Back in business :-)

[Dynamic Turtle]

OK so it looks like I'm economically viable again and won't have to sell or rent my apartment out after all. However, I had to sell pretty much everything to maintain my independence and have luckily had a job offer from a solid outfit that means I can stay put and rebuild the hifi slowly. DT Plc's balance is still in a parlous state, so I can't go in all-guns blazing with the kind of system I had before sadly. I need your some help with some budget gems. I'm thinking circa £500 per component, or £750 if I forego a dedicated SACDP. Happy to buy old gear from early noughties or late nineties.

TT - need to have the works, including arm & cart. 33 & 45 rpm ideally, but I can live without 45rpm for now.
Integrated amplifier - needs an onboard MM phono stage, remote control and (possibly) a 16/44 SPDIF DAC. The latter is very optional though.
Speakers - would prefer bookshelves at this price point and something easy to drive given the limitations of cheap amps. Perhaps something from revolver or usher? I think £500 floorstanders will be a sonic compromise too far, but correct me if I'm wrong.
SACDP - optional full stop. I have an old philips dvd963sa universal player, but it's a bit fussy reading sacd these days. It's a pain using a dvdp without a screen too...

Suggestions please!

Many thanks,
DT

 

[RobHolt]

Glad you are back in business

TT - there is a nice Rega P25 over on pfm in the classified for £350. Stick a new Denon DL110 on it.

For the amp you should find a late Audiolab 8000A for around £200. Good MM/MC stage built in.

For loudspeakers I'd look out for some Epos ES11 or ES12. Again around £200 should find you a nice pair. Choice here is hugely subjective though. If you prefer something lighter and leaner, try a pair of Rega R1 or RS1.

For the disc spinner, go for something from one of the big Japanese brands - Pioneer and Sony have good reputations in this area.

 

[Dynamic Turtle]

Hi Rob,

Sadly the P25 is in Rose wood, which is going to clash badly with the rest of the decor.

Audiolab noted - already on the shortlist. They don't have a great sonic reputation though. Never heard anyone "enthuse" about them.

Sorted on the speaker front now thanks. Picked up some random floorstanders for £450. They'll probably sound terrible...

 

[Jimbo]

The ES11's that Rob mentioned would be a good start but the Aurousal A1's that replaced mine beat them in every department. Should get a second hand pair in your budget.