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Trying to Help My Nephew With His First Venture Into High End Audio

Would appreciate some advice on how to proceed.

I am "gifting" my Nephew several components and a set of speakers, from my 2nd system. Most of this stuff is from 1995, but works well and still sounds very good. He listens to mostly Rock music on Vinyl.

Here is the base system we are starting with (digital only, no Vinyl):
Totem Model 1 Speakers (4Ohm and 98db)Meitner MTR-101 (MUSE-TEX) Mono Amps (100W into 8 Ohms, 200W into 4 Ohms)
Rotel Solid State Preamp, RC-970BX (No phono stage)
Marantz CD Player (CD-63SE)Opening price point interconnects and a set speaker cables
I would like to keep him focused on "separate components" versus an integrated option. I believe this will help him to learn about how each part of the system contributes to the sound, and if he chooses to change something, he can "perhaps" upgrade 1 component without changing the entire system.

Also, he is a bit hesitant about tubes. However, I would like to introduce tubes somewhere into the system (preamp or outboard phono perhaps) so he can learn about the benefits and shortcomings of tubes in Vinyl playback.
As you can see from the system I am gifting him, he will still need to buy:
A turntable/arm/cartridge.Either a tube preamp with phono section (if replacing the Rotel) or an outboard tube phono stage (if keeping the Rotel).
Also a SUT depending on what direction you suggest.

He has $5,000 to spend.

labpro

Showing 4 responses by chakster

chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
He has $5,000 to spend.

He listens to mostly Rock music on Vinyl.

He’s not new to vinyl and $5k is more than enough for great stuff.

Look for brand new Technics SL-1200GR for about $1800 (read reviews and audiogon). Buy JLTi mk5 phono stage for about $1100 including shipping from Australia direct from the manufacturer. Find a nice MM or MI cartridge and you’re done. This is great MM/MC phono stage, for MM it’s superb! Ask if you need help with a cartridge for Technics tonearm. 
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Pioneer PLX series can compete ONLY with OLD Technics 1200 discontinued before Pioneer made their PLX1000.

But it can’t compete with Technics new “GR” series which is only one step behind the “G”, both have coreless DD motor (best DD motor available today). They are more expensive for a reason (much better technology and more expensive materials). 
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
How old is your nephew?   
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Your nephew is young, why don’t you advice him something modern instead of a belt drive Sota turntable for pensioners? :)


Technics SL1200GR (or G) is much better choice for 33 y.o. guy. Almost any MM or MI carts are fine for Technics magnesium tonearm with VTA on the fly and detachable headshell. Audio-Technica, Grado, Soundsmith, Garrott … whatever if you want new. 
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