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Looking to get started. please help

Hi everyone. I am new here. I had a friend suggest I check this site out. I am really new to higher end audio and am looking for some help!

For years I have been listening to music on a crappy surround sound system and I feel it's time to move on.

I know I am at the VERY low end, but right now I would like to spend about $1500 on speakers and amp at the most to move on to something better. Over time, I'd invest more money, but that's my max at the moment.

My main sources for listening to music would be a record player, my iPod, computer and occasionally my TV. Because I am not really into movies or anything like that, I've definitely decided I don't need anything more than a 2-channel system.

I went to a local shop and this was what was recommended to me...

Receiver - Onkyo
http://us.onkyo.com/Products/model.php?m=TX-8050&class=Receiver&source=prodClass

Speakers - PSB
http://www.wwstereo.com/PSB/IMAGINEBBA

But, then someone told me to come to this site and ask for advice. I was also told that I really shouldn't get a receiver, but instead get an integrated amp.

I really need help! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
rootsrockreggae
rootsrockreggae OP
18 posts
 
TLS49... But wouldn't the turntable sound better if I connected through a phono input? The NAD units do not appear to have that.
holley
79 posts
 
As has been stated up above, for speakers, I can't see going with anything but a pair of Tekton m-Lore speakers. I just bought a pair a few weeks ago for surround speakers in my home theater, and was shocked at just how good they are. Nothing can touch them for the price.

As for a receiver/integrated amp, you are going to be somewhat limited in that you need one with a phono input. I would look for used on this site -- you will be able to get so much more for your money. The m-Lore speakers are nice in that you can drive them with a small receiver (I ran them on a Marantz NR-1603) and they sound great, but are also at home in higher end system (in my main system, I have them running with a pair of Wyred 4 Sound mono amps). They have incredible bass for their size. They would be a keeper even as you upgraded other components down the line.
rootsrockreggae OP
18 posts
 
Yeah. I am looking into the m-lore and like the reviews so far. And they are less than I was actually thinking of spending on speakers.

Can you elaborate more on the phono input? The turntable will work on via "phono" or "line". I have been told it will sound much better via phono. Is that correct? Or not so correct?
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 
But wouldn't the turntable sound better if I connected through a phono input?
A phono input provides additional gain and RIAA equalization for records. Your turntable has this built in, but can be switched out to use a phono input, like on the Onkyo. I really don’t think there would be much difference in quality between what’s in your turntable compared to what’s in the Onkyo. Now if you were to use this, sound would definitely improve.
rootsrockreggae OP
18 posts
 
OK. Now I feel like I am getting somewhere.

I could get the mini lores for $649

The NAD 326 integrated amp for $550

And the phono stage for $170 to run my turntable through and into the amp, right?

That is basically what I would need? That would put me at around $1,400. Getting more for my money with more ability to upgrade in the future than what I originally posted in the very beginning of this thread, right?
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