Looking for a good system for my apartment. Any advise?

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Okay so $5k. So what else? Are we starting from scratch? Or do you have something like speakers you can use? Everything counts. If you have an iPod or cell phone with music on it, that's a source. You mention turntable first which is right, the turntable is The First among Equals. But you don't mention records, which a turntable kind of needs. 

Generally speaking, with that kind of budget and wanting to play records the smart (read, cost-effective) thing is to look for an integrated amp with a built-in phono stage. However- and this is kind of a big however- you need to know a few things about that. The phono stage is a huge factor in sound quality, and stand-alone phono stages are almost always way better than built-ins. In other words just this one seemingly simple decision revolves around a bunch of things like how you prioritize "serious" sit-down listening (turntable rules) over background tunes (DAC will do) and other things like long term plans. 

Component choices in other words are different for the guy who wants a system and that's it, done, than the guy for whom this system is just the first step on a long journey.

Hey millercarbone,
Thanks for chiming in!

I'll be starting from scratch. I don't have any vinyl yet but the turntable will serve as motivation for me to start my collection.

I will take your advise on the stand alone phono stage. What model do you recommend? (just now learning about it- also known as a phono preamp).
".. it corrects the tonality of the music that is carved into the record so that the music sounds right. " Pretty cool I must say- never knew about that). From what I understand, this thing also significantly increases the bass, which I loooove.

As for the integrated amp, do you have a make/model in mind for this as well? Also, what about a receiver? I like to listen to some radio stations from time to time (classical, jazz, etc).

As for the turn table and speakers, what would you recommend I look at?
I am the guy who wants to take the first step on a long journey. Yes, I have background tunes going more for atmospheric (mood setting) for when I study, do work, etc. But than I also love to be fully absorbed and intentional about my listening experience when I'm not in front the computer. Am I making sense here (or more appropriately, hear)?
Thank you.

Rega Io Integrated Amplifier
Rega Planar 2 turntable/Elyse cartridge
Vandersteen VLR Wood Speakers
Rega Apollo-R CD Player or Bluesound Vault if you want to add streaming capabilities and are willing to load your CD's into the Vault.
Audioquest cables

This system will be below $5K and will sound great.

Hi joey54,
Thank you for this! I'll check it out.