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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
thatavidguy
7 posts
 
If it were me in this scenario and I didn't want one of the newer, cheaper belt drives, I'd go for something from this guy.

https://horiatis76.com/

He sells fully refurbished decks, often with new dust covers, interconnects and stylus (if needed).  I don't personally have experience buying from him but he's been at this a long time... and the higher end stuff goes quickly.

But right now he has a nice selection of lower end DD tables, and I'd think any of them would work well for kids just getting into this stupid hobby. ;)

Yea I get that your friend isn't into used but I think this is a pretty safe option.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
I would be FAR more interested in what they listen to than what they
hear  it on .
letch
111 posts
 
@thatavidguy

I like your idea. I use an old Dual turntable to play my 45's since some of those are in less than optimal condition. Especially my punk stuff from the 80's played on a series of console wrecker players. 
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