First off im new here but I would like to thank you for all the help you never knew you gave me over the past few years. My current system is Debut Carbon Esprit (2M Red)-->Behringer PP4400-->KRK Rokit 6 powered monitors. I also just got a Little Dot I+ headphone amp and a pair of AKG K240's. I mostly listen to indie, synth-pop/dream-pop and electronic but i have a fairly wide collection of records. I listen in a 14ftx17ft room at no more than a moderate level. Over the past 5 years I have invested quite a bit into vinyl but now i feel it is time to start putting more money into my system. My phono pre is the obvious weak link so I started to look into a new one. I have my eye on the Cambridge CP2 but im also planning on upgrading my speakers in the next year. I am planning on moving away from powered monitors and into a speaker and amp combo. This is where quite a few questions arose. It seems like all of the good "budget" amps are integrated amps and many have a phono pre built in. This made me wonder if I should wait on getting a new phono pre amp? I have no interest in a built in DAC, headphone amp ect but these integrated amps still seem to be the best entry level amps? So I ask all of you.
1. If I go seperates how do I control volume with TT-->Phone Pre-->Power Amp-->Speakers?
2. Should I get the CP2 now and figure the rest out later or save and spend $1000-1500 on an integrated amp and speakers in a few months?
3. If I get the CP2 will splitting the output to my powered monitors and headphone amp using audioquest hard Y adaptors degrade the quality?
4. Which route would you reccomend for my budget, TT, and listening space/habits and what specific models?
I should also add that I am happy to keep an eye out for used amps but I would prefer to buy speakers new or open box from a reputable dealer.
1. If I go seperates how do I control volume with TT-->Phone Pre-->Power Amp-->Speakers?
2. Should I get the CP2 now and figure the rest out later or save and spend $1000-1500 on an integrated amp and speakers in a few months?
3. If I get the CP2 will splitting the output to my powered monitors and headphone amp using audioquest hard Y adaptors degrade the quality?
4. Which route would you reccomend for my budget, TT, and listening space/habits and what specific models?
I should also add that I am happy to keep an eye out for used amps but I would prefer to buy speakers new or open box from a reputable dealer.