entry level audiophile system.

Downforce wrote:

Receivers:  Sony STR-DE305, or a Sherwood RX-4103? The Sony has a phono preamp.

The Sony is likely better than the Sherwood, but neither are very good.

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Speakers:  Cambridge Soundworks Model Six

Should be servicable.

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CD player:  Sony CDP-XE500 single player.  I like it as it has a remote and is programmable.

Should be OK, if used get a CD laser cleaning disk.

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Turntable:  Denon DP-26F fully automatic in need of a new drive belt.  It has a defeatable preamp.  I like fully automatic or semi-automatic tables, but that is secondary to sound. Leaning toward the new Orbit, depending on when it’s available and a Stephen Meijas review.

The Orbit will be available soon. Likely can't be beat for $150, but might be able to do better used.

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Phono cartridge: no idea, want to limit the budget to $100.  Turntable must have a preinstalled cartridge, I’ve read enough horror stories on cartridge setup!

The Orbit comes with a passable cartridge.

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Speaker stands:  on the suggestion of a poster, want heavy, metal stands and not wood ones that are prevalent here in the Seoul, South Korea audio markets.

Find steel stands that are fillable with sand.

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Speaker cables:  looking for cables with installed connectors. Speakers have binding posts, while both receivers have simple spring clips.  Are pin connectors acceptable for both ends?

monoprice.com, bare end speaker wire will be accommodated by both spring clips terminals and binding posts.

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Vinyl cleaner:  an old Orbitrac 2 with rubber mats and a rotating brush. Any suggestions?

Spin Clean

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Room and acoustics:  room is about 16 X 14 feet, ceilings are only 8 feet and walls are hard, cement or concrete.  Only furniture is a large couch opposite the system location.  Speakers will be placed about 10 feet apart.

If this is a dedicated listening room, place your speakers ala Cardas http://www.cardas.com/room_setup.php

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System placement: the system will be on a rack/table along with a 46 inch LCD flat screen, a modem, a router and a satellite TV box.  Can these other components create interference?

With sheilded cables and some separation of components shouldn't be a problem.