@jrw1971 +1, particularly for amps, preamps & phonostages
@coys21 If I had that fun budget, would move some $ out of the the amp/preamp, keep the RELs for a while, and budget $20 for the tt + cartridge. At that level, may need a phono pre, but $5k w/b more than enough for that
I think one could hear the difference spending 2x on the analogue source without losing anything from the amp/preamp
1) If were me, would start with the tt + cartridge
2) “One voice” on the electronics based just on my experience - amp/pre from same maker, ideally phono stage as well *IF* maker has a good phonostage. Just think this works better than mix & match
With one voice I can actually audition the electronics and know (roughly) what I am getting. The electronics were designed in relation to each other in the first instance. Total guesswork / reliance on others if mix & match. (DAC can be its own thing - others will have better informed view of $5k dac vs. $10k dac, for example)
3) Amp vs Pre/Phono - to taste, but wouldn’t think twice if wound up at 50/50
A room that big opens up so many cool choices for speakers
Would be really interested in thoughts from others on the above - thank you
Tell us what you choose (and your process), and good luck!
Have a great day