SOS! Suddenly have a high-end turntable, need to upgrade Amp + Speakers


Hey everyone!

Ran into some luck recently and was able to score the following for MUCH lower than it would have gone for usually:

  • Turntable: Luxman PD-151 Mark II

  • Cartridge: Hana ML (MC-LO) Cartridge

  • Phono Pre-Amp: Cambridge Alva Duo

I need help figuring out which Passive Bookshelf Speakers and Amplifier would work best with the rest of my system! My budget is maximum $1000-$1500 give or take. What Amplifier + Speaker combo works best with my system without undermining the rest of the components?

The room the setup is in is a rectangular sitting area however it's open to the rest of the house. I wish I could go to a dealer and do listening tests but unfortunately, we don't have any in my country.

P.S: I saw the reviews on the Topping Amps over at ASR and they seemed extraordinary at first only to check reddit and find that people are kind of conflicted by those amps. What do you guys think?

rainizzm

With that budget it would be best to buy speakers and amp that was previously owned to get the most for your dollar.

@roxy54 All the things I got are pre-owned except the cartridge, so I don't mind buying used components at all and in fact would prefer it if it means I can get better quality than what retails for new at that price

Something like a Bel Canto integrated, NuPrime IDA-8, or Rega Brio combined with some Wharfedale or ELAC monitors would be good, solid choices.  Best of luck.