bit of a minefield this, separates don't tend to be that pretty until you get into big bucks. Everyone has their own opinions, with this sort of budget "what hifi" is a good start, if you look at the reviews at the back of the mag, you'll need a cd player, integrated amplifier, a good pair of interconnects and a pair of speakers and speaker cables. Vinyl replay can get very expensive, project turntables are a good place to start, but bear in mind you'll also have to budget for a phono stage.This sounds rather basic, but when I got into hifi I didn't know much so excuse me if this sounds a little patronising. A good dealer will assemble a system and let you listen to it, feel free to hear a couple of options of speaker or cd player. B&W speakers are very good as they use a lot of trickle down technology from higher models, and Creek CD players have been receiving excellent reviews recently as has the Rega Apollo, a marantz 7001 is a great amp to start with. One thing I would say is see if you can negotiate a package price for buying everything together, or get some quality cables thrown in. The Linn Classik is a one box solution for a nice hifi, its made by a very good name, its also available in a range of colours and white, theres a nice silver one on ebay at the moment at a substantial discount on retail. The only downside to a one box, is that you can't really tweek it and replace sections as its integrated. A friend of mine has one with quad bookshelf speakers and it does sound very good. The Arcam Solo is a good one too. There are lifesyle systems from bose, but I don't like the sound, they also don't submit equipment for review to hifi mags, which makes me question the build quality/spec. Another idea would be to use your ipod with a valve amplified dock, Shanling make one, and so does Roth audio. (rothaudio.co.uk) just get some speakers and cables! ...Enjoy the music!
