topangatx
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Newbie that has $1200 to spend on a Record player setup
Ariel Bitran
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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. 

VinnieG
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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.

jackfish
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Pro-Ject Debut Carbon turntable $400

Music Hall A15.2 integrated amp w/phono input $500

Pioneer SP-FS52 floorstanding speakers $260/pair

commsysman
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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.

VinnieG
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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.

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