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Cheap starter system for kids

A friend who is definitely not an audiophile has two kids who have gotten into vinyl using some junky all-in-one turntables that just now broke. He wanted my advice on helping them put together their new systems but definitely isn’t ready to jump into the deep end just yet.

I generally enjoy the game of building theoretical systems from scratch so hoped some of you would too. The system needs to be for beginners in their tweens/early teens, include a turntable, be relatively compact as it goes in a bedroom, does not need deep bass to avoid annoying their mom, and it needs to be as cheap as you can get with still good sound quality (he hasn’t given me a sure budget yet but definitely under $1k and the lower the better). He’s only comfortable with new/refurbished gear rather than used or vintage.

So far I’m leaning towards:
Turntable:
Project debut carbon - $400
or
Rega P1 - $475

Phono:
Schiit Mani - $130
or
Cambridge Alva Solo - $180 (if he’d rather pay $50 to avoid all the Schiit jokes from a tween boy)

Speakers: Audioengine HD3 - $350

Look forward to your ideas & comments.
ethos123

Showing 2 responses by oldhvymec

oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
You can get some great deals on Thorens too.  The older ones are really easy to fix if they ever do break. They are belt driven. A lot of the models parts interchange. I have a dozen or so. LOL. Look! 100-1500.00 for the same TT one with a heavy Plinth, one without. Belts 10 dollars.. Carts 
get scratchers (DJ stuff) 20-150 for 2 or 3.

A good receiver, like Sansui, Pioneer Spec, there are a few good ones with Phono on board . Throw in a good Sony SCD for 200.00 if you looking. Speakers, just a ton to chose from. I like the older Infinity for the money. 100-400.00. A lot of parts to keep them in tip top shape.. VMPS if you can find a pair you like... Big boom boom for the kiddies..No subs needed...

Fewer the parts better off you are ay?

Receiver
TT
Zip Cord
Speakers
CD option
Music Channel option

Regards
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 

msafrick1 posts05-13-2020 9:30amI have the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon.

They come with clear spot tape. If you don't install the tape the lid will fall off. They do teach how to handle a manual tonearm though.. I learned when I was just 6 or so.. 59 years ago..LOL. A Garrard 301/Grace tonearm..

RUSSCO TT bullet proof. you can't break it. I forgot about those. I have 6 or 8 QRC, Russco, Sparta.. VERY COOL TT. I gotta post some pictures, of the Broadcast and Transcription TT, collection.. Tons of fun.. I'll bet the kids and the parents would love it... I call them Garrard Killers, Massive... 100-1000.00 usd Motors look like washing machine motors. Tone arm boards too.

They come with a little onboard tube preamp sometimes, too, BUT open wiring on the bottom, gotta be on a good plinth, I make mine out of oak stair flats, 40-60 lbs, 28.00 dollars, takes two. I use Queen Ann Legs, very classy looking.  You can use multi tonearms too. EASY swap.
Plinth or Tonearm mount.

24/7 for 30 years....easy maint too.

Regards
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