Hi folks,
With all due respect to you all, I have a slightly different take in this issue.
Firstly, I do not want to say anything about how much money a particular music lover wants to spend on a particular equipment. That is his or her decision, and I do not want to interfere there.
Secondly, the most vital point in the feasibility of having a TT now is the source material. If one can make sure, one will have adequate supply of good quality source material, then it is okay, I think. It was one of the most important issues that concerned me when I was considering the procurement of a new TT of respectable quality.
Thirdly, given all the above, if one (already owning a very good CD based system) decides to get a new TT, unless the new TT gives a new dimension to his or her music listening, there is absolutely no point in doing this. In this case, Amit has a Ayon CD1s CDP, a Leben CS 300 amp and Usher BE718 speakers. I am very very familiar with each of these. It's close to an excellent system. The TT has to add something substantial to this, otherwise it would be having a TT just for its sake. In Prem's case too, he had to get something as good as the EMT to make this endeavor meaningful, and meaningful it was for him, so much so that he got rid of his Esoteric transport+DAC separates.
Fourthly, given all the nitty gritties of setting up a TT, including cartridge alignment, arm balancing and counter-weight adjustment, anti-skating, VTA and what not, it is still better to get a new TT if one already has a decent system. These adjustments are not any easier in an ill-maintained used TT. Moreover, irrespective of whether it's a new or an used TT, the trick is to get it from a seller who is extremely knowledgeable about TTs and would help in setting it up. Alternatively, he has to have a friend near-by who can set it up for him so that he can also learn the trade for himself. Once set up, there is no need to change the settings in a big way everyday. One just needs to take general care, like using clean vinyl and clean cart.
I grew up with a TT at home from as far back in my childhood as I can remember. I also have always owned a TT since 1986, since the time I started owning stereo separates. I started with a Technics DD. Although I have never considered myself a true vinyl person (and do not have the knowledge close to you guys have), but as far as I understand the situation, although we all mean the best for Amit, a generic solution is not applicable to everybody. I honestly think he has to have something that will give a new dimension to his music enjoyment, otherwise he will not be satisfied. This is regardless of brands or whether he gets a belt drive or a direct drive, or a new or a used one.
While I think a newcomer to this medium should precisely know what he is about to get into, he should not at the same time get scared of getting into it, if he is willing. As I said, having lived with TTs almost all my life, I do not think it is such a big deal living with them. I may be wrong because I was never seriously into it before (strange, isn't it?). I hope I am not completely wrong.
Regards