brightblade]

Thanks for all the help guys,

I think I'm just going to ask my mom to buy some records from ebay that I've been eyeing for a while and get my new system built out of my own pocket. I'll definitely report back on what I decide to go with, this thread has been so much help.