A rookie with 10K, seeking advise

Hello llid2!  Don't be in a hurry to spend your hard earned $$. Keep the Lintons! If you are not too shy to DIY, you can build amps & preamps from kits and save a bundle. If you prefer factory made gear, used is a great way to go. A classic preamp can be had for a reasonable amount (MacIntosh, Marantz, NAD, Rogue, etc) paired with a new power amp (Starke Sound Fiera4) and good cables (the Lintons are good enough that you can hear the difference) (Zavfino, Wireworld). Look for a used Oppo disc player (good luck on that one). Do you have a computer (laptop or desktop)? You can use that for a CD player with a good DAC ($300 - $1500). Save some of that $$ to buy music! Very Good TTs can be had for under $1000 (here's where used gear can save you a ton of $$) with a new cartridge (from the dealer who sells you the used TT - free, seriously careful installation). You have no idea what shape a used cartridge is in. It could have a chippd stylus that will carve your vinyl into junk on the first pass. Don't take a chance! Contact me for more if you wish. Happy listening!

@stringreen advice is always safe:

put it in the bank....then when the Market returns go for it.

While a lot of people say “Everything matters”, but in reality it is best to order things.

1. Room
2. Speakers
3. Subwoofer
4. Front end
5. Amp(s)

I find the Devore speakers are perplexing, but I only heard them once.
You might like their soundstage.

@jasonbourne52 mentioned them:

There’s a pair of DeVore Gibbon Super Nine’s for sale here on Agon for $7800. Those would be a major upgrade over the Linton’s. Seller is in Atlanta.

It is probably worth a drive, and in addition to those… just take your time and listen to many speakers.
The problem with that approach is that you are also listening to the listening room, and everything else, + biases and dealer magic… so it is not 100% representative of what you may end up with at home.
Hence, just make a list of what to listen to, and starting moving slowly and measured, and @stringreen suggested.

it is not unreasonable for it to take months to years of listening to speakers, and with more speakers now, than in the past… (QED)

What PS Audio phono preamp are you using (GCPH or Stellar)?

Also what digital "sources" are you using?

Unless I missed it (quite possible) I do not know exactly what your "front ends" are.

Anyway, that’s where I would start researching as the rest of the gear (electronics) look pretty good.

As far as the speakers and TT go, perhaps schedule a trip to a good audio show and/or a well stocked showroom that’s accommodating.

DeKay

Hi Rookie,

I have to agree with Ozzy62, tubes are great and will add incredible warmth & depth to your system. Depending on your listening idiosyncrasies, tubes take a while to warm up so the first 10 minutes or so is intrinsic. Personally I enjoy my listening time using a Mcintosh Mc275 & C2700. Vinyl is super when your focused on listening but getting up every 20 minutes to flip the Lp can get quite monotonous when catching a few Zzzz’s so I also recommend a streamer. Currently I’m using (Also a Mac) a MB20 Streamer and I can listen for hours without interruption. Whatever your flavor, I suggest you invest in system level components that will allow you some latitude so you can add to it as your listening sensitivity evolves. Additionally a pair of subs (in my case B&W 608’s) to compliment Harbeth SHL5+ speakers greatly improved the bottom end. Just Saying.

P.S. 10K really equates to 15 in the real world.

McIntosh MC275, C2700, Mb20 / Thorens TD124/ Sumiko Celebration 40 / Brennon B2 CD Ripper / Manley Massive Passive / Parks Puffin Phono Preamp / Harbeth SHL5+ / B&W608 subs.

I agree with @david_ten ​​& @charles1dad. You need a good foundation to start with.