Choosing the right equipment

As buffer so eloquently stated, ask your dad for his thoughts. He might find solid state gear fatiguing if he had tubes, or who knows, maybe he is looking for SS for simplicity. Hard to know.

I'm not one to typically recommend Chinese gear but at your price point, if the speakers are efficient enough, a Chinese tube amp could fit the bill, if it has a phono stage. Best of luck!

It takes a special  Dad to sell a hobby for his children and it takes some special kids, to want to repay him!

If you cruise the Thrift stores, anything is possible. Over the years I’ve found turntables, integrated amps and speakers.

All the best 

JD

Dear OP - You have a wonderful Dad!  And, you are an amazing son for bringing music back into your Dad’s life. 
 

You certainly can get a system for under $1,000. 
 

Right now Music Direct has a Marantz PM5005 integrated amp with a mm phono stage for $375, down from $500. Marantz is a very fine brand that your Dad should enjoy. 
 

Also at Music Direct is a Rega Planar 1 turntable with mm cartridge for $525. 
 

These 2 pieces of equipment and your Dad’s current speakers should get him back on the road!

Good luck to you and your Dad. 

As much as you heart is in the right place tread lightly. My system is a personal and very non objective journey that has taken years. Through my journey my wife has tried to do what she thought was right in buying a piece here and there and I can’t tell you how much of a let down it is. I am very specific in what I want snd there is no margin for error. I hated to see her waste money on something that I would never buy in a 100 years. My kids now know that the only thing they can buy is an album here and there never a piece of equipment it is to me just way to personal and I am anal about my stuff!! Again great for the two of you wanting to make pops happy but I would walk lightly through this forest.

After seeing others reactions… I have to agree with many. Get your father involved. Tell him your budget (of $1,000… not sure $400) will really do anything) and make it a project to work with him on. You guys have a great family.