First Analog System Build

[doublewood.dc]

First time posting to the Forum. Good day all!

I'm hoping to garner sound (pun intended) setup advice for my first analog/2 channel system. I have a robust A/V platform, but am aching to take advantage of a bequeathed, 500+ LP collection that has recently come into my possession. My budget is limited (I'd like to target < $3K), and so too is the listening space (I live in condo in Washington, DC). First up, the space:

Living room/bay-window alcove that measures approximately 15 ft x 13 ft. Eames easy chair, hardwood floors, and a generously sized turkish rug. That's it. That's the space where I'll be doing my listening. Large, 3 panel bay windows are the centerpiece.

Equipment:

I'm a bit of loss in this department. I know I'll need speakers and a turntable. What's next, the drive of the system, is where I'm totally confounded. Given my cash constraints I assume I'll need a capable Integrated Amp that has, preferably, a dedicated phono input. I realize that it may not be an option, so having a separate phono stage is fine as long as it keeps me in my price range. I already posses an OPPO BDP-103 SACD, so I'm good to go in that arena. Integrated Amps I've been considering:

* NAD C-316BEE -or- 326BEE
* Marantz PM-5004
* Outlaw Audio RR2150

That's as far as I got before being overwhelmed. Next up, speakers and a turntable. Not even sure where to begin.

Thank you, in advance, for any and all help.

Stu

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Don't know much about turntables, but I would recommend this combo:
Yamaha A-S500BL and Ascend Sierra Towers
http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-A-S500BL-Integrated-Theater-Amplifier/dp/B0044779HW/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_2
Sierra Tower Bamboo Loudspeaker

most of budget should go to speakers

 

[macddmac]

Welcome to the forum!
I strongly suggest that you choose speakers first. Towers or stand mounts ?
With both options, you may find yourself wanting for more bass response, so I would suggest an amp / receiver with some form of bass management. The outlaw has that and would work well.
An AVR with phono input would be a good choice as well.
Normally I would suggest a 2/1 spending ratio of speakers to components but since you need a turntable, you're going to be closer to 50-50
As far as turntables go, project, rega, music hall, denon, etc all have models from 400.00 to 750.00 delivered and all seem to be good performers. Your choice.
Get out and listen to as many speakers in your budget as you can. Better yet, bring them home and audition in your room.
There a bunch of good Internet direct brands out there and many allow for in-home auditions. Some brick and mortar dealers allow in home as well.
Some speaker brands to consider: ascend acoustics, Emp tek, Aperion, Salk, selah, philharmonic, and many more..
brick and mortar brands: kef, b&w, klipsch, Polk, def tech, etc.
Cheers, Mac

 

[doublewood.dc]

Hi Mac -

Thanks for the reply/suggestions. I'm going to steer away from an AVN, as I already have a solid setup in that department. It does NOT have a phono input, but it wouldn't matter regardless as it's in a part of the house where there will be little to no music listening. This is going to be a soup-to-nuts build. I may adjust my pricing range a bit, but I like your idea of leveraging some of the online sites for 30-day trials, particularly with speakers.

Thanks again.