Please recommend components for newbie with $1K

Here's a possibility for you. AudioAdvisor has a pair of Wharfdale Diamond 8.3s in the Maple finish for $199! That is a screaming good deal. Also, AA has an excellent return policy, so buy them, try them, then send them back if they don't float your boat.

http://audioadvisor.com/store/productdetail.asp?Variant=1&AttribNum=1&pf_id=5745&sku=WHARFD8.3B&selAttribute_1=Maple

Since the 8.3s are floorstanders, you can save the money you would have needed for stands. Also, they have a bit better bass extension than many monitors, so you shouldn't need a sub.

So, that would leave you $800 in your budget or you could just reduce you budget and keep a bit of that money in the rainy day fund. For $500-800, you can buy a pretty decent integrated amp, maybe even one with a phono stage.

Enjoy,

TIC

Reanalyst,

About monitors vs. Full range:

Generally speaking, monitors are "bookshelf" sized speakers. Many people refrain from calling them bookself speakers because they tend to sound bad if actually placed on a bookself. If you want good sound and plan to use a bookshelf sized speaker, they would likely need to be placed on a pair of quality stands to sound their best. Quality stands cost >$100-$300+.

Floorstanding speakers stand a better chance of being a more full range speaker. It is generally easier and cheaper to make a bigger speaker produce more bass volume and reach lower notes.

So, it is going to depend on your listening environment. If you need to place your speakers on existing furniture/shelves, you will likely need a bookshelf/monitor speaker. If you have room to place the speakers on the floor, I would suggest going with a smallish floorstanding speaker. It will be less expensive than buying a quality monitor/stand combination.

I would still hardily suggest the Wharfdale Diamond 8.3 that I mentioned earlier. It is a small floorstander, goes down to about 40hz and is on sale for $199 at AudioAdvisor. It will be new, with full warranty and AA has a great return policy. You can't lose!

The earlier suggestion of an Arcam Alpha 10 is also a good one. I previously owned one and it was a great piece. It has multiple speaker outputs and a nice remote. It also has plenty of power for the Wharfdales. There is an available phono card that plugs right into the Alpha 10, but you may have a difficult time finding one. I would check with Audiophile Systems Limited, the US distributor.

So, you could get the Wharfdales, the Arcam Alpha 10 and a pair of Paul Speltz Anti-Cables speaker cables and be set. You would also be well within your budget with money left over for more music or a phono section. With this system and your musical taste, you would likely not need or even want a sub in a room the size of yours.

$199 Wharfdale Diamond 8.3 (Maple)
$500 Arcam Alpha 10 Integrated amp
$60 Paul Speltz Anti-Cables
_______
$760!!!!!!

Enjoy,

TIC

The Wharfdale's are listed as 100watt max power handling, so I think a 100 watt/channel amp would be plenty.

Also, try to hear the Wharfdales locally, if possible, but you could also just order them from AudioAdvisor. But don't wait too long. These speakers list for $499, so the $199 price for the maple finished pair is a great deal. If you don't like them, send them back within 30 days. AudioAdvisor has an excellent return policy. Most people can't get to a dealer to hear all of the products that interest them. Feel free to take advantage of AudioAdvisors sales philosophy. They sell to people everywhere, therefore they have to have a good return policy. People weould never plop down big-bucks to buy stuff that they never heard unless thay had the ability to return it.

Enjoy,

TIC