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April 26, 2018 - 11:20am
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Input on Component Selection
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A solid state, integrated amplifier with a phono stage would be the best use of your money. The phono stage is just another expense that given your budget, really wouldn't make a lot of sense to purchase separately.
Tube gear can be magical, but also problematic and a bit of a learn as you go adventure that could require some swapping out of other gear that doesn't partner well if not well thought out in advance. If you are that kind of guy, go for it. If not, maybe start with a good solid state integrated that has a phono stage and spend the lion's share of your budget on the best speakers you can afford.
If you are comfortable with the risk of used components, this would be a really good starting point that would still allow a considerable amount for speakers and cartridge. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis8h76i-marantz-pm-7001-solid-state
Thanks for the input. I figured solid state would probably be the better way to go for simplicity sake as I don't really have the funds or time to be experimenting too much right now. The Marantz you linked looks decent but I would certainly prefer to have an amp that supports both MC and MM cartridges. I assume any that do not have a switch are all MM? How does it know the resistance of the cartridge?
I don't intend to try MC carts anytime soon, but I'd like to at least have the option.
As for used...certainly open to it, though with the older stuff (think 50s-70s) I'd prefer if everything has been professionally checked out and any caps/etc. replaced as necessary, or priced accordingly if not.