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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
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,604 posts
 

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

panzrwagn's avatar
panzrwagn
533 posts
 

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.

mahler123
3,362 posts
 

@panzrwagn 

I would totally stick with Japanese products to avoid that situation and given the limited budget, shipping costs.  It’s not like the country is an electronic backwater 

hoytis
97 posts
 

Just grab a pair of Klipsch R-40PM powered speakers with the onboard phono stage. Should have plenty of money leftover to buy a decent TT. Those speakers also have built-in bluetooth which is nice for easy streaming from the phone.

lewm OP
13,111 posts
 

I saw those Klipsch spkrs. Nice. I’ve mentioned them to the person I’m advising. Anything sold new in Tokyo will work off their grid. That’s not an issue, thankfully.

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