best value beginner turntable


Hello all,

I am hoping some of the audiophile experts here can help me out! Currently I have paradigm 11 v.5 speakers and a NAD326BEE integrated amp. I did have a Audio Technia LP60, but just returned it. New records were skipping and I read some things and talked to some people that said low-grade Audio Technias could do that and also end up damaging the records.

So, now that I have returned it. I am looking at where to go from there. Ideally, I don't want to spend more than a couple hundred dollars right now... Just looking to get started.

The LP60 had a built in phono preamp, so I am thinking if I don't get one like that again I also will have to get a phono preamp.

Any suggestions on a beginner turntable with a built in preamp? Or, suggestions on a beginner turntable and an external phono preamp?

Thanks!
rootsrockreggae
Project debut Carbon is probably the best value in an entry level table. Table, carbon fiber arm and cartridge for under $400-. And it sounds very good.
http://www.musicdirect.com/p-75872-pro-ject-debut-carbon-turntable.aspx
Well...the AT LP 120 is a completely different beast than the lp60...comes equiped with AT 95E cart, weighs 25 lbs, speed is dead on, and is quiet as a church mouse....only negative...built in phono preamp, although a nice thought, has below average performance...I bought a dedicated unit <50 that sounds quite good...
Phasecorrect, you are saying you have the LP 120 and bypassed the preamp for your own preamp? If so, what preamp would you recommend?
http://www.needledoctor.com/Esoteric-Sounds-Rek-O-Kut-Professional-Phono-Preamp-Incredibly-Accurate-Frequency-Response?sc=2&category=35249
Music Hall has an entry level tables I think the model is MMF2.1 now. It should cost about what the Project does. When I bought my MMF-5 it was their lowest level table the current version is up a couple of notches. The Music Hall USB table can be used as a regular table I understand and it costs only $250 or so brand new.
I looked at the REK -o-Kut phono preamps and they appear to be incredible bargains. Just be certain of the cartridge your going to use MM or MC. In all likelyhood MM.