well, it has been only five months but i've upgraded both the TT + amp.

and, like you said, now that i've gotten in to vinyl more i would have probably started out differently.

the table is decent, but has a cheap needle. i found a pretty sweet 80's pioneer table at a thrift store and put a new cart + needle on it, sold the AT table, and ended up breaking even. the thrift store table was $10, new cartridge and needle was $40. so $50 for a mid-tier player vs $70 or whatever the AT is now for an entry level table.

i would recommend looking for a vintage table locally, making sure it spins, and factor into the cost replacing the needle and possibly the cartridge as well. i can pretty much guarantee the needle will need to be replaced. look up different needle shapes online. don't take it to a shop or anything, they charge out the ass. if its an old belt driven table and doesnt spin, it might just need a new belt. 10 cent fix. $30 at a store. etc.

the amp: pretty good, and for $20 not too shabby. it had 3.5mm in which is nice. i also upgraded this, to an 80's yamaha reciever. got a amp + cassette deck for $40 on craigslist. cost 2x but is probably about 4x better. and looks way cool.

overall i would say, go with the table if you're worried about dealing with a "vintage" table and getting in over your head. this can be your "first table" and just keep an eye for another if you find you really enjoy vinyl.

the amp is your call. if you have nice speakers that you want to push, there's a plethora of old home audio gear out there looking for a home. some stuff built in the 80's (esp. japanese brands) have quality you can't find anymore. if you have smaller speakers or aren't gonna be playing too loud then the smaller amp might be a decent option.

let me know if you want anymore help or have more questions. wish i could have asked someone all this stuff! :)