Help with a budget turntable/amp/speaker system?

You really are off to a good start on the journey. I know part of the process is the apprehension in buying the proper components, but falling into your preferred brands is part of the process. I feel that most brands do carry something of their own sonic signature so to speak. I started my system many years ago, and also worked it around the NAD integrated. I had the 3020B. Still functions flawlessly, and is currently giving audio pleasure to my father. In your speaker category you may also consider the Wharfdale line. I have not heard them, but they are at a good pricepoint for your consideration, and have received very favorable reviews. I am found of the Focal line, but you should listen for yourself, and find what suits you best. With your rock leanings, you will want something that can rock a little more. I buy most everything used, but I have always been leary of used cartridge purchases. You will also have to consider your speaker cables. Your table has an interconnect with it for you. If your integrated is vintage and you use the phone stage, be sure to turn the switch off for the phono section of the Denon turntable. I just ran into that when hooking one up for my dad. I am familiar with the Marantz. A friend uses it, and has been very happy with it. I have listened to it with him, and it is a nice vintage piece. Good luck with your choices. If you have the opportunity, I would try to hook up with a local dealer who may carry some of the product lines you might like, and try to listen to some of the gear on your own. I know that isn't always possible though. Best of luck - and remember to trust yourself and pick what suits your taste and your ear.

thank you! do you think the NAD 3020 or the Marantz 2230 would be better suited for my needs? I don't know of any thrift stores near me where I could go test them out.

and is the 3020 significantly better than the C315BEE?

oh, and how would you suggest i split up the budget? thanks :)

Get the AT-440 cart...with your budget, it's really all you can afford and it'll probably do just fine with the music you like...forget Theil and Vandersteens -- they're out of you price range and, speaking from experience (2CE sigs and 3A sigs), Vandys are great for jazz, light classical and especially vocals but are a little laid-back for your tastes, IMO...also, they are rather easily overdriven at the higher volumes you are likely to listen to...they actually have an LED warning light that comes on at what you may consider routine volume levels...I have no experience with Theils but I think they are a bit pricey for your range....a used NAD integrated would make a fine bang-for-buck choice...I confer with Bank738's Wharfedale recco...I have had Pacific EVO 30s and Diamond 9.6s...you will get the SPLs you want but they can also deliver the nuance and detail that audiophiles crave...I would also consider used Klipsches...some may hate them, but their high sensitivity (usually 90 dB/w/m or better) will mate well with the relatively low power integrateds in your range...don't let that statement put you off...50 WPC from an integrated with a real power supply will blow away 100 WPC from a cheapo surround receiver...as for budget, the cart is about $50, leaving you with $650 for speakers/integrated...I'd split that 50-50 with a little give one way or the other depending on what's available...try to go local as shipping will eat up a huge chunk of your budget...sorry for the run-on...good luck and happy listening....keep us informed!!!

One more thought: I know there are a lot of devotees to the NAD 3020 and it was a game-changer but that was back in the '80s and the Marantz goes back to the '70s...I know there are lots of examples of these that are still playing fine but the probabilty of cap failure starts becoming a concern at about 20 yrs...if all things were equal, I'd go for the newer 315 BEE...you might also consider one of the Cambridge integrateds...they've just introduced new models and I've seen a lot of deals on their late-model used stuff...I've never had one but they get raves and I am a big fan of their digital stuff (740 CD player and DAC-Magic)...