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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
lewm OP
12,483 posts
 

Elliott (and anyone else), I am not recommending used equipment of any kind for this novice. I may suggest the idea to her, but I doubt she’d be interested. If I suggest a specific used item for her to buy, I’d then feel responsible if a problem arose. Since I am now 7600 air miles from Tokyo, that would be frustrating. She’s best off with new gear she can buy from a local dealer, with a warranty. I know you mean well,  and I thank you for your efforts.

Here’s a question: self powered and maybe also wireless speakers are a great space saving idea. The question is whether such speakers can be driven adequately by the output of a phono built into a cheap TT or an inexpensive outboard phono stage, like the iFi Zen, which I did see on sale in Tokyo.

rar1's avatar
rar1
1,746 posts
 

HI Lewm -

The TT should have a built in phono preamp (like the Audio Technics 120 and any number of other TT's).

The TT would be a line input to the powered speakers, so the power output of the amplifiers (most likely Class D) inside the speakers would determine how loud it would play.  

Don't let the relative inexpensive price tag throw you.  These powered speakers/ TT systems sound pretty decent for what they are.  

Rich 

 

pangeek
18 posts
 

I would suggest a TT (brand new with an internal phono preamp) like something from Fluance or even Music Hall, Pro-Ject.  Get the Aiyima Class D integrated (300wpc max, so expect 120WPC RMS) and then have her get the Fostex Speakers (single driver design) with flat packs from Japan.  I’m thinking this will be at that budget, and scalable and definitely not budget looking.   

mahler123
3,041 posts
 

Sony makes some entry level tables.  Pair with powered speakers and whatever cartridge comes with the table and done.  Look for Japanese of Chinese manufacturers selling  there.  

akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,156 posts
 

REGA SYSTEM ONE

The Rega System One (featuring an amp, turntable, and speakers) is unusual in that higher-end audio equipment is not usually marketed as an all-in-one box solution. Usually, most audiophiles will assemble a system from different manufacturers

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https://youtu.be/-pEgHRTdiQ0
 

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