Here's some good advice.........Talk to the guys at Audio Advisor (I am NOT connected with them, but have been a satisfied customer in the past) and give them your budget and desires. They can "package" a really nice entry-level system for you for under $1500, and they'll let you try it out at home for thirty days.
For example.....Rega P1 w/ Ortofon OM5e ($395), Marantz PM-5003 (a really nice integrated amp with a good built-in MM phono stage, $449), PSB Image B15 speakers ($379), and an 8 ft. pair of AudioQuest Type 4 speaker cables ($109). A system like this ($1332 total) should give you a wonderful taste of what our hobby is all about, and should enable you to really enjoy listening to LP's with a big smile on your face. The guys at Music Direct should also be able to put together a similar system, so you may want to speak with them too. They sell the same table and amp, but with a different variety of "~$400" speakers. Figure on another $100 - $150 for speaker stands.
There'll be a ton of "audiophiles" out there who will tell you to spend more $$$ for better stuff, and they're right. More $$$ will buy better stuff, but within the constraints of your $1500 total budget, a good "analog starter system" like I'm describing will be a great way to get into our wonderful hobby. Then, don't worry, as soon as the "upgrade itch" hits you, you'll start the never-ending trek that we're all on now. Good Luck, and let us know how things turn out. Happy Listening !!
For example.....Rega P1 w/ Ortofon OM5e ($395), Marantz PM-5003 (a really nice integrated amp with a good built-in MM phono stage, $449), PSB Image B15 speakers ($379), and an 8 ft. pair of AudioQuest Type 4 speaker cables ($109). A system like this ($1332 total) should give you a wonderful taste of what our hobby is all about, and should enable you to really enjoy listening to LP's with a big smile on your face. The guys at Music Direct should also be able to put together a similar system, so you may want to speak with them too. They sell the same table and amp, but with a different variety of "~$400" speakers. Figure on another $100 - $150 for speaker stands.
There'll be a ton of "audiophiles" out there who will tell you to spend more $$$ for better stuff, and they're right. More $$$ will buy better stuff, but within the constraints of your $1500 total budget, a good "analog starter system" like I'm describing will be a great way to get into our wonderful hobby. Then, don't worry, as soon as the "upgrade itch" hits you, you'll start the never-ending trek that we're all on now. Good Luck, and let us know how things turn out. Happy Listening !!