What is a good spartan turntable set up?

I am starting from scratch now and just want to play my records! I'm interested in an entry level but good quality set up. I prefer something bookshelf size. It seems most amps accommodate CD/tape/etc, and small standalone phono preamps that have been catching my eye can't connect directly to speakers. I would very much appreciate recommendations for the most spartan way of connecting a turntable to speakers. Also, recommendations for turntable and speakers would be greatly appreciated as well. Once I figure it out, I will be purchasing from the audiogon listings, so let me know if you have something that would work for me. Thank you in advance!