re: Record player recommendations?

I'm pretty much a clean slate on this subject. Just remember loving the sound as a kid.

Always end up blowing out my budget when it comes to a hobby. Pool (pocket billiards). Metal detecting. Astronomy. I don't generally buy THE best, but look for the absolute best bang for the buck.....then take a hard look at the next step up.

I hate buying something cheap and then thinking that I could have spent a bit more for much better quality.

As for room acoustics, might toss that out the window in my case. A simple bedroom for now, but hope to build a new house in a couple of years with a dedicated library room that doubles as a place to just sit and contemplate while listening to music. So, that variable will change over time.

I honestly don't mind being patient, picking out components, and then purchasing one at a time so as not to make it such a difficult nut to bust.