Help an audio novice out? (Audio setup help)

[kylec123]

I'm soon moving into a place of my own and will be furnishing an apartment from basically nothing. I've never had proper room to have my own entertainment setup (TV, turntable, receiver, speakers, etc). I'm looking to first upgrade my now defunct Numark turntable to something a bit "better". I've previously just used a cheaper Numark w/ USB to computer speakers to listen. I'd like to get a better turntable and everything necessary to have a nice sound. I've never had the income to really look into buying anything nice so I didn't. I now do, so I'm wondering if anyone can point me in the right place. I know absolutely nothing about speakers, receivers, amps, etc. All I know is how to use a record player.

Guidance? My budget isn't high-end, but lower-mid tier, best deal for a budget type setup.

[FreddieFerric]

Monetarily you have to decide what your idea of mid-tier is. To some a high end system costs 65-70K. To others mid-tier is around 10K. And to others still, even less. Identifying your price point is critical in helping you avoid wasting time on gear you can't afford or wouldn't buy due to costs.

Now, speakers are the heart of the system and you should focus on the type of sound signature you want. That is the one component that I would suggest you look at the used market for. A $5000 pair new can be had 3 or 4 years old for $1500. Since speakers are generally passive components you can buy used with confidence and expect many years of service. You might head over to your local Best Buy that has a Magnolia A/V shop inside. They typically have a host of very nice speaker systems that you could audition to zero in on the sound characteristics that work for your taste.

As far as Amps and a TT, I would suggest you peruse the pages of musicdirect.com. They have a wide, wide range of TT's, amps, and other gear, plus they also have a pretty large discount section. Most stuff they sell comes with a 60 day return policy so you can return an item that you don't like.

Depending on where you live, never underestimate the excellent gear that can be had off Craigslist.

[slimdude]

Have you thought about going to pawn shops or flea markets? Those establishment usually have nice used audio equipment for starters on a budget.

[slimdude]

Originally Posted by FreddieFerric

Monetarily you have to decide what your idea of mid-tier is. To some a high end system costs 65-70K. To others mid-tier is around 10K. And to others still, even less. Identifying your price point is critical in helping you avoid wasting time on gear you can't afford or wouldn't buy due to costs.

Now, speakers are the heart of the system and you should focus on the type of sound signature you want. That is the one component that I would suggest you look at the used market for. A $5000 pair new can be had 3 or 4 years old for $1500. Since speakers are generally passive components you can buy used with confidence and expect many years of service. You might head over to your local Best Buy that has a Magnolia A/V shop inside. They typically have a host of very nice speaker systems that you could audition to zero in on the sound characteristics that work for your taste.

As far as Amps and a TT, I would suggest you peruse the pages of musicdirect.com. They have a wide, wide range of TT's, amps, and other gear, plus they also have a pretty large discount section. Most stuff they sell comes with a 60 day return policy so you can return an item that you don't like.

Depending on where you live, never underestimate the excellent gear that can be had off Craigslist.

You're directing the OP on the wrong path for shopping for inexpensive audio equipment. The Magnolia showroom at Best Buy is strictly not a place to go for a person who is buying their first sound system on a budget.

[kylec123]

Thanks for the replies so far. I kinda just don't know what to look for since I'm so out of the loop on the terminology and features to look for. As far as my budget goes, Id say I'd feel fine paying under 500 for a turntable. The rest of the components I'm unsure as of right now honestly.

Also I realize this thread is hard for people of knowledge in this area because I can't give much input. haha

Continue to discuss...i'll be soaking it up.

[kylec123]

I'm probably more on the "low-teir " end as far as budget. I don't need anything extremely fancy. I just want quality for budget. I could technically afford more expensive stuff, I just don't think I'm as much of an audiophile to warrant shelling out the cash.

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by slimdude

You're directing the OP on the wrong path for shopping for inexpensive audio equipment. The Magnolia showroom at Best Buy is strictly not a place to go for a person who is buying their first sound system on a budget.

I didn't tell him to shop there. I told him to audition speakers there to zero in on a sound signature that he liked. If I recall correctly, and I think I do, I suggested he hit the used market for speakers.

[slimdude]

Originally Posted by FreddieFerric

I didn't tell him to shop there. I told him to audition speakers there to zero in on a sound signature that he liked. If I recall correctly, and I think I do, I suggested he hit the used market for speakers.

Demoing high and mid-end speakers that highly exceeds a person's price range will be a waste of time, unless they can afford them. Typically a person listens to speakers or other A/V equipment that's affordable and within their budget, and can purchase if they like them. For instance: I wouldn't demo a set of speakers that cost $1,500.00 if I couldn't afford to buy them because, lower end speakers will not produce the same quality of sound as the high-end and mid-end speakers, new or used. A person will only be fooling themselves! The same goes for receivers as well.

[kylec123]

So, ughhh...any specific recommendations?

Not set on the Pioneer PLX-500 turntable, but it's in my eye. I'd ideally like to have a setup where my TV and turntable are connected through a central sound hub.