Welcome.

I'd think about the Rega P1 improved by LP Gear for $395. You opened a can of worms asking what you would need with this. Perhaps you could tell us your listening preferences? What kind of music will you be listening to and how loud do you like to listen to music? Is low bass extension important? What is your price range for a system?

I'd think about auditioning speakers in your price range first and then look for an amplifier that matchs well with the speakers you like. Either an amp with a good phono section or an amp without and a separate good phono preamp would be good.

You will also need a cleaning system for your records.

X2 with jackfish.

BUT I'd say you can hold off on the record cleaning machine that costs about the same as your turntable. Just get a Mobile Fidelity record brush and their ONE cleaning solution. I get acceptable results with that combo. I have a cleaning machine too, but you can get by without one. The solution will clean most records enough that they won't gunk up everything, and take out the biggest dirt-caused pops. When you get around to a vacuum cleaning machine later, you'll hear the difference, and life is a little easier (that is, machines do the job faster and with less hassle).

On the other stuff, jackfish has some good questions. If you're starting off, you probably will want to go with an integrated amplifier (combination of a preamp and power amp) with or without a phono stage. If it doesn't have a phono stage, you'll have to get one. On the other hand, depnding on your preferences and after research, you may decide you want separates.

The improved stylus of the LP Gear improved P1 is definitely worth the $46 difference.

The Rega P1 and ProJect Debut III are entry-level audiophile turntables which suggests you obtain at least entry-level audiophile loudspeakers and components to match.

If you are looking for a party-style of sound vs. accurate music reproduction that will dictate different choices.

One definition of bass frequencies is the range of frequencies from 20Hz to 160Hz. Low bass could be considered 20Hz to 40Hz, with 40Hz to 160Hz comprising the remainder of the bass range. By octaves, low bass could be considered 20Hz to 40Hz, mid bass 40Hz to 80Hz and upper bass 80Hz to 160Hz. Sub bass might be considered those frequencies below 20Hz. The lowest note on a regular bass guitar is about 41Hz. Hence, any loudspeaker which can reproduce that frequency is usually adequate for most people. However, there are instruments which play lower (piano 27.5Hz, large pipe organ 16.35Hz) so some classical music listeners and actually some elctronica might demand lower bass reproduction. Psychoacoustically, when the human ear is presented with specific harmonic frequencies relative to a missing fundamental tone it will fill in the fundamental frequency based on the higher harmonics that are present. So, some loudspeakers which can only reach into the upper mid bass or lower upper bass ranges can satisfy some listeners bass level requirements. Low bass reproduction usually requires drivers with large surface areas which can move large volumes of air. Hence, most loudspeakers which are considered full range (able to reproduce the full audible spectrum of frequencies from low to high) are rather large. Bookshelf or monitor speakers on the other hand are adequate for many people because they need only perceive the lowest bass in program material not actually hear or in some cases feel it.

Also, your penchant for listening loudly on a budget might suggest high efficiency loudspeakers and relatively low powered amplifier.

On your budget you could consider the Infinity Primus P162 bookshelf speakers which can be found for $200/pair online http://www.stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/1007inf/ http://www.soundstage.com/equipment/infinity_primus_p162.htm I don't know where you might be able to listen to them though.

I'm also seeing some closeout deals on the Infinity Primus P362 for as little as $400/pair delivered. http://www.stereophile.com/floorloudspeakers/605infinity/ http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_10_4/infinity-primus-speakers-10-2003.html

For amplification something like an NAD C315BEE integrated amplifier and NAD PP3 phono preamp ($430) might work for you.

Quote:
... i like the sound of those p362 speakers

Very very good speakers for the money.

RG

Quote:
and is the phono preamp a total necessity? what exactly is it needed for?

Yes, unless your integrated amplifier has a "phono input" section (i.e. an internal phono preamp).

Phono signals are lower than other devices, so they have to be "pre" amplified, otherwise you will barely be able to hear it at all. In addition, a standard EQ (the RIAA curve) has to be applied or it'll sound weird (no bass, tinny, etc.) - and not just weird to an audiophile; it'll sound like your listening to an orchestra of fleas in a folgers can.

If you get an integrated amp with phono inputs, you won't need one as long as you stick to a moving magnet (MM) cartridge (the P1 comes with a MM cart).

Sources for the Infinity Primus P362
B&H Photo Video
Check out BPAV here
DTDiscounts

The cheapest decent integrated amplifiers with a phono input I know of are:
Marantz PM5003 $450
Rega Brio $695

Or the Cambridge Audio Azur 340A integrated amp with the Cambridge Audio Azur 540P phono stage for $430 is a possibility.

Some ideas:

Of course the Infinity Primus P162s mentioned previously.

The Infinity Primus P252 for $300/pair.

The Energy C-500 for $360/pair

The Polk Audio TSi300 for $230/pair at Newegg.

The Epos ELS-3s are $300/pair.

The PSB Image B25s are $390/pair.

Another integrated amp with a phono stage that gets very good reviews is the Onkyo A-9555. It looks like it is going for around $700 now, but I seem to remember finding it for closer to 400 or 500. Maybe I'm wrong.

I like the Marantz PM7001, which is now discontinued but you can probably find it used.

Onkyo A-9555 went through a product revision and is now around $700. You can still find the old ones for around $500.
http://www.brandtoyz.com/p-63348-onkyo-a-9555.aspx
http://www.brandnamez.com/p-63348-onkyo-a-9555.aspx
http://www.z9electronics.com/Shop/Control/Product/fp/SFV/32688/vpid/5861297/vpcsid/0/rid/130328