I would skip the equalizer. At some point, he may want to do that in the digital arena, but first explore room treatments.
What model Yamaha? Lots of $$ can be spent on analog turntables, etc. which can produce xlnt digital sound instead, so be sure he is into the 'process' of buying vinyl, protecting it, and pulling each one out for a play.
A sand box is a great way to provide acoustic isolation for a turntable (and they all need that) - tho putting it in a room (closet?) sealed off from the listening room is even better...
The LS-2 pre- is the real high end item in the list...
What model Yamaha? Lots of $$ can be spent on analog turntables, etc. which can produce xlnt digital sound instead, so be sure he is into the 'process' of buying vinyl, protecting it, and pulling each one out for a play.
A sand box is a great way to provide acoustic isolation for a turntable (and they all need that) - tho putting it in a room (closet?) sealed off from the listening room is even better...
The LS-2 pre- is the real high end item in the list...