phono stage/preamp project the classic superpack help with set-up please

That pro-ject is belt drive, i would never spend than much on belt-drive, look for Japanese Direct Drive instead:

Technics 1500c comes with Cartridge and buit-in MM phono stage £899
Zu Audio Omen Bookshelf $1899 (high efficient speakers)
+Low Power amp of your choice (they are no expensive).

In UK you can always look for Tannoy instead of Zu
This Tannoy for example.

I have assembled this for a local friend, an excellent combination without breaking the bank. It was Tannoy NFM-8 DMT + Luxman sqn100 with built-in MM phono stage and headphone amp!

You can always buy latest Technics MK7 for $899 (also available in silver)
then a better vintage MM cartridge (new Old Stock) separately.

P.S. You can always buy used speakers much cheaper than new, same about latest Technics turntables.
For a separate phono stage i can recommend latest JLTi MM/MC from Australia

I’ve heard somewhere that modern belt driven TTs are better for preserving your records? (that’s very important to me) Is there any truth in that?

What? Record wear factor is all about CARTRIDGE and STYLUS PROFILE (mainly condition of the diamond stylus), but not in any way a drive type. Drive is for rotation only.

My music is mostly 60s/70s guitar based rock/folk/blues. Does/should that influence the kind of speakers I choose?

If you want tremendous dynamics and superb sound quality even on low volume then read about Zu Audio drivers or about Tannoy drivers. Those speakers are high efficient, they are powerful even with very low power amp, for some Tannoy models you don’t need more than 60w amp, for Zu you don’t need even 30w amp. And even 50% less power amp is fine for both. 

I’m driving my floorstanding Zu Audio Druid with 2w (yes just 2w) Yamamoto A-08s tube amp and i can’t believe how load they can be with 2w amp in my big room. I’m all about music from the 70’s. Zu Audio speakers are crossover-less (no crossover). You’d better watch interview with Zu Audio founder, very interesting.

I enjoyed those small vintage Tannoy bookshelf speakers (in my post above), i would like to have their bigger model. Very nice!

If you want to know more about modern Tannoy this is the one to look for, and watch Kevin Deal video , he will explain everything!

My advice is to go to the Zu showroom when you can.
Ask for demo and check it out if you want to buy from them.

There was a bookshelf version of Druid, this is a rare model, available right now on ebay in UK, i think this is the best you can get at £900 for a pair in UK. You could add an active sub later if needed. At this price i would buy myself for a kitchen, but i’m not in UK and internationl shipping is not possible with this seller. Grab them, they are nice and super high efficient, you can always upgrade drivers and supertweeter later with special kit from ZU. I have fully upgraded standfloor Druid MK4 in my room. 

Or you can find Tannoy showroom to compare. With this brand be carefull, because you need ONLY those Tannoy with THIS TYPE of driver. Make sure the speaker has only ONE driver, because nowadays they are making a lot of average cheap speakers (ignore them). From the vintage line of Tannoy this one is nice.

Buy what you like, Zu and Tannoy are really great.