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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
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!)?
dprendergast OP
13 posts
 
UPDATE: I bit the bullet and went with the above package (Ragnarok-2 fully loaded, Rega Planar 1 Plus, and the KEF LS50 Meta speakers). Thanks to all who provided education and advice - I am in your debt. 
larryro2
137 posts
 

The Elac 2.0/6.2 is not that efficient 

87dBSPL and 6 ohms sound terrific with the Peachtree Nova 150 since it does generate about 200 watts/ ch at 6 ohms! - 250 watts at 4 ohms!

no need for a sub either!

It sounds great !

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