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First Stereo System Help

Hi all,

This Christmas I received a Pro-ject Debut Carbon but will be building the rest of the system myself. This is my first stereo system so my knowledge is pretty limited and I'm looking for advice on speakers and an amp. Some (hopefully) helpful information and some of my thoughts.

1. Listening area will be an apartment living room, maybe ~350-400 sqft, don't need huge volume.

2. Hoping to spend ~$1000, fine with buying used.

3. I know I need a phono stage, and from what I've read the Rega Fono Mini is one of the best budget phono stages for MM cartridges and will outclass phono stages in integrated amps significantly. This has made me shy away from something like a Marantz PM6004 and lean towards a separate phono stage. Is this true?

Thanks in advance for your help.
priptonite
priptonite OP
9 posts
 
Hi limo,

The plan for the speakers now is to have them on a credenza (didn't know what this word meant a week ago lol). They'll probably have a foot of room behind them at most. Thank you for the tip on front firing ports, I probably would've overlooked this.
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
Just be aware the 15.2 is the previous model. The new model which just came out is the 15.3. If I were to consider the 15.2 it would have to be around $400 new. You may be able to get a "demo" 15.3 for $420 here on AgoN. Let us know what you think of the two MH products you may audition. As far as the Rega fono pre-amp, if it's the same as what comes in the Brio, it should be a good sounding pre-amp. Good listening!
truemaineiac's avatar
truemaineiac
249 posts
 
If you like Music Hall, Audiogon member Underwoodwally (Underwood Hi Fi) is a great resource, call Walter.

I have no affiliation other than having purchased several pieces from Walter over the years.
rotarius
431 posts
 
Get the Yamaha A-S500 integrated, it is terrific for the money and has a very decent phono input. Spend the rest on monitors like the Focal 807 now on sale at Musicdirect.
priptonite OP
9 posts
 
Was able to demo some Totem Dreamcatchers when I went to demo the Music Hall items and liked them quite a bit. Store was selling them for $795. Went home and found a pair on eBay, just won them for $381 + shipping. Just need an amp now :)
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