Entry level set up advice please!

Discussion in 'Hi-Fi and General Audio' started by JayDiddy, Mar 6, 2024.

  1. JayDiddy

    JayDiddy

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    Total newbie to music systems so looking for some friendly advice.
    I want to build a basic set up to play vinyl/cd/stream.
    I don’t have the confidence to know about buying second hand stuff so what would people recommend?
    Am based in West Yorkshire and happy to travel a bit to go and get stuff.
    Budget is about £750
     
    JayDiddy, Mar 6, 2024
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  2. JayDiddy

    tuga

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    Many dealers sell used gear (usually from trade-in deals). This might be a good option as long as you avoid Emporium Hi-Fi.
    They will be happy to let you audition equipment and suggest alternatives for a given budget.

    Buying a turntable is a bit risky but if buying from an audio forum classifieds section you should be ok (e.g. https://pinkfishmedia.net/forum/).
    Parts for some older CD players have been discontinued and they should be avoided.

    Audio Technica (direct-drive), Pro-Ject and Rega are safe entry-level turntables which come with an on-board phono preamp and a decent pick-up cartridge. Expect to pay around £250.

    £750 is a bit short for a system with 3 sources. You can get a WiiM Pro streamer / amplifier and maybe a pair of small Q Acoustics speakers.
     
    tuga, Mar 6, 2024
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  3. JayDiddy

    Hodges

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    Don't look to do do too much to start. A good second hand amp, even just a Power Amp would be a good start. Being and "Oldie". I was astounded at the quality of music available via a DAC, and not for much money either. In particular, an iFi Uno, for very little money. I have one driving my Quad 909 at the moment. This should leave you with enough left for a decent pair of second hand speakers.

    Listening for a while to streamed music - a lot in Ultra HD will give you a good idea about what to buy when it comes to vinyl and CD's. With the amount of material available via streaming, I am thinking of going wholly over to it. The iFi was bought for my birthday by my son and what a cracking gift it is.
     
    Hodges, Mar 19, 2024
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  4. JayDiddy

    Keats

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    Nad 3020 amplifier. Rega p3 turntable. Celestion ditton 44 speakers.
     
    Keats, Mar 28, 2024
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    Hodges and JayDiddy like this.
  5. JayDiddy

    lawrence001

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    I've got a few bits I can sell you for a good price if you can collect from near Durham.
     
    lawrence001, May 27, 2024
    #5
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