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Complete vinyl system, TT to speakers, for $1500?

We just returned from a 2-week visit to our son who lives in Tokyo.  While there, we met a nice young woman who told me she would like to acquire an audio system with the express intent of playing LPs in her apartment.  Her budget is $1500 or less, as noted.  It's been years since I ever had to think in such budget terms, and when I did think about a $1500 system, it was back in the 70s when you could really buy something decent for that total amount.  (You could also buy a car for only a little bit more.) So, I am here for advice; she needs TT, tonearm, cartridge, phono stage, amplifier, and speakers. Thanks.

lewm
jdougs's avatar
jdougs
186 posts
 

I would think a decent vintage TT (JVC direct drive would be my choice) and cartridge + powered speakers and you still need to come up with a phono pre could be done for around that.  

dekay's avatar
dekay
5,574 posts
 

lewm:

Just checked the price of a Rega Planer 1 Plus in Japan and it was well over 2X the asking price here (USA).

Yikes!

DeKay

lewm OP
13,065 posts
 

Like I said, the prices on US and Euro goods are inflated over there. Price of Reed 3G tonearm was $8800, even taking into account the very favorable exchange rate, yen to USD. As to vintage anything, I think that’s inappropriate for this young woman.

chocaholic
204 posts
 

Honestly, a vintage receiver or integrated (like Sansui) with an MM phono input could be had for a few hundred. With older used gear it could be done.

brewerslaw's avatar
brewerslaw
35 posts
 

Pro-Ject Colourful Audio System would be a reasonable all-in-one choice around that budget.  Otherwise, probably buying used piecemeal.

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