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Would Appreciate Advice Before I Buy

Greetings and thanks in advance for any and all assistance. I am re-entering the vinyl world in my 60s, now that I have enough time to give to that approach and a little bit of money to spend on components that will help me to enjoy the music I like.

I am only wanting to spend in the neighborhood of $2,000 - $4,000. I realize that's a relatively small outlay, but I also gather that there are good options at almost every price point. Here is what I am contemplating - I would welcome comments. Am I missing something? Will these components "play well" together?

  • Schiit Ragnarok-2 integrated amplifier (fully-loaded)
  • Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO turntable 
  • Klipsch RP-600M speakers
  • Bose Quiet Comfort headphones (already own these and would use if I can)
I like a variety of music styles: classical, pop/rock, big band, jazz, a little blues and other. I am not a terribly demanding listener, but I think I can hear the difference between great sound and mediocre sound. My room is a currently open large rectangular "bonus room" upstairs in a new home. I can adapt (sub-divide, other) that room over time to improve sonics.

My first vinyl purchase is a set of the Franklin Mint "Greatest Jazz Recordings..." in, well, mint condition that I was able to get very inexpensively at an estate sale this past week. I will probably start picking up some of the re-issued Elvis Costello soon as well. 

What do you think? Thanks again.

David
dprendergast

Showing 6 responses by dprendergast

dprendergast OP
13 posts
 
This is all welcome advice, and I am grateful. I did check in with Schiit, and they like the package as well, but they did mention that a phono pre-amp might be needed. And from what I can tell, the Pro-Ject would require that. So that's another issue/cost.

But I am inclined, based on comments so far, to stick with the Ragnarok-2 and then select a different turntable with a pre-amp built in and an Ortofon cartridge.

And I might switch from the Klipsch to the Elac speakers - still thinking about that.

David
dprendergast OP
13 posts
 
Additional clarification from Schiit: with "fully-loaded" Ragnarok-2 and an MM cartridge (like the Ortofon Blue), a phono preamp would not be needed. That would lower the cost of the U-Turn Audio option, for example.
dprendergast OP
13 posts
 
The Ragnarok-2, Elac UB52 (on sale now at $455), and U-Turn/Ortofon Blue combination would come in at $2,790. That would be pretty amazing if you all think it works well.
dprendergast OP
13 posts
 
The KLH 5s would blow my budget, wouldn't they?
dprendergast OP
13 posts
 
Current thinking:

Ragnarok-2 fully loaded
Rega Planar 1 Plus (integrated phono preamp)
KEF LS50 Meta

This would take me to the top of my $4K budget. I would plan/hope to add the KEF KC62 sub later. As well as perhaps a cartridge upgrade to the Rega.

I’m not sure that I REALLY want to spend this much, but this feels like a good landing place based on everything I have read here.

Am I overthinking it at this point? Several have said original combo was just fine. But I'm responding to some opposition to the Pro-Ject turntable and also heeding what I hear/read about speakers being a place to put emphasis. Do the KEF ($1,600) merit the additional expense over Klipsch ($770) or Elac ($455!)?
dprendergast OP
13 posts
 
UPDATE: I bit the bullet and went with the above package (Ragnarok-2 fully loaded, Rega Planar 1 Plus, and the KEF LS50 Meta speakers). Thanks to all who provided education and advice - I am in your debt. 
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