Sorry Chaz...I'm not making this easy at all.
I have a bunch of vinyl that I'd like to listen to, and right now I'm using this:
http://www.insound.com/CR49-Traveler-Turntable-Black-TURNTABLE-Crosley-Turntable/P/INS47806/It's sort of past the point of working well, but what I liked about it was the small size (speakers being part of the whole package) and the cost, since I'm a newbie here mostly, playing records from my folks.
The sound is awful now, so even though I generally am not too keyed into things being pristine, it's getting unlistenable.
I'd really like something similar but the next step up, I guess. The big catch for me, though, is if I have to get a turntable AND separate speakers AND various components just to listen. I'm not ready to make a huge investment there, plus my wife would punch me in the balls for even trying
Don't worry about the computer/iPod...I wouldn't be converting the vinyl to MP3s. That was just to illustrate how little I know about this world. For the most part, anything I have on vinyl I also have digitally already.
I don't understand. If you want to play your records, you'll need something with an amp to plug it into - an "integrated", which included the amp and the preamp in one unit. Otherwise a separate amp for power, and a preamp to select source and control volume. And then you'll need speakers from there.
I wouldn't bother messing with vinyl and a computer based system. I just don't see the benefit from an audio standpoint. Unless you just want to use the turntable to rip your vinyl into mp3's. Then you'd need a usb turntable.