School me on turntables

[chille01]

For listening to LP's that is.  Not for scratchin' or doing other assorted DJ shit (do DJ's even use real vinyl anymore?).  I have an old Sony direct drive that is on the way out, and I wanna take a noticeable step up.  Think mid range HiFi... not super cork sniffer, but something quality that sounds great and is built to last.  New or used considered.  I eventually plan to replace my whole system this year with some quality shit, but I want to start with the turntable.

Let me know what to look for.  I'll probably post this in General too, since it isn't really just a jam room question.  But I thought some of you gear head's expertise might extend to the living room.

[clockwork green]

I got a pro-ject a few months back that I really like.  needledoctor.com is a good sight to wast time and money on. 

[chille01]

Thanks for the link Clockwork.  Yep, seems there is no shortage of cool sites like that to check prices and maybe make a purchase.  My problem is that I don't really know what I'm looking for.  It's kinda like wine, I can follow the conventional wisdom that higher price = better quality, but that isn't always true of wine and I'm sure it's not always true of turntables either.  I need a real record geek to tell me the top 3 brands/models to look out for or something.

[The Shocker]

I like vintage and hate fully manual turntables.  Currently running one of the old Denon "Flying Saucer" TT's and an older Sony.

[Jake]

I've got a vintage Bang & Olufsen, which can be found for not too much money. The cartidges can be another story though.

[lordfinesse]

I like vintage and hate fully manual turntables.

Fully manual? Like, hand cranked?

[kirky]

technics 1200.....my favorite....i have good luck finding them on craigslist....there's always some tweeker dj having to get rid of a turtable for short money....

[clockwork green]

Don't forget a preamp. Are you going with powered speakers or a separate power amp and speakers?