Help me choose my system

[hammonda31]

Hello,

I'm looking at building my system for records. After doing a fair amount of reading, the only thing I have decided upon is that I want individual units, not an all-in-one record player/amp/speaker hifi. I expect this means I will enjoy a better sound quality from the outset, and can upgrade as I go along.

I'm a sound engineer, or have a degree to that affect at least, and I'm in the business of recording podcasts, so my ears are fairly useful and a little technical talk isn't an issue. It's most important that my system sounds good for solo acoustic guitar like John Fahey or Robbie Basho, doesn't need to be loud, no bells or whistles, just one good sound.

My problem is that I have no frame of reference for sound quality or guide for what to buy. I live in Manchester, UK and I know of no good stores that sell record players.

I have a budget of approximately £400. I get the feeling that I want a valve amp if it can be within budget (only a low wattage requirement), if not then never mind. If it's possible, I'd like something that looks attractive e.g not an 80's plastic box, but the sound quality trumps this requirement.

Any ideas where I should begin looking?

[Hermionediamond]

Hi, in my experience the best hi-fi retailer for TTs in the north west is Doug Brady in Warrington. Their resident TT specialist is a real enthusiast and very happy to talk with you. He has clients from all over the country.
All the best.

[hammonda31]

I do occasionally end up in Warrington. I'll keep that in mind thanks. Really what I need is to find someone to have a chat with.

[Hermionediamond]

The boys at Bradys love to talk!

[mickb69]

hi mate, are you still after gear or did you get sorted out?
i ight have the necessary info you are after, as i spent months studying the market for cheap second hand-but good-stuff.
i also had a cheap all in one hi fi which was good, but i wanted something better, but without spending ridiculous amounts of money.

for turntables, i was recommended: rega planar, project, the dual cs-505.
for amps " " : rotel, arcam alpha, audiolab 8000a, creek, nad 3020.
for speakers: wharfdale diamond, mission, royd.

basically any legendary british or european stuff. all/most the brands mentioned are really good entry level gear that is well within your budget and you will be able to play about a bit with your budget. but bear in mind, if you go for a second hand turntable, budget for a new stylus and/or cartridge.

here's what i ended up with:

turntable: thorens TD166 mkvi BC (with rega RB250 tonearm) £155 from ebay (local seller just up the road)
new cartridge and stylus for above: audio technica AT-95 £40 (local shop.)
amp: integrated arcam alpha 3 in mint condition £46 (ebay, picked up from chorley)
speakers: mission 731 bi-wireable £35 from cash converters in wigan.
speaker cable: free from our carls shed

all in, about 176 quid. it sounds really crisp.
there's maybe a more expensive amp that i would have liked to have gone for, or splashed out on a better TT, or fancy speakers.
with your budget you have a broad range of choice and leeway and can really treat yourself

[mickb69]

er, i meant about £265, (i had just had an operation at the hospital and am in a lot of pain that is confusing, and the "edit" button has conveniently dissappeared