Columns Retired Columns & Blogs |
December 2, 2012 - 3:34pm
#1
Newbie that has $1200 to spend on a Record player setup
Loudspeakers Amplification | Digital Sources Analog Sources Featured | Accessories Music |
Columns Retired Columns & Blogs |
Loudspeakers Amplification Digital Sources | Analog Sources Accessories Featured | Music Columns Retired Columns | Show Reports | Features Latest News Community | Resources Subscriptions |
if your dedicated amp (integrated or power+pre) does not have a phono stage, you will need to purchase a phono stage for the Pro-Ject Debut III's signal. cables are a cost to consider as well. check out Blue Jean Cable for affordable and durable cables with solid connectors.
I am a fellow newbie and am looking for a system in the same price range. Based upon forum recommendations and reivews, I have decided on the following:
(1) Pro-ject Debut Carbon turntable ($400): Reviews indicated it would be worth the extra $50 to upgrade from the Debut III.
(2) Music Hall A15.2 integrated amp ($500): Built-in phono stage, so you don't have to buy that.
(3) Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 speakers ($350/pair): Excellent reviews for these bookshelf speakers.
This is slightly above your budget ($1250) and does not include speaker and component cables, but figured this might be a decent start for your consideration. I did a lot of research and am pretty confident that the above components should provide good bang for your buck.
I'd be interested in hearing other's thoughts.
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon turntable $400
Music Hall A15.2 integrated amp w/phono input $500
Pioneer SP-FS52 floorstanding speakers $260/pair
The following recommendations, from Vinnie, are very good ones IMO.
The Music Hall A15.2 is a steal for $499; I thnk it may be the best integrated amp available for under $800, and has a phono stage.
Another option which would save you some money would be to buy my NAD C325BEE, which is only $225 plus shipping and is like new. I have an ad on the AVS Forums website if that interests you. It is a very good amplifier. It is essentially identical to the C326BEE, which is the current model and sells for $549. (actually, since you are in Los Angeles and I am near San Bernardino, we could probably meet somewhere in between and save the shipping charges).
One thing I suggest that you consider, also, is that the 10.1 has a rather limited bass response. For another $100 or so, you could get the 10.2, which will give better overall performance in that respect. Music Direct has those speakers.
(1) Pro-ject Debut Carbon turntable ($400): Reviews indicated it would be worth the extra $50 to upgrade from the Debut III.
(2) Music Hall A15.2 integrated amp ($500): Built-in phono stage, so you don't have to buy that.
(3) Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 speakers ($350/pair): Excellent reviews for these bookshelf speakers.
commsysman:
For the type of music I listen to (Springsteen, Beatles, Pink Floyd), will the Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 be sufficient? I realize that the 10.2's may be better, but I have already stretched my budget quite a bit. Bass is generally not a huge concern for me, and I am most interested in building a nice entry-level setup that will allow me to appreciate vinyl.
From everything I have read, I am hesitant to downgrade the TT or amplifier to accomodate slightly better speakers. Any input you have would be great.
Thanks.