Another amateur in need of advice


Hello all. I'm basically as green as they come, and am looking for some advice in putting together my first 2- channel audio system. Looking to keep it analog, with vinyl playback being the primary purpose of this whole escapade. If I feel compelled to stream something, i would just get a decent bluetooth receiver to appease the crowd of an informal get-together. 

I am looking to experience an "audiophile-grade" sound, but one that is also a giddy and involving listen. Some bass presence would be welcome (newb). In any case, I would prefer to keep the budget under $5k. First question - do I need an integrated amplifier? Can I just get an amplifier and connect the Lounge phono stage that I'm leaning towards? Or connect a CD player or radio tuner? Basically, does a power amp require a pre-amp, which it seems that an integrated provides? As far as integrated amps, I was first leaning towards the newer Rega Brio, but then I heard about the Rogue Sphinx V2. But then I read about all the noise issues with the Sphinx, which really turned me off from it. Noise issues would really steal the jam from my doughnut. The Heed Elixir seems to tick a lot of boxes, but it also seems that it really imparts it's own texture to the music. Maybe that's a good thing? A budgetary stretch - the Croft integrated looks pretty dang cool. If I only need an amplifier rather than an integrated for my purposes, any opinions on the Croft Series 7? 

As far as speakers, I'm as lost as the previous paragraph suggests. Right now leaning towards the Quad S-2, but was considering the KEF LS50 until I read that they sound best with a more powerful amp. Ditto for the Dynaudio Excite X14. And apparently the LS50s are rather bright sounding? Was not considering floor-standers until I found out that the Monitor Audio Silver 300s are pretty easy to drive. Every gosh-darn review I read only sends me deeper down the spiral of confusion and indecisiveness. 

My turntable choice is pretty set - the Mofi ultra deck with the better cartridge. Since it's $2200, it kind of eats up the budget considering the additional costs of cabling and, potentially, speaker stands. But it seems that it's the sort of component that I'll keep for life. 

I'd appreciate any words of guidance and wisdom! Have a good one! 
cleanshirt
 My advice would be to spend a significant amount of the budget on the speakers and the turntable/cartridge. I would go very light budgetwise on the amplifier, and yes you need an integrated amplifier. The preamplifier stage is quite important and if nothing else allows you to control the volume!

I have a feeling that if you choose wisely with the turntable and the speakers, the integrated amplifier might prove to be the component you upgrade next. If that’s correct then you could skimp a tiny bit on the integrated amp. This doesn’t mean choose something that isn’t any good. It just means spend less money on it.

Something very affordable comes to mind. At one point in time I had an integrated amplifier in my office made by peachtree. It was not expensive, sounded very nice, and even had a DAC built in for a digital source.  The model I had was the deco. I believe you can find the nova by peach tree for very good prices either refurbished or used. There is a peach tree deco on audiogon now for $500, which is a great fit for your budget.

$2200 for your table, you already have a phonostage, $500 for the Peachtree, that leaves $2300 For speakers and cables.   Speakers are super personal, but I would put these brands on your radar: Elac, Totem, Magnepan. I would spend as much money as you can and speakers! Elac is making waves in the audio press for offering high end performance for a lower price point. $2k on an Elac speaker may be impressive.

As for speaker cables and interconnect cables, I would recommend going with  The entry level from a well respected manufacturer such as Kimber or Cardas.  You can get a pair of Interconnect worth it’s salt for $100, and short pair of decent speaker cables for $200-$300.  Check out Kimber PBJ and Kimber 8TC

Good luck!