If you're going under $100 for the TT, then the Technics is probably a safer bet, since they're simpler designs and built well. Forget about 2.1 and go two-channel at this price point. Get a used integrated amp and used mini-monitors for the speakers. You said receiver, consider this if you listen to a lot of radio, if not, go with the integrated amp. You may want a dock for an iPod if you've got a lot of media in that format.

Dave

Skip the Technics 1200 it's way overrated, and it's direct drive. Many years ago I had a customer INSIST on putting a Sumiko Bluepoint #2 on a 1200 even though I told him he wouldn't hear the difference because of the limitations of the 'table. I did it, he heard that he had wasted his money so he bought a new turntable and I mounted his new cartridge on that table. He was absolutely floored. Regas are good, also consider Project, and Music Hall. For affordable speakers new it's hard to beat Paradigm. I like the Marantz SR4021 receiver. No sub out but you can still hook up a sub speaker level.

The Behringer A-500 is not an integrated amp, it is a power amp which would require a preamp or control amp to operate. It is also designed for sound reinforcement and studio operation, and may not be the best option for a home system.

Your budget is going to severely limit your options, especially in finding an intergrated amp that has a phono input. I would recommend a new Harman Kardon HK3385 for $200. It has ample, fairly clean power (80 wpc) and a decent phono section. Yes, it is a receiver with an AM/FM section, but for your budget it is about the only thing you can get into. Even going used, a good integrated amp with a phono section is going to be difficult.

To round it out you would get pretty good sound with the above unit with Epos ELS-3 loudspeakers ($399) and a Rega P1 turntable improved by LP Gear ($395).

I strongly advise against Behringer products. They are typically copies of better products, but built down to the lowest possible price point. Behringer's house sound can be most charitably described as crispy.

Actually, I would suggest getting a receiver. One might think that a receiver would be more expensive for what one gets than the integrated amp, which has no tuner. However, I think it's a matter of economy of scale: receivers are more popular so more of them are built than integrated amps. Make sure whichever you choose actually has a phono input, as so many don't anymore, and a separate phono preamp would be an extra expense.

In your price range, a used TT would be the best bet. A Rega would probably have a better tone arm than the Technics, but either should do you fine.

For speakers, the Infinity Primus P162 measures astonishingly well for an inexpensive speaker, or you might find a used PSB B25 or Energy C-3. Those would be good places to start, anyway, but listen around.

You can add a subwoofer later.

I'm by no means an expert, but for a TT (which is inherently 2-channel) you might be better off finding a decent pair of speakers and skipping the subwoofer.

I'm a fan of the Technics 1200 (DJ here) but I don't think you'd ever find one in good condition for less than $400. It's the DJ's table of choice and is always in high demand.

*A note to the purists: I've got a Linn table for my serious, at home listening so have no fear!*

See if you can find a used Project table...I've seen them sell for about $150 used. As for your amp. Try and find a better quality amp on the used market. Stay away from Behringer products, though, as they're horribly built. NAD stuff can be had used for a couple hundred bucks.

Same theory applies to your speakers, too. Check out sites like Audiogon and find yourself some decent used speakers, too.

Good luck!

The Epos speaker is quite nice, and would be good for the music you like to listen to. It's a very honest speaker...but it deserves better amplification than the two receivers you listed.

Honestly, if music is a priority I wouldn't even touch a surround sound receiver. You should just get a 2-channel integrated amp.

A NAD C315bee/Epos ELS-3 pairing would absolutely, positively sound 1,000,000 times better than the Onkyo or Yamaha/Epos ELS-3 pairing. Trust me.

You can still run your TV audio output through the NAD and have sweet 2-channel sound for movies/tv.

NAD C315bee = $400
EPOS ELS-3 = $250
...puts you in your budget and will sound significantly better than any AVR (unless you spend a few thousand on the reciever).

Wiak 2, Whosgotsoul gives you good advice. Dollar for dollar, Epos will give you high-end balance and soundstaging. I also agree with those who recommend Music Hall, Rega, and Pro-Ject, as opposed to Technics. The problem is, we are all guessing as to your goals -- do you want neutrality and musical accuracy? Or do you want colored sound? These are important questions. Most of us on this site will steer you towards auditioning what we feel is "neutral" sound. It is okay if you want to be jolted in your listening room. However, on a budget, the jolts will come with the rasps, wheezes, and booms. It is always best to go neutral rather than dramatic, at lower budget levels, IF you value live acoustic music. If not, go with your heart. Crank it 'n Raunch it, if that is where you live. You might hate neutral sound reproduction. We have no way of knowing until you tell us how you like to listen and what you like to listen to.

If you want neutral, though, go with the Rega, Pro-Ject, or Music Hall in this price range. You will not be disappointed.

Buy the best integrated amp or receiver you can afford, used on Audiogon or at your (reliable) dealer's. Don't be afraid to seek out a good dealer.

Good luck, and keep in touch.

Rega P1, improved by LP Gear, $395
Harman Kardon HK3385, $200
Epos ELS-3, $250/pair

I would definitely not skimp on the turntable. That Audio Technica is not very good, no matter what you may read. It does not isolate resonances very well and the cartridge is junk.

Hello!
For the integrated i would suggest an used Rega Brio which falls in your price bracket and has a mm/mc input. As a bonus you will get a very natural and emotional presentation of the music you listen, especially with a turntable.

Epos speakers are a great choice, by the way.

The c325bee has more power than its little brother and thats about it.

The NAD integrateds do not have a phono stage. The Harman Kardon HK3385 has adequate power, a good phono section and sounds pretty good considering the price. And you seem to really be limited by price. It would be a good choice to get you started until you are ready to upgrade.

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The NAD integrateds do not have a phono stage. The Harman Kardon HK3385 has adequate power, a good phono section and sounds pretty good considering the price. And you seem to really be limited by price. It would be a good choice to get you started until you are ready to upgrade.

I don't think thats a such good idea since you might get the urge the upgrade soon. My advice is to get a better unit like the Rega, which is a serious amplifier. The difference in price is not that big at all.

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I'd need a pre-amp with this receiver, right?

The Harmon Kardon does NOT need a pre-amp.

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I think I'm leaning towards the Audio-Technica AT-PL120 Professional Direct-Drive Turntable. It's $188, and from what I heard from reviews and a couple friends is a pretty good deal. It also includes a pre-amp which makes it more convenient for me. (This means I don't require a phono input in my receiver, correct?)

As for the receiver I'm thinking about the Onkyo TX-SR505 or maybe the Yamaha 363. Thoughts?

Finally I'm going to go with the EPOS ElS-3 speakers. I can get them for $250, which isn't bad considering they seem to be going for $400 everywhere now a days. How are they compared to Axiom Audio M3ti?

The phono preamps included with TTs may not be that great.

You'll have to decide on which speakers you like yourself.