I want to help my lovely future husband upgrade his system but we are paying for the wedding ourselves, so I am a bit on the budget end. First, he is a record collector and lover. Right now, he has a turntable and receiver he has probably had since he first started listening to records - turntable: Technics SL-QD33; Receiver: Pioneer SX-312R with a phono input. I would like to get him a new receiver with good phono for hopefully less than $500 for Christmas and turntable for either a wedding present or his birthday (which are both in the spring) for again, under $500. Or vice versa.
In researching what to get him, my mind has literally been blown with the options and opinions and I need help. Also, please excuse me if I mis-use audiophile phrases or statements because I am literally just learning this in my research process for my loved one.
I think he wants a receiver rathar than an integrated amp because we listen to the radio A LOT! However, if there is an integrated amp/tuner combo someone can recommend within my price range, I would definitely consider it.
For receivers, here is what I was thinking: Cambridge Audio Topaz SR10 or maybe I'll just spend the extra money and get the Outlaw Audio RR 2150. I was initially considering a Yamaha RS700BL or 500BL but I've read some bad things about its tuner. Other things I've considered are the Denon DRA-397 and the Harmon Kardon 3490 but I've read some inconsistent things about reliability. Please, any comments or suggestions on these or anything else would be greatly appreciated.
For a new turntable, I saw this Denon DP300F with a Ortofon 2M red cartridge that looked good but I have no clue. Others that I'm considering are the Pro-Ject debut carbon and Music Hall MMF-2.2 turntable.
I really appreciate your comments and suggestions on the items I've listed or any other thing you think I'd benefit from. Thank you!
I want to help my lovely future husband upgrade his system but we are paying for the wedding ourselves, so I am a bit on the budget end. First, he is a record collector and lover. Right now, he has a turntable and receiver he has probably had since he first started listening to records - turntable: Technics SL-QD33; Receiver: Pioneer SX-312R with a phono input. I would like to get him a new receiver with good phono for hopefully less than $500 for Christmas and turntable for either a wedding present or his birthday (which are both in the spring) for again, under $500. Or vice versa.
In researching what to get him, my mind has literally been blown with the options and opinions and I need help. Also, please excuse me if I mis-use audiophile phrases or statements because I am literally just learning this in my research process for my loved one.
I think he wants a receiver rathar than an integrated amp because we listen to the radio A LOT! However, if there is an integrated amp/tuner combo someone can recommend within my price range, I would definitely consider it.
For receivers, here is what I was thinking: Cambridge Audio Topaz SR10 or maybe I'll just spend the extra money and get the Outlaw Audio RR 2150. I was initially considering a Yamaha RS700BL or 500BL but I've read some bad things about its tuner. Other things I've considered are the Denon DRA-397 and the Harmon Kardon 3490 but I've read some inconsistent things about reliability. Please, any comments or suggestions on these or anything else would be greatly appreciated.
For a new turntable, I saw this Denon DP300F with a Ortofon 2M red cartridge that looked good but I have no clue. Others that I'm considering are the Pro-Ject debut carbon and Music Hall MMF-2.2 turntable.
I really appreciate your comments and suggestions on the items I've listed or any other thing you think I'd benefit from. Thank you!