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Cheap starter system for kids

A friend who is definitely not an audiophile has two kids who have gotten into vinyl using some junky all-in-one turntables that just now broke. He wanted my advice on helping them put together their new systems but definitely isn’t ready to jump into the deep end just yet.

I generally enjoy the game of building theoretical systems from scratch so hoped some of you would too. The system needs to be for beginners in their tweens/early teens, include a turntable, be relatively compact as it goes in a bedroom, does not need deep bass to avoid annoying their mom, and it needs to be as cheap as you can get with still good sound quality (he hasn’t given me a sure budget yet but definitely under $1k and the lower the better). He’s only comfortable with new/refurbished gear rather than used or vintage.

So far I’m leaning towards:
Turntable:
Project debut carbon - $400
or
Rega P1 - $475

Phono:
Schiit Mani - $130
or
Cambridge Alva Solo - $180 (if he’d rather pay $50 to avoid all the Schiit jokes from a tween boy)

Speakers: Audioengine HD3 - $350

Look forward to your ideas & comments.
ethos123
reubent
6,952 posts
 
Cheap? Starter? Kids?

Why not one of these very popular budget minded units?

Fluance RT81
Audio Technica ATLP-120
UTurn Orbit


msafrick
19 posts
 
I have the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon.  While I'm extremely please with the audio quality, I've got a minor issue with the cover.  It doesn't always stay in place, and has even fallen off the track and almost scratched a record.

I don't see this a kid-friendly.
johnto
1,012 posts
 
Check U Turn audio for tt. If pre is needed they sell them built in or stand alone

 
thatavidguy
7 posts
 
Oh I enjoy a good system build, especially with a budget... it's fun!

Are you locked into the powered speakers?  That might limit the number of devices you can hook up if they have varied interests.

I've been kicking around this same scenario for when my kids are a bit older and wanting their first "real" systems.  If I was locked into new I think I'd start with a trip to Parts Express and get a pair of Dayton B652 or B652-Air.  I have them as near field monitors at work and they are amazing for around $60 shipped.  Parts Express also has some very inexpensive amps in a variety of flavors to suit input needs, power, bluetooth, etc.  You can get out of there for around $200 and then add one of the entry level U-Turns or Fluance decks with built in phono stage.  That's a pretty inexpensive investment for kids.

But you could also spend a bit more go with:

The Elac Debut 2.0 B6 for around $250.  Pair that with a Denon PMA-600NE or NAD C316BEEv2.

That's under $1,000 without tax/shipping.


oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 

msafrick1 posts05-13-2020 9:30amI have the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon.

They come with clear spot tape. If you don't install the tape the lid will fall off. They do teach how to handle a manual tonearm though.. I learned when I was just 6 or so.. 59 years ago..LOL. A Garrard 301/Grace tonearm..

RUSSCO TT bullet proof. you can't break it. I forgot about those. I have 6 or 8 QRC, Russco, Sparta.. VERY COOL TT. I gotta post some pictures, of the Broadcast and Transcription TT, collection.. Tons of fun.. I'll bet the kids and the parents would love it... I call them Garrard Killers, Massive... 100-1000.00 usd Motors look like washing machine motors. Tone arm boards too.

They come with a little onboard tube preamp sometimes, too, BUT open wiring on the bottom, gotta be on a good plinth, I make mine out of oak stair flats, 40-60 lbs, 28.00 dollars, takes two. I use Queen Ann Legs, very classy looking.  You can use multi tonearms too. EASY swap.
Plinth or Tonearm mount.

24/7 for 30 years....easy maint too.

Regards
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