Need advice in coming out from the analog dead

Point taken. I was taking interconnects and speaker cables as a necessary, albiet costly, given. I do have a Benz-Micro Glider cartridge already.

As for the phono stage. Aren't there some decent pre-amps with phono stage included? I suppose purists would eschew the idea and perhaps I am naive in thinking the two can be combined effectively. But, hey, it is advice that I am after here! :-) I have seen on another thread that several advise a tube preamp with a SS amp.

Sean - Some interesting questions you pose.

I would have to say that I am not overly fond of an overly "bright" sound, but I do appreciate detail, if by that you mean, for example, the decay of a guitar string. Is a wram, detailed sound an oxymoron? :-)

I am not constrained by the physical size of the speakers. I have plenty of room and the setting does not preclude floorstanding speakers from an interior design perspective. it is MY room and I can do what I will with it. ;-) That being said, I am more concerned with the response and that they provide a good full range sound than in their physical size. The room is carpeted with mostly wood furniture other than my overstuffed chair, standard painted sheetrock walls, and has two sliding glass doors covered by drapes. Placement of the speakers within the room is wide open. I will arrange all furniture to suit stereo needs. It will be a stereo room first and foremost. ;)

Would have to say that I prefer imaging and instrument placement if given the absolute choice. Since I generally listen alone and usually in the same comfy chair, the sweet spot needn't be exceedingly large.

I would guess that I will be seated in a position with the front speakers about six to eight feet to either side and four to five feet in front of me. Back wall would then be about nine feet further.

Having lived a former life as a cabinet maker, I will be constructing my own racks, other than perhaps an isolation system for the table. Have recently purchased a PLC, too, for another application that fell through so it is now free!

Sean - Some interesting questions you pose.

I would have to say that I am not overly fond of an overly "bright" sound, but I do appreciate detail, if by that you mean, for example, the decay of a guitar string. Is a wram, detailed sound an oxymoron? :-)

I am not constrained by the physical size of the speakers. I have plenty of room and the setting does not preclude floorstanding speakers from an interior design perspective. it is MY room and I can do what I will with it. ;-) That being said, I am more concerned with the response and that they provide a good full range sound than in their physical size. The room is carpeted with mostly wood furniture other than my overstuffed chair, standard painted sheetrock walls, and has two sliding glass doors covered by drapes. Placement of the speakers within the room is wide open. I will arrange all furniture to suit stereo needs. It will be a stereo room first and foremost. ;)

Would have to say that I prefer imaging and instrument placement if given the absolute choice. Since I generally listen alone and usually in the same comfy chair, the sweet spot needn't be exceedingly large.

I would guess that I will be seated in a position with the front speakers about six to eight feet to either side and four to five feet in front of me. Back wall would then be about nine feet further.

Having lived a former life as a cabinet maker, I will be constructing my own racks, other than perhaps an isolation system for the table. Have recently purchased a PLC, too, for another application that fell through so it is now free!

Let me say that I very much appreciate all the input so far. I should apoligize upfront for my "shot in the dark" sounding inquiry. After 20 years "out of the game" I am a bit overwhelmed by the number of choices currently available and the wide range in pricing for components that are often reviewed to be of rather equal quality. I don't have the budget that would provide me with much of the equipment listed in other threads over which I, too, salivate. My intention was to stay within an overall budget of about $8-10K. I know that this will not allow the "audio nirvana" so many seek - I am only trying to come within arm's reach. After all, for the last five years I have muddled through with an Onkyo A/V receiver, a pair of Infinity Sterlings, a refurbished pair of my old Ohm C-2's, and a Klipsch sub - all of which are being moved to the "other" room to be exclusively used by the "rest of the family" as a "not to be upgraded" home theatre system! :-)

I have heard others say good things about the Proac speakers and I shall audition some. To let the proverbial cat-out-o-the-bag, here are my initial thoughts on specific components. Please, DO feel free to chime in with regard to plusses, minuses, and otherwise regarding this combination.

Preamplifier/Phono Stage

Audible Illusions Modulus 3A (recognizing that may/will need to trade/sell the Benz Glider for a more suitable cartridge)

Amplifier
Aragon 8008BB or Conrad-Johnson MV-55 or McCormack DNA-1
(maybe a Jeff Rowland Model 2 if I can muster a bit more dough)

Loudspeakers
Vandersteen 3A Signatures
PSB Stratus Gold i
(and I will give the Proacs a go)

My brain hurts! :-)
Perhaps, given that the only other front end I plan to use in this system is a Phillips CD (for occasional play and burning), I might want to consider an integrated amp with a better quality phono stage. (?) YAB? Cary? Bow Wazoo?

Where are you Rock? I will personally come pickup those nasty, noisy old LP's from you and haul them away for nothing!