I'd suggest running the preamp into some good selfpowered speakers, like the Audioengine's. I've got the small ones in my office and they're VERY good for the money. You might even be able to find a used pair for your $100.

The old amp may end up being ok, but you're rolling the dice a little there. Clearly you'd also need to budget for speakers, while the AEs kill two birds with one stone and they save valuable space.

Dave

The Bose is the weak point of your "system". Get the Pioneer repaired. It would be more than adaquate for a bedroom system. If you need any help with the repair www.audiokarma.org is the place to go. The guys over there specialize in vintage gear. As for speakers, we need to know what you like before recommending something. There will be those we push their favorite sound. Always listen for yourself before buying. You can save a bundle with used gear. Your local CL is a good place to look. There will also be those we completely ignore used gear.
It's always your choice. I'm just trying to give you some of the options.

Last comment. Never buy any speaker you haven't heard

You can put that thought right back out of your head. The magic is in the collective nuances of high fidelity components working together and properly positioned within the room. You don't have to spend a fortune, but you do have to have stuff that is capable of magic and that ain't it.

Quote:
You can put that thought right back out of your head. The magic is in the collective nuances of high fidelity components working together and properly positioned within the room. You don't have to spend a fortune, but you do have to have stuff that is capable of magic and that ain't it.

absurd thought! ANYTHING and everything is capable of magic... noone has a monopoly on it! we cannot quantify sound. when will you folk learn that?

I have a Pioneer SX-950 that is beautiful and built like a tank. It's been "repaired" twice and can't stop blowing channels. In its day it was the shiz. The '80 series are less so and IMO not worth the hassle. The 950 sits in the shop like a boat anchor .

There's a lot of neat stuff out there in your price range. If you don't have a local audio dealer check out Audio Advisor and Music Direct online. Their sales staff can give advice also.

Go for the hundred dollar gamble, and if you don't dig the sound, Craigslist will likely make you your money back!

It's got phono built in, too.

No matter the speakers you choose, if they mate well with the Pioneer, they should match up well with anything else you'd buy.

Also, add digital to your bedroom life with a 40 dollar Sony or Phillips CD player (specific models, etc... are floating around the forum, somewhere.)

So, we have 1900 bucks for speaks and vinyl playback!

Rega P3-24 with Elys cartridge!

800 left for speakers...

PSB - G-Design GB1's on sale for 660 bucks at Audio Advisor.

300 bucks for wires, stands, if needed, etc...

Bada bing!

2 kilodollars for fun fun fun!

The good news: Should you 'outgrow' your Pioneer at some point, no need to upgrade what you've already got. Maximum BFB!