Need advice in coming out from the analog dead

Point taken. I was taking interconnects and speaker cables as a necessary, albiet costly, given. I do have a Benz-Micro Glider cartridge already.

As for the phono stage. Aren't there some decent pre-amps with phono stage included? I suppose purists would eschew the idea and perhaps I am naive in thinking the two can be combined effectively. But, hey, it is advice that I am after here! :-) I have seen on another thread that several advise a tube preamp with a SS amp.

Sean - Some interesting questions you pose.

I would have to say that I am not overly fond of an overly "bright" sound, but I do appreciate detail, if by that you mean, for example, the decay of a guitar string. Is a wram, detailed sound an oxymoron? :-)

I am not constrained by the physical size of the speakers. I have plenty of room and the setting does not preclude floorstanding speakers from an interior design perspective. it is MY room and I can do what I will with it. ;-) That being said, I am more concerned with the response and that they provide a good full range sound than in their physical size. The room is carpeted with mostly wood furniture other than my overstuffed chair, standard painted sheetrock walls, and has two sliding glass doors covered by drapes. Placement of the speakers within the room is wide open. I will arrange all furniture to suit stereo needs. It will be a stereo room first and foremost. ;)

Would have to say that I prefer imaging and instrument placement if given the absolute choice. Since I generally listen alone and usually in the same comfy chair, the sweet spot needn't be exceedingly large.

I would guess that I will be seated in a position with the front speakers about six to eight feet to either side and four to five feet in front of me. Back wall would then be about nine feet further.

Having lived a former life as a cabinet maker, I will be constructing my own racks, other than perhaps an isolation system for the table. Have recently purchased a PLC, too, for another application that fell through so it is now free!

Sean - Some interesting questions you pose.

I would have to say that I am not overly fond of an overly "bright" sound, but I do appreciate detail, if by that you mean, for example, the decay of a guitar string. Is a wram, detailed sound an oxymoron? :-)

I am not constrained by the physical size of the speakers. I have plenty of room and the setting does not preclude floorstanding speakers from an interior design perspective. it is MY room and I can do what I will with it. ;-) That being said, I am more concerned with the response and that they provide a good full range sound than in their physical size. The room is carpeted with mostly wood furniture other than my overstuffed chair, standard painted sheetrock walls, and has two sliding glass doors covered by drapes. Placement of the speakers within the room is wide open. I will arrange all furniture to suit stereo needs. It will be a stereo room first and foremost. ;)

Would have to say that I prefer imaging and instrument placement if given the absolute choice. Since I generally listen alone and usually in the same comfy chair, the sweet spot needn't be exceedingly large.

I would guess that I will be seated in a position with the front speakers about six to eight feet to either side and four to five feet in front of me. Back wall would then be about nine feet further.

Having lived a former life as a cabinet maker, I will be constructing my own racks, other than perhaps an isolation system for the table. Have recently purchased a PLC, too, for another application that fell through so it is now free!

I think there are way too many combo's for anyone here to give adequate suggestions. Nice stereos can be suggested, but it is a craps shoot for you. An easier approach would be for you to audition and find a speaker that grabs you, and then ask for amplification advice. Often a dealer will have amplification that will well match the speaker, but it is prudent to ask an independent knowledgeable person (like audiogon, usually) about it. You have a great start with that turntable. I would suggest that you pay considerable attention to the phono preamp. The smaller signals are delicate and easy to screw up. Perhaps, consider an integrated amp with an outboard phono pre. If not, probably the best phono-included line preamps in your range are older, used ones no longer in production. good luck and have fun.

Ohlala's advice is spot on, particularly the speakers first recommendation (one which is controversial here).

There are so many variables that you have to settle some or you'll drive yourself crazy solving your audio equation. You've got a good start with a quality analog rig, and your room flexibility is a great plus that many don't enjoy.

Like you, I awoke from my Rip van Winkle audio siesta of 20 years last summer. My first step was to play the monitor vs floor standing speaker game. In the end I went full range fs (Von Schweikert VR-5HSE) because, to me,they sounded better on classical symphonic music but still worked for chamber, jazz and vocals. I finalized on a hybrid phono pre (Herron) and tube line stage (Joule). Still haven't settled on amp(s) having tested 5 or 6 ss and tube units, but at least I've cut my variables down to one (ignoring cabling, a whole other equation).

My hunch is that a tube/ss combo will work best for you, ss punch for your classical rock and the tube warmth and delicacy for those female vocals.

But pick your speakers first. Monitors might demand a subwoofer for your classic rock, which could be difficult given your budget.

Come back to us when you've picked your speakers and perhaps we can provide some helpful suggestions on amplification.

You have a lot of fun ahead of you - when frustration builds, and it will as you search for your audio nirvana, remind yourself that it should be fun!!