Quality sound on a budget can be surprisingly good, you just have to go about it intelligently. Start by crossing off your list all speakers less than 92dB sensitivity. Because anything much lower than that and you will find it very hard- read EXPENSIVE! - to drive. Above 92dB and just about any amplifier even as low as 20 watts will be fine.
Specifically, check out the Mini-Lore. https://www.tektondesign.com/mini-lore.html Its right in your price range, high sensitivity, stupid good and direct from manufacturer super high value.
The Marantz will then be fine, it is the better of the two. But it does have a DAC and those things are death to good sound. You’re on a budget and this is better than any receiver, and it does have built in phono. Just be aware and on the lookout for an integrated amp without either of those. Or with phono but no DAC. Remember, because you were smart and got high sensitivity speakers you don’t need watts but you do need quality.
Your turntable is a fine source. Don’t skimp on wire. You will hear it. Put it on a heavy platform with some Nobsound springs you will be shocked how good it sounds.
You’re already smart about one thing- holding off on bass for later. By far the greatest expense in speakers is trying to do it all- high dynamics, full extension, deep bass. Speakers at your level that try to do all that are forced to make compromises all over the place. Pay attention to the midrange, because if that is right it will hold your attention you won’t miss the bass, and if the treble rolls off that is less bothersome over time than if its harsh and aggressive. Which budget gear tends to be.
Quality wire will go a long way to making a system that draws you in with lots of fascinating detail. This is the magic of vinyl. Your job is to protect that magic, without going broke in the process. Subs can easily be added later, and when they are it will fill in the picture so much you will understand what a waste it would have been trying to pick speakers with super deep bass. So focus on midrange and a natural detail level of sound.
Other than 92dB you can forget about specs and focus on sound quality. Pay attention to how independent reviewers describe the sound. Nothing else matters. And that’s that. Good luck and happy hunting!
Specifically, check out the Mini-Lore. https://www.tektondesign.com/mini-lore.html Its right in your price range, high sensitivity, stupid good and direct from manufacturer super high value.
The Marantz will then be fine, it is the better of the two. But it does have a DAC and those things are death to good sound. You’re on a budget and this is better than any receiver, and it does have built in phono. Just be aware and on the lookout for an integrated amp without either of those. Or with phono but no DAC. Remember, because you were smart and got high sensitivity speakers you don’t need watts but you do need quality.
Your turntable is a fine source. Don’t skimp on wire. You will hear it. Put it on a heavy platform with some Nobsound springs you will be shocked how good it sounds.
You’re already smart about one thing- holding off on bass for later. By far the greatest expense in speakers is trying to do it all- high dynamics, full extension, deep bass. Speakers at your level that try to do all that are forced to make compromises all over the place. Pay attention to the midrange, because if that is right it will hold your attention you won’t miss the bass, and if the treble rolls off that is less bothersome over time than if its harsh and aggressive. Which budget gear tends to be.
Quality wire will go a long way to making a system that draws you in with lots of fascinating detail. This is the magic of vinyl. Your job is to protect that magic, without going broke in the process. Subs can easily be added later, and when they are it will fill in the picture so much you will understand what a waste it would have been trying to pick speakers with super deep bass. So focus on midrange and a natural detail level of sound.
Other than 92dB you can forget about specs and focus on sound quality. Pay attention to how independent reviewers describe the sound. Nothing else matters. And that’s that. Good luck and happy hunting!