Reddit mentions of Rega - RP1 Turntable (Cool Gray)

It's an okay turntable, but for that price range you should go with a Pro-Ject Debut or a Rega RP1.

ORRRR, for a lot less money, troll the Craigslists in the area. Look for anything that has solid, heavy construction, adjustable anti-skate and tracking force, stuff like that. You should pay between $100 and $200, and don't feel bad to ask somebody if you want to know if you're getting a good deal.

No two ways about it, an RP1/P1 is an entry level turntable. Probably top of the entry level but entry level all the same.

You can probably find a used or dealer clearance RP3 for around $700 in Canada on Canuck Audio Mart (might have to buy a cheap cartridge to tide you over until you can upgrade). $699 is way too much for an RP1.

The sad sad truth, however, is that a new turntable isn't going to be an "out of body experience". There are so many factors that contribute to a quality listening experience. The deck itself is one part, cartridge is another (equally as important as the turntable) and the phono preamp is the third. This is an over simplification but That is your very basic "trinity" when it comes to a quality listening experience from a turntable.

Here are a few used turntable worth checking out in Canada.

http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649353518-rega-rp3-turntable-welys2-cart-refurb-wwarranty-36-off-free-shipping/

http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649352418-rega-p1-turntable-with-rb100-tonearm-see-photo/

http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649352201-rega-rp3-with-extras/

http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649350681-rega-p1-turntable/

https://www.amazon.ca/Rega-Turntable-Carbon-cartridge-cool/dp/B004B3GELG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494629023&sr=8-1&keywords=rega+rp1+turntable

Alright, here's what I've put together for you:

1. Turntable: Rega P1 ~$450
   
   
2. Speakers: JBL LSR308 - $500
   
   
3. Phono Preamp: Pyle-Pro PP444 - $10.49
   
   
4. Passive Preamp (volume control): Schiit Sys - $49
   
   
5. RCA-to-XLR cable (to connect speakers) 10' - $9.50
   
   Total: $1,018.99
   
   
   Logic:
   
   
   Turntable:
   
   Rega turntables are some of the best in the world, and their quality extends all the way down the line. I have the step-up mode, the P3, and love it. $400 is roughly the entry point for a "good" turntable, which I think is a solid investment given your budget.
   
   Speakers
   
   The JBL LSR series is very well regarded on r/audiophile. They are generally considered to be the best powered monitors on the market. Being powered means you don't have to buy a separate amplifier, saving money. If you want to save some money, you can drop down to the LSR305, which has a smaller woofer. It will not have as much bass power as the 308, but it costs $200 less for the pair (NOTE: The Amazon link is for a single speaker, not a pair)
   
   Phono Preamp
   
   You'll need one of these, because the signal coming out of the tone arm on the turntable is very low voltage. The phono preamp brings it up to a level that is powerful enough to be amplified further by the speakers. You can spend more, but you don't need more than the Pyle (I have one at home that I'd honestly mail to you, but Amazon Prime is probably cheaper than the cost of shipping for me :P)
   
   Passive Preamp
   
   This is a volume knob and a input switch. That's all. Volume knob because the speakers have the volume knob on the back, and have separate knobs per speaker. Didn't think you'd want to mess with that. Two inputs so you can hook up your turntable and your computer, or your phone, etc.
   
   RCA-to-XLR cable
   
   Because the JBL monitors are targeted at pro recording studios, they use "balanced" XLR cables instead of traditional RCA. The reasons for doing so are irrelevant, but you will need an adapter cable.
   
   If that's too much money
   
   As I said earlier, you could drop down to the JBL LSR305 (again, link is a single speaker, not a pair). That would bring the total down to $818.99. If you wanted to save money, this is where I would do it.
   
   Another option is to switch turntables to the U-Turn Orbit. It starts at $179, but I'd definitely add the cue lever for $40. I wouldn't spend more on other options though, not worth the money. If you go this route, treat this turntable as your starter, then replace it later.
   
   If you tell me your local craigslist, I can look around and see if there are any good deals, but the above is going to be pretty hard to beat.
   
   By all means, feel free to ask me any and all questions. I love doing this kind of research for people, so it's no skin off my back. I want to make sure you enjoy Ride the Lightning in all it's rifftastic glory :D

It was a gift, so I'm not entirely sure. I believe it was ordered online from amazon, or something similar.
Here's a link for the model I have. It's even on sale!

https://www.amazon.com/REGA-Rega-RP1-Turntable-Gray/dp/B004B3GELG

Yes.

This is a good entry level model. This is the cheapest new one that isn't shit and will begin to give you the legendary vinyl sound quality that blows away digital recordings.

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120-USB-Direct-Drive-Professional-Turntable/dp/B002S1CJ2Q

This is a good step up

http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Ject-13086-Debut-Carbon-Black/dp/B007XTE6YW

or

http://www.amazon.com/Rega-RP1-Turntable-Cool-Gray/dp/B004B3GELG/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1421852438&sr=1-2&keywords=rega+p3

or

http://www.amazon.com/Music-Hall-Driven-Turntable-Cartridge/dp/B001FUF8FQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1421852459&sr=1-3&keywords=musical+hall+mmf

This is even better if you're loaded

http://www.amazon.com/Music-Hall-M5-1N-MMF-5-1/dp/B000KOHIO2/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1421852381&sr=1-6&keywords=music+hall+mmf

http://www.amazon.com/Music-Hall-Turntable-Pro-ject-Tonearm/dp/B007X579S6

The best option unless you're rich is getting a really nice used turntable though.

The RP1 is a fantastic table. I was going to recommend it, but at $445, it will eat up nearly his entire budget.

I must say though, it is certainly one clean looking table. I have no doubt you enjoy it. Congrats.