TT advice for newbie

[AC62]

NEW to turn tables and not very knowledgeable about hi fi! I've decided to buy a TT but need advice on what features I should consider. I'd rather buy a decent second hand TT . My budget is £500.
I have a Cyrus 2 amp and Mission speakers.
Questions that come to mind are: is a phono stage needed, is electronic speed change a must or nice to have? I have both 33 and 45s. Some are old and have scratches -could this damage the stylus?
After reading a few posts here, the cartridge seems to be almost as important as the TT?

 

[nads]

Which Cyrus amp?

 

[AC62]

It's a Cyrus Two

 

[nads]

So has a built in MC/MM phono stage.

Speed change can be done fairly easily manually and you can get external electronic speed changes. Just don’t handle the drive belt if external but the TT should have something to aide that.

 

[Al ears]

As @nads says, and yes a good cartridge is vital.
I would avoid playing badly scratched vinyl.

 

[daytona600]

£500 Project or Rega

is electronic speed change a must or nice to have
Yes industry standard on all TTs for 70years & electronic speed control sounds better

 

[Fandango Andy]

NEW to turn tables and not very knowledgeable about hi fi! I've decided to buy a TT but need advice on what features I should consider. I'd rather buy a decent second hand TT . My budget is £500.
I have a Cyrus 2 amp and Mission speakers.
Questions that come to mind are: is a phono stage needed, is electronic speed change a must or nice to have? I have both 33 and 45s. Some are old and have scratches -could this damage the stylus?
After reading a few posts here, the cartridge seems to be almost as important as the TT?

Second hand record players seem to have gotten very expensive. You can get a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon with an Ortofon 2m Red cartridge for £359 from Richer Sounds at the moment. This should fit well with what you have. it does mean manual speed change, buy you can get a speed box to do it at the push of a button if you find you need one. I only play LP's so never use 45.