[JediScum]

For a turntable, Technics is supposed to be a decent brand, if it even still exists. Radio Shack had decent stuff too, but that was back in the late 80's. In 1994, I tried to buy a record needle from them, and the clerk claimed they could no longer order them.

For cheap vinyl, try pawnshops, garage sales, or even classifieds in yer local paper. For good stuff, you may try record conventions if any are close to you. I would say "used record stores" but I can't even find a used CD store in my town.