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
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.


What part of "definitely not an audiophile", "two kids" and "just now broke" goes with $500 turntable?

Hint: its a trick question.

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
Used nice and clean Technics SL1200 mkII for about $400

Kids are not like audiophiles, buy a DJ turntable for them so they can move record back and forth on a turntable that can survive after first try (belt drive can’t and most likely will be destroyed quickly).

For a brand new look for this Denon or Pioneer
Cheap? Starter? Kids?

Why not one of these very popular budget minded units?

Fluance RT81
Audio Technica ATLP-120
UTurn Orbit