Cheap starter system for kids

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.

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

Look into the Parasound Z series of systems.  Really amazing performance in small packages.

Thanks for all the input. Unfortunately for those who recommended used gear, the buyer here is definitely not comfortable with that even though its probably the best value.

I'm definitely not locked in to powered speakers, but my friend has heard AE HD3s on my computer at work so I was just leaning towards whats familiar to both of us. I considered the Elac B6s paired with an amp or receiver, but I haven't heard them in person yet...still trying to gauge how complicated they'd be comfortable with the systems being and powered speakers keep it super simple plus add bluetooth (not that there aren't other options for that) to let them and their friends play stuff they don't have on vinyl.

Since dad isn't himself familiar with audiophile gear, the many suggestions for a TT with built-in phono preamp are probably a good idea too for the simplicity mentioned above...or at least a amp/receiver with phono input if we do go for passive speakers

I know turntables and kids don't always mix, so the idea of going a bit more robust with a DJ style TT like the Pioneer PLX-500 or Audiotechnica LP-120 might be wise...or perhaps automatic (Denon DP-300F)??

Appreciate all the opinions/suggestions. Thanks

DJ turntables are mostly rubbish, except for Technics (the leader of the industry for decades) and recently a Pioneer and Denon as alternative, please ignore any others, they are not good!

Buy what professionals are using (not amateurs), even if you think they are looks the same they are not the same at all. Every brand tried to clone Technics and make it cheaper (bad idea).

Technics is the best you can get and this is actually great Hi-Fi component (the mk7 is what you have to look for) ! Don’t be afraid to pay a bit more for it, you’re paying for the quality and this turntable can be used for 30 years.

Pioneer and Denon re not bad, especially for kids.

They are easy to re-sell, but those can be used for a very long time and kids will not destroy them.

You can have new Technics mk7 (this is the best of them all).
Pioneer PLX1000 as alternative
or Denon VL12

P.S. Don't even think about belt-drive when you're buyin turntable for kids, it will be destroyed quickly :))