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Help with a budget turntable/amp/speaker system?

Hi, I've been collecting vinyl for a few months, but they've just been sitting around collecting dust. I'm trying to get a budget system (My budget is around 950 dollars, can't go over than 1000 no matter what). I already got a Denon DP-300F turntable for $225 used so I guess that lowers my budget down to ~ 750$ for the rest of the system.

I listen to mostly pop-punk/alt rock bands (Bouncing Souls, Yellowcard, Saves the Day, Lagwagon, New Found Glory), some hardcore/post-hardcore (Touche Amore, Silverstein, Kid Dynamite), and a few mellow indie bands (Bright Eyes, etc.).

I'm open to buying used and vintage, although I'd slightly prefer something that's easy to set up and won't break down (I've heard some vintage models are unreliable when it comes to not breaking down).

So basically I need:
Cartridge + Integrated Amp (my Denon comes with phono) + Speakers.

Also, if it comes to it, I'm open to re-selling the Denon for what I paid for it because when I bought it a few days ago, my budget was only around $700 for the whole system.

Thanks!

Some models I'm currently considering/looking at are:
Cartridge: Audio Technica AT-MLA 440, Denon DL-110, Ortofon 2M Blue

Amp: NAD C315BEE (in the process of buying it, debating whether to use it for myself or give it to my brother, NAD 3020, Marantz 2230, Pioneer A400, Sherwood 7100,

Speakers: Thiel, Vandersteen, Polk Audio Monitor 40's (not high end I know).

specific model recs would be appreciated, and thanks again! :)
toxicwaterfront
toxicwaterfront OP
41 posts
 
Yeah I was a bit worried about that too, because who knows what's happened to that amp over the course of 30-40 years?

Before I posted this, I was leaning towards the Denon-110 for the cartridge but now I'm leaning towards the AT-440MLA. It just seems more reliable after all the great reviews, and I posted a similar thread on a different website and everyone suggested the AT as well.
I think I'm going to end up just using the C315BEE for simplicity's sake.

thank you all so much for the help! :)
txguy318hou
7 posts
 
I'd stay away from a MC cart on my first TT...unless the integrated you get has a MC input, you'll need a separate phono amp...not in the budget...I also thought you were looking at the $50 AT 95E cart...not the $220 AT440...suit yourself, but I doubt I'd spend 20% of my budget on a cart for a starter system....I personally wouldn't go much over $100...you might also look at the lower-end Grados, Sumiko Pearl, Shure M97, etc...very good for the dollar...and all have at least 4 mV output...compatibly with any MM input...
txguy318hou
7 posts
 
One last idea and then I'll shut up until you report back...there are a few very good budget monitors out there that might give you very high bang for buck...the first that comes to mind is the new Pioneer SP-BS41-LR...I believe it got a Stereophile C rating ( definitely peruse stereophile's budget component reviews online...especially Stephen Mejias' columns...I have a feeling he's right up your alley) and it's $150/pair...others such as NHT super zero or Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 are also well-reviewed...augment a pair of those with a cheap thrift store sub and you'd have a killer micro-budget system that would deliver the occasional punch you probably crave...I have enjoyed the audiophile hobby for many years and have been through lots of high-end floorstanders yet these days I prefer to listen to monitors on stands...for me, they deliver most of the oomph of the big boys and have superior imaging and presence...plus, they're cheap enough to swap out on occasion...if I want to rock out, I turn on my homemade subs (low-Q sealed with Shiva drivers)...worth considering and it frees up more of your budget for a nice integrated or that AT 440...

let us know what you come up with...
toxicwaterfront OP
41 posts
 
Decided on a system!
My Denon and the NAD, Denon DL-110 cart, and Wharfdale 10.1 speakers. thanks everyone!
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