Newbie rig building

[hexblot]

Hello all,

I'll start with a disclaimer: I'm new to both the website and non-MP3 music.

I've recently started looking into records, and up to now - really liking what I'm listening to. Unfortunately, I do not have any friends that share my new found interest, and the few peoples' advice I've gotten to date was "get an MKII and a few used records". I prefer getting something new though, and doing things right (or at least as right as my budget will allow). Do note that the kind of music I enjoy varies greatly, from smooth jazz to electronic, disco to black metal.

Speaking of which, my budget for a (low-ish end) rig at the moment is set at an even 1,000 Euro (about 850GBP), looking to buy around Christmas time. I am looking for a complete set of turntable, [preamp +] amp, and speakers.

After some research, it seems that the Project Debut Carbon with the 2M Red cartridge shuold be a good enough turntable for a start, and I can find that for 350EUR. Preamp could be the Pro-Ject Phono Box MM (DC) for 75EUR.

That's about where I get lost though. What would you recommend for an amp and speakers?

Thanks in advance for reading and any advice!

 

[Al ears]

Hi, and welcome to the forum.
I take it you are trying to put together a system from scratch.
Unless you already have a good collection of vinyl I would suggest this is not the way to go.
Not wanting to sound too negative but vinyl is very expensive and starting with a low budget is not recommended.
Look to the future and a system that will enable you to use high-res downloads is probably the way to go.

 

[ifor]

Project Essential II
Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 'Communicator' Turntable Phono Preamp
Marantz PM5004
Monitor Audio BRONZE BX2

This isn't exactly a recommendation; I haven't heard any of the ingredients. It's a suggestion to be be shot down, or otherwise, by others.

 

[stevebrock]

AL ears, I never had any records either when I got my first TT!

to the OP most people who try vinyl love it and get addicts like me!

The Project will be a good start or even a Rega RP1

 

[hexblot]

Hi, and welcome to the forum. I take it you are trying to put together a system from scratch. Unless you already have a good collection of vinyl I would suggest this is not the way to go. Not wanting to sound too negative but vinyl is very expensive and starting with a low budget is not recommended. Look to the future and a system that will enable you to use high-res downloads is probably the way to go.

Thanks for the advise -- however, I've been down that road. I already have a humongus collection of digital media - it's just not the same though. I have 2 records now, and the whole process / feeling is just ... different (haven't even heard them yet!).

As a sidenote - the amp / speakers will also be used for purposes other than just records, such as audio streaming (got loads of gadgets for that).

@ifor thanks for the recommendations, will look into those tomorrow.

 

[drummerman]

I've started collecting vinyl about a year ago with my first turntable having been a lovely Garrard 86SB (still in use). I now got several tables and loads of records.

It gave me new found pleasure and I haven't regretted it since so dont worry about starting now. It will cost money though and is, generally, more expensive (and work intensive) than other medias.

If you dont want to go second hand then your choice is very limited, the carbon or Rega equivelant probably being the ones to go for. As to amplifier, I would probably go for something like a Brio-R which, apparently, has a decent phono stage built in. I would assume its plenty good enough for the Turntables in question. Maybe add something form Q-Acoustic to complete your system?

Happy Sunday everyone x

regards

 

[hexblot]

Ok so I'm down to :

* Project Debut Carbon (with 2M Red) -- 350EUR

* Maranz PM5004 -- 255EUR , will use the inbuilt phono preamp

* Q Acoustics Concept 20 speaker pair -- 440EUR

which will bring me slightly over, but should give me a good system to start with ( at lest I hope so 🙂 ).

Again, thanks for any insight!

 

[Al ears]

That is a good system and should sound just fine. Don't forget to factor in some funds for interconects / speaker cable / speaker stands.

If you are getting your kit from the same dealer then you could ask for them to throw some cables in.

If you are intent on the Concept 20 then they have dedicated stands that are expensive but recommended.

 

[hexblot]

@al I've already sent a dealer a request for the above parts. How much of a difference will cables/interconnects make in the above setup ? (I assumed they only made a big enough difference on much higher pricepoint).

 

[Al ears]

You do not need to spend a great amount on the cables just see what you can get.
I just thought that if the kit is coming from the same dealer they might throw in some speaker cable if you mentioned it.

 

[hexblot]

After looking around a bit on the local used market, I found a used Pro-ject Debut Carbon Esprit at a quite tempting pricepoint (100EUR off retail), bought from a local store about 2 months ago.

Being a newbie though, I'm a bit reluctant since I don't know what to look for (the seller is open to any kind of inspection along with hearing it play). Unfortunately I don't have any knowledgeable friends to tag along on this. Since it will still be under warranty, can I assume that if no external damage is visible, and a sample record plays properly, it will be ok?

Thanks in advance yet again!