Newbie help - Building a system from scratch

lewm:

Yes, we do agree...

Tired of seeing WAY uninformed suggestions in the forums for specific gear/components, especially now that it is difficult to audition such @ local shops.

DeKay

I agree with MC on the Double Impacts.  Not a lot of WAF to them, however.  I'd have to go with the Audible Illusions 3A preamp with MM phono section.  I had one of the AI 2D's for 18 years and then the AI 3A w/ MC phono section for another 6-7 years.  This tube preamp sounds very neutral for a tube component.  The only drawback is it has no remote.  I finally went all out on my system and got a TRL DUDE preamp which also has no remote.  Get a chance to do occasional exercise instead of constant sitting--you'll have to change records anyway.  The AI preamp would be a sincere upgrade in sound if paired with say a used Nuforce Ref 9 v2 or v3 mono amps.  You could get used mono amps for close to $1000.  The AI preamp with phono would run about $1100-1200 used.  If you stick with AI tubes, the preamp just doesn't have stuff go wrong.  You could find the Double Impacts used for about $1800-2000.  With all of this, you could have the start of a super system.  A similarly priced TT/arm would be the VPI Scout.  Use very close to $1000.  

Bob

@swissified, welcome to The Journey. *S* (Mind the rocks 'n roots in the trial, I mean, trail....;)...)

Suggestion on the Spouse Approval on speakers...
-A clear picture(s) of the preffered speaker(s).
-A tape measure; obvious function. ;)
-Ideally: Ones that are available in different finishes...
-Promise ANYTHING....but follow through. *S*  This may prove to be very important, unless she 'Loves how it makes Her music selections sound."

Don't giggle...it works.

Other suggestions I leave to the assembled...and it'd help if you suggest a budget for your intent.  Don't fear starting 'small', part of the enjoyment is 'growing your own', much like other 'hobbies'....;)

Enjoy, and happy shopping.
J

You guys are truly awesome, so much good advice and great insights. 

I've had some other business to take care of today but wanted to say that I've read all the answers.

I'll ask further questions tomorrow :) Just wanted to express my gratitude for now. 

That's risky not able to demo gear. I'm sure you can find shops open and some by appointment only. Take a road trip. I would not buy speakers without hearing them. I owned a rogue 99 magnum long ago. It was a nice Preamp but not the most tubey sounding gear if that's what you are looking for. I had it matched with McCormack rev a mono blocks and Vanersteen speaker, I thought it was a nice match. Rega's are nice but is not the most analog sounding table to me. If your budget can go to 10k Find a used Well tempered Amadeus for $1000, VPI hw19 Mark 4 with a nice arm, used PS Audio GCPH for $500, older Pass Labs phono pre, these are monitors but I saw a used pair of Joseph Audio Pulars for $3000 or $3500 they go down to 35db. I saw some Usher tiny dancers for  cheap the other day. Some LSA statements floorstanders maybe $1000 and monitors couple days ago cheap, those are killer for the money, can't remember web sight. $2000 or $3000 on an integrated amp, some Acoustic Zen or even some Morrow wire. All this under $10,000.I own the Joseph Audio floorstanders and don't think I will ever sell them. I think speakers are most important. Good luck, you don't have to spend 10,000 to get good sound it just has to mate well together.