Find a dealer that you trust. A space such as this will have as many opinions as there are snowflakes, each offered with the authority of a person who likes what he has. Only you know what you want.
Funny example: I have a friend with really big ears, that jut out from his head. His system is reserved to the point of being subliminal, because of how music hits his ear (to get a sense of it, cup your hands behind your ears while listening to music. That's him.) People need different things.
In general, if the rest of the system is good, speakers aren't all that crucial. So the bulk of my money would be going toward the turntable/cartridge combo. Not sure what you mean by "power," but if it's line conditioning stuff, it might be worth foregoing that for now, to get the best quality front end that you could. If you absolutely believe in it, save it for later as funds permit, take that kilobuck and put it toward the turntable/cartridge.
Without knowing what your listening tastes are and what kind of sound you like, it's impossible for anyone to make real recommendations. But this sonic omnivore (from Brahms to black metal) found his exit point with a Thorens 2030 turntable, Grado Reference Sonata cartridge and Grado PH1 phono stage. Thanks to the turntable being on closeout at Audio Advisor, I got it all done for $3k, and it's pretty spectacular. And also very pretty, visually.
Good luck in the quest but start at a good dealer, where you can hear things, and figure out what you like and want to hear.
Funny example: I have a friend with really big ears, that jut out from his head. His system is reserved to the point of being subliminal, because of how music hits his ear (to get a sense of it, cup your hands behind your ears while listening to music. That's him.) People need different things.
In general, if the rest of the system is good, speakers aren't all that crucial. So the bulk of my money would be going toward the turntable/cartridge combo. Not sure what you mean by "power," but if it's line conditioning stuff, it might be worth foregoing that for now, to get the best quality front end that you could. If you absolutely believe in it, save it for later as funds permit, take that kilobuck and put it toward the turntable/cartridge.
Without knowing what your listening tastes are and what kind of sound you like, it's impossible for anyone to make real recommendations. But this sonic omnivore (from Brahms to black metal) found his exit point with a Thorens 2030 turntable, Grado Reference Sonata cartridge and Grado PH1 phono stage. Thanks to the turntable being on closeout at Audio Advisor, I got it all done for $3k, and it's pretty spectacular. And also very pretty, visually.
Good luck in the quest but start at a good dealer, where you can hear things, and figure out what you like and want to hear.