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.
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.
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- 17 posts total
This Pioneer PLX-500 comes with a built in phono preamp and cartridge! https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1345767-REG/pioneer_plx_500_k_direct_drive.html/overview |
You can get some great deals on Thorens too. The older ones are really easy to fix if they ever do break. They are belt driven. A lot of the models parts interchange. I have a dozen or so. LOL. Look! 100-1500.00 for the same TT one with a heavy Plinth, one without. Belts 10 dollars.. Carts get scratchers (DJ stuff) 20-150 for 2 or 3. A good receiver, like Sansui, Pioneer Spec, there are a few good ones with Phono on board . Throw in a good Sony SCD for 200.00 if you looking. Speakers, just a ton to chose from. I like the older Infinity for the money. 100-400.00. A lot of parts to keep them in tip top shape.. VMPS if you can find a pair you like... Big boom boom for the kiddies..No subs needed... Fewer the parts better off you are ay? Receiver TT Zip Cord Speakers CD option Music Channel option Regards |
- 17 posts total