Budget Turntable suggestions


I am very interested in getting more into the audio communtiy. I currently have a budget of around $300 (if that is even feasible), and I would love to hear some suggestions for turntables. I really have no idea where to start. I understand that you can spend some $$$ on cartridges for turntables, but I am pretty lost when it comes to the overall turntable. I have a ton of records that I would love to listen to.
ackack
I just posted a review of the Linn Basik turntable with the Linn Basik LVX tonearm, which with the Shure VN5MR cartridge is the best sounding turntable that I have had in my system. It outperformed a Linn Sondek, Oracle Alexandria, Thorens TD125, Rega RP3, and some others for rich, warm, sound with great soundstage and feeling, as well as decent detail. Although not up to the Sondek or Alexandria for high levels of detail, in my system it was not dull either and conveyed more emotion and realism.
Second the AT bundle...I was not impressed with the Rega P1...at least not for $400...the older P2 with glass platter is significantly better...Note: the built in phono preamp with the AT bundle is subpar for critical listening...passable for DJ use
Stringreen: Now that you've had your eye-roll and dismissal moment in the sun, care to be helpful here to this fellow Audiogon member who asked a pefectly legitimate question? Elitism and snarkiness are simply unproductive and frankly, who has the time and bandwidth for such cynicism anymore?

C'mon, surely you have a couple of helpful suggestions...

Mine would be to find a good used Technics 1200 series table and install at least a $50 to $100 AT or similar cart. This will likely run about $700-$800 (I know, out of budget) but the advantage is a solid performing start to vinyl.