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Complete vinyl system, TT to speakers, for $1500?

We just returned from a 2-week visit to our son who lives in Tokyo.  While there, we met a nice young woman who told me she would like to acquire an audio system with the express intent of playing LPs in her apartment.  Her budget is $1500 or less, as noted.  It's been years since I ever had to think in such budget terms, and when I did think about a $1500 system, it was back in the 70s when you could really buy something decent for that total amount.  (You could also buy a car for only a little bit more.) So, I am here for advice; she needs TT, tonearm, cartridge, phono stage, amplifier, and speakers. Thanks.

lewm
lewm OP
12,515 posts
 

Rega IO is well above budget based on US prices. Since foreign made audio is usually more expensive in Tokyo than here, I assume it’s even more costly there.But thanks.

agwca
84 posts
 

I use a Keces E40 class AB amp, It has a MM phono stage which is good.  That may be half the budget though unless you find one used. Small, like a Io/Brio but I prefer due to better QC and specs, IMO.  Can add aa dac/other source later.

If space matters, this is a nice integrated amp.

petaluman
140 posts
 

The active speaker route simplifies the system, but there are a couple of drawbacks.  The lack of a pre/integrated amp makes it less input versatile, as you've noted.  Even if she's committed to a phono-only system, you need to know the chosen speaker's sensitivity to know if it will work with the turntable phono amp.

They're also less reliable, especially in the smaller sizes.  Putting the amp in the speaker box makes heat more of an issue, for both the power & processing circuitry.  They're more awkward to handle, so you need to keep away the careless curious.

lewm OP
12,515 posts
 

Thanks, petalumen.  I don't disagree with anything you've written.  For a similar set of reasons, I think it is probably a good idea to go with a separate phono stage, rather than a phono stage built into the TT.  And all of this is another reason in favor of her purchasing new equipment that is under warranty.  The integrity of sellers in Tokyo is very high, and I feel confident she will be protected in the event of an equipment failure.  Funnily enough, she is not responding to my recent emails.  I have to check with my son to be certain she is receiving them.

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