[QUOTE I think you will need upwards of £2500 to put together a setup that is equally engaging.]
Hook, many thanks for responding, but I was afraid of getting this response! It might be just my mind playing tricks with me, but I remember having an old Dual all-in-one deck and speakers (I think it was Dual) in my teenage years that didn't cost a fortune but still had that analogue feel that I lost when I moved on to CD. At that time, and with my old set up, CD gave more me detail and this gave the impression of more music.
I don't want to spend more than my budget at this stage; I am just planning to dip my toe. If I get that magic back then the suggestions that you have made, and those of Warren too (as I don't think an LP12 with Naim bits will be in budget either) will be useful as a next step.
At this stage I am happy to lose detail to get that analogue feel back. Will I be able to achieve this within my budget?
As The Far North has said, in terms of new kit I feel I am probably looking at Rega and a Stageline N. I wondered if there was a used gem of a setup at around this price point, or any other new kit that I should be considering?
Thanks,
Stuart[/QUOTE]
Hi Stuart -
With expectations reasonably set, the answer to your question is yes!
Rega RP3 (or P3-24), Exact 2 cart and Naim Stageline N should come in on budget. It is a fast, fun MM setup that for many, is all they will ever need to enjoy vinyl. Power the Stageline from your preamp's AUX2, and you should get a pretty good idea of whether a return to vinyl is going to work for you in the long run.
Rega takes all the variables out of setting up, so this should let you start enjoying your records an hour or two after the boxes arrive!
ATB.
Hook
PS - If you get a good deal on a used P3-24, it should leave enough budget for Rega's TT-PSU and/or an entry-level RCM!