Hi Jim,

If I could add my 2 cents...
The way to go is used/vintage.
Check out your local forums eg Craigslist or dedicated hifi forum or local hifi stores.

I have a 2nd system that I assembled on the cheap:
Audiolab 8000A integrated amp with inbuilt MM/MC phono stage, something like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audiolab-8000A-Ampilifier-Good-condition-good-working-order-/271864892366?

Mission 751 bookshelf speakers, something like this:
http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/showthread.php?t=170548
These vintage Mission bookshelves don't go for much these days:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MISSION-760i-BLACK-BOOKSHELF-75-WATT-SPEAKERS-MADE-IN-ENGLAND-/261863093474?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mission-731i-2-Way-Bookshelf-Speakers-/191462530339?

I can't speak for the other Missions, but my Audiolab 8000A/Mission 751 setup sounds great!

For turntables, try to look for a used Thorens, something like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Thorens-TD-160-Turntable-Shure-V15-III-EXCELLENT-/151660292005?

Years ago, I used to hang out at vinyl forums as much as I hang out at vintage watch forums these days!
In particular, I liked Vinylasylum:
http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/vinyl/bbs.html

Good luck on your rebuild!
If you need more help, gimme a shout via email!

ben
Singapore

: Loving the thread, Nathan.

: I lost my records many years ago due to water damage from a flood,
: now it's pretty much all mp3 for me too. I miss sitting there
: just listening and reading the liner notes, flipping the LP.
: When I was 13 or 14, my brother and I would sneak off and take
: the train into Chicago for the day, visit Rolling Stone Records
: on Washington Street, and find all kinds of interesting records.
: I still remember some of the bootlegs..."Klashing with the
: Clash", "The Great White Boss (Springsteen)".

: This inspires me to rebuild.

: Where would you start your system? Any recommended mid-range
: turntable and amp that can be found today, say sub-$1000 to
: start?

: Jim