+1 @austinstereo
"This is right in the wheelhouse of our little shop here in Austin. We restore pre 1980 amps, receivers, and turntables for clients. And in our mind, "vintage" ends around 1980. A few suggestions.First, any vintage amplifier or receiver should have recently replaced electrolytic capacitors. It’s a waste of time otherwise. No doubt the reason that some have had bad experiences with period gear. You won’t hear it as intended otherwise.Some speakers age better than others. Classic Klipsch usually need little or no attention, many other mid centuries use foam surround and NPE capacitors that need replacing.Unless vintage cart has a new (not NOS) OEM stylus, it’s best to go with new here. Hard to beat an Ortofon 2M Red or Blue for the money.Some examples with alternates we think will take on many a more expensive modern one:Turntable: Technics SL1200II / P2 as alternateAmplifier: Sansui AU 717 / Luxman R-1050Speakers: ADS L 710 / Klipsch Heresy (original)This particular combos might be tricky to keep in the OPs budget, but it would be well worth it. "
Klipsch ( $400 +) updates from Crites DIY + $100
also receiver choice : sub 40 watt Marantz to keep down costs even 25 or 26 will do fine <$400
should leave you ^600 for the TT + new cartridge and economical cables.
This is a No Fuss system - that will sound sublime.
