phono stage/preamp project the classic superpack help with set-up please

Per online reviews I see nothing bad (quite the opposite) about your choices.

From your "list" you would only require a pair of speaker cables to get up and running (the TT comes with interconnects).

Does your father's vinyl collection include a record cleaner (or @ a minimum cleaning brushes)?

If not you would also require such, as well as a stylus cleaning brush.

The S2 includes gobs of other features (digital, BT et cetera) that I assume that you may make use of, but if this is not the case then perhaps look into something more basic.

Also strongly suggest that @ a minimum you audition the speakers, though realize that doing so may not be possible during these trying times.

Anyway, looks like a nicely researched setup, and I had fun reading the online reviews of gear (kit:-) that I was not aware of.

DeKay

That pro-ject is belt drive, i would never spend than much on belt-drive, look for Japanese Direct Drive instead:

Technics 1500c comes with Cartridge and buit-in MM phono stage £899
Zu Audio Omen Bookshelf $1899 (high efficient speakers)
+Low Power amp of your choice (they are no expensive).

In UK you can always look for Tannoy instead of Zu
This Tannoy for example.

I have assembled this for a local friend, an excellent combination without breaking the bank. It was Tannoy NFM-8 DMT + Luxman sqn100 with built-in MM phono stage and headphone amp!

You can always buy latest Technics MK7 for $899 (also available in silver)
then a better vintage MM cartridge (new Old Stock) separately.

P.S. You can always buy used speakers much cheaper than new, same about latest Technics turntables.
For a separate phono stage i can recommend latest JLTi MM/MC from Australia

Thank you both for your reply, much appreciated!!

I've heard somewhere that modern belt driven TTs are better for preserving your records? (that's very important to me) Is there any truth in that?

My music is mostly 60s/70s guitar based rock/folk/blues. Does/should that influence the kind of speakers I choose?

I’ve heard somewhere that modern belt driven TTs are better for preserving your records? (that’s very important to me) Is there any truth in that?

What? Record wear factor is all about CARTRIDGE and STYLUS PROFILE (mainly condition of the diamond stylus), but not in any way a drive type. Drive is for rotation only.

My music is mostly 60s/70s guitar based rock/folk/blues. Does/should that influence the kind of speakers I choose?

If you want tremendous dynamics and superb sound quality even on low volume then read about Zu Audio drivers or about Tannoy drivers. Those speakers are high efficient, they are powerful even with very low power amp, for some Tannoy models you don’t need more than 60w amp, for Zu you don’t need even 30w amp. And even 50% less power amp is fine for both. 

I’m driving my floorstanding Zu Audio Druid with 2w (yes just 2w) Yamamoto A-08s tube amp and i can’t believe how load they can be with 2w amp in my big room. I’m all about music from the 70’s. Zu Audio speakers are crossover-less (no crossover). You’d better watch interview with Zu Audio founder, very interesting.

I enjoyed those small vintage Tannoy bookshelf speakers (in my post above), i would like to have their bigger model. Very nice!

If you want to know more about modern Tannoy this is the one to look for, and watch Kevin Deal video , he will explain everything!