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Would Appreciate Advice Before I Buy

Greetings and thanks in advance for any and all assistance. I am re-entering the vinyl world in my 60s, now that I have enough time to give to that approach and a little bit of money to spend on components that will help me to enjoy the music I like.

I am only wanting to spend in the neighborhood of $2,000 - $4,000. I realize that's a relatively small outlay, but I also gather that there are good options at almost every price point. Here is what I am contemplating - I would welcome comments. Am I missing something? Will these components "play well" together?

  • Schiit Ragnarok-2 integrated amplifier (fully-loaded)
  • Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO turntable 
  • Klipsch RP-600M speakers
  • Bose Quiet Comfort headphones (already own these and would use if I can)
I like a variety of music styles: classical, pop/rock, big band, jazz, a little blues and other. I am not a terribly demanding listener, but I think I can hear the difference between great sound and mediocre sound. My room is a currently open large rectangular "bonus room" upstairs in a new home. I can adapt (sub-divide, other) that room over time to improve sonics.

My first vinyl purchase is a set of the Franklin Mint "Greatest Jazz Recordings..." in, well, mint condition that I was able to get very inexpensively at an estate sale this past week. I will probably start picking up some of the re-issued Elvis Costello soon as well. 

What do you think? Thanks again.

David
dprendergast
vdotman's avatar
vdotman
140 posts
 
Suggest the following along with a pair of speakers that keeps you within budget -

Rogue Audio Sphinx V3 - $1695
Mofi Studiodeck Foundation - $1099



ross6860's avatar
ross6860
103 posts
 
The RP-600m at Klipsch's new price is overpriced IMHO, and I own a pair.

I would look at ELAC's DBR-62 (I also own ELACs, but not the reference).

You may want to consider the used market fr speakers.  You can either save a few bucks, or spend your budget and get better speakers.

Those small speakers may get lost in a big room, but you said you could use panels or something to divide up the room.

As an option against the Schiit look at Outlaw Audio's RR2160MkII
gumbedamit
109 posts
 
Richopp: I was thinking the same thing.  Magnepan LRS and a decent sub. Golden....
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller
1,399 posts
 
I bought those Klipsch as a special gift for a friend.  I built him a tube amp and the Klipsch went with it.  They sounded glorious.  

I owned Wharfedale Lintons (saw those mentioned above) and Kef LS50s.  Both great speakers too.  

You are on the right track.  The only area of your proposal that would give me some hesitation would be the turntable as I haven't used it.  

You may want to private message folks who offer a strong opinion against something--asking them if they heard it and with what components.  

If you really want to get into vinyl, plan on getting (at some point) a legitimate phono preamp and a decent cartridge.  Those two things, even with a basic table, can help elevate you to a good place. 

Best of luck!  Enjoy the ride. 
dprendergast OP
13 posts
 
Current thinking:

Ragnarok-2 fully loaded
Rega Planar 1 Plus (integrated phono preamp)
KEF LS50 Meta

This would take me to the top of my $4K budget. I would plan/hope to add the KEF KC62 sub later. As well as perhaps a cartridge upgrade to the Rega.

I’m not sure that I REALLY want to spend this much, but this feels like a good landing place based on everything I have read here.

Am I overthinking it at this point? Several have said original combo was just fine. But I'm responding to some opposition to the Pro-Ject turntable and also heeding what I hear/read about speakers being a place to put emphasis. Do the KEF ($1,600) merit the additional expense over Klipsch ($770) or Elac ($455!)?
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