My 15-year-old son is requesting a turntable for Christmas. He will need speakers, preamp and amp as well. Or powered speakers.

I hate to spend money on junk, and I think this is a hobby he has genuine interest in, so I don't mind getting him a decent setup. His birthday is in January, so this can be a combined gift... budget is flexible, but definitely under $1,000.

Does anyone have recommendations for what to buy to get him started?

Where are you located OP? A good record store can be a place to start.

I like my audiotechnica lp60 table.

Houston

We have an Audio Technica LP60 with these speakers Edifier R1280DBs

Works great for us. Speakers also have bluetooth so you can play music from your phone, etc easily as well

beerag04 said:

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We have an Audio Technica LP60 with these speakers Edifier R1280DBs

Works great for us. Speakers also have bluetooth so you can play music from your phone, etc easily as well

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We have virtually the same setup without the Bluetooth option on the speakers. But they boom and the records sound great.

I've seen that combination and was curious how it sounds. Certainly simple enough for ~$300.

I do wonder about the range on the speakers at that size... how is the bass?

If you were to upgrade to a $500 system, what would you chose?

Thanks!

AggieT said:

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I've seen that combination and was curious how it sounds. Certainly simple enough for ~$300.

I do wonder about the range on the speakers at that size... how is the bass?

If you were to upgrade to a $500 system, what would you chose?

Thanks!

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I've currently got the Edifier setup listed above, non-bluetooth version, and it's great.

Asking for a stereo setup is like asking what kind of car does someone want to buy, you'll get 100 different answers and they're all fine.

If it were me, I'd get a set of powered bookshelf speakers with a sub out, and pair them with a good quality sub.

https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-R-40PM-Powered-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B0BSFX47SK

https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-R-100SW-10-Subwoofer/dp/B07FKH9ZDC

I like the above option because it also has an optical connection for connecting a TV and a USB connection if you want to plug in a computer. If you wanted the setup for something more than just vinyl.

I appreciate all of the feedback!

I also have the Edisons, and they've been great, but I'll say the one downside is there is no speaker in to bypass the built in amp. Later when I wanted to add a receiver with a better amp to my setup, I couldn't use those speakers without some hacking.

You can just run line in to the powered speakers and be fine though. I was just excited to hear what my receiver sounded like.

AggieT said:

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Houston

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Cactus Music - 2110 Portsmouth St, Houston, TX 77098
Vinal Edge - 239 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008
Sound Revolution - 21153 Tomball Pkwy, Houston, TX 77070 or 8312 Louetta Rd B, Spring, TX 77379


The above are the record shops I frequent in the Houston area, they do have a selection of speakers/turntables. Only problem is a lot of their stock is also used or 'vintage'. I find ordering one online is good enough. I spent about 150 on a second hand Sony turntable like 8 years ago and it still works great, despite having to open it up and repair the belt once. I don't think Sony makes my exact model anymore without blue tooth, but I would personally avoid the turntables that advertise blue tooth, it's overpriced and removes the point of buying any of this stuff. Like computers, vinyl is a very modular hobby so the sound system is completely up to you (to be honest I cheaped out a little on this) as long as it's compatible with the record player that you get. I would also recommend buying a table made specifically to put the player on and to store the records in. I think my table was like 200 from IKEA.

All in all, I don't think you need to spend more than a few hundred on the setup unless you want to go crazy with the speakers. I feel like a turntable is a turntable as long as it's full sized and kept clean/has a cover to keep it and the records playing from being exposed. Spend whatever excess you have on getting your son some cool records, hope he enjoys whatever you decide on!

Bammel TV & technology Services
14530 Walter's Rd
Houston

One of the few places I could find to repair older equipment. They also occasionally have a variety of things for sale.

I love this topic.

My advice is spend a little extra on speakers. These below are excellent bang for your buck and will sound top tier.
https://a.co/d/95bbUvU
I have these on my setup in the office and they honestly are incredible.

You'll need a speaker power amp for these. This one is great for the money and all you'll need.
https://a.co/d/0EikkBH

For turntable, I'd probably go for the best audiotechnica in your budget. I love my Pro-Ject Debut and the Fluance turntables are good value as well. However, they are both pricey.

For phono pre amp. I wouldn't fuss too much here. I love *****t products but there are plenty on the market will do just fine. The speakers are more important.

I've been eyeing a Fluance RT82…

I'll have to check out the KEF speakers. Still undecided on powered speakers for simplicity, or passive to be able to upgrade/swap out components.

I've always like to tinker with this stuff, so assume my son will as well.

Those Kef speakers are so good for the value. Bluetooth versions will be far less sound quality for that price range. If you want to connect to them wirelessly you could get a Wiim streamer and connect it to the speakers as a source input.