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

Elliot, I did check that Yamaha integrated you cited. It does have a built in MM phono stage and might be a reasonable option if she wants more than just phono capability. It would also obviate the need for self powered speakers. Thx.

Of the $1500 budget, I'd spend about $500 - $600 on a nice, basic turntable, pick up a set of Klipsch The Fives powered speakers and with the funds remaining, some vinyl to play.

Now your question seems to be : will the built in phono stage on a budget turntable drive the amps in powered speakers?. Yes, it would have been helpful to frame it that way originally. My answer is…I don’t know. However, one can get a reasonable mm phono stage for under $200 here. I would try without first, and if the results are found wanting then add one

Mahler, if you look at the last sentences of my 06-05 post at 11:26 AM, you would see that I asked the question just as you did using different words. Thx.