[Hatter313]

Ok, so I only started collecting a few years ago, after inheriting a pretty eclectic collection from my folks. Unfortunately, until very recently, i wasn't making enough money to get a decent system and have been getting by on a Crosley (i know, its just awful. to that end, I finally have the financials to put together a real stereo system, and the wealth of back and forth and misinformation on the web has me tearing my hair out...do i need a pre amp, should i get a receiver or an integrated amp...I understand speakers, and i understand turntables, but everything in between has me cross-eyed looking for the right components. I don't want to go nuts, and would like to keep my budget around $1,000, give or take. So i'm looking to you guys to help me out here, I'm starting from scratch so feel free to educate me here! thanks so much.

[philball1974]

You won't need a pre amp but chances are you will need a phono stage unless your amp has one built in. Probably different equipment in the states but in the UK $1000 would get you.......

Camberidge Audio 351A Intergrated Amp (meaning no Pre Amp needed)
Camberidge Audio 640p Phono Stage
Rega RP1 Turntable
KEF Q100 Bookshelf speakers

Of course they are all British products where HiFi reigns supreme!

[BasementHorror]

So I recently found myself in the same situation, wanting to build a decent audiophile-level system (or close to it) for $1000 or less. After doing a lot of research, I went with the following setup:

-Pro-ject Debut Carbon with Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge (included)
-Marantz 6004PM Integrated Amplifier (so no pre-amp needed)
-Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Andrew Jones Designed Bookshelf Loudspeakers

You can buy this setup now from places like Amazon or Music Direct for $1000, but if you wait for the individual pieces to go on sale, you can get it for $800-$900.

I used to spin one of those ION turntables with a built-in pre-amp connected to a cheap RCA mini stereo. Upgrading changed my life. Good luck!

[bansel]

I recently got the Rega Brio R Integrated Amplifier and the Music Hall 2.2 turntable (comparable to the Project's in the 300-400 range). $799 for the Rega, so total was around $1200 and I am really happy with the purchase. It sounds amazing. I had previously been using all vintage Marantz which was good (too each his own I think my new system sounds light years better)

I use some bookshelf Pioneers for speakers that were fairly inexpensive. I'd love to hear anyone's suggestion on good bookshelf speakers

[philball1974]

For me kef make some of the best bookshelfs around. I've still got a pain of q10s that must be 20 years old now.
The q100s are the latest iteration of that speaker

[Hatter313]

Thanks so much guys, this is super helpful.

I've got friend of a friend who ended up with an extra Pro-ject Debut III that i may snag from him.

i like the simplicity of the Rega, although i like the price of the marantz better. hmm, food for thought...

those kef bookshelf speakers look great too!

Thanks so much for all your help!

[philball1974]

Do you need a Phono Stage with the PM6004?

[deathwaltz]

Do you want new or vintage ?
That is the question ?
Go vintage and get not only more for your money but in my opinion a nicer sound.
Any good used dealers your way ?
A good hifi shop will do you right and set up systems for you to take records in so you can hear it .
My local boys at Audeio Gold in Crouch End are for my money the best in the country and they make you coffee!

[Hatter313]

Hey Spencer, I'm in the US, but its NYC so i should be able to find someone around here. I like the idea of going vintage, both for sound and aesthetic,my folks had a great setup they bought in 85 that sounded superb, but unfortunately i started collecting long after they had moved on form vinyl as a format. . Might check the local thrifts and see what's around, people are always getting rid of their electronics when they think they have "outlived" their usefulness.

[reddye6]

I need some similar help, please!

I have an old Sota Comet (~1995), and I've been using an old Blue Point cartridge. I've been able to use my Blue Point because I went for a period when I barely used my turntable. However, I now use it heavily and it's definitely time to upgrade the cartridge. In the past week, albums have been sounding like shit.

I was thinking of doing the Needle Doctor's Blue Point retip deal and get either the Blue Point No. 2 or the Blue Point Special Evo III (you get $100 off a new cartridge when you send them the old one). Anyone here have experience with those, or with the Needle Doctor's retip program? I'm assuming, which I know is a bad idea, that I can replace my Blue Point with either of these choices. If you know that I'm mistaken, please tell me. If I go through Needle Doctor, I will definitely ask to make sure, but I wanted to see if anyone had immediate experience.