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: Here's a non-HiFi idea that would allow vinyl playback for probably less than $300/total as sourced in Japan. Your friend would need the following unit (link to review) and a BT or otherwise powered speaker with a line input (think that the speaker needs to have its own volume control). The portable TT's ship on eBay from Japan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b48XD9P8klM
DeKay |
I was going to suggest a used NAD 3020 integrated, as I have no experience of, and little trust in, powered speakers, but then I read your statement that no used equipment should be suggested. OK, we can agree to disagree. So here's a freebee: do send (and hopefully not terrify) her with the link to Neil Antin's guide to cleaning vinyl. Maybe as a 'something to consider later'! We all know, I hope, that cleaning vinyl is as least as important as having a fine phono stage etc. Whatever you suggest, it should come with the descriptor that it is a good start, but the sky is the limit (yeah, google, try and translate that!) if she wants more. |
That thing is cool! Something anyone should have in case of a nuclear attack. (This in response to the Audio Technica Sound Burger.) Dogberry, I don’t want to be responsible for advising her to purchase used equipment that may fail or be defective to begin with, when she has no recourse after purchase, and where I am not around Tokyo to help her out (as if I ever could, given the ubiquitous language barrier). It’s wiser for her to purchase new equipment with a warranty. If you think otherwise, then you can do as you like when you’re in a similar situation. And while I do think Neil Antin's treatise is interesting and useful, and it might make sense to have a word or two with her on the subject of record care, I would never expose the poor girl to that tome at this stage of her development as a vinylista. It might scare her back into digital. |
Here's my favorite demo of the original (or 2nd?) version of the Sound Burger playing the Ghost Busters theme song. If the new one doesn't damage albums I wouldn't mind having one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpukXRm0Dxk
DeKay |
Most of these suggestions won't work in Japan due to 1) 100 VAC and 2) 50Hz is the frequency of electric current is 50 Hertz in eastern Japan (including Tokyo). 60Hz async motors need not apply. Otherwise I'd recommend the Andover 1E Integrated TT, amp and speakers. I can't imagine a better fit for a Tokyo studio that's maybe 200ft2. Short of that, powered speakers and a TT w/integrated preamp are pretty compact. |
