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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 thatavidguy

thatavidguy
7 posts
 
Oh I enjoy a good system build, especially with a budget... it's fun!

Are you locked into the powered speakers?  That might limit the number of devices you can hook up if they have varied interests.

I've been kicking around this same scenario for when my kids are a bit older and wanting their first "real" systems.  If I was locked into new I think I'd start with a trip to Parts Express and get a pair of Dayton B652 or B652-Air.  I have them as near field monitors at work and they are amazing for around $60 shipped.  Parts Express also has some very inexpensive amps in a variety of flavors to suit input needs, power, bluetooth, etc.  You can get out of there for around $200 and then add one of the entry level U-Turns or Fluance decks with built in phono stage.  That's a pretty inexpensive investment for kids.

But you could also spend a bit more go with:

The Elac Debut 2.0 B6 for around $250.  Pair that with a Denon PMA-600NE or NAD C316BEEv2.

That's under $1,000 without tax/shipping.


thatavidguy
7 posts
 
If it were me in this scenario and I didn't want one of the newer, cheaper belt drives, I'd go for something from this guy.

https://horiatis76.com/

He sells fully refurbished decks, often with new dust covers, interconnects and stylus (if needed).  I don't personally have experience buying from him but he's been at this a long time... and the higher end stuff goes quickly.

But right now he has a nice selection of lower end DD tables, and I'd think any of them would work well for kids just getting into this stupid hobby. ;)

Yea I get that your friend isn't into used but I think this is a pretty safe option.
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