So its time for me to finally get a record player now that im officially hooked on buying records...

I was thinking of getting a pro-ject but dont know much about recievers amps etc.
hoping you guys might have some suggestions on a good starter setup to go with that player. ?

If you're looking to score something on a budget, you could look for old receivers or amps at thrift stores, etc. A lot of the older gear will have static and crackles, but its usually due to corrosion/gunk on the potentiometers (knob guts) and switches.

Receivers/amps that have tubes may be a little more complicated due to the nature of obtaining new tubes, but I don't have much experience with those.

You can get lucky and find something that someone has deemed "junk" because its sounds like garbage.

I acquired a solid state JCPenny MCS receiver (that used to belong to my pops) which had these issues. I cracked it open, squirted this stuff
http://www.radioshack.com/radioshack-control-contact-cleaner-and-lubricant/6400148.html
into all of the potentiometers and switches and then just twisted knobs/flipped switches for an hour.

Now it sounds great!

If anyone is interested in this clean-up process I can post some pics as well.

Hope this helps, and thanks again for all of the advice to my initial questions!

I still can't say enough about Audio Technica AT LP120 USB. They are Technics 1200 clones only they have direct USB input into your computer. I use two to DJ with and I owned a pair of Technics 1200's for 10 years, so they are comparable and very nice for the price. Used Technics will cost you $700-800 where as these are $250-300. Audacity works great for converting anything recorded from wav to mp3 and it's included (but you can download it free anyhow). Needles/ cartridges included (although I swapped mine out for very nice Ortofons).

You can go with the used route but unlike toys older gear long term tends to breakdown. Then you have to find parts etc.

I also recommend Alesis M1 active monitors. Solid, great bass response and very affordable.

I have a Denon dp300f with an ortofon 2m blue stylus/ cartridge. Needle Dr. has a deal with the ortofon red cartridge, but I bumped it up a notch. I was thinking about Project deck, but for about the same cost, the Denton has auto return and you can switch from 33 to 45 without taking off the platter and adjusting the belt (or buying a box that will adjust the speed electronically). (Like with the Project or Rega tt's.) I have had it over a year with no problems & it sounds great for the $.
The Denon does not have USB, though.
For browsing, do check out needle doctor. They have a number of tables with varied features (and prices - check out some of their pricey stuff.) They carry Lixx's AT as well.

Thanks for the suggestions guys! Ill check those out. Any good starter speaker suggestions? What about receiver/amp all that? I dont know a thing about that stuff.. Just looking for alittle direction to get a nice setup to start with. I use my macbook and computer speakers with a sub right now.

Biff I have the same Denon but with a Shure m97.