Hello all, sorry to make another one of these threads but after scouring the web for a few days and still being left with some questions unanswered, I decided its better I get some advice specific to my situation.
First, some background: I am deeply interested in music, and spend a lot of time listening to it. That said, I don't the music I love justice with the way I listen to it. As embarrassing as it is to admit, I listen to my collection through either a stock pair of Apple earbuds, or Logitech Z4 speakers (plugged into an iMac). While audio equipment is not of the utmost importance to me, I do realise that this equipment is very inappropriate for someone who calls themselves a music enthusiast.
Lately I've begun collecting some of my favourite albums on vinyl, and because of that I've decided I'll put together around $1500-$2000 and build myself an entry-level Hi-Fi system. (I suppose one upside of coming from my current equipment is that I will almost certainly be impressed by a system with this relatively low budget.)
The music I usually listen to include experimental/progressive rock (e.g. Henry Cow, DNA, Faust, Captain Beefheart), folk (e.g. Joanna Newsom, John Fahey, The Incredible String Band), jazz (e.g. Mingus, Coltrane, Sun Ra), pop (e.g. Kate Bush, Serge Gainsbourg, Nancy Sinatra), minimalist/avant-garde/modern classical and almost everything in-between.
The system will (for the foreseeable future) be used in my bedroom; the room is about 4.5 by 5.5 metres, with high ceilings. Initially, the only source I require is a turntable, and later on streaming from iTunes via an Airport Express or similar.
In my research, I've found three components that seem well-received and fit my budget. The
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon turntable appeals to me greatly; all reviews I've read are positive, and the table, tonearm, and cartridge in one package suits my inexperience. I've gathered that using a phono preamp from the same manufacturer as the turntable is advisable, so the
Pro-Ject Tube Box S seems to suit, and has been positively reviewed.
I'm overwhelmed by the number of speakers available in my budget. The
Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 (or 10.2) seem widely recommended, and appeal to me personally (probably just because I like the design), but I'm very open to suggestions.
As far as a preamp and power amp (or integrated amp, although I'd prefer the modularity of separate components) I'm completely in the dark. I'm gravitating toward tube amps rather than solid state (because of the reputed warmer sound), though I understand that solid state is potentially a better choice because of my budget.
So, in summary:
- Is the Pro-Ject Tube Box S a good choice for a phono preamp, coupled with the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon?
- Does anybody have experience with the Wharfedale Diamond 10s? What are some other suitable speakers in this price range?
- Which preamp and power amp (or, alternatively integrated amp) would be suitable for my system? Am I better off going for tube or solid state amps?
Also, any tips for a first-time system would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance, and sorry for the poorly written post... I'm very prone to rambling
