Turntables

[eheiney]

I've recently discovered the wonders of vinyl. I've owned a few records from Nine Inch Nails for quite some time, simply to add items to my collection. My parents also sold most of their collections in the past year, but I had asked them to save a few items that interested me.

For a few years now, my albums have sat in my closet begging to breathe. The shrink-wrap is still on them, with a few minor rips and tears from the occasional viewing. However in the past few weeks, I've really been thinking about opening them up and taking them out for a spin. Only one thing is stopping me: I have no turntable.

My dad has an old player that is missing the tonearm. My mom has an old phonograph given to her by her grandmother. However, neither of these work (not that I would use them if they did). So, I am in need of a turntable. The only electronics dealer near is Best Buy, which does not carry any in store. I've found a few places online, but I don't know shit about these things.

So, is there anyone around who can give me some recommendations? What should I look for? I don't need anything fancy, just something to play the records that can be hooked up to my stereo.