Turntable and amp combination


All

i would like to put together a turntable and amp combination. While I know enough about the world of digital audio, know very little about the world of analog Audio. 
Have a large collection of vinyl records that my dad gave to me to begin with. 
Also have a paid of bookshelf speakers from Salk sound to begin with (scanspeak 5” woofer and Aircirc tweeter in MTM configuration). 
For all other parts I would like to ideally spend unde $2k-$3k. 
It would be great to get a few suggestions for what gear to buy. 
marrduk24
@chakster Great advice about a Japanese made DD Technics 1200, even if it’s an older used one, but I’d personally got for a new GR, as I did. It’s a phenomenal deck for the money.

Also, an external phono pre is going to sound better than most internal ones, and also have more loading capabilities. Tavish makes some great tube based phono pres for aprox $700, and have MM and MC inputs. Hook one of those up to a decent integrated amp, and you’re off and running. Just my 2 cents...
@chakster Great advice about a Japanese made DD Technics 1200, even if it’s an older used one, but I’d personally got for a new GR, as I did. It’s a phenomenal deck for the money.

Absolutely, if 1200 series then NEW G or GR, not old for sure.

If old then SP-10 mkII with EPA-100 tonearm (it’s my ex).

For lower budget it can be the SP-20, i just assembled one for a friend in obsidian plinth with custom armboard, saec ss-300 mat, audio union stabilizer, denon da-401 tonearm and at-ml150 occ MM cartridge, look at this beauty.
“It’s my ex” lol


Those decks look awesome. That SP-20 came out beautifully! Phenomenal job. I immediately took screen shots to add to my audio porn pics.


I’ve still got my pretty much fully KAB upgraded and modded 1200M3D from around 2000 or so and my new GR. I can’t bring myself to sell the M3D, just cuz it was just such a fun journey.
That SP-20 came out beautifully! Phenomenal job. I immediately took screen shots to add to my audio porn pics.

Thanks, here is a closeup and yet another view

I like that black custom armboard (we made) better than the original on this sh10b3 plinth.