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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
mahler123
3,317 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
93 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
13,025 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.

wturkey's avatar
wturkey
768 posts
 

U-turn Audio can be a provider of a system. Turntable with built in phono preamp straight to powered speakers. Easy Peasy. 

leemaze
330 posts
 

klipsh The Fives are awful sounding. I had them for a month and sent them back. 

recommended:

Rega IO (includes turntable preamp)

wharfedale Diamond 12.X (12.0, 12.1, or 12.2)

Fluence turntable

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